Friday, July 29, 2016

What's Happening the Last Week of July/ First Week of August

I may update this one periodically throughout the week given more time and/or 4 a.m. sleep nights due to active babies in my belly. But, here a start for your weekend and next week. There may be more for the rest of the week on the Bangor Daily News Event page. But, these are the highlight events I think may be worth checking out. I am going to be honest, I am not huge on fair rides. So I am mainly focused on the agricultural aspect. As an adult, I get more excited about the Common Ground Fair and Bill Hill Fairs -- for that reason despite growing up next to the Bangor State Fair my entire life. With that said I also have memories of being a little girl and seeing the ferris wheel up when my parents drove on 395 going from Bangor to Bucksport and getting excited the fair was in town. But, here are some local and day-trip ideas for you week.

Friday-7/29
  • Maine Cloth Diaper Company, Bangor
    • July Lobster Footprint/Handprint Craft @ 12:00 ( $5 for paper, $10 for canvass) 
  • Big Band Swing to Benefit the Gifts of Music 
    • Gomez Park Downtown Bangor from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Bangor State Fair- Opening Day
    • Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
    • $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
    • Children 3 and under are free
      • CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
        • Pony Rides 
        • Animal Alley 
        • Old McDonald’s Farm 
        • Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
        • 4-H Educational Exhibits
      • Horse Pulls- 3pm
  • ulDiscovery Museum
    • Marshmellow Launchers @ 11:00 
    • Bouy Bells @ 2:00
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
    • Screen 1
      • Kiss Your Ice Goodbye- 8:30
      • Secret Life of Pets- 10:20

  • Saturday 7/30
  • Maine Artisan Bread Fair
    • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. @ Skowhegan State Fairgrounds ( Free!)
  • Open Farm Day In the Village Farm and Garden -- 10 a.m.  to 3p.m.
    • 47 Pleasant st, Passadumpkeag, Maine 
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Chickens
      • Turkeys
      • Dogs
      • Ducks
      • Bees
  • Millinocket Christmas in July Celebration 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    • $5 lunch
    • "Sleigh Rides" ( horse and wagon) with Santa  (pay by donation) 
  • Celebrate Unity Festival (3rd Annual) 
    • Northern Solstice Alpaca Farm 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 
      • Soap felting
      • Free Coffee and Donuts
    • Field of Dreams 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 
      • Music
      • BBQ
      • Bounce House
      • Ice Cream 
      • Vendors
      • Family Activities
    • Village at Depot Crossing
      • Classic Car rally
  • Bangor State Fair
    • Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
    • $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
    • Children 3 and under are free
      • CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
        • Pony Rides 
        • Animal Alley 
        • Old McDonald’s Farm 
        • Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
        • 4-H Educational Exhibits
      • Oxen Pulls @ Noon
      • 4-H Dog Show @1pm
      • 4-H Activities @3-5 pm
  • Discovery Museum
    • Sailors Valentines  @ 2:00 p.m. ( $1 fee)
  • Fields Pond Family Discovery Series: Insects
    • 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  and  6 p.m. to 8 p.m. -- $25 for family of members and $35 for family of non-members
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
    • Screen 1
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
      • Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10

