Our Lucky Catch: Lobstering in Portland, Maine

Living in Maine, lobster is just part of life, but until now, we had never actually gone out on a lobster boat to see how it’s done. So this summer, we decided to change that and booked a trip with Lucky Catch Cruises in Portland’s Old Port. It turned out to be the kind of day that reminded us why Maine summers are so special.

We hopped on board, donned the official orange aprons, and got right to work. The crew showed us how to haul the traps up from the bottom of the bay, swap out the bait bags, and measure each lobster to see if it was a keeper. In Maine, the rules are strict: if it’s too small or too big, it goes back. And if you find a female with eggs (we saw one loaded with them), she gets notched and released forever to keep the population healthy.

Between traps, the boat cruised past Seal Island, where we spotted at least seven seals lounging on the rocks, and we even passed an old fort. It was the perfect Maine summer backdrop.

The highlight came when we each got to pick a lobster from the traps to bring next door to Portland Lobster Company, where they cooked them up for our lunch. Talk about fresh...straight from the trap to the plate. I went classic with corn on the cob and fries, while my husband chose a baked potato with his lobster. I managed the claws and legs like a pro, but I’ll admit I needed a little help with the body. It was absolutely delicious. And while most people swoon over lobster rolls, I’ll stick with the whole lobster every time.

Nothing says summer in Maine like sitting by the water with lobster, corn, and the salty breeze in the air. This was one of those days where you think, “Yes, this is exactly what Maine should feel like.”

A Summer Night at Maine’s Only Water Ski Show

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind summer night in southern Maine, I’ve got a new favorite to add to your list. On one of the hottest days this summer, we headed up to Sanford to catch the Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team, the only water ski show team in the entire state. 

They perform for free every Thursday in July at Number One Pond, and while we took the advice to get there early, so did everyone else. We just barely snagged a parking spot and a seat on the wall lining the pond. That seating area is probably the length of a football field, with a center platform for the announcer and show performers. At the far end is the main dock where the skiers launch, prep, and perform some of the larger dance routines.

We brought a blanket from home and picked up sandwiches from Ceres Bakery in Portsmouth to enjoy while we waited for the show to start. There was a nice breeze and the trees lining the pond helped block the sun, making it surprisingly comfortable. A food truck was parked near the main stage if you wanted to grab something on the spot.

The pre-show began 30 minutes before the main event and featured local talent of all ages. One highlight was a dad and his three year old daughter pulling off some impressive strength poses right there in the water.

Then the main show began and it truly transformed the pond into a stage. Skiers flipped, swiveled, and even “barefooted” across the water. There were pyramids of 12 people (yes, 12), including an all-female pyramid, and synchronized dance routines on two massive floating platforms.

The theme this summer? A tongue-in-cheek “Water Skiing with the Stars” competition, complete with Mario, McDreamy, Karen the Real Housewife, and a sparkly Taylor Swift all vying for the coveted buoy ball trophy. The costumes were colorful, glittery, and full of character.

It was funny, impressive, and so different from your typical Thursday night. If you’re local or visiting Maine in July, I highly recommend checking it out. Bring a blanket, a picnic, some bug spray, and your sense of adventure.

A Summer Day Date: Perkins Cove Charm and Ogunquit Playhouse Magic

One of my favorite things about summer in Maine is getting the chance to slow down and explore somewhere new. My husband and I finally made it to the historic Ogunquit Playhouse for the first time, and we paired it with a picture-perfect lunch in Perkins Cove for a full summer day date.

We picked a classic for our first show at the Playhouse: Guys & Dolls. But before curtain time, we made our way to Perkins Cove for lunch. I had read about Jackie’s Too, a waterfront spot with amazing views, which is always my favorite. Even though it was a little overcast and chilly for late June, we scored a great table with a front-row seat to the harbor. I ordered a chicken Caesar salad, and my husband went for the eggplant sandwich. Both hit the spot.

After lunch, we wandered around Perkins Cove and popped into a few local shops. We found some sweet treats at Perkins Cove Candies to bring with us on our upcoming trip to Cincinnati. We also strolled over the footbridge, which doubles as a hand-operated drawbridge. Yes, someone actually has to be available and willing to open it manually, which is kind of amazing. We lucked out and got to see it in action.

And of course, there was ice cream. I went with Raspberry Mint Chip and my husband chose Chocolate Brownie. We grabbed a bench by the water and watched the boats come and go while enjoying our scoops. Simple and perfect.

From there, it was just a short drive to the Ogunquit Playhouse, a beloved coastal landmark with a lot of character. If you're a veteran, there’s even a special parking lot right near the entrance, which made getting in and out so easy. We arrived early enough to check out the Gazebo Bar and the Patio Bar before the show. Both were lively and inviting. We ended up sharing a table with a lovely woman from Kennebunk and her sister, and had a great conversation while waiting for the doors to open.

