Blog Archive

Eco Friendly Gift-Giving
Kat Takacs D'22

12/11/2019

With the holidays approaching, now is a great time to be a little more conscious of the effect our consumption – as both individuals and a population – has on the environment. By now, a lot of us have heard about the ways "fast fashion" contributes to water, air and soil pollution; but what about other forms of excess consumption? It goes without saying that with days devoted to shopping like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the manufacturing and purchasing of goods is at an all-time high during the holiday season. While gifts are a great way to show appreciation and gratitude to your loved ones, buying an excess of unnecessary gifts every year will do more harm than good in the long run. This year, challenge yourself to be more creative in the ways in which you give. Start by brainstorming ways to give memories. This includes gifts like event tickets, memberships and experience days. Next, look into ways to give your time. Share your skills with others by making a homecooked meal for a busy friend or lending a hand on a daunting project. When you've exhausted your options and decide you would like to buy a gift, try to buy second-hand. Picking out a one-of-a-kind vintage item for a loved one can be a great way to show them how well you know them and their style. Another option is to buy local. This is a win-win for both you, and the independent business you decide to support. Finally, if the perfect gift is not available in your local charity shop or small business, look to purchase from ethical brands who use sustainable practices, pay their workers a living wage, and reduce waste wherever possible.

Top 10 Fall Hikes (Within 2 hrs of Portland)

10/26/2018

Foliage season is almost over and winter is fast approaching, so get outside and enjoy where we live before the snow gets here! Here's a guide by quick guide with options for everyone at any level by our own hiking expert Cassie Panetta:

1. Sebago Lake Songo River Trail (EASY )
2.1 miles 82 feet elevation gain
40 mins from Portland
Very easy to do, not very high up but hike along water most of the time
Great for sunrise or sunset

2. Maiden Cliff Trail (EASY)
2 miles 734 feet elevation gain
2 hours from Portland
Beautiful small hike with Megunticook lake views at the summit

3. Bradbury Mountain Summit & Northern Loop Trail (EASY)
2.2 miles 305 feet elevation gain
35 mins from Portland
Great place for all skill levels and pets. An easy hike to get to a great view and have a picnic

4. Whitecap Mountain (MODERATE)
5.2 miles 1,578 feet elevation gain
1hr 30min from Portland
Steep to start and sweet to end with 360 views of mountains in the background

5. Tumbledown Mountain (HARD)
5.3 miles 1,952 feet elevation gain
2 hours from Portland
There is a "chimney" portion where you have to pull yourself up using metal rungs if you chose the loop trail. The peak leads to a charming pond and grand views

6. Pleasant Mountain (EASY)
3.3 miles 1,512 feel elevation gain
1hr from Portland
Trail can be buggy when the weather is warm, but there are beautiful views the whole way up, and is the tallest mountain in Southern Maine

7. South Moat Mountain (MODERATE)
5 miles 2,103 feet elevation gain
1hr 30min from Portland
Forest setting to start followed by panoramic views of surrounding ranges

8. Blueberry Mountain (Evans Notch) (MODERATE)
6.6 miles with 1502 feet elevation gain
1hr 30min from Portland
Can be a difficult trail to navigate as there are not many signs, but do your research and you will not be disappointed. Beautiful rivers and waterfalls along the hike to a beautiful summit

9. Bald Mountain (MODERATE)
2.3 miles 931 feet elevation gain
2 hours from Portland
Short but challenging passing over boulders. The top has an old fire tower with great views

10. Champney Brook Trail to Mt. Chocorua (MODERATE)
6.6 miles 2224 feet elevation gain
1hr 30min from Portland
Long cascading waterfall with many small pools to start. The summit sits along large boulders with full 360 views of mountains

What to wear:

• comfortable sneakers or hiking boots
• under layer that is water resistant or allows you to sweat and cool off easily
• Warm jacket for the summit

What to bring:

• backpack for the hike to carry
• water/drinks
• snacks/lunch

Other useful things to bring:

• sunscreen
• sunglasses

Fall Freshness

9/28/2018

There are so many fun things happening in our area this fall! Below is a list of some things coming up and an updated list of new restaurants that have opened up in our area recently.

