Articles Tagged "Family fun"

Winter is a wonderful time around New Hampshire, whether you're interested in spending time on the slopes, seeing the sights, or enjoying some of the many other great activities that are only available when the weather turns cold. This is the perfect time of year to experience the natural beauty of New Hampshire from a new perspective and perhaps even pick up a new hobby that you can enjoy for many winters to come.

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For many, gifts are an important part of holiday celebrations. Stocking stuffers, in particular, can be so much fun to give and receive. These gifts can be quite meaningful, even if they are not large or expensive. You can stuff them in a stocking or even fill a gift basket with them. If you find yourself running short on stocking stuffer ideas, consider taking a DIY approach. Here are a few DIY stocking stuffer ideas to spark your creativity.

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There's something special about autumn in Maine. Our real estate agents look forward to the crisp morning air and brilliant foliage all year long. It's also the perfect time of year to visit Maine's lovely farms and orchards, which offer some great corn mazes this time of year!

• Pumpkin Valley Farm - 100 Union Falls Rd, Dayton, ME 04005
  There are several events to look forward to at Pumpkin Valley Farm every year—their Sunflower Festival is always a late summer highlight—but pumpkin season is when the farm really comes alive. This year, Pumpkin Valley Farm's annual Pumpkin Festival returns every Saturday and Sunday from September 24 to October 30. The five-acre corn maze, corn pit, and various other kids' activities are included in the price of admission. You can also get brick oven pizza and beer at the Rust Bucket or stop in at the Cow Lick Café for hot dogs, kettle corn, and cider. 
  
  
• Ricker Hill Orchards - 295 Buckfield Rd, Turner, ME 04282
  Ricker Hill Orchards is known far and wide for you-pick apples. More than a dozen varieties are ready to pick throughout September and October, but that's not the only activity on this picturesque Turner farm. Craft fairs, animal shows, pony rides, and other activities take place throughout the fall, and kids can also enjoy getting lost in the twists and turns of Ricker Hill's corn maze. The maze is designed for kids to be able to solve within a half hour, which should give grown-ups just enough time to visit the Ricker Hill Orchards tasting room to sample some hard cider. 
  
  
• Treworgy Family Orchards - 3876 Union St, Levant, ME 04456
  The corn maze at Treworgy Family Orchards is the stuff of legends. Every year, they create one of the most intricate and elaborate corn mazes in Maine, always with a different theme. But finding your way through this year's Winnie-the-Pooh-shaped maze may not be an easy task! Before heading into the corn, be sure to pick up a copy of the map, which includes riddles that can be completed as you pick your way through the labyrinth. Bring your completed puzzle to the café afterward for a free ice cream! And consider visiting during one of the Night Maze events on select weekend nights in October to try your hand at the corn maze after dark. 
  
  
• Zach's Farm, 7 Colby Turner Ln, York, ME 03909
  Zach's Farm is a cozy family-owned farm known for its incredible farm stand. They offer a dizzying array of crops throughout the season, including some of the best sweet corn around. Come fall, their 17-acre cornfield becomes a massive corn maze that kids and grown-ups alike come from miles around to enjoy. The Zacharias family, who own and operate the farm, have been creating their corn maze for the public for more than 15 years now and have no plans of stopping!
  
  
• Hooper's Orchard - 856 Back Brooks Rd, Monroe, ME 04951
  Pick-your-own apples and pumpkins are fall staples at Hooper's Orchard, a 300-acre farm in the rolling Mid Coast Maine foothills. More than 50 varieties of heirloom and modern apples are grown here. It's one of the best apple picking places in Maine, and their corn maze has also become a fall tradition. The maze offers kids and families a fun activity, along with free food and hayrides, during the annual Hooper's Orchard Apple Fest in late September. 
  
  
• McDougal Orchards - 201 Hanson Ridge Rd, Springvale, ME 04083
  A seventh-generation farm in Southern Maine, McDougal Orchards is a staple of the Springvale community. In addition to growing 40 varieties of apples (and quite a few other crops), the farm also puts on some of the best fall festivities around. Stop by to pick apples, browse the farm store, take a weekend wagon ride, grab a coffee and apple cider donuts, and get lost in the corn maze! The maze and McDougal Orchards are smaller and easier than most, making them ideal for younger kids. 
  
