11/07/2009
Giving Thanks for a Special Acadia
We are thankful for the visitors requiring our lodging and leaving us with good thoughts of Acadia and Bar Harbor. Somehow when the wind starts to blow the yellow and russet leaves off the trees, I’m comforted by the thought of the bounty of food and local products that are tucked away for winter in New England.
I’ve also just returned from a Halloween wedding, and a new baby in the family. Times to remember with handmade gifts from New England. If you are like me, I search while on trips for something special to remember the places I’ve been. Sometimes it’s from nature, like the osage oranges on my counter. Often it’s a handmade gift from Maine. I was fortunate to find a handmade baby blanket for my new grandneice at Swans Island Blanket in Northport Maine. Something that will be treasured and handed down for generations. The sheep are raised on islands just off MDI and the wool processed right here. Hand loomed in Northport, with natural colors and dyes, the blankets remind me that you too may be interested in what you can bring back from your visit to New England.
New England, famous for its work ethic and pride in craftsmanship has many treasures for you to find and take back home with you. Swell company in Parsonsfield Maine makes wool stockings, beeswax candles from 2 Note Botanical Perfumery in Portland, Linen towels from Hallowell Maine, Brahms/Mount Towels, a classic shave set from Prospect Harbor Soap Co.
But what really makes the season special and a local secret is the many many local craft shows that happen each and every weekend. Local folks, selling handmade goods for the holidays. It fills the day with small delights. While some might prefer a shopping expedition to the big city for the holidays, I like visits to out of the way halls and gyms to search for handmade items that can be enjoyed just because they are unique. Last year I found a local knitter at the Lamoine craft fair to knit a special replacement hat for someone who lost their favorite. There is a Maine Craft Fair in Bangor this weekend, one of the many to follow. In Ellsworth next weekend— The Gifted Hand Fine Art, Craft and Gift Show is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13, and Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Holiday Inn in Ellsworth.
This is the first year we have opened our lodging during the winter months, and we have 4 groups of folks coming so far. Whether for family, business or just a quiet get-a-way, you can have a good time around the fire in any season here in Maine.
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Filed under Acadia, Good Food, Lamoine, Quality of life by on Nov 7th, 2009.
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