http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/-t1.htm Tours, Hotels, Restaurants, etc. Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:58:05 GMT 10 http://i18.servimg.com/u/f18/11/65/21/31/banner10.jpg http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/-t1.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/beavers-in-for-a-shock-t18863.htm Outspoken Beavers in for a shock BY STEPHEN B. COLLINS Special to the Kennebec Journal As astonishing as it was to paddlers and fishermen, no one was more surprised than the beavers when Edwards Dam was breached 10 years ago. It was July 2, 1999 -- the day after. A green Old Town Penobscot canoe carrying two Homo sapiens bobbed on swift current where a day before had been deadwater. High on the Sidney riverbank, an elaborate lodge of sticks and mud now perched incongruously a dozen feet ... Maine Vacations Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:58:05 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/beavers-in-for-a-shock-t18863.htm#22179 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/beavers-in-for-a-shock-t18863.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/tommyknockers-tours-start-in-july-t18775.htm Outspoken Tommyknockers tours start in July History, landmarks part of Bangor bus ride that notes city features found in Stephen King novels BY EMILY BURNHAM Morning Sentinel BANGOR -- It's not news to anyone -- Stephen King fans, Bangor residents or otherwise -- that the fictional town of Derry, Maine, featured in several of King's books, is based on the Queen City. Think of Derry as Bangor's evil twin. The real city is a safe, vibrant, beautiful Maine community -- while the fictional city ... Maine Vacations Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:37:26 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/tommyknockers-tours-start-in-july-t18775.htm#22079 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/tommyknockers-tours-start-in-july-t18775.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/eager-to-nurture-nature-t18758.htm Outspoken Eager to nurture nature Camp efforts to expand efficiency practices dovetail with attempts to cut costs in an ailing economy. By BETH QUIMBY Staff Writer Portland Press Herald This year at the Wohelo camps on Sebago Lake in Raymond, participants will dine on plates made by campers as arts and crafts projects rather than on the more convenient disposable paper versions. At the Friends Camp on China Lake in South China, campers will be asked to give up hot water and electricity ... Maine Vacations Tue, 16 Jun 2009 11:02:07 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/eager-to-nurture-nature-t18758.htm#22057 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/eager-to-nurture-nature-t18758.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/house-kills-bill-to-ban-free-rv-parking-t18531.htm Outspoken House kills bill to ban free RV parking State House: Advocates flood members with e-mail protests, many saying they would boycott Maine. By MATT WICKENHEISER Staff Writer Portland Press Herald AUGUSTA — The Maine House of Representatives killed a bill Tuesday that would have banned recreational vehicles from parking overnight at commercial lots. The House rejected the bill at the request of its sponsor, state Rep. Anne Perry, D-Calais, who said she had received an estimated 200 ... Maine Vacations Thu, 14 May 2009 00:57:32 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/house-kills-bill-to-ban-free-rv-parking-t18531.htm#21794 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/house-kills-bill-to-ban-free-rv-parking-t18531.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/state-park-upgrades-aim-to-draw-vacationers-t18512.htm Outspoken State park upgrades aim to draw vacationers By Diana Bowley Staff Writer Bangor Daily News AUGUSTA, Maine — Vacationers will see major improvements this summer at many of Maine’s state parks and historic sites, thanks to a $7.5 million infrastructure bond approved in November 2007. The improvements are expected to draw more vacationers to the gems that can be found nestled beside the seashore or tucked away in the remote wilderness. “As we see it, things are shaping up ... Maine Vacations Tue, 12 May 2009 00:39:32 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/state-park-upgrades-aim-to-draw-vacationers-t18512.htm#21773 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/state-park-upgrades-aim-to-draw-vacationers-t18512.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/tourism-plan-invites-old-friends-new-visitors-t18486.htm Outspoken Tourism plan invites old friends, new visitors State officials try to remind those from away why they come here, and tell others why Maine is so appealing. By BETH QUIMBY Staff Writer May Maine isn't just about moose, lobsters and lighthouses. It is also a place for bird watching, eating and golfing. That is the idea the Maine Office of Tourism hopes to convey with its new advertising campaign: "There's More To Maine." The new campaign was unveiled Friday, ... Maine Vacations Sat, 09 May 2009 16:37:34 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/tourism-plan-invites-old-friends-new-visitors-t18486.htm#21742 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/tourism-plan-invites-old-friends-new-visitors-t18486.