Features
Our annual guide to the best of the best.
- Photography by: Mark Fleming
Our annual guide to the best of the best.
Our annual guide to the best of the best.
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.
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.
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
Mainers love to disagree — our independent-minded senators are proof enough of that — and so this year we wanted to let you, our loyal readers, weigh in on our choices for the best of Maine. We won’t claim to agree with every one of your picks, but by and large we are pleased that we’re all seeing pretty much eye-to-eye in the Pine Tree State.
Best Boatyard
Wayfarer Marine Corp., Camden
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.
- Photography by: Sara Gray
Wrinkles — delicious edible whelks — mark the start of the summer seafood season.
- Photography by: Benjamin Magro
Departments
Ever visited this storied house of worship?
- Photography by: Alan Lavallee
Sonny’s on Exchange Street is a surprising and delicious addition to the Portland food scene.
- Photography by: Jeff Scher
Ayelet Waldman’s new novel captures two sides of Maine with the story of one tragedy.
Southwest Harbor looks pretty in pink, a thirty-foot-tall fisherman, and more.
A Winthrop native reflects on the downtown’s former glory — and its future redemption.
Editorial opinions from across the state.
Photograph Courtesy Now You’re Cooking
Read what our readers have to say about Maine.
The owner of Maine’s largest newspaper takes a maverick stance.
Even the Maine fog couldn’t hide JFK, Jr., from the press in 1977.
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.
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.
- Photography by: Benjamin Magro
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