Fryeburg Fair- September 30-October 7
Considered one of the best argricultural fairs in the US. Includes horse + ox pulling, calf + pig scrambles, cooking contests, flower shows, craft/art exhibits, sheepdog trails, tractor pulling, skillet throw and so much more. Check out the website for more information on all of the events.
http://www.fryeburgfair.org

Cheap Monday's at Bayside Bowl
$10/hr bowling games starting at 8pm
https://www.facebook.com/events/329349294299186/

 

20th Annual Freeport Fall Festival- October 5-7

• The 20th Annual Freeport Fall Festival is a town-wide celebration of 150 New England artists, crafters and Maine food producers. The event features three days of live music, games and kids activities. Admission, kids activities and parking are free! Festival grounds include L.L.Bean, Freeport Village Station, the green space at Key Bank and Memorial Park on Bow Street! https://freeportfallfestival.com

Portland Harvest Festival- October 7, 11am-5pm at Deering Oaks Park

• Come join for a time of food, live music and activities for the whole family! There will be artists and craftsmen, vendors and food trucks, as well!

Portland Yard Sale- October 14, 11am-4pm at Thompson's Point

• Portland Yard Sale is a community shop-for-a-cause event featuring goods from Maine-based shops, artisans, and restaurants. 100% of proceeds will go toward reuniting families that have been separated at the border through the organization RAICES. Bring your family! There will be a family photo booth, music, and food and drinks for sale from Eventide Oyster Co., Mr. Tuna, Brick South, Cultural Street Food and more! https://www.facebook.com/events/248019952569080/

2018 L.L. Bean Pumpkin Festival- October 20, 12pm-8pm

• A Maine tradition since 2003, the L.L. Bean Pumpkin Festival to benefit Camp Sunshine at Sebago Lake transforms the streets of Freeport and L.L. Bean Flagship Campus into a sea of orange. Join us as we light nearly 10,000 jack-o-lanterns around Freeport.All activities are free of charge! https://www.facebook.com/events/326430338110821/

The Great Pumpkin Hunt at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens- October 20, 1-3:30pm

• During this free event, intrepid explorers can search for golden pumpkins hidden throughout the central gardens—those who unearth the prize gourds will be rewarded with family memberships, guest passes, Gardens Aglow tickets, or gift cards to the Gardenshop. The Hunt begins at 1 p.m. and will continue until all the pumpkins have been found. Have a creative streak? Choose the perfect pumpkin to decorate and take home to grace your own seasonal decor. Take part in games like the Harvest Toss, the Metamorphosis Relay, the Pumpkin Broom Race, or Scarecrow Bingo, and children 12 and under will receive a stamp for each game played. Collect four stamps, and collect a prize. Finish the day with festive fiddle music and a seasonal snack of fragrant kettle corn. https://www.facebook.com/events/2124122921187860/

New Restaurants/Shops:

• Roots Café- 20 School St. Westbrook
  • Newly opened café has fresh, from-scratch dishes with organic and locally sourced ingredients, like crepes, soups and salads. This tempting cheesecake has an Oreo base and is topped with smooth ganache. They've got lots of gluten free items too!

• The Cheese Shop of Portland- 93 Washington Ave
  • A specialty cheese shop with lots of other goodies like cured meats, pasta, olive oils, packaged foods and grab& go sandwiches.

• Forage Market- 123 Washington Ave
  • Hand rolled bagels baked in a wood-fire oven, sandwiches, pastries- all in a beautiful new location in Portland.

• Bob's Clam Hut- 111 Cumberland Ave
  • A casual comfort seafood and burger spot with Oxbow and Allagash on tap. Keep an eye on their Instagram for specials- like their recent Wednesday special of $3 burgers, $4 special burgers and $10 lobster rolls!