  
• Thunder Road Farm - 185 Newport Rd, Corinna, ME 04928
  The farm stand at Thunder Road Farm offers an amazing variety of produce throughout the year, from carrots and cucumbers to peaches and plums. In fall, they open up the farm to visitors with a wide range of attractions, including you-pick pumpkins, a 6-acre corn maze, and a 2-acre play area. It's the perfect destination for fall fun, open every Saturday and Sunday from September 17 to October 30. Thunder Road Farm chooses a unique theme for their corn maze every year, and this year's maze is dedicated to the champion 2021/2022 Nokomis Regional High Warriors varsity basketball team. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Maine. It's a special place to call home in any season, and our real estate agents are dedicated to helping you find the perfect Maine dream home for you and your family. 

Is trail mix the perfect food? Also known by the whimsical name of "gorp," trail mix is nutritious, portable, and easy to make yourself. Join our real estate agents in celebrating National Trail Mix Day on Wednesday, August 31 by whipping up a batch of one (or more!) of these great trail mix recipes.

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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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Your family and friends have enough sweaters. This year, give a gift that will truly enrich the life of the recipient. Our real estate agents are checking off their lists with memberships to these incredible museums around Northern New England. 

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Fall is officially here, which means it's time for sweater weather, pumpkin spice, and comfort foods. Whether they're tossing ingredients in the slow cooker before heading out for a busy day of helping people find their dream homes or spending their days off making something more complex, our real estate agents love cooking this time of year. 

If you're looking for some inspiration, you're in the right place! Here are a few of our favorite recipes for New England comfort foods. 

New England Comfort Foods

• New England Clam Chowder
  Nothing says "comfort" quite like a steaming hot bowl of New England Clam Chowder. This recipe uses thick-cut bacon, potatoes, fresh chopped clams, and just a hint of thyme. The secret ingredient in this recipe is the white pepper, which keeps it "old school" and amazingly delicious. 

• Firehouse Chili
  There's no shortage of chili recipes out there, but this award-winning recipe for Firehouse Chili has the perfect balance of seasoning and plenty of large chunks of meat. If you're looking for a tried and true crowd-pleaser, this is it. While we think this chili is perfect just the way it is, if you want it more or less spicy, you can easily adjust the amount of jalapeno, cayenne pepper, and chili powder to your tastes. 

• Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
  This recipe for Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings has been passed down through multiple generations. It's one of the most comforting cold-weather foods, and when you make it, you'll feel just like you've taken a step back to Grandma's kitchen. The secret lies in putting an entire chicken in the pot to make the broth, then adding the chicken back to the soup along with the homemade dumplings at the end of the recipe. 

• Mom's Meatloaf
  Mom's meatloaf is a denser version of the classic recipe. It gets a boost of flavor from chorizo sausage, bacon, and the perfect blend of spices. It's delicious when served with ketchup and sauteed onions. Add a side of mac and cheese or mashed potatoes for the perfect comfort food meal. 

• Lobster Mac & Cheese
  Nothing says comfort food can't also be classy! This recipe for Lobster Mac & Cheese has won multiple awards, and it's easy to see why. With three different types of cheese, plenty of butter and cream, and three pounds of fresh lobster, you'll find this meal perfectly decadent and delicious! 

• Yankee Pot Roast
  Pot Roast is a New England classic. It combines a large chuck roast with beef broth, red wine, carrots, celery, and pearl onions. Serve it over egg noodles or rice for an amazingly satisfying meal. One great thing about this recipe is that there are so many things you can do with leftovers. Our favorite is a thick and cheezy pot roast grilled cheese sandwich. 

• New England Lamb Bake
  This hearty New England Lamb Bake tastes amazing, and it will also fill your home with an incredible aroma. It features a leg of lamb, carrots, leeks, spices, and a topping of sliced potatoes. If you prefer, you can make this with ground lamb or with a chuck roast instead. 

