As leaves and temperatures drop, are you beginning to feel that irresistible pull to the mountains? It's time for another incredible winter ski season, and our real estate agents share the projected opening dates for your favorite slopes around New England.
There's a reason people flock from all over the country to enjoy the views a Northern New England fall has to offer. Experience the wonder and beauty for yourself when you view fall colors on these New England hiking trails recommended by our real estate agents.
Find out why each season in New England has its own special delights. Contact us at The Masiello Group for experienced and dedicated help with all your real estate needs.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Vermont is known for many things, New England architecture , maple syrup, and picturesque autumns.
When you live in this state, you'll also learn about the sustainable way you can get your groceries throughout the area.
Food co-ops are owned and governed by their shareholders, who usually live right in the community. As a result, these stores are a great way to combine economic value and social responsibility. You don't have to be a member to shop at these wonderful co-ops throughout Vermont, as recommended by our real estate agents.
"Co-op" is short for "cooperative," which is a strong value in the communities around Vermont. Contact us at The Masiello Group for all your real estate needs.
Summer in Northern New England is always an enjoyable time. And an evening spent on the baseball diamond makes the summer season even more memorable.
Our real estate agents share what makes them so passionate about the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, our region's minor league team.
Team History and Highlights
It may be hard to believe now, but by the time the 2000s rolled around, professional baseball had yet to establish a presence in New Hampshire. A new era was born in 2003 when Drew Weber bought the New Haven (CT) Ravens and moved them to Manchester.
Management turned the naming situation into a public relations opportunity by conducting a "Name the Team" promotion. Fisher Cats, a nod to the furry forest-dwelling mammal, ultimately won out over Millers, Mountain Men, and Granite.
In July 2008, the Fisher Cats had the honor of hosting the Eastern League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby. The Midsummer Classic returned to Manchester in 2011 and again in 2017, celebrating the million-dollar renovation of Northeast Delta Dental Stadium.
Since 2004, nearly 150 Fisher Cats have gone on to play in the major leagues. This illustrious group includes Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Cavan Biggio, and Bo Bichette, second-generation players who were the most highly anticipated rookies of recent years.
The Fisher Cats' significance to New Hampshire goes beyond sports and entertainment. In addition to maintaining partnerships with Children's Hospital at Dartmouth-Hitchcock and the Ted Williams Museum, the team has conducted numerous fundraising activities over the years, resulting in millions of dollars in charitable contributions.
Affiliations and Titles
The Fisher Cats are a Double-A team in the Northeast Division of the Eastern League. In their previous existence as the New Haven Ravens, the team went through affiliations with the Colorado Rockies, Seattle Mariners, and St. Louis Cardinals, earning a single league championship in 2000.
Since moving to Manchester, the team has been affiliated with the American League's Toronto Blue Jays. The team has claimed three division titles, in 2003, 2004, and 2011, along with league championships in 2004, 2008, and 2011.
Northeast Delta Dental Stadium
During the inaugural season in 2004, they played their home games in Gill Stadium, one of the oldest concrete-and-steel ballparks in the country. But that was just a temporary home, as they moved to the newly constructed Fisher Cats Stadium the following year.
Known for a time as Merchantsauto.com Stadium, the venue gained its current name thanks to a partnership with Northwest Delta Dental, a major insurance company. The stadium features an open concourse design that lets fans keep an eye on the game wherever they are.
Here are some of the modern amenities that make Northeast Delta Dental Stadium such a popular destination:
Promotions and Giveaways
In minor league baseball, nearly every game is a special event, which is one of the reasons why it's such a family-friendly activity. Mark your calendar for these exciting upcoming promotions and giveaways:
Individual tickets range from $10-$16, with a $2 discount for advance purchase.
Ready to round the bases and head for your new Northern New England home? Contact us at The Masiello Group to get started.