Sunday- 7/31

  • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
    • Unearthing the Past -- $10 and pre-registration required.
  • Discovery Museum -- Sea Crowns @ 2:00
  • Not So Empty Nest Ice Cream Social 
    • 624 Hammond Street, Bangor from Noon to 4:00 p.m.
  • Bangor State Fair
    • Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
    • $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
    • Children 3 and under are free
      • CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
        • Pony Rides 
        • Animal Alley 
        • Old McDonald’s Farm 
        • Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
        • 4-H Educational Exhibits
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
    • Screen 1
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
      • Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10
Monday-8/1
  • Bangor State Fair
    • Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
    • $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
    • Children 3 and under are free
      • CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
        • Pony Rides 
        • Animal Alley 
        • Old McDonald’s Farm 
        • Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
        • 4-H Educational Exhibits
      • 4-H Horse Show
  • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
    • Treasure Hunters -- $10 and pre-registration required.
  • 8th Annual Our Town Belfast Street Party 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. ( Free Entry!)
    • FEATURING:
      • Motor Booty Affair (sponsored by the Unity Foundation)
      • DJ Erik Klausmeyer
      • DJ Z Lite
        • Games
        •  Music
        •  Dancing
        • Ticket/Bracelet for rides
        •  Street Food
  • Discovery Museum
    •  Sailing Theme 11:00 to 11:30
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
    • Screen 1
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
      • Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10
Tuesday- 8/2
  • Bangor State Fair
    • Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
    • $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
    • Children 3 and under are free
      • CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
        • Pony Rides  
        • Animal Alley 
        • Old McDonald’s Farm 
        • Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
        • 4-H Educational Exhibits
      • 4-H Sheep Show @2
      • Dairy Show @ Noon
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
    • Screen 1
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
      • Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10
  • Discovery Museum 
    • Sailing Theme From 11 to 11:30
Wednesday- 8/3
  • Maine Cloth Diaper Company
    • Music Time w/ Miss Julie @10:30 a.m.
  • Taste of Waterville from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
    • Entertainment
    • Activities
    • Food and Drinks
  • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
    • Treasure Hunters -- $10 and pre-registration required.
  • Bangor State Fair
    • Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
    • $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
    • Children 3 and under are free
      • CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
        • Pony Rides 
        • Animal Alley 
        • Old McDonald’s Farm 
        • Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
        • 4-H Educational Exhibits
      • 4-H Judging Contest @ 2
      • 4-H Show Games Day @2
  • Cake Conncotions -- Bangor 
    • Mommy & Me Cake Decorating
      • Decorate a 6" cake together
      • $25 pre-paid event ( I know, it's over the $15. But, in my defense it sounds so yummy and fun. With that said all of the decor and ingredients are provided for you, plus you get a cake in the end.)
      • 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. 
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
    • Screen 1
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
      • Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10
Thursday 8/4
  • Old Town Concerts in the Park
    • Pete Kilpatrick Band 6:30 @ Gazebo Downtown -- Free!
  • Bangor Cool  Sounds Concert Series 
    • Broadway Rocks 5 PM @ Westmarket Square -- Free!
  • Bangor State Fair
    • Open from 2 pm to 9 pm
    • $12/person - Includes bracelet for rides, entertainment/events & access to 4-H area/events
    • Children 3 and under are free
      • CATCH IT EVERYDAY! 
        • Pony Rides 
        • Animal Alley 
        • Old McDonald’s Farm 
        • Eastern Maine Rabbit Breeders 
        • 4-H Educational Exhibits
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
    • Screen 1
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:20
      • Ice Age : Collision Course- 10:10

If you have an event to add that is specific to this week feel free to comment! Don't forget most libraries have free Discovery Museum Passes with regular attendance! 

Thursday, July 28, 2016

Billy's Third Pick of the Week : Belfast Moosehead Lake Railroad



Last year Billy, our daughter and I went for a ride on the Belfast Moosehead train. Billy talks about wanting to do a bunch of their featured events. They have pizza rides, pumpkin picking ride, toys for tots rides ( varying on the time of year). They have some great kid friendly/ family friendly events year round for slightly more than the $15 I swear by.  But, this is one of those events that is just so enjoyable that you will regret passing it up. Also with what I just said, we went Maine Train Day which was half off for adults and kids ride for free costing $10 for all of us. But, for a family of three and a child discount it is affordable enough for the memories being made. Whenever we go to Belfast we always go down town and enjoy the arts in the parks. There are some featured interactive arts around town that is always fun and great food. I swear by the Belfast Co-op and they have been child friendly since I was a child, the food is great, healthy and affordable including vegan and vegetarian options.

Featured Webpage and Upcoming Events:
http://belfastandmooseheadlakerail.org/joomla/index.php




















Saturday, July 23, 2016

What's happening in the Third week of July!

Saturday-7/23
  • Bucksport Bay Festival -- see Facebook for more details and times!
    • Autoshow at Crosby's 
    • Karaoke
    • Children's Area
    • Baking Contests
    • Fireworks

Bucksport Waterfront outlooking Fort Knox

  • Fort Knox
  • Orono Public Safety Carseat Check Event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Orrington's Endless Yard Sale ( some kids enjoy yard sales ... I did when I was a kid)
  • Discovery Museum
    • Glowworm Puppets@ 2:00 pm
  • Kiwanis Auction-  Forrest Ave. Orono
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
    • Screen 1
      • Kiss Your Ice Goodbye- 8:30
      • Secret Life of Pets- 10:20

  • Sunday 7/24
  • Open Farm Day -- The Curran Homestead Living History Farm -- Free Admission from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00pm
  • Bucksport Bay Festival -- See details on webpage!
  • Fort Knox 
  • Discovery Museum
    • Sea Glass Wind Chimes @ 2:00 p.m.
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
    • Screen 1
      • Kiss Your Ice Goodbye- 8:30
      • Secret Life of Pets- 10:20