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/recession-chills-market-for-vacationland-rentals-t18235.htm Outspoken Recession chills market for Vacationland rentals Agencies and property owners find summer visitors are booking later and seeking lower prices. By ANN S. KIM Staff Writer Portland Press Herald BIDDEFORD — Jeff McGuire is jumping into the summer rental market at an uncertain time. McGuire and some family members are the new owners of a three-bedroom 1920s cottage in the Fortunes Rocks area. They are hoping to rent out the house from May to September. They started advertising ... Maine Vacations Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:30:46 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/recession-chills-market-for-vacationland-rentals-t18235.htm#21451 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/recession-chills-market-for-vacationland-rentals-t18235.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/tourism-survey-results-released-t18008.htm Outspoken Tourism survey results released BY VALERIE TUCKER Correspondent Morning Sentinel FARMINGTON -- Tourists are coming to western Maine for nature-based adventure in spite of a slowing economy, according to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. The service in 2008 conducted a survey that asked visitors to Franklin County where they traveled, where and how long they stayed, what they liked and disliked, and if they would return to the state for future vacations. One of ... Maine Vacations Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:15:54 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/tourism-survey-results-released-t18008.htm#21193 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/tourism-survey-results-released-t18008.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/ski-resorts-exult-in-snowy-winter-t17329.htm Outspoken Ski resorts exult in snowy winter BY JERRY HARKAVY Morning Sentinel NEWRY -- The economy may be melting down, but the snow keeps piling up at New England's big ski mountains, enabling them to dodge the avalanche of bad news about job losses and business failures. For the region's ski operators, plentiful snow appears to be trumping hard times. Sugarloaf and Sunday River, Maine's two largest ski resorts, enjoyed record snowfall and skier visits last winter and could equal those ... Maine Vacations Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:28:59 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/ski-resorts-exult-in-snowy-winter-t17329.htm#20408 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/ski-resorts-exult-in-snowy-winter-t17329.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/speaker-maine-ready-to-brook-tourism-slump-t17325.htm Outspoken Speaker: Maine ready to brook tourism slump The state's standing as a family destination will work in its favor, an industry consultant says. By ANN S. KIM Staff Writer Portland Press Herald SOUTH PORTLAND — The U.S. lodging industry is expected to see a turning point in mid- to late 2010, and the industry in Maine likely will follow a similar trend, according to a hospitality industry consultant who spoke at the Governor's Conference on Tourism on Tuesday. That's the time frame ... Maine Vacations Wed, 11 Feb 2009 13:44:48 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/speaker-maine-ready-to-brook-tourism-slump-t17325.htm#20403 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/speaker-maine-ready-to-brook-tourism-slump-t17325.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/a-guide-for-remote-access-in-maine-t15489.htm Outspoken A guide for remote access in Maine Master Maine guide Tom Hanrahan details some of Maine's little-known areas that are also free to visit. By GLENN ADAMS The Associated Press WHITEFIELD — Take Deboullie – if you're prepared. Or Scraggly Lake, or the Unknowns. Wheeling and tromping across thousands of miles of Maine's remotest points, Tom Hanrahan has been to those pristine patches and plenty more. While he doesn't mind being alone, he doesn't want the million-plus acres of ... Maine Vacations Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:56:13 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/a-guide-for-remote-access-in-maine-t15489.htm#18298 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/a-guide-for-remote-access-in-maine-t15489.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/deal-or-no-deal-t15194.htm Outspoken DEAL OR NO DEAL Some skiers hedge against the chill in the economy with season passes, others pay as they go and consider being able to ski worth whatever cost. By DEIRDRE FLEMING Staff Writer Portland Press Herald NEWRY — It's a month before winter officially starts, and some ski resorts have already had record sales of season tickets despite the worsening economy. But it's hard to tell whether that is because last winter's record snowfall inspired many more passionate skiers. It ... Maine Vacations Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:36:05 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/deal-or-no-deal-t15194.htm#17966 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/deal-or-no-deal-t15194.