• Crumb-Topped Clams
  Crumb-topped clams combine tasty littleneck clams with a perfectly seasoned topping of breadcrumbs. They're a Christmas Eve favorite in many New England homes but are also an incredible comfort food to enjoy any day of the year. Give them an extra bit of decadence by adding a crispy piece of bacon on top of each clam.  

• New England Bean & Bog Cassoulet
  Another classic local cuisine, New England Bean & Bog Cassoulet is made with baked beans, Italian sausage, chicken, croissants, cranberries, and more. It's a warm, hearty, and heartwarming dish that's perfect for a chilly night. The flavors are a complex mix of sweet and savory, and this dish is surprisingly easy to prepare.   

• Yorkshire Pudding
  This decadent recipe for Yorkshire pudding will take your dinner to the next level. While the word "pudding" may make you think of dessert, this is a puffed pastry baked in meat drippings. It's perfect for absorbing gravy and goes well with roast beef or a roasted chicken. 

• Apple Cider Donuts
  There are few things tastier than a fresh, hot apple cider donut. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cardamom is exactly what the fall season is all about. This recipe makes 12 donuts plus donut holes, so plan to make them when you have company or share them with friends. 

• Cape Cod Blueberry Pie
  This Cape Cod Blueberry Pie has been a Northeastern staple since the 18th century. To make it a true comfort food, use fresh-picked blueberries and top it with fresh cream. If you're serving it in the summertime, you can top it with vanilla ice cream instead.  

If you're looking for the perfect home, our team is here to help! There are many great properties for sale right now, so don't delay. Contact us today to get started. 

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.

Halloween decorating is a fun fall activity for the whole family, but it can also get a little bit competitive among neighbors. Whether you're planning a party or just looking to spook the neighborhood trick-or-treaters, our real estate agents created this guide of Halloween decorating tips to help you create the most mystifying home on the block. 

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It's hard to believe that fall is already at our doorstep. But as sad as we are to see summer go, we must admit that autumn is our real estate agents' favorite season in New England. The scenery this time of year is nothing short of spectacular. 

Peak foliage usually arrives in early to mid-October, so you still have plenty of time to plan an amazing fall foliage road trip in New England. These are some of our favorite spots for leaf peeping. 

Leaf Peeping Around Northern New England

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One of the advantages of living in New England is the many colleges and universities that serve the region. Going paperless will bring some benefits to the education process. While a child may not require the sophisticated technology of the adult student, more and more elementary and high schools are also adopting paperless systems for the benefit of the teachers, students, and of course, the planet. Here are a few reasons why you may find this to be a great option for your home.

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The New Year is almost upon us! That means now is a great time to start thinking about what 2021 might look like and setting some new goals. Since most of us are still spending the majority of our time at home, starting a new hobby is a great way to kick 2021.

Many of our real estate agents have already found some fun and interesting ways to occupy themselves during their free time. Here are a few of the hobbies they recommend. 

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The holiday season will look a lot different this year, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing! Our real estate agents encourage you to maximize your yuletide festivities with these six ideas for celebrating the holidays remotely.

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If you've been checking out our local homes for sale, you're probably wondering whether it's a good place to raise a family. Thanks to the low crime rates, great schools, and plenty of kid-friendly activities, we're sure you'll find that the area is ideal for children of all ages. 

Whether you're visiting the state of Maine or you're already a local, you'll definitely want your little ones to experience the fun, interactive learning opportunities offered by the state's four children's museums. Here's everything you need to know to plan your next family adventure.

1. Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine: 142 Free Street Portland, ME 04101
   Located in Portland's downtown art district, the Children's Museum & Theatre of Maine gives kids a chance to play, act, and use their imaginations as they learn about science, history, and more. Be sure to check out the museum's exhibits, shows, and the theater performances created for children, by children. If one of the Portland homes for sale catches your eye and you become a resident, your children will love the ongoing classes, workshops, and camps. As a parent, you'll be happy to know that your children can have fun learning all year round.
   
   

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