Monday- 7/25

  • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
    • Unearthing the Past -- $10 and pre-registration required.
  • Discovery Museum -- Silly Hats @ 2:00
Tuesday-7/26
  • LAST Orono Concerts in the Park
    • Inanna, Sisters in Rhythem 6:30 @ Webster Park -- Free!
  • Discovery Museum
    •  Wish Bottle Charms ( $2) from 11 to 11:30
    • Secrets of Fieflies  from 2 to 2:30
  • Fields Pond Family Discovery Series: Frogs and Snakes
    • 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  and  6 p.m. to 8 p.m. -- $25 for family of members and $35 for family of non-members
Wednesday- 7/27
  • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
    • Unearthing the Past-- $10 and pre-registration required.
  • Discovery Museum 
    • Sea Crowns From 11 to 11:30
    • Driftwood Creations From 2 to 2:30
Thursday- 7/28
  • Fields Pond Family Discovery Series: Birds
    • 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.  and  6 p.m. to 8 p.m. -- $25 for family of members and $35 for family of non-members
  • Old Town Concerts in the Park
    • Putnam Smith Trio 6:30 @ Gazebo Downtown -- Free!
  • Bangor Cool  Sounds Concert Series 
    • William Joseph Jiordan 5 PM @ Westmarket Square -- Free!
  • Discovery Museum
    • Paper Making from 11 to 11:30
    • Balloon Powered Race Boats from 2 to 2:30

If you have an event to add that is specific to this week feel free to comment! Don't forget most libraries have free Discovery Museum Passes with regular attendance! 

Rachel's Pick of the Week : Camden

I apologize to my regular followers for not pasting last week. As I stated in my initial post in the beginning, we are expecting child number two at the end of August/ beginning of September. There have been a lot more appointments taking up my time and we are moving this month so finding the time to get posts in are difficult.But, as I found myself up at 4a.m. this fine Saturday with nothing to do expect eat a bowl of cereal and watch the sunrise ( watch out friends red sky in the morning). I found this the perfect time to make a pick from me.


All summer long I have been wanting to go to Camden for a day. Not only did some of my best friends grow up there and I'd love to catch up with their families even though they are miles away there is just so much to do! This was one of my favorite day trips as an adult and a child. Camden has one of the best children's libraries in the state! If you have a library card you can check out books there through Minerva and they have a great collection for children. Just outside of the library there is a children's garden, park and amphitheater. There is a another green space across the street that brings you to the ocean and docks ( great tidal pools on low tide). If you have older kids Ocean Kayaking is a lot of fun and 1/4 a mile down the road there is boat landing.


Laite Memorial Beach is roughly a mile from the library. It has a playground, park and beach for swimming and collecting. There are a bunch of shops in between and the traffic may be high this time of year. Something to consider if your child need a break or has a difficult time window shopping.

Often times we would venture into town and do some window shopping, then go to Merryspring Nature Park. There are great walking paths and beautiful well kept gardens for adults and children to enjoy!There is a Hannaford less than a block away so bring a blanket and pick up a lunch or you can eat in the gazebo there. 

After lunch may be a good time to drive to Camden Hills State Park where you can drive or hike up Mt. Battie. We usually drive since we are lazy and you can have a full view of Camden and surrounding Islands. There's a great tower at the top which requires a lot of support of a parent or guardian. 
View from the top of Mt. Battie

Merrysprings 

A family friend feeding ducks from the park mentioned

View from Mt. Battie

Picture of the gazebo!

Merryspring

Inside the tower at Mt. Battie

Outside of the library

MerrySprings

Entrance to Children's Garden at Libarary

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

What's Happening this Week?

Every week there are fun things going on in the area all summer long and I have decided to do special events on certain days/nights of the week. Since this is late Wednesday and I am inspired to look these events up on Wednesday's I will strive to post them then for the weekend going into the next week. Some of these are for older kids or toddler That take long naps mid-day ( Some toddlers take 2-3 hour naps mid-day )with a I only include kid friendly events. So if you are looking for not so kid friendly events I am sorry.


