When you live in one of the most beautiful places in Maine, why would you need to go far from home? We have some of the most incredible museums, restaurants, parks and artists right here! Therefore, this month we will be “keeping it local!”
Although we are located on the coast of Maine, we are not far from rich farmlands. We like to visit our local farm stands and farmer’s market as often as we can. This month we will be visiting School House Farms in Warren. They offer some of the best fresh produce, as well as jams, jellies and homemade donuts! We also frequent the Rockland Farmer’s Market every other week. This market, located right on Rockland Harbor, has so many vendors; there are always many options to choose from.
Summer means ice cream! We have many local ice cream shops to choose from, and this month we are visiting one of our favorites… Bray Brook Farm in Appleton. This little shop has a huge menu to choose from, with seats under the trees overlooking the donkey pasture! It’s always a pleasant afternoon at Bray Brook! And as an added bonus, their ice cream is made in Maine!
Golf anyone? Mini golf that is. A fun afternoon it will be at Cardinal Cove in Rockport.
The Midcoast of Maine has some of the best seafood restaurants in the state and we love to support our local eateries. This month we will dine at Archer’s on the Pier, with beautiful views of Rockland Harbor, the Breakwater Lighthouse and the islands and bay beyond, all while enjoying fresh seafood! Later in the month we will visit McLoon’s Lobster Shack on Spruce Head Island to enjoy more incredibly fresh seafood with beautiful views of the lobster boats and islands just steps away.
Rockland is the Art Capitol of Maine and we are so fortunate to have The Farnsworth Art Museum just minutes away from Bartlett Woods.
“In 2021, the Farnsworth Art Museum is pleased to celebrate thirteen remarkable women who have made lasting contributions to the culture of our state. In many ways our tribute was inspired by Lucy Copeland Farnsworth, the woman who founded the museum, which, since opening in 1948, has promoted the arts in the port city of Rockland and has played a key role in shaping the arts in the State of Maine.”
We are looking forward to viewing this exhibit.
Another great museum is the Penobscot Marine Museum just up the road a bit in Searsport Maine. This museum is a true gem, and so much history is available to explore on the large campus. Along with tours of the museum, they have some of the most talented people who love to share their exhibits. Kevin Johnson is the Photo Archivist for PMM and he comes regularly to visit us with collections of his photos and the history behind them all. He is a great speaker and friend to us and we love having him here.
This area is also rich in local talent. We are so thankful to have some wonderful music here at Bartlett Woods. Route 17 Ramblers are pretty much famous in these parts. They bring some good old “Americana” music along with some Country and traditional classics. They always pack the house and lots of toes are tapping and hands are clapping.
As you can see, staying local has so many benefits for our residents. Along with all of the above, we will visit some local shops including Reny’s (A Maine Adventure) and enjoy scenic rides to see all the beauty this area has to offer.
Each month we still have our usual shopping trips, discussion groups, games, knitting group, and cocktail parties. There is always something happening here at Bartlett Woods and we saved a seat for you.
Karen Tooley/Activities Director