Articles Tagged "camden"

With winter almost upon us, it's time to start thinking about winterizing your property. If you have a lake house or a vacation house, don't overlook it. It's even more important to pay attention to winterizing if you're not going to be using the house over the winter. Here are a few tips from our real estate agents for getting your lake house ready for cold weather.

1. Clean Your Gutters
   The exterior of the house is what gets hit with winter weather the most, and your gutters are more crucial than you may realize. Clogged gutters will prevent water from draining properly off your roof. Roof shingles and siding are designed to keep water flowing away from your house, but if your gutters are clogged with debris, water can get in underneath the shingles and siding and cause damage. Cleaning your gutters of fallen leaves and other debris before you leave the lake house for the last time this fall can prevent any damage from happening in your absence over the winter.
   
   
2. Check the Roof for Damage
   While you're up there to clean the gutters, be sure to give the roof a once-over. Look for damaged or missing shingles. Also, keep an eye on the trim and siding for signs of leaks that have already started. Any soft or rotten wood should be replaced now before winter kicks in.
   
   
3. Disable Your Sprinkler System
   If your lake house has a sprinkler system in the yard or garden, be sure to have it blown out to clear all the water from the lines before winter sets in. Leaving water in the lines can cause frozen and burst pipes, which will leak once they thaw again. The result could be disastrous and expensive, especially if the leak goes unnoticed for a while due to the house being empty.
   
   
4. Seal Around Windows and Doors
   Whether you plan to use your lake house in the winter or not, it's a good idea to check for and eliminate drafts. Check around all your window and door frames for cracks or drafts. If you can see daylight through any gaps, the space needs to be sealed. Gaps between the door or window and the frame can be sealed with weatherstripping. If there are cracks between the wall and frame, seal those with caulking.
   
   
5. Check Pipes and Insulation
   Before shutting the house up for the season, or even if you plan to use the lake house in the winter, be sure to make a thorough check of all your pipes. Check to make sure you have no leaks, either in visible plumbing or detected from moisture damage to the walls, ceiling, or floor. Especially if you plan to leave the house shut up for the season, the last thing you want is to come back to a flooded mess in the spring. Also, be sure to check any exterior pipes to ensure they've been insulated properly so that they won't freeze over the winter.
   
   
6. Set the Thermostat for Winter
   If you leave the furnace running in the winter to prevent the pipes in your lake house from freezing and bursting while there is no one there, you will probably want to set the thermostat to the lowest possible temperature. No sense in using more energy than needed to heat an empty house! To keep an eye on your home's heat while you're away, consider getting a smart thermostat where you can have the temperature available on an app. This can help give your peace of mind while you are away from your lake house.
   
   
7. Tidy Up
   Before leaving your lake house for the season, be sure to clean everything and tidy up the yard one more time. Not only will a clean house be nicer to come back to in the spring, but you may also save yourself some trouble by doing these tasks now. For instance, be sure to remove any stains from the carpet before you leave so that they don't set over the winter and become harder to clean in the spring. Also, be sure to rake up all the fallen leaves in your yard and mow the lawn one more time if needed. Leaving debris covering the grass over the winter can damage your lawn.

It's important to winterize your property properly so that it remains a relaxing retreat to return to when the weather warms up. Ready to sell your lake house, trade up, or simply looking for something new? Contact us today, and we'll help you find the perfect home away from home.

Few things are more majestic than the sight of a whale in its natural habitat. Maine's oceanside location provides valuable opportunities to see whales and other marine wildlife. Hit the high seas with these great boating tour companies recommended by our real estate agents. 

• Cap'n Fish's Cruises - 42 Commercial St., Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538
  Founded over 80 years ago, Cap'n Fish's Cruises is the granddaddy of whale-watching excursions along Maine's mid-coast. They have developed extensive knowledge about whale feeding grounds and movement during the various seasons. You'll also get a great look at Boothbay Harbor and its lighthouses, islands, and other points of interest. Trips run approximately 3.5 hours. Want more variety? Choose the four-hour whale watch and puffin combo. The boat's first destination is Eastern Egg Rock, home of the renowned Atlantic puffins. If no whales or puffins are spotted on either of the cruises, you receive a standby ticket good for another cruise. Tickets are $74 for adults and $59 for ages 2-12. Dogs are welcome for an additional $20 fee. Visit the website for pricing and departure information.
  
