Maine Scuttlebutt

Great food, genuine hospitality, and a touch of local history made this one of our favorite family meals to date. Our family recently had the pleasure of dining at Jonathan’s in Ogunquit, and it was one of those meals that reminded us how much a restaurant experience is about more than just the food. From the second we walked through the door, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. Our autistic son loves asking questions and can be wonderfully enthusiastic when he meets n

After a long day on the water filming an upcoming Maine Scuttlebutt episode with Blue Hill Bay Mussels, I was more than ready for some rest. We had spent the day hauling ropes of mussels from the ocean and learning firsthand about one of Maine's incredible aquaculture operations. It was an amazing experience, but by the time I left Mount Desert Island, I was exhausted. Thankfully, I had a stay waiting for me at The River House in Belfast. The drive there was exactly what I ne

When I headed to Portland to film an episode about the community behind the Hearts of Pine, I expected to learn more about soccer. What I didn't expect was to find one of the most passionate and welcoming communities I've ever experienced. For our game day stay, we checked into the beautiful Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront. Its location made it the perfect home base for exploring Portland and taking in everything that makes a Hearts of Pine match day special. Our first s

When I found out I’d be staying at Water Dance Farm for an overnight creators trip hosted by Lyndee from The Belle of Belgrade, I heard one word and was immediately sold. Farm? I’m in. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed by Jen and Kasey, the owners, and instantly felt at home. You know that feeling when a place just wraps you up the second you walk in? That was this. The house itself is full of charm. Jen gave me a tour and shared stories about all the antiques she had

There’s something about a afternoon of exploring that makes you crave a moment to slow down, sip something delicious, and just be. That’s exactly what we got with Raising the Bar, a mobile bartending service that quite literally elevated our entire evening. This experience was part of the Rest & Reset creators trip hosted by Lyndee of the Belle of Belgrade, where we stayed at the dreamy Water Dance Farm in Belgrade. After a afternoon spent at Harvest Thyme Farm, we came back

When Lyndee invited me on a creators trip to explore Belgrade and experience her new business, the Belle of Belgrade, I knew it would be fun, but I didn’t realize just how special it would be. This isn’t just a bus. It’s an experience. One of the coolest things about the Belle is how many different ways you can use it. Lyndee has created experiences that turn even the simplest plans into something memorable. You can join a “Shared Adventure” like: A Book Crawl A Thrift Store

Tucked slightly off the beaten path along the working waterfront in Rockland, Bixby Chocolate is one of those places you might not stumble upon by accident, but once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever missed it. From the outside, it feels understated. But step inside, and you quickly realize just how expansive the space is. A large retail area flows into a cozy café and a dedicated tasting space. Beyond that, you can peek right into parts of the factory where the real magic

When you’re chasing the scuttlebutt around Portland, you never know where it’s going to lead you and this time, it led me straight to a breakfast sandwich I haven’t stopped thinking about. While filming a Maine Scuttlebutt episode at the Hearts of Pine game, I ran into Graham Platner , who’s currently running for Senate here in Maine. Naturally, I had to ask him: “What’s the scuttlebutt in Portland, Maine?” His answer? Start your day at Rose Foods . I had no breakfast plans t

Along with thousands of other fans, Adam (my videographer), our friend Brian, and I had one goal: get tickets to the Hearts of Pine game. We set alarms, logged in separately, and braced for battle fully expecting to land some regular seats. What we got instead? Something way better. The moment tickets went live, it was absolute mayhem. Screens were refreshing, queues were climbing, and hope was… questionable. I had over 2,000 people ahead of me. Brian wasn’t far behind with 7

If you’re heading to a Hearts of Pine match in Portland, there’s one thing you need to know.....match day doesn’t start at the stadium. It starts at The Portland Zoo . I had the chance share a beer and interview co-owner Mark Miller, who runs the bar alongside Chris Blake, and it’s clear this place is so much more than just a bar. What started as Portland’s only true soccer bar has grown into a full-blown institution. They were the ones opening their doors at 7am for early ma

There’s something special about a room full of people who truly love what they do and even more special when that room is filled with the very businesses that make Maine, well… Maine. This past Monday, I had the chance to attend the Season 5 launch party for the Maine Famous Podcast, hosted by April Shaw Beaudoin and it was every bit as inspiring as you’d imagine. Held at the stunning Nina June in Rockport Harbor, the setting alone set the tone for the evening. Right on the

I was lucky enough to be invited to stay at the Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront while we were filming our Dirigo Union / Hearts of Pine Maine Scuttlebutt episode and it ended up being one of those stays that just checks every box. When I told my husband I’d be staying there, his immediate response was: “You have to check out the rooftop bar.” He’s a pilot and basically lives in hotels, so when he says a place stands out, I listen. The hotel was incredibly easy to find a

There’s nothing better than hearing a new spot is opening close to the cottage. I had been watching the space come together for a while, seeing owners Anna and Kelsey putting in the work themselves—building, designing, and bringing their vision to life. It was impressive to watch, and I couldn’t wait to see the final result. When I finally made my way over, I parked and walked up thinking, this is exactly the kind of place I’ve been hoping for . Right in downtown Waldoboro

When we checked into The Craic House in Freeport, I was already amazed. The design, the details, everything about it felt intentional and inspiring. So when I found out that the designer, Stephen Young, had his very own art gallery right next door, I couldn’t wait to see it. And let me tell you it did not disappoint. Stephen personally took us on a tour of ACK ME Arts Gallery, and from the moment you step inside, you’re hit with this burst of color and energy. The space is b

There are some experiences that relax you… and then there are the ones that completely reset you. My visit to Admiration Spa in Rockland, Maine was the latter. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted by Myra, whose calming presence instantly put me at ease. You know that feeling when you enter a space and immediately exhale? That was this place. The scent, the lighting, the ambiance, it all worked together to create a peaceful, welcoming environment that made

As I pulled up to Camp DeForest, I was immediately filled with joy. The cabins, the glowing string lights, the fire pits—it all felt like stepping into a scene I’d been dreaming about since I was seven years old, watching Salute Your Shorts on Nickelodeon. I always wanted that classic summer camp experience… and this felt like it, but elevated. Sorry, Camp Anawanna—this was something else entirely. A Lodge That Transports You Walking into the lodge, I was completely blown aw

If you’re looking for a fun, unique girls’ day activity in Maine, let me introduce you to one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had lately—scent blending at Sea Love. When my friend April and I arrived, I immediately realized this was more than just a candle shop. The space was filled with adorable clothing, beautifully curated products, and body care items like scrubs that made it feel part boutique, part experience. We were greeted by a lovely employee who brought us o

If you’re looking for a stay in Maine that feels truly special, The Craic House in Freeport should be at the top of your list. I had the chance to stay there this week, and I can honestly say it was one of the most thoughtfully designed places I’ve ever experienced. The house was designed by local artist Stephen Young, and his artistic vision is evident in every single detail. From the moment you walk in, you can tell this isn’t just a rental property, it’s an experience. Ev

I arrived in Camden on a bright February morning with a camera in one hand and hand warmers in the other, unsure what to expect from my first National Toboggan Championships. I had seen the photos before, costumed teams, wooden sleds, a narrow ice chute stretching toward Hosmer Pond — but it’s different when you’re standing at the top of that 400-foot track, watching someone commit to the ride. As an attendee of this event for the first time, I came curious about the spectacl