• Pizzarino- 505 Fore St.
  • Authentic Italian pizzeria (unsliced pizzas) with typical Italian cocktails, beer and wine from Italy and Maine. Try the arancino (fried ball of saffron risotto), gnocchi, and Italian desserts!

• Lio Restaurant- 3 Spring St.
  • Feeling fancy? Chef Cara Stadler's long-awaited Old Port project opened in June, with a modern European menu and extensive wine selection. Try their housemade pastas and entrees like butter-poached lobster and lamb with mint and a roasted pepper jus. Don't skip dessert—the dishes are as meticulously crafted as the wine list.

ASDA Wellness Challenge

8/28/2018

This month's ASDA Wellness Challenge is to build your network!
Networking is an important part of personal and professional/occupational well being and good habits. Sign up for the challenge on ASDA's Facebook page (and post your start and completion dates) or visit https://www.asdanet.org/index/dental-student-resources/health-and-wellness/wellness-challenges to learn more about ASDA's 5 dimensions of wellness and this month's challenge.

Occupational wellness is about finding richness and contentment in your chosen career. But it's more than just "liking your job." It involves a healthy mix of work-life balance, enthusiasm for lifelong learning and managing professional relationships.

It's important to start making connections while you're in dental school (or earlier, if you're still a predental). Meeting faculty members, practicing dentists in your area and more-senior dental students will help you start building your professional community. While the idea of approaching a stranger may seem intimidating, remember that the professionals around you want you to succeed and are often willing to help you do that. You never know when someone you meet at a conference or networking event this year will help you get your foot in the door for your dream job five years down the road.

Start small: attend a professional networking event and approach someone you don't know. Choose an event at your school or with an association you're interested in (e.g. dental specialty or state dental association), and introduce yourself to at least one person who's more senior than you. Share your career aspirations, or ask them for some advice. You'll be taking the first step toward establishing professional relationships, the kind that will help you find satisfaction in your chosen occupation.

For networking help, read these stories from Mouthing Off:
• Top 5 networking tips for introverts
• Never miss a networking opportunity
• Networking as a predental student

Next steps:
• RSVP to our challenge event on Facebook.
• Attend a dentistry-related event and approach someone more senior than you. Introduce yourself, share a career goal you have or ask them their favorite thing about dentistry.
Share your experiences on social media with #BeWellASDA.

Lastly, check out some local networking opportunities:

• http://www.portlandgreendrinks.com - Portland Greendrinks is part of the international Greendrinks network — an informal, volunteer-managed social networking group built around a common interest in the natural environment. It occurs on the second Tuesday of every month, starting at 5:30 pm. The goal of Greendrinks is pretty simple: good times shared among people working in, or interested in, environmental and sustainability issues.
• http://www.nonprofitmaine.org/about-us/our-mission-vision/ - The Maine Association of Nonprofits provides resources and education for Maine Non-Profits. Members include non profits from many sectors such as Community Dental, Oasis Free Clinics, the Maine Academy of Pediatrics, and the Maine Public Health Association. The mission of the MANP is to enrich the quality of community and personal life in Maine by strengthening the leadership, voice, and organizational effectiveness of our state's nonprofits… helping non profits help maine.
• https://www.mainewomensnetwork.com - The Maine Women's Network is a statewide nonprofit organization with multiple chapters, including Androscoggin, Midcoast, and Portland that strives to increase women's professional growth and leadership skills through networking and education. Through monthly chapter meetings, statewide events and other programming, Maine Women's Network represents and supports hundreds of women in business across the state.
• http://www.propelportland.org - PROPEL is changing the rules for young people in Maine by helping them connect both on and offline. Tailored programming, strategic partners, and an expansive network defines PROPEL. In partnership with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, PROPEL strives to enrich Maine's economy by developing an environment and culture where young professionals can thrive in Maine's growing business community. Networking opportunities allow young people to build high quality business and social networks quickly and efficiently in Maine. They also help young employees grow in their careers through peer-to-peer feedback, real world experiential learning, community engagement and formal training programs in partnership with local education leaders.
• http://mainenetworkinggroup.com - Meeting Every 1st Wednesday of the Month @ 275 Read St, Portland, ME 04103
• http://www.portlandregion.com - Your local Chamber of Commerce
• https://portlandme.score.org - SCORE, the nation's largest volunteer business mentoring service, is a nonprofit association dedicated to providing mentoring to individuals in business, or to those thinking about starting a business. Portland Score is a network of over 60 volunteer professionals who will listen to your business challenges, analyze opportunities and offer business coaching, for free! Conveniently located in downtown Portland, SCORE offers free, confidential small business mentorship and workshops. If you are interested in meeting with a Certified Mentor, request a meeting online or call 207-772-1147 or check out their regularly updated workshop calendar.