  
• Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. - 1 West St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. is the largest boating tour company in Maine, with excursions ranging from lighthouse tours to lobster fishing. Since 2012, the company has been a member of Whale SENSE, an organization dedicated to promoting responsible whale watching along with education about ocean stewardship. Whale watching tours can run anywhere from 3.5-5.5 hours. In addition to frequent sightings of baleen, humpback, finback, and minke whales, you're likely to see porpoises, dolphins, seals, and other wildlife. Friendly and knowledgeable guides offer information about the history of the Gulf of Maine, and coloring books and other activities are available to keep kids occupied. Don't see any whales? Get a voucher for another cruise good for three years. Tickets are $77 for adults, $47 for ages 6-14, and $25 for ages 5 and under. Visit the website for full calendar of departure times. 
  
  
• Robertson Sea Tours - 57 Bayview St., Milbridge, ME 04658
  Find out why Robertson Sea Tours was named as one of the nine best boat tours in the state by Best Things Maine. Travel aboard the 32-foot Kandi Leigh, named after the wife and mother of the Robertson family. Tours are led by her husband, known as "The Captain." Their 2.5-hour puffin and seabird cruise includes Petit Manan Island, which is the site of a national wildlife refuge as well as a beautiful lighthouse that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Common sightings include terns, razorbills, and black guillemots. During September and October, Robertson offers a three-hour lighthouse and wildlife cruise. Lobster traps are hauled on both trips, giving guests a chance to see this classic Maine activity. A limited number of leashed dogs are accommodated on each trip. Visit the website for the full schedule and pricing. 
  
  
• Acadian Boat Tours - 119 Eden St., Bar Harbor, ME 04609
  With five boats ranging in size from 27- to 70-foot, Acadian Boat Tours can offer a number of different tours accommodating various numbers of passengers. The smallest is the Rambler, or "Fun Boat," which is available for private fishing or fishing/sightseeing cruises. The Acadian and Eden Star are pet-friendly and feature heated indoor cabins. Acadian's two-hour sightseeing cruise travels into Frenchman Bay for spectacular views of waterfront mansions, the Egg Rock lighthouse, Acadia National Park, and various marine mammals and birds. Other options include the puffins, lighthouses, and seabirds cruise along with the VIP harbors tour, featuring a trip into the only fjord on the East Coast. Visit the website for the full schedule and pricing.
  
  
• Bass Harbor Island Cruises - 12 Little Island Way, Bass Harbor, ME 04653
  Bass Harbor is so small and quiet that it hadn't even been named when its first post office was established in the early 1900s. Today, Bass Harbor Island Cruises offers a way to explore Maine's history and culture in a more secluded atmosphere. Their two-hour nature cruise travels past the namesake lighthouse to the outer islands of Blue Hill Way. Guides share information about Maine's iconic fishing industry as you watch for seals, porpoises, and eagles and haul some lobster traps along the way. Tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for ages 11 and under. Visit the website for the full schedule of departures.
  
  
• Camden Harbor Cruises - 15 Public Landing, Camden, ME 04843
  Can anyone mention Maine without thinking of lobsters? Hop aboard the Lively Lady for a one-hour lighthouse and lobster tour from Camden Harbor Cruises. The boat hauls its own lobster traps while passengers get a chance to watch commercial lobstermen ply their trade. Other sights include the Curtis Island lighthouse, Maine's famous rocky coastline, and a rotating lineup of marine wildlife. Tickets are $30 for adults and $20 for ages 2-12. Visit the website for the full calendar of sailings. 

Whether by land or by sea, life in Maine is exceptional. If you're buying or selling a home, contact us at The Masiello Group for friendly and experienced help. 

Northern New England is charming in every season! But, there's something special about summers out on the lakes, enjoying the sea breeze and summertime activities.

Our real estate agents will be creating their own delightful summer memories with activities at these amazing locations around Northern New England. Which ones will be on your list?

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While the summer months are glorious, Northern New England is just as scenic and exciting during winter. When our real estate agents are ready for some outdoor fun, they spend time at these incredible ski resorts in Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire.

Plan Your Northern New England Ski Trip

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Tired of the fast-paced anonymity and concrete jungles of urban living? According to our real estate agents, these cozy and picturesque New England towns prove that bigger isn't always better. Here's what you can expect when living in these Northern New England small towns.

