Maine’s 2024 May Update

May 7, 2024

Jeremy Frey: Woven at Portland Museum of Art

The first-ever major retrospective of a Wabanaki artist in a fine art museum in the United States, Jeremy Frey: Woven is a groundbreaking exhibition in contemporary and Indigenous art. Opening May 24 at the Portland Museum of Art, the exhibit features more than 50 baskets made from natural materials like black ash and sweetgrass. Woven presents a comprehensive collection that spans a career of more than two decades. These works are intricate, mesmerizing, and expressive, emphasizing Frey’s prodigious skill and prolific creative output that honors and transforms one of the oldest art forms in the northeast.  For more information, visit the Portland Museum of Art.

Gravel Biking with the Appalachian Mountain Club

Gravel biking has become more popular than ever. The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) has just opened more than 330 miles of gravel roads for mountain biking, gravel grinding, and backpacking on their extensive properties in Northern Maine. The 114,000 acres under AMC Maine Woods Initiative protection include lodging at Little Lyford Lodge and Cabins, Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins, and Medawisla Lodge and Cabins. AMC and the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation just released a Gravel Field Guide to help newbies and experienced riders when they head north. From September 6-8, 2024, AMC will host a Gravel Cycling ZFestival at Medawisla Lodge and Cabins. Visit AMC for more details.

Maine’s Food Festivals

Maine is noted for having some of the best local food festivals in the United States, multi-day events that honor Maine-grown foods like potatoes, blueberries, maple syrup, and the bounty of the Gulf of Maine. The Yarmouth Clam Festival and the Pemaquid Oyster Festival celebrate two of the state’s most famous shellfish. Eastport’s annual  Salmon and Seafood Festival on Passamaquoddy Bay, while Rockland hosts the king of crustaceans at the Maine Lobster Festival. There are only-in-Maine events like the Moxie Festival in Lisbon and the Maine Whoopie Pie Festival in Dover-Foxcroft. The Maine Grain Alliance is behind The Maine Artisan Bread Fair in Skowhegan while the Maine Cheese Festival in September is also the sponsor of Open Creamery Day at locations around the state in October.  Fall brings the Damariscotta Pumpkin Festival and the Maine Potato Blossom Festival to Aroostook County. Go to Visit Maine for more on the state’s food festivals.

The Dunes on the Waterfront

The Dunes on the Waterfront will open on May 24 on Ogunquit Beach. The 85-year-old property, consisting of 24 cottages set of 12 acres of lawn overlooking the beach, has undergone a $10 million renovation by new owners Atlantic Hospitality, with fresh interiors and exteriors, revamped grounds, and a swimming pool. The company is known for renovating and reimagining such Maine properties as The Claremont Hotel and Salt Cottages. The whitewashed cottages have ocean views and one to three bedrooms. Gas-burning fireplaces, smart TVs, wet bars, and screened-in porches are features. Guests can use kayaks, paddleboards, and row boats, and downtown Ogunquit is a half-mile stroll.

Portland Wine Week 2024

Mark your calendars for the exclusive Portland Wine Week, returning from June 10-16, 2024. This highly anticipated event offers a series of wine-infused luncheons, brunches, dinners, wine pairings, sailings, and discussion panels. Immerse yourself in the world of wine at renowned restaurants such as Isa Bistro, Solo Italiano, David’s Opus 10, Chaval, Central Provisions, Ocotillo, Ugly Duckling, and Sur Lie. Indulge in unique wine sailings from Wine Wise, including a cruise on the majestic 74-foot Frances. This is a wine lover’s dream come true. For more details, visit Portland Wine Week.