by Carey Kish A wealth of Maine mountaintops not too far from home offer panoramic vistas with minimal trail mileage and physical effort, perfect for hikers looking to get outdoors for just a few hours. Here’s a sampler of ten summit hikes, fun and rewarding walk-ups that each require an hour or less to reach…
There is no shortage of winter activities in Maine, and cross-country skiing is one that the whole family can enjoy. Gliding across fresh snow is peaceful, energizing, and easy on the planet. Plus, there are hundreds of trails to explore across the state. From groomed trails at one of the many ski centers to hidden…
Avery Yale-Kamila Whether a rural homestead or a tiny urban lot, the most attractive gardens and landscapes buzz with bees, butterflies, birds and other pollinators. Creating a landscape inviting to pollinators adds interest and action while providing a much-needed lifeline to critical species struggling to survive. It’s something all of us can do to help…
Looking for a good read? We turned to our friends at Royal River Books in Yarmouth and Longfellow Books in Portland for their top picks on books about living with compassion for the planet—and they delivered. Here’s a list of recommendations to keep you pondering deeply, laughing frequently, eating superbly, and above all reading—and living…
By Bob Keyes AS A CHILD, Nisa Smiley traveled once a year from her home in Vermont to Deer Isle for a family vacation. The weeks and days leading up to packing the car and driving over the mountains to the Maine coast were filled with anticipation and excitement. “‘The Little Mermaid’ was my favorite…
By Tim King WHEN IT COMES to the great outdoors, to paraphrase writer Aldous Huxley, there is the known, there is the unknown…and in between, there are Maine Guides. Since the days of Squanto and the Pilgrims, Sacajawea and Lewis and Clark, those wishing to find safe passage in and out of the wild places…
By Carey Kish ACADIA NATIONAL PARK marks the centennial of its founding this year with a big celebration highlighting a century of conservation and stewardship, and this summer and fall is prime time for actively exploring the beauty, history and culture of the park and its surroundings on foot, by bike, canoe, kayak or boat.…
To celebrate 10th anniversary of the SunriseGuide, we wanted to shine a light on Mainers who are creating real change in their communities. Their efforts have resulted in significant advances in the areas of sustainability, environmental health and wellness in Maine over the past ten years. These champions work tirelessly—often under the radar—improving access to…
By Bob Keyes In Maine, sculpture gardens and sculpture tours have become a popular way to see a variety of work, often grand in scale and made from Maine’s natural ingredients: granite, basalt, marble and wood, and also from forged steel, cast iron, bronze and found objects. Outdoor art interacts with the weather and the natural…
By Jennifer Hazard Parents should never hear the words, “I’m bored,” during vacation in Maine. To help, this simple list gives you plenty of day trip ideas for summer into early fall. From scenic hikes and butterfly gardens, to historic theaters and creative play spaces, you’ll discover there is no shortage of family-friendly places to…