Maine’s 2021 May Update

May 13, 2021

MAINE HAS THREE NEW NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS

The state of Maine has three new National Scenic Byways, which are roads singled out by the United States Department of Transportation for one or more of six “intrinsic qualities:” archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational, and scenic. The new byways are in addition to the state’s three existing national scenic byways and one All-American Road. The new National Scenic Byways are:

Katahdin Woods and Waters Scenic Byway – This byway begins at the southern entrance of Baxter State Park and goes through Millinocket along Route 11 and the Penobscot River to Patten, ending at Baxter State Park’s northern entrance at Grand Lake Matagamon. Byway highlights include boating, camping, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking trails, state park, and wildlife.

St. John Valley Cultural Byway/Fish River Scenic Byway – This is a cultural journey shaped by Maine’s rich Acadian heritage and culture, the St. John Valley Cultural Byway portion is 92-miles running along the northern border of Maine. Highlights include the scenic international river valley, historical landmarks and outdoor winter sports. It includes the Fish River corridor, which is 38-miles long and includes the towns of Fort Kent, Wallagrass, Eagle Lake, Winterville, and Portage Lake. The highlights of this byway are panoramic vistas, fishing, boating, wildlife and bird watching, as well as designating a “working byway” that supports agricultural and forest industries.

Bold Coast Scenic Byway – A 125-mile route that invites visitors to explore the culture, history, wildlife, and rugged, unspoiled beauty of coastal Downeast Maine. The byway route extends from Milbridge northeasterly through coastal villages to Lubec, skirts the coastline of Cobscook Bay, through the Pleasant Point Indian Reservation to Eastport. Highlights include active fishing harbors and downtowns, historic structures that exemplify the wealth of 19th Century ship captains and lumber barons and the industrial history of the shipping, lumbering, fishing, boatbuilding, and canning trades. The byway route winds its way along the coast, passing wild blueberry barrens; abundant farmland; tidal marshes and bays; and rivers, streams, and lakes.

HOTEL NEWS

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront will open in late spring 2021. The 135-room hotel will be located on the Portland waterfront and managed by Fathom Co. The hotel features Luna, an 88-seat indoor/outdoor rooftop bar with views of downtown and Casco Bay waterfront, as well as Salt Yard, a 53-seat street level restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cambria/Shipyard “Brewtel,” a 102-room hotel with an indoor-outdoor rooftop bar overlooking a garden growing real hops, will open in fall of 2021.

The Claremont Hotel in Southwest Harbor, close to Acadia National Park, is under new ownership. Tim Harrington, the hospitality leader behind the revitalization of several historic properties in Kennebunkport including The Tides Beach Club and Hidden Pond, bought and refurbished the hotel, which will open on Memorial Day Weekend, 2021.

NEW GLAMPING RESORTS NEAR ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Under Canvas Acadia will open the brand’s first Northeast location in Surry, Maine, near Acadia National Park. The glamping resort, set to open to guests in May 2021, offers 63 safari-style canvas accommodation tents on elevated decks with private baths. It’s situated on 100 acres with more than 1,200 feet of untouched Maine coastline. The season for this camp is May 13 – October 31.

Terramor Outdoor Resort Bar Harbor opened in August 2020 and reopens for the 2021 season on May 13. The 60-acre property is close to Acadia National Park and features 64 luxury canvas tents set among the trees and oriented around a lodge featuring a bar and restaurant, store, and curated experiences.

FOOD NEWS

The new Batson River Brewing & Distilling in Portland is inspired by Maine’s outdoor heritage. It has a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, two stylish full bars, and a menu of sandwiches, pizzas and salads. Batson River Brewing & Distilling also has a location in Kennebunk and a forthcoming one in Biddeford.

Helm Oyster Bar & Bistro is the latest addition to downtown Portland’s culinary scene. The restaurant has an outdoor patio with water views.

Pacifico gives fresh, local Maine ingredients a Latin flair in this new restaurant in downtown Saco, located in one of the city’s historic mill buildings.

Front & Main is located in the new Lockwood Hotel in Waterville, which was planned and built by Colby College. The restaurant opened in March 2021 as part of an overall development to bring new vitality to downtown Waterville. It features contemporary American cuisine and showcases locally sourced food and beverages.

The Maine Tasting Center will open in Wiscasset in June 2021. It’s a one-stop shop for learning, tasting and buying all that Maine produces. Visitors will be able to learn about local food products and industries, enjoy cooking lessons and purchase Maine products.

BIKING NEWS

Bring Your Bike With You
The Downeaster, Amtrak’s passenger rail service between Boston and Maine, now has a bike program so passengers can bring along their carry-on bikes. Newly installed luggage racks that convert to bike racks make it possible to roll standard, full-sized bikes on board from any station, then secure and store them on the train. Bicycle space is limited to four per train, and a specific bike reservation is required in advance of travel.

NEW OUTDOOR APP

Outdoor Recreation Guide for Maine Now an App
Chimani, Inc. has launched a comprehensive outdoor recreational guide for the state of Maine, its first state-wide guide. It includes details on national parks, wildlife refuges, state parks, and nature preserves throughout the state. Similar to all other Chimani guides, users can use the Pokemon Go-like feature to earn points and collect virtual badges. To view the web version for free, go to https://chimani.co/maine