Small Town Living in New England

Woodstock, VT

The name Woodstock conjures up visions of natural beauty and peaceful serenity. Woodstock was chartered in 1761, predating the Declaration of Independence by 15 years, and became known as a home for artisans and craftspeople.

• Get a look at the actual operation of a working dairy farm at Billings Farm & Museum, celebrating its 150th anniversary this year.
  
  
• Woodstock Farmers' Market offers a year-round bounty of locally sourced produce, meat, baked goods, and specialty foods. Shop on-site or online for curbside pickup.
  
  
• Collective is a cooperatively-owned, member-run craft gallery that exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit found in Woodstock.

Franconia, NH

Thanks to its cozy location in the White Mountains, Franconia boasts impressive spring and summer scenery that gains additional appeal with the arrival of fall colors. Winter brings opportunities for some of the best skiing, ice climbing, and other cold-weather activities.

• Iconic American poet Robert Frost found great inspiration in the beauty of Franconia. Walk the grounds and sit on the front porch of the Frost Place, his cherished homestead.
  
  
• While the Old Man of the Mountain rock formation is no more, Franconia Notch State Park is still full of attractions and activities. Swim in Echo Lake, hike the Appalachian Trail and ride the tramway up Cannon Mountain.
  
  
• New England Ski Museum hosts permanent and visiting exhibits sharing the story of skiing in America, including the important role Franconia played in its development.

Camden, ME

Situated alongside Penobscot Bay, Camden has a rich history to go with its beautiful setting. The town served as a rendezvous point and encampment for American forces during the Revolutionary War. During the War of 1812, an artillery battery atop Mount Battle served an important strategic purpose.

• The High Street Historic District retains the same charming character it had as a 19th-century residential area, earning the district a spot on the National Register of Historic Places.
  
  
• Since 1991, Camden's popular Snow Bowl has been the site of the U.S. National Toboggan Championships. The event was inspired by the rebuilding of the town's historic 400-foot wood toboggan chute, which was originally constructed in the 1930s.
  
  
• Kids and adults alike are delighted by the sight of the Belted Galloway cattle at Aldermere Farm. "Belties," first bred in Scotland, are known for their distinctive stripes that resemble an Oreo cookie.

Stowe, VT

Stowe brings some European flavor to the New England countryside. That's only one of the features that led Travel + Leisure to name Stowe one of the "11 Best Small Towns in America."

• Of course, Trapp Family Lodge tops the list of must-see attractions in Stowe. The surrounding mountains make a picture-perfect backdrop for the Austrian-inspired resort that offers rooms, suites, and villas for rent. 
  
  
• Stowe earned the nickname of "Ski Capital of the East" due to places like Stowe Mountain Resort, which combines a wide range of activities at Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
  
  
• Explore your own creative side at The Current. This historic facility is a gallery showcasing all visual arts and a studio providing hands-on experiences for participants.

Albany, NH

Covered bridges, such as the 129-foot long bridge spanning the Swift River in Albany, are a classic and beloved feature of New England's back roads. Albany also serves as the gateway to the Mount Washington Valley, based around the highest peak in the Northeast United States.

• View one of the more incredible examples of New England's legendary fall foliage on a drive along the Kancamagus Scenic Byway. Affectionately known as the "Kanc," the 34-mile byway passes through the White Mountain National Forest.
  
  
• The Russell-Colbath House, largely restored to its original state, provides a fascinating insight into life in the mountain valley back in the mid-19th century. 
  
  
• Pack a picnic lunch and head out to the Nature Learning Center at Rockwell Sanctuary. Hike the many trails on the 138-acre grounds or participate in one of Tin Mountain Conservation Center's programs and events. 

Bar Harbor, ME

Island living doesn't have to mean remote. Bar Harbor is a quintessential New England town located on Mount Desert Island, the largest of the islands off the coast of Hancock County.

• It's easy to see why Acadia National Park attracts more than three million visitors annually, making it one of the top ten most-visited parks in the country.
  
  
• You don't have to be a car buff to enjoy the antique autos and motorcycles on display at Seal Cove Auto Museum.
  
  
• No matter what your skill level is, you can express your creative spirit in sculpture, figure drawing, and painting activities at ArtWave. 

While we love everything New England has to offer, there's something extra special about the area's small towns. Contact us at The Masiello Group to learn more about finding your dream home here in Northern New England.