Meandering in Fairy Land

A springtime day trip to Mackworth Island

A short drive from downtown Portland, Machworth Island is one of hose great secrets you want to tell everyone but don't want to spoil.





A legislated bird sanctuary surrounding the "Governor Baxter school for the Deaf" it is open to the public but parking is limited, so I would suggest arriving early.



There is an oddly primeval feeling to the place, despite being so close to the largest town in Maine. It is encircled with beaches, and dotted with man-made features here and there that add interest and intrigue.





There is also a pet cemetary and the "Mackworth Island Community Village"; a magical section of woodland dotted with imaginatively constructed "Fairy Houses" made by children and the young at heart.







It is a nice place just to walk, listen to the sound of the birds singing, and feel at one with nature.



But watch out for ghosts.

Link



Here is an interesting article by Wendy Almeida from "Maine Today"

Link

Stuff Tah See Dis Summa'

(Okay Maine spoken english is usually better than that, lol!)

I am getting snowed in today after looking forward to a trip down to Damariscotta to see my younger brother. So I thought I would make a list of things I want to see and do when the weather calms down. (IF it does...jeez)

1. Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Maine. Link

I missed it's grand opening last summer. Boasting 248 waterfront acres, sculpture gardens, a fairy village, oriental gardens, a visitor center, cafe and gift shop; it is now the largest Botanical Garden in New England. From pictures I have seen posted of the gardens on-line, it looks absolutely enchanting.


Check out these on-line slideshows on Flickr-


Link1

Link2

2. Peaks Island-

I have been meaning to go for awhile, but after viewing this "disposable camera tour"

Link

I want all the snow to hurry up and melt so I can take my bike over on the ferry.


3. Visit towns up the coast from Rockland-

Elsworth, Belfast Linconville and Blue hill in particular....I lived so close to this area for most of my life yet seen so little of it...it is quite frustrating.

Slideshow of Downtown Belfast

Slideshow of Ellworth

4. Sebago Lakes Area-
I discovered this area going to a wedding last summer and I hope to experience more of it this summer.

Friends of Sebago

5. Maine State Aquarium- West Boothbay Harbor-

It's not huge and looks like it is geared primarily toward children, but it is near where my brother lives so it should be worth a look.

Link

6. Perry's Nut House- Belfast Maine-
Link

I haven't been in a while, but I feel like I didn't appreciate it then the same way I would now. It is quite the original store, and I would like to take in the town of Belfast and other coastal towns in the area while I'm at it.

7. Looney Lagoon

Link

That Roadside America site gave me some ideas. I would like to check out the "Looney Lagoon" in Bath. It looks like a surreal bunch of sculptures by a swamp, interesting. We go by Bath so often, it would be a sin not to check it out.

8. Lenny The Chocolate Moose-

Link

Just cause it's in nearby Scarborough and gives me an excuse to go to Scarborough Marsh again and then hit the clam shacks. I am thinking of inviting my older brother to come with me... but he might eat him.

9. Davistown Museum- In Libery and Hulls Cove Bar Harbor

Link

With a sculpture gardens, tools jewelry and historical art. I really want to get to the heart of Maine history, and this seems to be the place.

10. Further up the coast- This is my mom's idea-she wants to go up to the Calais area....I'm thinking more Machias as I get motion sickness.


Okay, that's it for now...I'll blog again if I get more ideas...(feel free to suggest something)