Happy networking!
~UNE ASDA

Summer Fun (that's mostly free)

6/29/2018

• Outdoor movies in Congress Square Sunday nights at dusk (8pm) – FREE
  • https://www.portlandsummerfilms.com
• Other events in Congress Square:
  • Pianos in the square: Colorful, painted pianos will be available for all to play and enjoy in Monument Square, Congress Square, Longfellow Square and Bramhall Square throughout the month of July.
  • Play Kiosk Open Hours: Calling all game lovers! Friends of Congress Square Park's new "Play Kiosk" is open! An opportunity for folks of all ages to enjoy technology-free fun together in a greened space, we have everything from board games to recreational items for your free use through an easy check out process.
  • Free concerts, silent book hour, plays and more- see their calendar for more information:
  • http://congresssquarepark.org/events/
• Outdoor movies on the rooftop at Bayside Bowl- FREE

• Other Bayside Bowl events- FREE:
  • Monday nights- Rooftop Beats
  • Tuesday nights- Rooftop Concert Series
  • More events and details can be found on their calendar:
    • https://www.baysidebowl.com/music-events/

• Outdoor movies at Bug Light Park- FREE
  • http://wjbq.com/2018-bug-light-park-summer-movie-series-is-back/

• LL Bean summer in the park series- FREE
  • https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/513045

• Thompson's Point Sunsets on the Point- FREE
  • 4pm until sunset!
  • Food Trucks, Beer, Wine, Cocktails and Lawn Games at the end of the Point by Portland Trails Park / the Depot every Thursday night from 4pm - sunset this summer!
  • https://www.facebook.com/events/856897074501042/

• Drive in movies: Saco and Windham
  • Saco: https://thesacodrivein.com
  • Windham: https://www.facebook.com/PridesCornerDriveIn/

• Concerts at Thompson's Point
  • https://www.facebook.com/pg/tpointmaine/events/?ref=page_internal

Patio Living

6/1/2018

Summer is here! Now that the weather is warm and we're done hibernating, many of us want to spend as much time enjoying the sunshine as we can when not in clinic. Thankfully, Portland and other nearby towns have lots of options for us. This list includes Portland, South Portland and a couple of places in Yarmouth, but I encourage you to check out many of the other coast towns we're lucky enough to live near! Feel free to reach out and ask for other recommendations if you're curious.
Portland:

• The rooftop at Bayside Bowl: this rooftop is not only a pretty place to spend a summer

evening, but they serve tacos, good drinks and have weekly outdoor movie showings
and live music.

• Novare Res Bier Café: a seemingly hidden spot with a huge beer list and great outdoor

patio with games like corn hole.

• The Treehouse- right on Steven's Ave, this spot has a huge outdoor deck that makes

you feel like you're in a woodland fantasy.

• Portland Lobster Co.: with a deck that stretches out over the water and live music

almost every day, this spot is a classic Portland summer destination.

• Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room: large decks on two floors and an outdoor bar on

the waterfront.

• Bramhall: little known fact is that this hidden bar has a patio out back!
• Dogfish Bar and Grill: hang out on this second level patio and watch the busy steet

below.