Thursday- 7/14
  • Discovery Museum -- Pet Dragons ( Make your own dragon Puppet) From 11 to 11:30 age 3+
  • Hampden Academy-- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm ( $5 a ticket)
  • The Trendy Robots Play for Free @ 5 PM  in Pickering Square in Bangor all ages
  • Briar Patch -- Find Waldo Downtown Bangor -- Last day
  • Old Town Concerts in the Park - Sharon Hood and Dixon Road @6:30 Free
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
    • Screen 1
      • Finding Dory- 8:30
      • The BFG- 10:30
    • Screen 2
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:30
      • The Legend of Tarzan- 10:30
Friday- 7/15
  • Maine Cloth Diaper Company-- Piggy Paint Mani Pedi  Noon to 6 pm $9 a person for all ages.
  • Discovery Museum -- Paper Making from 11 to 11:30 age 3+
  • Hampden Academy-- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from 6:30pm to 9:00 pm ( $5 a ticket)
  • River City Cinema -- Pickering Square, Bangor Maine
    • Princess Bride -- Free- 8:30
  • Ice Cream Train! Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad co. & Museum -- Portland, Maine from Noon to 6:00 pm

  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
    • Screen 1
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:30
      • The Legend of Tarzan- 10:30
Saturday-7/16
  • Discovery Museum -- Maine Magnets ( $1) from 2 to 2:30
  • Hampden Academy-- Chitty Chitty Bang Bang from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm ( $5 a ticket)
  • Barbecued chicken supper to benefit Comins Hall preservation-- Eddington, Maine ( $8 for Adults and $3 for children) from 5 to 6:30

  • Baked Bean Church Supper-- Dedham Congregational Church from 5 to 6:30 pm ( Adults $9, Kids 12 and under $4 and pre-schoolers free
  • Fun In the Park- Broadway Park from 4:30 to 10:00 -- Free
    • Rick Charette and the Bubble Gum Band
    • Screening of Kung Fu Panda 3
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature. 
    • Screen 1
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:30
      • The Legend of Tarzan- 10:30
  • The Annual Maine Celtic Celebration-- Main St. Belfast, Maine ( Most events are free)
Sunday 7/17

  • The Annual Maine Celtic Celebration-- Main St. Belfast, Maine ( Most events are free)
  • Bucksport Pixie Harbor Hoopla from 11am to 4pm -- Free ( costumes welcome)
  • Fort Knox Pirate Festival from 11am to 4pm -- Regular Fort Admission ( if you would like to sail on pirate ship $25 per person)
  • Bangor Drive-In -- 1674 Hammond St. ,Hermon, Maine $22 a car for a double feature.
    • Screen 1
      • Secret Life of Pets- 8:30
      • The Legend of Tarzan- 10:30

Monday- 7/18

  • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
    • Fairies,Trolls, and Goblins -- $10 and pre-registration required.
  • Discovery Museum -- Sea Junk from 2 to 2:30
Tuesday-7/19
  • Orono Concerts in the Park
    • Tough End Strings Band 6:30 @ Webster Park -- Free!
  • Discovery Museum
    •  Maine Magnets ( $1) from 11 to 11:30
    • Underwater Kingdoms age 3+ ( $3)  from 2 to 2:30
Wednesday- 7/20
  • Hirundo Wildlife Refuge - Youth/ Family Summer Programing ( Monday and Wednesday from 9 to Noon)
    • Fairies,Trolls, and Goblins -- $10 and pre-registration required.
  • Discovery Museum -- Build your Own Birdhouse 4+ from 1:30 to 2:30
If you have an event to add that is specific to this week feel free to comment! Don't forget most libraries have free Discovery Museum Passes with regular attendance! 

Billy's weekly Pick: Morgan's Beach



One place Billy and I discuss going to regularly is Morgan's Beach. Morgan's Beach is in Enfield, Maine  on your way to Lincoln from Old Town . One can take I95 or Route US2-E to Morgan's Beach it's attached to Cold Stream Pond.  This is roughly a 45 minute drive from Bangor, 35 from Old Town, 10 minutes from Lincoln. There is a price which I believe last year was no more than $3 for adults, $2 for kid under 12-3 and under 3 kids on in for 3. Parking is limited.The water is clear, privately owned and maintained, play area with swings and tires, changing rooms, restrooms and snack shack one hand. Plenty of shade and real sand on the beach for children to play on. On hot days this place can get crowded, we find the earlier in the day the better.  While we have a private camp available to us, we find the beach is perfect for socialization of our toddler and the beach is easier for her to ease herself in opposed to the rocks at the bottom of the lake at camp. You can always count on seeing someone you know there too, which in most cases is pleasant. A perfect place to make a sand castle though! Very rare in the middle of Maine.