Did you know that America's first commercial railway opened in Massachusetts in 1826? Today, railroads take a back seat to airplanes, but their legacy lives on through rail routes that have been repurposed for hiking and biking. During the winter months, these trails make excellent places for snowshoeing and winter biking. Our real estate agents love the incredible perspective on Northern New England found in traveling these amazing rail trails throughout the region.
With the start of the holiday season so close at hand, you're probably already thinking about how you're going to get all your holiday shopping done. This year, our real estate agents have challenged themselves to do what they can to help the small businesses that make every community a better place to live. Want to join them in their support of local entrepreneurs? Here are seven ideas to get you started.
Once you've experienced the magic of shopping local around the holidays, this practice is sure to become a household tradition for your family. Do your part to support your local economy today, and if you have an imminent move on the horizon, don't fret. Contact us for help finding a home and getting settled into your new community.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our real estate agents have always loved living by the water, but is it possible that it's actually good for our health? We asked ourselves that question, and our research yielded some fascinating results.
With so many people working from home this year, many professionals are taking advantage of the opportunity to relocate. As Americans continue to move from big cities, Zoom Towns are becoming an increasingly popular place to work. These Zoom Towns are often summer vacation spots or retirement locations that are suddenly more accessible now that so many people are free of location-dependent jobs.
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.
Surrounded by rugged forests and overlooked by a towering statue of mythic lumberjack Paul Bunyan, the city of Bangor is a cultural hub in Maine. It's a remarkable place, and our Bangor real estate agents are grateful to call it home.
Whether you're looking for homes for sale in Bangor or planning a short visit, be prepared for an experience you won't forget. Here's what you can expect in Bangor:
Bangor was home to more than 300 sawmills in the 1830s, making it the unofficial "Lumber Capital of the World." Today, Bangor's storied past is visible everywhere, from the mansions along Broadway that were built from local timber in the 19th century, to the statue of Paul Bunyan that stands watch over Main Street and hearkens back to Maine's lumbering past.
It's easy to see why our locals love living Nashua, NH so much. It's in the ideal location nestled between the Nashua and Merrimack Rivers and only 30 minutes from the New Hampshire seacoast. It's got a bustling downtown and a thriving workplace. It's an area that our Nashua real estate agents love calling home, and these are the things the locals love about it.
The holiday season is upon us, and the city of Portsmouth offers plenty of festive ways to celebrate. From hands-on activities to magical theater productions, there's something for everyone.
Our Portsmouth real estate agents want to make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun, so we've gathered this list of our favorite ways to ring in the season. Check them out, and you might find a new family tradition.
Our Quechee real estate agents know that a terrific experience with a real estate firm is your "bridge" to the home you've always wanted. Anyone of our many Quechee homes for sale could be your dream home – all you have to do is visit us.
Vermont's covered bridges are genuinely outstanding. As you journey around Windsor County and beyond, you can find more than one hundred sprinkled throughout the state. When you're looking for homes, you should take time to see the picturesque beauty of these local landmarks!
These marvelous curiosities each have a long history and a story to tell.
One of the most interesting covered bridges of all is the Quechee covered bridge.
Our real estate agents want to be sure you enjoy everything you see when you visit our area to look at Brunswick homes for sale. Our city isn't just about great dining, shopping, and amenities – it also has some outstanding historical sites you'll enjoy visiting.
When you think of the word "picturesque," Brunswick should come to mind!
Cumberland County has been settled since 1628, so it's no surprise history is just about everywhere you look. The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is one example of the many delights you can find around the area – and it's more than a century old.
Our Rockland real estate agents are experts when it comes to everything Rockland and all across Knox County. Rockland is one of the top tourist destinations in the state, and that means the would-be home buyers our agents meet are also enjoying a great Maine vacation. They soon find out that Rockland homes for sale are in the midst of some of the most beloved Maine traditions.