Our seats were in the very back, but the view was just fine, even after everyone was seated. Neither of us had ever seen Guys & Dolls before, but it delivered exactly what we expected - a fun, romantic comedy with a bit of nostalgia. Not going to lie, the first act was long, and we both felt a little sleepy. But a stretch during intermission and a quick restroom break helped me reset, and the second act flew by.

Would we go again? Absolutely. Between the coastal charm of Perkins Cove and the classic Maine theater experience at Ogunquit Playhouse, it was a day date worth repeating.

Anniversary Road Trip to Bar Harbor

Every year, my husband and I celebrate our anniversary with a new adventure, and this year we decided to road trip up to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We’ve lived in Maine for two years but hadn’t ventured to the northern part of the state. So, we packed up and hit the road to Down East, taking the scenic Route 1, also known as the Atlantic Highway, which stretches all the way down to Key West -> next adventure??? Haha.

We love turning the journey into part of the adventure and driving on a Thursday made travel easy with fewer people on the road. Our first stop was Old Orchard Beach to see the Pier, but it was closed for the season. Lucky for us, we found a great breakfast spot at Lazy Day’s Restaurant. 

Next, we stopped in Brunswick to stretch our legs on the Androscoggin Swinging Bridge. 

In Woolwich, we enjoyed an afternoon drink at the bar at Taste of Maine and got a fun picture with Larry the Lobster - a 12-foot inflatable lobster that sits atop the restaurant.

In Rockland, we walked the nearly one-mile Breakwater to the lighthouse, enjoying the ocean views along the way.

Friday: Acadia National Park Adventures

We woke up early on Friday and caught a beautiful sunrise right from our hotel balcony—a peaceful way to start the day before heading out to Acadia National Park. 

We spent the day hiking, starting with the Ocean Trail, and even though it was a foggy day, we still had amazing views of Sands Beach, Thunder Hole and Otter Point. 

Although the summit of Cadillac Mountain was so foggy we couldn’t really see the water, the hike was still refreshing and worth it. We even enjoyed a donut snack on the top.

We returned Saturday morning to see the foliage around Jordan Pond. It was in full fall bloom, adding to the beauty of the morning.

Exploring Bar Harbor: Seafood, Shopping & More

Friday after hiking, we had an incredible lunch at Galyn’s downtown (their crab cakes and seafood linguini are a must-try). 

We devoured the charcuterie board at Paddy's Irish Pub to get our dinner started. 

I had my very first lobster roll, paired with some delicious clam chowder to share at West Street Café - a fun and cozy spot with a great atmosphere.

Saturday morning, before heading home, we enjoyed breakfast at the iconic Great Maine Breakfast, where the gluten-free blueberry pancakes were out of this world! 

Afterward, we explored the town a bit more, shopping at A Little Mad, a quirky shop with unique gifts, and walking along the Shore Path. 

We also made it out to Bar Island, walking the Sandbar—a land bridge that only appears during low tide.

The Journey Home: Wrapping Up the Adventure

On the way back Saturday, we made a few more stops. We walked the Harbor Walk and Footbridge in Belfast, taking in the beautiful coastal views, and then stopped in Camden for some final shopping and a delicious lunch at Sea Dog Brewing Company.

The Dogs:

In case you were wondering, we leave the dogs at home with a dog walker. She checks in on them 4 times a day and they absolutely love her. We know because she send us pics from her visits. 

Another Adventure for the Books

We love traveling to new places and trying new things, and this trip to Bar Harbor ranks up there with some of our favorite adventures, like Maui and Mt. Washington. The blend of coastal beauty, outdoor activities, and amazing food made it a perfect anniversary celebration.

If you’re ever in Maine or planning a trip to Bar Harbor, definitely consider taking Route 1 for some great scenic stops along the way. 

What’s your favorite place to explore for a special occasion? Let me know in the comments!

Wiggly Bridge & Steedman Woods

We are always in search of a new trail adventure especially one that is dog friendly now that we have two amazing dogs. Our most recent adventure was right in our neck of the woods -> Wiggly Bridge & Steedman Woods. 

You can see Wiggly Bridge from Route 1A when you're heading to York Beach, which is when it first caught my interest. It's actually part of the Fisherman's Walk that starts close to York Harbor Beach. We didn't know that the day we went and simply jumped on the trail at Barrel's Millpond. (There was very limited parking, many spots for residents only, but a local told us not to worry since it was off season.)

Wiggly Bridge was built in the 1930s when there were mills lining the river and is known as the world's smallest suspension bridge. The story goes that it got its name from a group of local girls who constantly called it "wiggly."

The flat path leading to the bridge is actually a dam separating York River with Barrel's Millpond and was used by the original settlers who were farming and trading. On the other side of the bridge is Steedman Woods Nature Reserve. 

Although it looks like an island, Steedman Woods is actually a peninsula. The short loop hiking trail is shaded and well maintained with water views on every side. There is a connecting loop that is accessible from the Old York Town side, but we couldn't follow it because it was too muddy.

The Fisherman's Trail follows the York River into York Village. I saw people walking that way, but didn't know where it went. Gives a good reason to go back and walk the full trail.