Sunday, July 10, 2016

Rainy Day Activities

With all of the overcast rainy days we have been having I find it only fitting I post a blog dedicated to this kind of Weather. So this goes into my plan C's a lot of the time mentioned in my second blog entry: (http://penobscotcountyparents.blogspot.com/2016/06/weekly-happenings-to-keep-in-mind.html ). However, having an active toddler at home on a rainy day can be difficult and our top rainy day outings are the following. I am also a huge advocate of playdates which can happen at home or any other one of these destinations. Audrey has a playdate with friends almost every weekday -- we may meet friends at planned events and times or simply meet them at their houses or at ours. Socialization is super important especially for the younger ones!

Bangor

  • Cole Transportation Museum ( $7 for Adults and free for kids under 18) My daughter loves the cars, trucks, planes, helicopters and trains!
  • Discovery Museum ( Most libraries have passes available)
  • Bangor Public Library
  • Family Fun Lanes ( they have shoes as small as toddler size 9 and shoe rentals may put you over $15, weekdays kids play for $2.50 a game and adults $3.50) We went to the family fun lanes last night with our 2.5 year old and she loved it! They have bumpers and a ramp to drop the ball down with 5lb balls. We played two rounds and the only conflict we had was she had a difficult time waiting her turn.
  • McDonalds Playplace ( best when older school age kids are in school)
  • Movie Cinemas 10 ( use your best discretion)


Brewer


  • Playland Adventure 
  • Brewer Public Library


Hampden


  • Lura E. Hoit Memorial Pool
  • Eydthe L. Dyer Community Library
Old Town

  • Old Town Library
  • Old Town YMCA
  • Old Town Bowling Center
  • McDonald's Playplace
Orono

  • Mainebound Adventure Center
  • New Balance Rec Center
  • Alfond Arena Free Skate
  • Orono Public Library
  • Coming Soon -- Orono Trampoline Park (http://www.oronotrampoline.com/)

I highly suggest you look back to my previous blog posting for specifics as listed above.

Rachel's Pick of the Week

Swan Lake State Park  We enjoy the swimming area with the relief of having lifeguard supervision, regular park upkeep, top notch playground, picnic sites with grills and walking trails. Toilets and changing rooms are also available for use. We normally pack a picnic lunch and plenty of toys to play with our daughter. Great for kids and adults of all ages. On our way out we will get some Stone Fox Farm Creamery Ice Cream in Monroe.  Sometimes if you give them notice you are in the area they will let you go and see the cows and see the ice cream making process <3 They don't sell on site in Monroe they have a truck you can catch if you are lucky/ stand. They also sell pints in Swanville, which is equally delicious.  Also keep in mind this is a Maine State Parks so it is $3 for admission $1 ages 5-12  and free for children under 5. Some Libraries have free state parks passes.















Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Our Plan B's

SO we have addressed Plan A's and Plan C's. You are probably thinking, what are the plan B's? Plan B's are our State Parks and Landmarks as nerdy as that sounds. Our " Picks of the week" are our plan B's. Some are Landmarks and State Parks . A few of them are actually in Penobscot county oddly enough. Yet, they are within an hour to a half an hour from our home in Orono. I just wanted to throw that out there so folks know we are not holding out on you. Plan A+ are once a year if that events (block parties, festivals, fairs, etc.). So keep an eye out for the Plan A+'s of the week!

Billy's Pick of the Week

Moose Point State Park is $3 for residents. $1 for children ages 5-11 and free for children under 5. It's located in Searsport only 10 minutes from Belfast and 45 minutes from Bangor via route 1-A E. I also want to throw it out there that some libraries have free  State Park's passes. I know that Bangor and Old Town do for sure, unfortunately Orono does not.

This is one of Billy's favorite State parks and go to picnic areas on a nice sunny day. They have public facilities, Water Fountain, BBQ pit, playground, hiking trails and picnic areas on the ocean. Our two year old can spend HOURS just collecting seashells and dipping her feet in the ocean. There is plenty of green space and woods as well. We can easily spend a majority of the day with a picnic lunch, blanket, beach ball, bucket and pail. Due to it being near the coast I would pack a sweater just incase. It tends to get windy and also there are some steep ledges, but they will have signs and warnings.

