Features
There Will Always Be An Ogunquit
When the Maine Legislature passed an act detaching Ogunquit from neighboring Wells to form a “Town Unto Itself” thirty years ago, it may not have known how true those words would prove. By: Cynthia Anderson. Photography by: Sara Gray
A Down East Delicacy
Wrinkles — delicious edible whelks — mark the start of the summer seafood season. By: Brooke Dojny. Photography by: Benjamin Magro
Winslow Homer’s Odyssey
In the centennial year of the painter’s death, few historians would argue that he wasn’t one of the great realists of the nineteenth century. But Homer would not be regarded as the greatest American artist of his age had he not moved to Maine. By: Edgar Allen Beem
Best of Maine 2010
Mainers are nothing if not opinionated; and we at Down East are no exceptions. We have our likes and dislikes, our favorite things and pet peeves — Maine manners dictate that one doesn’t volunteer one’s viewpoint unless asked, but then all bets are off. Because the Down East editors get pressed regularly for our advice about where to GO, EAT, and SHOP, we have taken these inquiries as an invitation to offer this, our annual Best of Maine list.
The Enchantments of Maine
Building fairy houses in the woods out of bark, twigs, and moss has long been a favorite activity of children in Maine. In a new book, Maureen Heffernan celebrates this summer pastime. Photography by: Robert Mitchell
Departments
Where in Maine?
Ever visited this storied house of worship? Photography by: Alan Lavallee
New World Order
Sonny’s on Exchange Street is a surprising and delicious addition to the Portland food scene. By: Kathleen Fleury. Photography by: Jeff Scher
A Tale of Two Families
Ayelet Waldman’s new novel captures two sides of Maine with the story of one tragedy. By: Agnes Bushell
Now You’re Really Cooking
Photograph Courtesy Now You’re Cooking
Letters to the Editor
Read what our readers have to say about Maine.
“We Don’t Sell News”
The owner of Maine’s largest newspaper takes a maverick stance. By: Colin Woodard
Pursued by Paparazzi
Even the Maine fog couldn’t hide JFK, Jr., from the press in 1977. By: Joshua F. Moore
Briefly Noted
In Camden Realtor Vicky Doudera’s debut mystery novel, A House to Die For (Midnight Ink, Woodbury, Minnesota; paperback; 328 pages; $14.95), million-dollar real estate mixes with murder on the Maine coast. Protagonist Darby Farr sells top-notch properties and returns to her hometown to close a big deal. But when the deal falls apart — and the back-up buyer is found dead — a standard sale turns into a dangerous adventure.
Editor’s Note
Growing up in Scarborough, I knew the spectacular cliffs of Prouts Neck long before I ever heard the name Winslow Homer. Later, while I was working as a bellman at the Black Point Inn, I was given the responsibility (and privilege) of leading hotel guests along the neck’s famous cliff walk to the Homer studio. By: Paul Doiron
Four for the Fourth
Keep your fingers crossed for good weather this Independence Day, and head out to some of our favorite firework-watching spots. Portland’s Eastern Prom: If you’re looking for a big scene with lots of people and a great pyrotechnic show, the prom is the place to be (www.portlandmaine.gov). Cousins Island Bridge: A small crew gathers on this Casco Bay bridge each year. Photography by: Jennifer Baum
North by East
Southwest Harbor looks pretty in pink, a thirty-foot-tall fisherman, and more.
Finding Home
A Winthrop native reflects on the downtown’s former glory — and its future redemption. By: George Smith
The Maine Viewpoint
Editorial opinions from across the state.