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In just a few days, I will begin my Fall / Winter Travel Reviews! Autumn in Maine is a spectacular time of year to visit. Crisp days, fireside nights, and the amazing foliage make this time of year a personal favorite. Join me in savoring the Flavor of Fall this year in Maine as I present you with some of my favorite haunts this harvest season!
From the mountains to the sea, winding roads, antiques, and the excellent restaurants that feature Maine's fall flavors, I can show you some of Maine's best fall travel opportunities.
After an abnormally cold and rainy start to the season, we welcome Summer in Maine. And it's hot! And humid! But that doesn't stop us, does it? Summer is so short and precious already, we must make every moment count. In fact, it's dark by 8 so get moving!
Here are some of my favorite mid-summer activities that even the most pampered traveler can enjoy:
1. Visit one of Maine's many fine wineries:
http://www.catchwine.com/wineries/maine/
Yes, Maine has an excellent climate for wine grapes and many fruit varieties. Nothing beats the heat like a wine tasting in a beautiful setting.
2. Visit a Farmer's Market, or PYO (pick-your-own)One of Maine's finest luxuries is the abundance of produce, much of which you can experience right off the farm! Enjoy picking strawberries, corn, lots of veges, blueberries, raspberries, and soon, apples. Take your catch home and grill up the veges. My recipe:
Broccoli, zukes, cauliflower, summer squash, red pepper, green beans and thinly sliced carrots. Chop to medium-size to bite-size pieces. Coat in oil and season with garlic powder, oregano, and sea salt. Use a
vege-griller (it looks like a wok with holes)
over medium heat until tender but still firm. Some charring will occur, but it enhances the flavor tremendously! Serve hot off the grill with your steaks, burgers, or salmon and enjoy! Pour some of your Maine wine and finish with strawberry shortcakes using your freshly picked strawberries and you have a fine summer grill dinner. If you can, dress up a table outside with linens, candles, and lanterns and enjoy the evening alfresco.
For a good guide to finding local markets and PYO visit
http://www.getrealmaine.com/buy/farmers_markets.html
3. Go get some ice cream at a local ice cream stand (they're all over, ask a local for a good one)
4. Cook out at the beach (see Items #1 and #2)
5. Sail on a schoonerhttp://www.sailmainecoast.com/
Talk about beating the heat! Not only will you be treated to some amazing scenery, camaraderie, and sometimes food and drink, you will be cooled by the refreshing Atlantic breezes. Almost every major harbor has sailing cruises, but the above link will get you started. As always, you can contact me directly at melanie@midcoasthome.com for help in planning your days in Maine.
Tucked on a crazy little side street (Water Street, to be exact), you will find Beal Street Barbeque. Not "Beal Street" as the name might suggest. After a fine day of shopping and admiring the comings-and-goings of the shipbuilding and harbor, I can't imagine anything more satisfying than a fantastic meal. Now that takes on many different forms for me, and if you have been keeping up with this blog then you know by now that I can find a little bit of luxury in all kinds of situations.
At Beal Street, you get some of the finest comfort food that I have had the pleasure of feasting upon! Their motto best describes the fare; "a tradition of eclectic American cuisine centered around our smokers and our grills". Having seen their ad for many years in Down East Magazine, I finally made the stop. And thank goodness I did so that I can tell you about it!
I came for smoked meat, and that's what I got! I stared with the Smoked Hot Sausage with dipping mustard. Absolutely amazing flavor, and just the right amount of spicy. I grazed on that for quite some time, enjoying a nice cold beer. What a decadent combination.
I blew right passed the salads, although there were plenty of tasty salad meals to choose from; The Beal Street Caesar, Baby Got Goat, and Key West Salad for mentions. But remember, I came for the meat! So onward, to a full rack of St. Louis cut slow roasted BBQ Ribs served up with a side of Japaleno Cornbread. A pat of butter and it melts in your mouth.
If ribs aren't what you're after, Beal Street offers plenty of slow-smoked and "beyond barbeque" items. Something that begs my return is the Seafood and Sausage Jambalaya or perhaps the Crab & Slab (half rack of ribs and a Maine seafood cake).
All of this awaits you in a modern and warm atmosphere in two locations; 215 Water Street, Bath or at 725 Broadway in South Portland. I have not been to the SOPO location yet, but I can assure I am looking forward to a visit. The Bath location offers warmth, understated elegance in a funky urban-type setting. Loved it.
I have always loved Cape Porpoise. When I was a resident of West Kennebunk and working at the beautiful 1802 House in the port, a favorite "me time" drive was to wind my way down to Cape Porpoise. Sometimes I would get out and meander around the shore, down to the pier, admiring an amazing sunset or Goat Island Light shimmering from a short distance. The air was always warm and it was never too windy. I loved this spot, and I always revisit it when I'm back in the area. I always swore that if I had the chance to move back to Southern Maine, I would search for a home in the town of Cape Porpoise.
A few years back, seven I think, my favorite Southern Maine spot became even better. Chef Peter Morency and his lovely wife Kate, graced this small town with their culinary expertise and exquisite atmosphere. Pier 77 and The Ramp were born! Pier 77 is the more formal of the two options, the Ramp offering casual fare and a charming bar. Peter and Kate humbly suggest that they offer "great food at reasonable prices". This is an understatement, "great food" just does not do Peter's talents justice.
At Pier 77, the atmosphere and the view, the decor and the classic appeal welcome guests upon arrival. Did I mention the view? Serving lunch and dinner, guests are tempted with an appropriate selection of starters. Begin with a classic Wedge salad (iceberg with thick Maytag bleu cheese) or dive into the Oysters Bingo (with spinach, garlic, cream and parmesan cheese). Or, try the steamers three ways: classic with beer, garlic, thyme and oregano; Portuguese with Chorizo, garlic, tomatos, and red chili flakes, or Provencal with white wine, onions, garlic, and fennel.
Carefully prepared entrees include a tremendous Filet Mignon served with mashed potatos, porcini begger's purses, grilled asparagus and a black truffle sauce that will blow you away. The Seafood Stew will satisfy anyone looking for the best of everything; clams, mussels, shrimp and haddock in a tomato saffron broth (get extra bread for dipping, you must not leave a drop of that fabulous broth behind!).
And of course, you cannot visit a tiny fishing village perched on the coast without considering Lobster in the Rough. Lobster, corn, and greens.
For dessert, try the Pear Brandy and Belgium Chocolate Macadamia Torte. A cup of coffee to enjoy the evening, and I'm certain that you will agree that this was an evening well-spent.
During the summer months, I suggest a reservation at Pier 77, the Ramp does not take reservations. Enjoy!
From the mountains to the sea, winding roads, antiques, and the excellent restaurants that feature Maine's fall flavors, I can show you some of Maine's best fall travel opportunities.
