I was raised in Freedom, Maine, and spent a large part of my time trying to escape it. My mother advised me to look into the other options available, and I went to the capital city, which was Boston, for college. After a sequence of circumstances, I was sent back to my hometown with a population of 711, and I realized this was the town that shaped me and was where I hoped to settle down. It requires a little courage, determination, and humor – to endure the Maine winter that can be cold, long and desolated. However, there’s always the possibility of spring and summer in Maine is simply amazing.
What I’ve discovered is that we are pivotal; whether it’s an outbreak or the constantly changing weather, we’re able to adapt. People are awed by the natural beauty and peace here. From the ocean to the forests and fields, There’s everything you can want within the state boundaries. Monhegan Island is located off from the shores of Maine (c) Greta Rybus French on the Hardy Boat ferry to Monhegan island (c) Greta Rybus Everything takes about 45 minutes at the very least to everything else in Maine. I strongly recommend going north through the 3,500-mile coastline until you reach the gorgeous islands. We love taking an excursion on a ferry to the rugged Monhegan Island and spend the day hiking. Then, we’ll be eating fish tacos at the shore in The Fish House.
Monhegan Brewing Company Monhegan Brewing Company is a excellent family-owned establishment that serves local beers to end the day. Two tiny islands located in the middle of the ocean – Allen and Benner situated from the shore are stunning and were the home of artist Andrew Wyeth and his family were once based and lived. French in Inn at the Island Inn (c) Greta Rybus Further north, in the mid-coast of Maine just off to the west of Rockland, Vinalhaven is an island ideal to explore on foot or on a bicycle, kayak, or canoe – all of which can be rented from the island.
It’s a quaint place, and the numerous lobster pots all over the place are a great addition to the charm. Nearby to it is North Haven, a small island with stunning panoramas at Penobscot Bay and the Camden Hills. We love staying at the enchanting Island Inn or at Nebo Lodge, with only 9 guest bedrooms. It is important to reserve ahead because there aren’t many options where you can stay as the ferry service doesn’t go back to the mainland in the evening. The restaurant on the island is great with freshly baked breads, fresh-from-the-ocean oysters, and scallops. Monhegan Museum is located in the island’s lighthouse.
Monhegan Museum can be found on The island’s lighthouse (c) Greta Rybus Fish tacos from The Fish House (c) Greta Rybus Freedom The population of 711 – is the place I’ve always wanted to plant my roots. Deer Isle is another place with that magical Maine vibe, and it’s accessible by an e-bridge which joins up to the Blue Hill Peninsula of Downeast Maine with the island. In Brooksville, located on the Peninsula, you will enjoy Tinder Hearth, where you can enjoy a relaxing time in the backyard and enjoy wood-fired pizza. The entire state is beautiful with very little traffic, only winding roads which are off the beaten track from the bustling Route 1. I visit this area regularly to get the coffee that is roasted in our honor by the company 44 North. The woman who started the company in the year before I started The Lost Kitchen, my eatery. The Lost Kitchen and I have been a loyal customer from the beginning. Nearer to home by a pathway from our restaurant is Villageside Farm, which is where we get the majority of our ingredients.
Crooked Face Creamery in nearby Skowhegan produces the finest blend of smoky Ricotta. they also have a storefront too. French on display at Monhegan Museum (c) Greta Rybus Monhegan Museum (c) Greta Rybus The the cliffs are part of Monhegan Island (c) Greta Rybus One of the places I tend to go to every week is in the city of Waterville. Colby College has completely reinvigorated the area, as well as it is home to the Colby Art Museum is truly top-of-the-line; it has artworks from Alex Katz, Winslow Homer and Georgia O’Keeffe. From there, head towards Hathaway Mill Antiques for a look around before enjoying eating in the Jewel of India – the lamb rogan josh is exceptional. French as well as their husband Michael Dutton at the Island Inn (c) Greta Rybus French on the Cliffs at Monhegan Island (c) Greta Rybus FT Weekend Festival FT Weekend Festival is back on the 2nd of the 2nd of September on the 2nd of September at Kenwood House Gardens, London.
Get your tickets now to experience an entire day of discussions, tastings, Q&As, and much more. . The speakers include Rebecca Stephens, Don McCullin, Ben Saunders and many others, as well as all your favorite FT editors and writers. Sign up now at ft.com/festival. If you’re heading south towards Portland, it is essential to not eat at the exact same restaurant more than once. It is a true foodie town. One of my favorite new spots is Crispy Gai, serving great fried chicken as well as a selection of cocktails. Leeward is a great place to enjoy outstanding pasta dishes. The biggest of the bunch, Fore Street, still is the benchmark for farm-to-table food.
If we decide to stay for at night, I love The Press Hotel because it’s close to downtown and close to my favorite stores like Print: A Bookstore and Blanche + Mimi for homeware. Highly recommended The world, according to Kate Moss Demi Moore’s guide to Sun Valley, Idaho The towns along the coast of Maine are definitely booming however, inland, many things remain the same. The dirt roads aren’t paved, and farmers continue to cultivate. A growing number of people are becoming aware of the simplicity of life, and in Maine, it’s been a norm of life.