Like so many cities in Maine, Rockland has a lot of history. People have been living here since all the way back in 1767 when it first became a lumber camp. The shipping industries made it one of the most successful and fast-growing communities in the entire state. As the railroads set in, it became a local tourism hub, starting with the famous Point Bay Hotel. Nowadays, the engine of Rockland is its vibrant downtown area, replete with some of the best dining, shopping, and attractions anywhere in Maine.
There's plenty of fun to be had in Rockwell any time of the year, but the holiday season is extraordinary rings festivities beloved by locals and visitors alike. One of the most memorable holiday events is the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree.
Many cities all around the world have amazing Christmas tree displays, including most of the top cities here in the United States. However, there are some that are simply unique – and one of those is the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree exclusively here in Rockland, Maine.
TLC has even featured our Lobster Trap Christmas Tree on their TV show, "Extreme Christmas Trees!"
Sponsored by Rockland Main Street – a civic organization supporting downtown development – the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree is the centerpiece of the local Festival of Lights. It all kicks off at noon on Friday, November 23 as Santa Claus arrives courtesy of the U.S. Coast Guard. That night, at 6 p.m., the Lobster Trap Christmas Tree enjoys its official lighting ceremony!
The tree is made from 155 standard, fully functional lobster traps spun into a tree decorated with more than 2,500 bulbs and an eighth of a mile of fir garland trimming. The final touch is more than a hundred lobster trap buoys donated by local lobstermen.
On Saturday, November 24, the festivities soar to a crescendo with the Parade of Lights, taking place just two days after Thanksgiving. The Parade of Lights features floats that compete for recognition by community voting, tallied using canned donations. Both the floats and the neighborhoods they visit are strewn with thousands of lights and are a sight to behold.
Rockland is truly a treasure that you'll want to come home to – and the Masiello Group can help. We've been assisting people looking to relocate to Rockland and greater Knox County for many years. Our team combines service, experience, and unparalleled insight into the local area.
Contact our Rockland office to find out more. We can't wait to hear from you!
Augusta homes for sale sit in the midst of one of the most desirable places to live in America. When you choose Maine for your new home, you'll enjoy the best in amenities along with a vibrant and beautiful history that comes to life in our within our cities.
Our Augusta real estate agents never tire of showing folks what the Pine Tree State has to offer. Old Fort Western is one example of local history preserved and protected for everyone to enjoy. Guides have been interpreting this 1754 National Historic Landmark every season for years – and it's waiting for you to visit here in Augusta.
Lasting more than 260 years, Fort Western has the distinction of being America's oldest wooden fort. It was built by a private company, Kennebec Proprietors, which enjoyed the patronage of the British crown and the local Massachusetts Province government.
One thing our York real estate agents have come to appreciate about living on the Maine coast is that we are spoiled when it comes to lighthouses. From the towering Portland Head Lighthouse and the candy-striped West Quoddy Head Lighthouse to the stark granite bricks of the Whaleback Light, Maine lighthouse hunters have enough choices to keep them busy for a lifetime.
Today, we want to focus on one of lour local favorites – Nubble Lighthouse. Built in 1879 and still in use today, the Nubble Lighthouse is also known as the Cape Neddick Light, and is one of the most picturesque attractions in the York, Maine area.
You'll find no shortage of beautiful, historic homes in Augusta, Maine, but few can compare to the splendor of the Maine State House. Our state house was completed in 1832 and remains one of our city's crowning attractions. When you're in town looking for Augusta homes for sale, it's well worth a visit.
Maine State House - A Piece of Local History
Way back in the day, Maine was part of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, until it voted to become its state in 1820. Augusta became the state capital in 1831, and the Maine State House was completed just one year later, built with Maine granite and opened for the first session of the State Legislature on January 4, 1832.
Though it's undergone a few additions and remodels throughout the years, the Maine State House remains a living piece of Maine history. The iconic copper dome was added in 1909, and the building's outward appearance has gone mostly unchanged in the decades since.