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/sunday-river-s-new-chondola-tops-long-list-of-upgrades-t15193.htm Outspoken Sunday River's new 'Chondola' tops long list of upgrades by HEATHER BURKE Portland Press Herald I don't have to sugarcoat things, because I have sweet news for Maine skiers and riders: new lifts, trails and serious snow-making upgrades have me excited about this ski season. Surely you have heard the chatter, perhaps even the helicopter overhead, as Sunday River's state-of-the-art "Chondola" was flown into place. This hybrid eight-passenger gondola interspersed with six-passenger ... Maine Vacations Sat, 22 Nov 2008 19:30:49 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/sunday-river-s-new-chondola-tops-long-list-of-upgrades-t15193.htm#17965 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/sunday-river-s-new-chondola-tops-long-list-of-upgrades-t15193.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/wandering-maine-s-corn-mazes-t13048.htm Outspoken Wandering Maine's corn mazes Farms around the state offer fun for families and other adventure seekers. By DEIRDRE FLEMING Staff Writer Portland Press Herald MECHANIC FALLS — Fifty minutes may sound like a long time to spend in a cornfield. But it seemed more like 15 during an effort to make it through the corn maze at Harvest Hill Farms. Walk through one opening, wander around, stop to decipher clues. Maybe jog for a bit. Finally, hope and wonder if a way out will appear. ... Maine Vacations Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:21:09 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/wandering-maine-s-corn-mazes-t13048.htm#15533 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/wandering-maine-s-corn-mazes-t13048.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/savor-isolated-beauty-atop-peaks-in-nash-stream-forest-t14258.htm Outspoken Savor isolated beauty atop peaks in Nash Stream Forest By CAREY KISH Portland Press Herald Travel north of the White Mountain National Forest, deep into Coos County, N.H., and you’ll leave the crowds behind for sure. Local folks will tell you that there’s more moose than people up this way, and after a number of hiking adventures in these parts, I figure they may be right. It’s wild, remote country. One of my new favorite places is the Nash Stream Forest, a 40,000-acre state ... Maine Vacations Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:36:02 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/savor-isolated-beauty-atop-peaks-in-nash-stream-forest-t14258.htm#16878 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/savor-isolated-beauty-atop-peaks-in-nash-stream-forest-t14258.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/do-yourself-a-favor-this-fall-paddle-the-heath-t14026.htm Outspoken Do yourself a favor this fall: Paddle the Heath By MICHAEL PERRY Portland Press Herald For a dazzling fall foliage paddle and a touch of wilderness solitude nestled within the popular Sebago Lake watershed, consider a visit to the Heath in Casco this autumn. Located at the southern end of Thompson Lake, the Heath is a small, secluded body of water that offers pleasant meandering along its hourglass-shaped shoreline. If you poke along the complete shoreline, nosing in and out ... Maine Vacations Sun, 19 Oct 2008 12:45:21 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/do-yourself-a-favor-this-fall-paddle-the-heath-t14026.htm#16624 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/do-yourself-a-favor-this-fall-paddle-the-heath-t14026.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/the-views-will-move-you-along-grafton-loop-trail-t13731.htm Outspoken The views will move you along Grafton Loop Trail By CAREY KISH Portland Press Herald There is no quick and easy way to reach the top of Sunday River Whitecap, a magnificent alpine peak in the backcountry of the Mahoosuc Mountains of western Maine. To get there you'll have to hike seven rugged miles on the western loop of the Grafton Notch Trail. From Route 26 in Newry you'll climb over Bald and Stowe Mountains and gain more than 2,500 sweaty feet of elevation. Do so, however, ... Maine Vacations Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:32:28 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/the-views-will-move-you-along-grafton-loop-trail-t13731.htm#16289 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/the-views-will-move-you-along-grafton-loop-trail-t13731.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/open-invitation-t13730.htm Outspoken Open invitation The Pemaquid Paddlers' weekly Tuesday trips survive – even thrive – on a simple premise: That it`d be fun to get out with like-minded outdoorsmen to enjoy the water. By DEIRDRE FLEMING Staff Writer Portland Press Herald WISCASSET — Five years ago, John Will was just looking to organize a little group paddle. It didn't take long for the retired teacher and kayak enthusiast to create a maritime buzz with his "Pemaquid Paddles," which are simply an open invitation ... Maine Vacations Fri, 10 Oct 2008 01:29:11 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/open-invitation-t13730.htm#16288 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/open-invitation-t13730.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/foliage-peaking-north-and-west-t13507.htm Outspoken Foliage peaking north and west STAFF REPORT Kennebec Journal AUGUSTA -- There's lots of peak color on the Maine Department of Conservation's fourth fall foliage report of the season. Forest rangers are now observing early peak conditions -- at least 75 percent color change -- in all of northern Maine, from Fort Kent to Jackman, Greenville and Millinocket. Peak color also is being reported in the western lakes and mountains region between Bethel and Eustis. Leaf drop ... Maine Vacations Fri, 03 Oct 2008 10:25:47 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/foliage-peaking-north-and-west-t13507.htm#16040 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/foliage-peaking-north-and-west-t13507.