• El Rayo: enjoy tacos and margaritas out on the back deck.
• Eve's at the Garden: a hidden spot in the central garden court of the Portland Harbor

Hotel

• Great Lost Bear: grab some beer and comfort food outside on the patio and enjoy live

music

• Porthole: a bustling spot on the water with a massive deck, cheap beer and live music.
• Silly's: enjoy their famous brunch outside on the back patio
• The Thirsty Pig: enjoy the ivy-covered wall along with your beer and bratwurst.
• Timbre Steakhouse & Rotisserie: There's a whiskey barrel fence to keep you ensconced

in your own private hideway. There's also plenty of tables with umbrellas so you'll be
made in the shade as you hang by the fire put or snag one of the couches.

• Yosaku: this little garden feels like an incredible hideway
• Maine Craft Distilling: this outdoor patio has custom built furniture, a charming awning

and outdoor herb garden in addition to great drinks.

• The Shop: located right next to Maine Craft Distilling, enjoy caviar and $1.50 oysters

out on their deck.

• Liquid Riot: the back deck of Liquid Riot is completely hidden from insanely busy

Commercial Street and faces a pier with working fishing boats.

South Portland:

• Saltwater Grill: on the water overlooking sunset marina.
• North 43 Bistro: right on the water overlooking the marina
• Elsmere BBQ: Really good chicken wings- everything is cooked over a wood-fire (not

deep fried). Their cornbread has real corn in it!

• 158 Pickett St Café: back patio garden area- near spring point lighthouse so either stop

and get a bagel before you head over, or take your food to go for a picnic at the
lighthouse!

• Easy Day: Inside there's bowling, outside there's a big patio with firepit tables and a view of the Portland skyline.

Falmouth:

• The Dockside Grill- This waterfront place has garage-door walls that open on warm

days and an outdoor bar

• Foreside Tavern and Side Bar- A lovely secret garden on Route 1.

ASDA BALL 2018

5/13/2018

Maine Maple Sunday

3/23/2018

This Sunday is the 35th annual Maine Maple Sunday! Most sugarhouses offer free maple syrup samples and demonstrations on how pure Maine maple syrup is made. Many farms offer pancake breakfasts, games, activities, treats, sugarbush tours, music, and so much more. Visit Maine sugarhouses to observe the process of Maple Syrup being produced. There is a Maple Sunday Map for participating Sugar houses, and listed below are some of the sugar houses closer to our area.
http://mainemapleproducers.com/about-maine-maple-sunday/

If you don't feel like leaving Portland this weekend, there are plenty of maple-centered events happening around here too!

• East Ender & Foundation Brewing Co. are teaming up to serve perfectly paired maple-focused food & beer specials all weekend long starting at 5 pm https://www.facebook.com/events/251291652080784/

• The official party for Lone Pine's Maple Sunday beer, created in partnership with the Maine Maple Producers, will be at the Little Tap House starting at 11 am with brunch food pairings. https://www.facebook.com/events/158025405014138/

Where to go around Windham/Gorham:

• Coopers Maple Products (25 Chute Rd is one way traffic- enter from River Rd): Maple syrup demonstrations all day- see trees tapped and sample syrup on ice cream. Take a walking tour of the farm- visit the 28 minature horses, beef cattle, peacocks, pheasants and chickens. Maple syrup, candy, maple coated nuts and maple lollipos for sale. Hours: March 24 & 25, 10am-5pm. March 25th pancake breakfast 9am-2pm on Maine Maple Sunday.

• Nash Valley Farm (79 Nash Rd, Windham): The sugarhouse will be in full swing and will be serving warm maple syrup on ice cream. The country store offers cotton candy and many other delicious treats. Come visit the cows too! Maple products available self-serve all year. Hours: March 24 (noon-4pm), March 25 (9am-4pm).

• Merrifield Farm (195 N Gorham Rd. Gorham):Watch the boiling process, blacksmith working, antiques on display, 4-H Brass Knob Club giving cart rides, music, self-guided barn tour, play area for children an da 1900's ice house. Pancake breakfast (outside), maple syrup, candy, maple cotton candy, maple soft serve ice cream, smoked cheese, maple cream and more available for purchase. Hours: March 24 & 25, 9am-4pm.

