Coming Soon! Fall Guide - Maine Sporting Camps - And Great Dining!

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.

When It's Hot, Do As The Hot Do

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 schooner
http://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.

Luxury = Full Belly! Beal Street BBQ

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.

Pier 77, Cape Porpoise

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!

Timbercliffe Cottage B&B, Camden

Not even a passing shower can dampen your summer spirits when in Camden, Maine, the Jewel of the Midcoast. It's true, Camden has long-hosted summerfolk, and some things have changed over the years. Still today, Camden's charm and history lull travelers to it's luxury-lined coast. Here, you can embrace the good life while remaining captivated by the charm of a nostalgic Maine seaside community.

Many gracious homes dot Camden's shoreline, some are quaint village homes once the dwellings of famous merchants, sea captains, and rusticators. Tucked deep in the forests along the rocky shore, mansions and estates age purposefully and wise, creaking with tales of the sea and lemonade-stand afternoons. Simpler times, indeed.

Perched high on a hill overlooking Penobscot Bay and the islands, Timbercliffe Cottage Bed and Breakfast beautifully represents a bye-gone era tastefully restored to pamper the lucky traveler who finds it. The Inn and six guest rooms, most named for a previous owner of the property, are carefully decorated in a period colonial theme. Walk onto the large front porch, turn around. Be instantly inspired by the of the view of Penobscot Bay. All around, lush forests, gardens, and the backdrop of Mt. Battie and the Camden Hills.


When guests enter Timbercliffe Cottage, they are immediately introduced the to lovely colonial staircase painted by a local artist. Karen and Dave Kallstrand have really spared no expense in creating a most welcoming and most traditional colonial environment graced with the finest amenities. Although Dave admits "it's her baby", it is clear that his passion for excellence and hospitality is also abundant throughout the inn.

Guests at Timbercliffe enjoy a lovely front porch for sipping cool drinks on a warm summer day while pondering the great Penobscot Bay. On cool evenings or foggy days, the fireplace is glowing and warm, and one can cozy up in a traditional wing-back chair with a good book and cup of hot tea. From many of the rooms, the comings and goings of the bay can be appreciated as schooners and fine yachts sail by.

Luxury linens, fluffy white towels, fresh flowers en suite, and French bath amenities welcome you back after each day of exploring the Midcoast area. A well-stocked guest pantry and wifi ensure that you are always comfortable and in touch...if you really want to be!

At breakfast, join other guests in the formal dining room that is comfortable and whimsical with Karen's collection of fine teapots, some of which are published treasures. You will enjoy dishes such as Classic French Quiche, Maine Blueberry Pancakes, or Oatmeal Waffles. After a nice chat, retire to the front porch or back gardens to enjoy a second cup of delicious coffee and plan the day.

My pick at Timbercliffe Cottage B&B:
The Chauncey Keep

"This large suite beckons you with its warm hospitality and view of passing ships on Penobscot Bay. From the cozy fireplace corner to the king four-poster bed adorned with eighteenth century bed hangings, this chamber is often considered the most elegant in the inn." --Timbercliffe Cottage website

Noble House Inn's "Loaded Chocolate Chip" Cookies

What good is luxury travel without food? It has been suggested that I post "famous inn recipes", and so it shall be! Besides, its an excellent chance to promote some of the culinary masterpieces coming from Maine's finest inns. After all, eating at many of these inns is an inseparable part of the whole experience.

I must confess, I have not tried the cookies of the first entry in the 'recipes' feature. But, after reviewing their website, and judging from the cookie photos, I'm sure they are worthy! Hopefully I will get a chance to experience them in person to confirm my suspicions.

I will begin recipe postings as part of the regular blog rotation going forward. Please feel free to share some of your own!

Noble House Inn's Loaded Chocolate Chip Cookies, Bridgton Maine

Beat: 12 T. Butter & 10.5 oz. Brown Sugar

Add: 1 Egg & 1 t. Vanilla, beating slightly

Mix in: 1.25 C. Flour, 3/4 t. Baking Powder, 1/2 t. Baking Soda & 1/2 t. Salt

Mix in: 3.5 oz. Rolled Oats, 4 oz. Toasted Chopped Pecans, 5 0z. Raisins and 4 oz. Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips.

Bake at 350 degrees for 12 minutes. Let cool on the pan for 2 minutes.