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/these-roads-offer-great-chances-for-photographs-t13352.htm Outspoken These roads offer great chances for photographs The areas covered include coastal scenes, mountains, lakes and farmland from Harpswell to Fort Kent. Portland Press Herald The following are some Maine roads and highways known for their outstanding views, which will provide opportunities for photos. Midcoast Maine • Route 123 – Harpswell Neck • Route 24 – Orr's and Bailey islands Down East • Route 182 – Franklin to Cherryfield • Route 1 – Perry to Calais Inland • ... Maine Vacations Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:55:05 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/these-roads-offer-great-chances-for-photographs-t13352.htm#15868 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/these-roads-offer-great-chances-for-photographs-t13352.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/back-roads-beckon-t13351.htm Outspoken Back roads beckon A fall foliage drive through western Maine offers great colors, and some other finds, too. By BJ BANGS Portland Press Herald There's no doubt autumn is absolutely awesome with cool crisp nights, bright blue skies and dazzling colors lining Maine's countryside. When driving along Maine's winding back roads, we let our minds wander, and wonder what makes nature turn into this spectacular medley of red, orange, yellow, purple and green each fall. Even though ... Maine Vacations Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:50:50 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/back-roads-beckon-t13351.htm#15867 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/back-roads-beckon-t13351.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/coloring-the-joys-of-hiking-t13350.htm Outspoken Coloring the joys of hiking Fall treks feature cooler temperatures, fewer bugs and much emptier trails, which all enhance the views of bright foliage. By CAREY KISH Portland Press Herald Labor Day has passed and summer is waning. It's time to hang up the hiking boots and prepare for winter, right? No way! The best hiking of the year is ahead. Think about it. The bugs are gone; no more annoying black flies, mosquitoes, midges or deer flies. The heat and humidity have been ... Maine Vacations Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:44:12 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/coloring-the-joys-of-hiking-t13350.htm#15866 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/coloring-the-joys-of-hiking-t13350.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/covered-bridges-make-great-stops-t13349.htm Outspoken Covered bridges make great stops Of the 120 structures that once spanned rivers and streams in the state, only nine remain standing. From staff reports Portland Press Herald During the 19th century, as many as 120 covered bridges spanned various rivers and streams in Maine. Most of them have been lost to fires, floods, ice and forces of progress. Only nine of the bridges remain today. The remaining bridges are accessible year-round. Babb's Bridge: Maine's oldest covered ... Maine Vacations Sun, 28 Sep 2008 12:40:29 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/covered-bridges-make-great-stops-t13349.htm#15865 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/covered-bridges-make-great-stops-t13349.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/isn-t-it-time-you-visited-the-county-t13317.htm Outspoken Isn't it time you visited The County? By CAREY KISH Portland Press Herald It's a long way to Aroostook County, Maine's largest and the biggest county east of the Mississippi River, for many of us, but it's worth the trip for the beautiful fields, forests and farms; the abundant wildlife; and the friendly, hospitable people that you'll find here. If you haven't made the trip north to "The County"-- and I know many who haven't -- you're really missing out on a special part ... Maine Vacations Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:30:50 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/isn-t-it-time-you-visited-the-county-t13317.htm#15830 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/isn-t-it-time-you-visited-the-county-t13317.htm http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/new-brochure-offers-insight-into-baxter-s-mission-t13316.htm Outspoken New brochure offers insight into Baxter's mission By Deirdre Fleming Staff Writer Portland Press Herald It has been 40 years since Baxter State Park brochures were floating around the state. But that's because the more than 200,000 acres of protected wild land in the center of Maine is not actually a state park, and its rules forbid park officials from advertising. This year, however, the Friends of Baxter State Park paid for and distributed to the public a brochure on Baxter ... Maine Vacations Sat, 27 Sep 2008 14:12:48 GMT http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/new-brochure-offers-insight-into-baxter-s-mission-t13316.htm#15829 http://kennebecvalleypodium.forumotion.com/maine-vacations-f10/new-brochure-offers-insight-into-baxter-s-mission-t13316.htm