• Joe's Sugar House (443 Sebago Lake Rd Gorham): Tour a tiber frame sugarhouse with wood fired evaporator. Blueberry pancake breakfast 9am till they run out. Grass fed beef burgers noon-4pm. Sample maple fudge, whoopee pies, candy, cotton candy and ice cream with maple syrup. Farm tours and sugarbush tours available Hours: March 25 9am-4pm

• Parson's Maple Products (322 Buck St, Gorham): SAP boiler will be running all day for maple syrup making demonstrations. Pancake breakfast with fresh mdae syrup served 8am-noon. Free samples of syrup over ice cream. Maple products for sale and sugarbush tours available. Hours: March 25 7am-5pm.

Where to go further south/ Saco area:

• Cole's Family Farm (588 River Rd, Dayton): Open house March 25 8am-noon being done in combination with open house at Andy's Agway. Pancake breakfast at the sugarhouse will be 8am-noon. A time to learn about "sugaring" & maple on ice cream. Andy's Agway is located on Cole Farm Road Dayton, ME.

• Harris Farm (280 Buzzell Rd, Dayton): Pancake breakfast made with homemade whole wheat recipe. Maple donuts, candies, syrup, horse drawn wagon/sleigh rides and Dairy store. Sugarhouse open for vieweing and sugarbush tours. March 24-15 8am-2pm.

• Douston Maple and Honey (251 Old Alfred Rd, Arundel): The sugar House will be open, tour the sugarbush, free samples of syraup and maple goodies available for purchase.

Feel Good Winter

2/16/2018

Many of us are still on that healthy life trend from January or are wanting to get back on track after indulging for Valentine's Day, but also want to enjoy ourselves and maybe get some comfort food without feeling guilty. Here are some options for having a feel good winter without as much of the guilt, as well as some Portland-area food delivery services. Portland has a little something for everyone, whether you're in full hibernation mode or not!

If you're feeling the juice/smoothie vibe:

• Blake Orchard Juicery (19 Exchange St): They have the best and prettiest smoothie bowls, fresh pressed juice and recently started serving up gluten free and vegan soups.

• Maine Squeeze Juice Cafe (multiple locations): You can grab one of their many juice or smoothie options at lots of places around town, so convenient.
• Flying Fox Juice Bar (98 Washington Ave): Spend a colorful morning or afternoon here with juice, smoothies, coffee or tea on Munjoy Hill.
• Portland Pulp (116 Free St): This little space is the perfect stop when you're running errands downtown and need a quick juice, smoothie or salad pick-me-up.

Grab a Healthy Bite:

• LB Kitchen (249 Congress St): Get some creative and healthy comfort food- think comforting bowls for breakfast and lunch.
• B. Good (15 Exchange St): This place feels like a much higher quality 5 Guys with counter order style and casual seating. You can still get a burger if that's what you'd like, but all of the ingredients are locally sourced with a list of the local farms they use for everything on the wall. They also offer amazing grain bowls, salads and smoothies, so this is the best of all worlds!
• Daily Greens (28 Monument Sq.): Located on the second floor of the Public Market, this salad place is not only delicious but incredibly filling and made fast. And it's in the same area as one of the Maine Squeeze Juice Cafes, so you can grab a juice to go with your salad.
• Local Sprouts Cafe (649 Congress St): A cozy breakfast and lunch place that has vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options as well as kombucha on tap. They also host a bunch of local music events and performances.
• The Green Elephant (608 Congress St): A Vegetarian/Vegan Asian Fusion restaurant that will make you feel cozy while eating lighter.
• Bam Bam Bakery (267 Commercial St): A gluten free bakery- not necessarily healthy since there's still the goodness of sugar and butter, but we can pretend it's a little healthier!

And for those of you who may still want to enjoy eating from your favorite places without leaving the comfort of your couch, here are some takeout delivery services that will help!