Often times if we want to do something a little more we will go into Belfast and pick up lunch at the Belfast Co-op ( very kid friendly) and they usually have arts on display in town. They also have some great game stores and candy shops. Disclaimer, if you go into the Belfast you will be tempted to go over your $15 limit I set.

I attached picture of Moosepoint State Park from our last years trip below to show the views and what is available.





Monday, July 4, 2016

Weekly Picks!:Great Pond Mountain

As I was talking with my good friend, Amy, she suggested I start a "Rachel's Picks" ( Rachel being me) for a week, but I decided that since I am only home on weekends and weeknights I may include "Billy's Picks" ( Billy being my husband) as well since he has our daughter during the week. These would be fun day trips that may or may not be in Penobscot county, but definitely not more than an hour to an hour and a half away from Bangor which I believe is central to most of Penobscot county and happens to be where I spent a lot of my childhood. A lot of the things we choose are day trips our parents have done with us and/or ones we started to do with our daughter or a combination of each. There are also going to be some picks that I want to try out and because we are pregnant I may not be able to do yet, but it's an idea to throw out there!

My first "Rachel's Pick" is one that is near and dear to my heart because it is one that I would do with my parents regularly when I was growing up in Bucksport with my siblings more than once a year. This was also a yearly field trip at Miles Lane School and an annual race my middle school cross country couch started. I will call this the "Great Pond Mountain Pick" and last year Billy and I did this with a 1 1/2 year old. Great Pond Mountain is located in Orland, Maine. We are happy to report the road is almost entirely paved to the fish hatchery now! At the base of Great Pond Mountain there is Alamoosook Lake with more hiking trails and during the week the fish hatchery is open for tours. There are pro's and con's to hiking with toddlers.

 Pro's

  • They are exploring their surroundings
  • Fresh air tuckers them out
  • They are safe away from traffic/cars 
  • Lots of breaks 
  • Get to take your time and take in the scenery
  • Great hike for Grandparents to join in on
  • Wildlife (woodpeckers, deer, hares, eagles, etc.)
  • Exercise for all!
  • Lots of snack breaks (berries and trail mix)
Con's
  • You will carry your toddler ( my 5 year old nephew struggles making it the whole way without being carried)
  • Exposure to the elements (SPF 50, extra rain coat, brimmed sun hat and insect repellant suggested)
  • Bumps and bruises
  • Wildlife (Skunks, Bears, Moose, etc.)
  • Extra luggage that comes with toddler ( Diapers, wipes, carriers, change of clothes, etc)
  • Could get dehydrated easily if you don't bring enough water!



 Our toddler made it all the way up the trail on her own with little assistance, we did go with my Father ( Grampy). However, we did take a few breaks (flower patches, rocks, wildlife, etc.) and we did have our Ergo carrier that she fell asleep in on our way down the Mountain. When we got done hiking we had packed a picnic lunch and snagged a picnic table at Alamoosook Lake( right next to Great Pond Mountain). They have public restrooms and changing rooms in this location! Once settled we cooled off in the lake and spent the rest of the day lounging there.  For just one child we had one parent carry the backpack while the other charged the toddler. I appreciated my father being there to help set the pace and reenforce patience on our part. He didn't mind stopping to look at flowers or looking at cool rocks our daughter found reminding us we are there for her. If you get an early start that can bring you from Breakfast straight to dinner time! Done right, you can have an excellent time ( providing you enjoy hiking/ the great outdoors)!All we had to pay for that day were the groceries for the picnic and gas money to drive there. On our way home we normally stop at my brothers or my parents for dinner and Dairy Port in Bucksport for Ice Cream. I realize not all folks have family in that area so going out to dinner may be an option.  Crosby's Drive-In is always a fun choice for a special occasion ( WARNING: If you go the seafood route, you will go over the $15 I try to set), they recently added a new playground for little ones while parents eat. Here is their menu so you can take a look! If it makes you feel any better I grew up with the family whose owns the Crosby's Drive -in and they are all about local supporting local businesses and some of the nicest people you'll meet!

http://media.wix.com/ugd/b1fa82_ed32692d313d46ee8bcb2aa2aa98e680.pdf

I realize that all experiences are not always perfect, but our family loves this hike year after year and this is how we make the most of it. The drive home can be difficult which is why we stress the lake part after the hike to kind of wake up the driver and rest. We're also fortunate again we can stop at my parents 30 minutes in and rest there if we are super tuckered out. With that said, our family always finds it to be a good day when everyone comes home and is exhausted. To us, that is a sign we made the most of the day and aids in a good nights sleep.