Did you wake up still full, pretty groggy and with a touch of a headache (🍷) this morning? Did you also wake to realize it’s only Friday and you have a full three days ahead to do with what you will?
This remembrance is utterly freeing - or utterly overwhelming, depending on the inhabitants that are currently occupying your home (or wherever you might be.) There may be out-of-towners in the guest room, rowdy cousins in the bunkbeds or your own hopped-up-on-sugar children to entertain.
Ah, the holidays.
The days leading up to a holiday can be consumed with tasks and to-do-lists, while the days following a holiday are often left to pajamas and loss of structure. Which I love. For awhile. Okay, a very brief while.
If you are in Maine this weekend and feel like you need to get out of your house - here are a few quick daytrip ideas to appease any crowd this weekend.
✭ The Festival of Trees + Beer Flights (South Paris, Maine)
McLaughlin Garden opens its doors for one weekend only for the 12th annual Festival of Trees. Their barn is filled with glittering lights, magical displays, and the sounds of the holiday. Open Friday, 11/24 (4-7PM), Saturday, 11/25 (9AM-7PM), Sunday, 11/26 (9AM-2PM) Afterwards, head to Norway Brewing Company for tasting flights and a yummy, laid-back dinner (try the poutine!)
✭ Maine Authors Festival + Live Comedy at Nomad (Topsham, Maine)
Head to The Shermans Book Store in Topsham on Saturday, November 25th between 1PM-6PM for the Maine Authors Festival! Discover a book by a Maine-based author and have them sign it on the spot. PS: I’ll be there between 1PM-3PM signing books! Afterwards, head to Nomad for delicious woodfired pizza and a night of live comedy!
✭ Animal Meet & Greet + Suspended Above the Sea Drinks (Cape Neddick, Maine)
There is a full day of programming on Saturday, November 25th at the incredible wildlife rehabilitation organization, Center for Wildlife! Meet their current animal ambassadors, participate in a scavenger hunt & lots more. After, drive to Cliff House Maine & have a drink in the Tiller Bar where you’ll sit alongside crashing waves.
✭ The Nutcracker + Happy Hour (Portland, Maine)
Kick off the holiday season with a matinee performance (11/25 & 11/26 at 2PM) of The Nutcracker put on by Maine State Ballet at Merrill Auditorium. Afterwards, head across the street to Inkwell Lounge (inside The Press Hotel) for happy hour!
✭ Northern Lights + Wolfes Neck (Freeport, Maine)
Head to the winter wonderland at LL Bean to meet Santa & his reindeer, enjoy free hot cocoa, see a model train village & more. After, head to Wolfes Neck Woods for a scenic trail. The Casco Bay Trail (1/2 mile) loops along the water, while the Harraseeket & White Pines Trail Loop (2 miles) shows off the ocean, woods and marshes.
✭ Lighting of the Tree + Live Music (Portland, Maine)
Head to Monument Square at 4PM to witness the lighting of the tree on Friday, 11/24! Afterwards, hop over to Maine Craft Distilling for a night of live music from 7-9PM (free admission.)
As promised…plus, it’s small business Saturday tomorrow!
5 Things I’m Currently Obsessed With
from local Maine Makers
1. Cocktail Rimmer & Bloody Mary Sea Salt from Slack Tide Sea Salt
I adore all of the products from this woman owned and operated, small batch, hand harvested sea salt company in southern Maine - but what has my eye currently is the Bold Coast Blend Bloody Mary Sea Salt (a mixture of flaky lemon sea salt, dill, black pepper, Maine sugar kelp, celery seed, mustard, and garlic) paired with their exclusive Cocktail Rimmer (made by Amy Clark of Ocean Fire Pottery.)
2. Lux Floral Soak from Venn + Maker
A blend of rose buds, lavender & calendula flowers are mixed with Maine Sea Salt to make for the perfect, luxurious bath! Great for a new mom or anyone in need of some “me” time.
3. Monkey’s Fist Knot Trio from Tide and Isle Co
Look no further for the boaters/sea lovers in your life! I adore this trio of knotted candles which is inspired by the monkey's fist, or “monkey's paw knot” that was traditionally used by sailors to add extra weight to the end of a heaving line.
4. Sarah Madeira Day x Flowfold Aviator Travel Kit & Toiletry Bag
Sarah’s beautiful art printed on a perfect toiletry bag at an extremely reasonable price? Sign me up. Both beautiful and functional, perfect for the avid traveler on your list.
5. Coffee Subscription from Tandem Coffee Roasters
Did you know that you can be the hero & order the coffee-lover in your life a subscription to their favorite coffee from Tandem Bakery? Well, it’s true! You choose the frequency (once a week, every other week, etc.) and they’ll take care of the rest. And fingers crossed they bring back the Coffee & Vinyl Subscription!
Great suggestions! There's also drop-in crafting at Handiwork Studio in Deering Center (Portland). Holiday crafts that benefit a good cause! Win-Win. https://handiworkportland.com/products/craft-friday?utm_campaign=newsletter-featured_collection-cdb7241f8c194047af9ebcc5bb2fde23&utm_medium=email&utm_source=seguno&s1clid=cdb7241f8c194047af9ebcc5bb2fde23-93ffa64de12f4f757d667299801dc48a6067829b