• 2 Dine In: https://www.2dinein.com/restaurants

• Greater Portland Takeout Online: http://gptoonline.com

Fun/active things to do:

• 33 Elmwood: This space has it all- lanes to play bocce, cornhole, bowling (candlepin and regular), as well as a bar and restaurant area!
• Great Maine Outdoor Weekend (Feb 9-19): This is a series of events led by outdoor oriented organizations and companies to celebrate the how, where and what of being active outside in Maine. Their goal is to connect friends and neighbors with the natural world, to promote fun, physical activity and good health. Traditionally just a weekend, this year you can enjoy the event for a full week! See the list of events happening near you here: https://www.greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org/events/
• Maine Audubon Winter Carnival (Feb 17th 10am-2pm at Gilsland Farm- free for Audubon members, $7 for non-members): Join Maine Audubon for a celebration of winter weather and wildlife made possible by L.L. Bean! Learn, create, and play at a variety of indoor and outdoor activity stations, including a winter wildlife touch table, giant snow shelter, scavenger hunt, tracking activities, snow science and art, face painting, snowshoeing with L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School, and more! Matt Loosigian of Earth Jams will play two interactive concerts at 11am and 12:30pm, and you can fuel up with treats and eats from The Marshmallow Cart, Mashed in Maine, and bird-friendly coffee samples courtesy of the Nature Store.
• Ice Skating:
  • Thompson's point: Monday's are BOGO for tickets and Thursdays are college night where admission + rentals are only $7!
  • William B. Troubh Ice Arena (Indoor)- 225 Park Avenue, Portland, MaineOpen seven days a week, this indoor rink (formerly the Portland Ice Arena) offers a busy schedule of public ice skating sessions. 207-774-8553
  • Breakwater School Pond- Capisic Street, Portland, Maine. Open December through February, conditions permitting. 207-772-8689
  • Deering Oaks Park Pond- State Street and Park Avenue, Portland, Maine. Usually open December through February during normal park hours. 207-756-8275 or 207-874-8801.
  • Payson Park- 755 Baxter Boulevard, Portland, Maine. Open December through February. 207-756-8275
  • Presumpscot Park- Ludlow Street, Portland, Maine. Open December through February, conditions permitting.
• Cross country skiing or snow-shoeing: You can borrow snow shoes at Finley Rec! Portland has two locations within 10 miles of downtown that offer Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.
  • The Gilsland Farm Audubon Center is a 65-acre nature preserve with 2.5 miles of walking trails that become snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails when the snow falls.
  • Smiling Hill Farm, less than five miles from the Portland airport, is a working dairy farm with more than 12 miles of groomed trails for both traditional Nordic and freestyle skiing.

 

Getting in the Holiday Spirit- Portland Style

11/30/2017

 

As we gear up for finals, don't forget to take a break and start getting into the Holiday spirit! Here's a list of events happening around Portland in the next couple of weeks- check them out and give yourself some stress relief while getting festive.

All of November & December 2017
Holiday Window Display Contest
Feast your eyes on the gorgeous displays and vote for your favorite!
https://www.portlandmaine.com/holiday-window-display-contest/

November 24 - December 17 (Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only)
Horse & Wagon Rides
Enjoy free rides on a horse-drawn carriage throughout enchanting Downtown Portland. Pick up and drop off every half hour in Monument Square. Hours: Fridays 4-8pm, Saturdays 2-6pm, Sundays 1-5pm
https://www.portlandmaine.com/horse-wagon-rides/

2-2pm: Elfternoon Lunchtime Shopping
Enjoy free lunch & snacks while you shop downtown at participating shops, listed on the website.
https://www.portlandmaine.com/elfternoon-lunchtime-shopping/

Friday, Dec 1

2pm-11 Vena's Holiday Parlor
Check out Vena's Holiday Parlor: December 1st from 2 pm-11 pm, December 2nd 11am- 11pm and December 3rd from 2 pm-9pm. Enjoy vintage cocktailware, local art, Vena's Hot Toddies & Cocktail Infusion Kits, & live music for the warmest way to celebrate the season – Vena's Style! Electric Flora will be on hand with fresh floral designs in vintage cocktail glassware – perfect hostess gift!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1981754858737672/

