Month: December 2014 (Page 2 of 2)

Who are you, and why are you writing about Maine anyway?

December 1, 2014 / offthemaineroad

I thought I’d take this time to introduce myself, since you’re probably wondering, “Why is this person writing random articles about places in Maine?” Well, let me tell you.

I currently live in New York. I’ve spent the past 7 summers both attending a summer camp in Maine and exploring the places in Maine, from the mountains to the coastline. Through these trips, I believe I have gained a comprehensive view of various locations in Maine, from Acadia to Wells, and everywhere in between. I have sampled Maine treats from the infamous Sea Dog Biscuit to Stonewall Kitchen’s Wild Blueberry Jam. This blog is a place for me to share my experiences, and for you to (maybe) savor these foods and visit these places yourself.

That’s about it. I’ll try to post as often as I can. Enjoy!

The Bean Boot: A Maine Symbol

December 1, 2014 / offthemaineroad

One of the quintessential symbols of the Pine Tree State is the Maine Hunting Shoe, aka the L.L. Bean Boot. Let’s start with a brief history of L.L. Bean. The company was founded as a one-room operation by Leon Leonwood Bean, a hunter and fisherman living in Freeport. Bean had created a waterproof boot, which he originally sold to hunters. He called it the Maine Hunting Shoe, and it has evolved into the great piece of footwear we know today. The Bean Boot is definitely an all-purpose shoe-it’s suitable for any weather from extreme cold to rain to the perfect sunny. Now I’m not the best person to talk to when it comes to fashion, but I’d say that these boots have become quite a stylish element to any Mainer’s wardrobe. Although I regrettably do not own a pair, I have come quite close with this accessory, pictured below.

To celebrate its 100-year anniversary of the boot’s creation, L.L. Bean built 2 “bootmobiles“, which is a 13-foot tall Ford F-250 frame in the shape of a boot. It’s quite a formidable creation, and has been seen cruising New York’s highways. One of the bootmobiles has been parked outside the Freeport flagship store for a while, and has been painted in the livery of the Boston Red Sox (see picture below).

Be on the lookout for the bootmobiles-they’re constantly on the road!

The Bean Boot at Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs (more on that later).

Maine’s soup is souperb

December 1, 2014 / offthemaineroad

In a meal one usually starts with the soup, so I decided to start this series of posts with the soup as well. Kamasouptra. In a quest to make Maine the “soup capital of the world”, this small business has developed quite the varied collection of steamy, hot soups. Their locations are spread out between the Maine Mall in South Portland, The Old Port, and the Freeport Public Market. I’ve had the good fortune to visit all three locations, and experience my personal favorite: the Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup Soup. No, I didn’t make a typo; it’s actually called the soup soup, for who knows why. But the thing that stands out most to me about this soup establishment is the giant roll of whole wheat bread that comes with each cup of soup. It’s actually sometimes bigger than the cup!

So next time you’re in Portland or Freeport, give Kamasouptra a try in your quest of bowling for soup. I think it will come to you as a strike, and may be right up your alley!

(Yes, I know, too many soup puns.)

Welcome!

December 1, 2014 / offthemaineroad

Hello world!

This is the first of many posts on Off the Maine Road. Inspired by two friends who live in this beautiful state and a free long weekend, I decided to share my love and yearning to be back up North in a series of posts showcasing places that are “off the Maine road”. You can expect to read stories of everything from the best Maine treats, to the most picturesque hiking spots. These will of course be supplemented by my collection of photos taken over the past seven summers.

Enjoy!

(Oh, and if you are interested in knowing where the header photo was taken, it is atop Hacker’s Hill in Casco, Maine. This location offers sweeping views of Sebago Lake and the White Mountains).

(I do not endorse any of the products, services or businesses mentioned in this blog).