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2024 Down East Reader Photo Contest Winners

10th Annual Down East Reader Photo Contest Winners

After a full decade, the magazine’s annual photo contest is still, ahem, clicking right along.

The Down East Shop Gift Guide

We've made it easy for you to shop 100+ Maine makers to find the perfect holiday gifts for those who love the Pine Tree State.

30 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Maine

A list of all of the must-see holiday celebrations across the state.

4 Maine Music Artists to Watch in 2025

Plus, more than a dozen new releases to add to your Maine playlist.

Stargazing at Ash Point Preserve, in Owls Head, Maine

The Stargazer’s Guide to Maine

All across Maine, people are getting out to gaze up at the state’s distinctly dark skies — and to help protect them.

The Magazine

The Latest

Judy Minaudo standing in the dining room of Kennebunk's James Hubbard House, which is decked out in holiday decor

Vibrant Holiday Décor and Paint Shine Up a Kennebunk Saltbox

This time of year, candy-colored glass ornaments grace Judy Minaudo's 1751 home, while walls and woodwork in splashy colors and patterns dazzle year-round.

the bar at the Great Lost Bear in Portland, Maine

Santa and Mrs. Claus’s Favorite Maine Place

On a rare night off, the Steelgraves, who are Clauses-for-hire during the holiday season, like to unwind at this Portland bar.

seared scallops with sweet-potato spaetzle, roasted winter vegetables, squash puree, and salsa verde from Linden + Front

Diners in Downtown Bath Give Linden + Front a Warm Welcome

The mod little bistro has been especially well received in the City of Ships, where restaurant turnover has stymied folks looking for a non-pubby night out.

Shannon Parker with her new novel, Love & Lobsters

Love & Lobsters Celebrates Small-Town Love

Shannon Parker’s third novel bucks romance tropes in favor of the many forms of love present in a Maine waterfront community during the holidays — and is already optioned for film.

Maine Gifts from the Pages of Down East

From Down East's advertisers, 11 holiday gift ideas from the Pine Tree State. A special paid-content promotion.

7 Maine-Made Holiday Ornaments to Add to Your Tree

Local crafters are dangling some pretty sweet options this year.

Food & Drink

Good Shepherd Food Bank Is Mapping Maine’s Food-Secure Future

The non-profit's new strategic plan goes beyond helping Mainers facing hunger to address the systemic causes of food insecurity.

A mussels starter with green curry, coconut, sweet potato, and sourdough from The Good Table, in Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Under New Ownership, The Good Table Remains a Solid Neighborhood Joint

Chef Matt Ginn’s reimagined menu introduces crowd-pleasing brasserie fare to the Cape Elizabeth mainstay.

Twenty Years of Dean’s Sweets

Two decades since first sharing homemade chocolates with friends, the owners of Portland's Dean’s Sweets continue to delight customers’ taste buds.

Trending In Food & Drink

The 35 Maine-iest Foods

Under New Ownership, The Good Table Remains a Solid Neighborhood Joint

Ultimate Maine Thanksgiving, Recipes, Down East Magazine

The Ultimate Maine Thanksgiving Feast

Diners in Downtown Bath Give Linden + Front a Warm Welcome

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Arts & Culture

How Renys Became the Maine Adventure

Plus, enter for the chance to win a $250 Renys gift card!

Avita of Stroudwater sales director Cally Brake

Avita of Stroudwater’s Day Memory-Care Program Keeps Adults Active

Sales director Cally Brake explains finding the window of opportunity to introduce a loved one with dementia to a day program to help keep them social and stimulated.