The dome was replaced in 2014, a change that – while essential to the health of the building – caused a minor uproar among those who didn't want to see the departure of the old green and weathered dome. Today, the dome's new copper sheen resembles what the building would have looked like about a hundred years ago, and it will likely take 30 years or so for the copper to oxidize back to its classic green hue.
TripAdvisor ranks the Maine State House as one of the top things to do in Augusta, Maine – and for a good reason. A marvel of architecture with a rich history, it remains one of the city's most visited sites nearly 200 years after its completion.
All citizens and visitors to the State of Maine are welcome to tour the State House. Tours and field trips are scheduled through the Maine State Museum and are always free of charge. Walk-in visitors are also welcome, with tours running hourly between 9 AM and noon. The State House is open to the public year-round, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM. Be sure to stop at the kiosk upon arrival to sign the guestbook and pick up your free State of Maine stamp and postcard!
The Maine State House is also a building worth returning to time and time again. During the ceremony commemorating the building's 160th anniversary in 1989, a stainless steel time capsule was buried near the front wall of the State House, not to be opened until 2029. Only time will tell what is inside.
Contact our Augusta office today to learn more about finding your dream home in Augusta, Maine. Our Augusta real estate agents have years of experience in the local real estate market. Our goal is making sure you find the perfect house for you and your family.
It should come as no surprise that when you visit Rockland, a cozy little city overlooking the rugged Maine coast, you'll find some pretty great seafood restaurants. Our Rockland real estate agents could go on and on about their favorite local eateries, but today we're going to focus on just one – The Pearl, a landmark seasonal restaurant located on the waterfront at Rockland's Harbor Park.
The Pearl is famous for its incredible local seafood menu, but at the same time has become infamous for its long history of opening, closing and reopening again under new ownership. But since Larry Reed, a Rockland local, took over in 2016, he's kept a steady hand at the wheel, and The Pearl's reputation for great food is rapidly eclipsing its tumultuous past.
The Pearl stands on pilings located at the end of a long pier at Rockland's Harbor Park. Formerly known as The Woodshed Restaurant in the 1950s, one restaurant or another has occupied that spot for most of the last 50 years. It was lost to a fire in 2004 and rebuilt soon after – but this time it looks like The Pearl is here to stay. The credit goes mostly to Reed who seems to understand what a coastal eatery on a Maine pier should offer: a comfortable, casual atmosphere, incredible harbor views, and a fantastic seafood-focused menu that draws heavily on what the local fishermen bring in every day. So far, it's been a tremendous success.
The Pearl is a seasonal restaurant. Since colder temperatures will be coming to Maine soon, The Pearl will close on Saturday, October 13. Not to worry because they will re-open again in mid-May with the same great menu items you've come to know and love.
From lighter fare like crab cakes and bacon-wrapped mussels to heartier entrees like seafood alfredo and haddock burger, you cannot make a wrong turn while you're navigating the menu at The Pearl. Try their oysters on the half shell or order your lobster just about any way you can imagine--steamed, baked and stuffed--or delivered in chowder form. You certainly don't want to miss trying The Pearl's lobster tacos or classic Maine lobster roll either.
A lot of the items on the menu change daily or rotate with the seasons depending on what the local fishermen are catching, so be sure to ask about the catch of the day. And for those who may not be so enthusiastic about seafood, fear not. You'll find burgers, steaks, chicken and pasta dishes to satisfy any palate.
The Pearl is located just off Pub Landing Road overlooking Rockland Harbor, within walking distance of Harbor Park, the Maine Lighthouse Museum and Captain Jack Lobster Boat Adventure. They're open every day except Wednesday and Thursday from 11:30 am to 8:00 pm (8:30 pm on Friday and Saturday).
Contact our Rockland office to learn more about all the incredible opportunities our city has to offer. If you're looking for Rockland homes for sale, our team of dedicated real estate agents at The Masiello Group is here to help you find your New England dream home.