5-8pm First Friday Art Walk -- Managed by Creative Portland
Enjoy shopping, art exhibitions and live performances.
http://www.creativeportland.com/first-friday-art-walk-new

5-9pm 2017 MECA Holiday Sale & #MECAmade showcase
The juried 2017 Holiday Sale will include over 50 alumni vendors, selling handmade
ceramics, jewelry, furniture, prints, and textiles. Student vendors include the Printmaking, Illustration, Metalsmithing & Jewelry, and Drawing departments. Admission is free! Happening Dec 1st 5-9pm and Dec 2nd 10am-5pm. https://www.meca.edu/article/holiday-sale-mecamade/

5:30pm Kennebunkport tree lighting ceremony in Dock Square
https://www.facebook.com/events/1704306569640952/

7pm Lobster Trap Tree Lighting in Kennebunkport
https://www.facebook.com/events/365225580604743/

Saturday, Dec 2
4pm-1am Portland Santacon X
Tenth annual Santacon Portland, ME! Come dress up with hundreds Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Rudolphs, Missletoes, Christmas trees, Abominable Snowmen, Leg Lamps, Yukon Corneliui, and "Anthony Weiner-in-a-Box" Elves joining the Santarchy! They'll be spreading holiday "cheers" and "ho ho hos" to Santa's favorite Old Port watering holes! They'll also be collecting donations for Family Crisis Services, a domestic violence support and prevention agency in Portland.
https://www.facebook.com/events/367721687001335/

Thursday, December 7
4-10pm Merry Madness
Shop 'til you drop! Get your Merry Madness wine glass, then shop downtown 'til 10pm!
https://www.portlandmaine.com/merry-madness/

Friday, December 8
4-8pm 5th Annual RWS Holiday POP UP SHOP & Open Studios
Held at Running With Scissors Studios (250 Anderson Street), Dec 8th 4-8pm and Dec 9th 10am-4pm. Shop in a wonderful studio environment filled with locally made art works and fine crafts by resident RWS artists and invited guest artists while sampling local brews, and food. Over 40 Studio artists will OPEN their studios in our 16,000 sq makers space. Filled with jewelry, ceramics, paintings, prints, textiles, photographs, gifts and home keepsakes, this is THE holiday one stop shop
https://www.rwsartstudios.com/single-post/2017/11/13/5th-Annual-RWS-Holiday-POP-UP-Open-Studios-SALES

Saturday, Dec 9
6pm Ugly Sweater Crawl ($25-30)
The 1st annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl is here and we want the city of Portland to join in on the fun. Get that Goodwill sweater, find those tacky holiday pants, and get ready to jingle bell ROCK!
Ticket Includes:
•Signature Ugly Sweater T-Shirt (available at last bar)
•Registration party to kick off the crawl
•Exclusive Drink and Food specials at participating bars
•Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl Lanyard for bar and giveaway access
•Holiday music rocking at each participating bar
•Hundreds of crawlers dressed in the ugliest holiday gear
•More giveaways to come!
https://www.facebook.com/events/225422771308801/

Saturday, Dec 16 & 17
10am Holiday edition- Vintage Bazaar New England (Thompson's Point)
85 talented vendors, spread inside a historic 25,000sqft brick industrial building, will offer thoughtfully decorated and curated booths with exceptional vintage treasures, holiday treats, upcycled salvage styles and unique handmade gifts. Join in the merriment as VBNE Holiday Edition kicks off Saturday, December 16th from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, December 17th from 10am to 4pm. General Admission is $10 and Early Bird/Weekend Passes $15. (order your tickets online for discount ticket rates of $8 and $13)
https://www.facebook.com/events/2074876246064990/

For more events happening around Portland check out: https://www.portlandmaine.com/events-downtown/