Articles Tagged "Local businesses"

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.

Click Here to Read More...

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. 

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.

• Brattleboro Food Co-op - 2 Main St., Brattleboro, VT 05301
  Founded in 1975 as a small buying club, Brattleboro Food Co-op underwent an extensive redevelopment in 2012. Today, the beautiful four-story building houses a 14,580-square-foot natural foods market and deli along with a commissary kitchen, cooking classroom, and the co-op offices. The convenient location, at the foot of Main Street in downtown Brattleboro, provides easy access to customers. Programs such as Bag-A-Bean, where customers who reuse bulk containers receive a fava bean representing a donation to a non-profit, help promote community awareness. The share price of $80 can be paid over 18 months. Hours are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily except Sunday when doors open at 9 a.m.
  
  
• Caledonia Food Co-op - P.O. Box 736, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
  Want to get in on the ground floor of a project that supports local growers and the Northeast Kingdom economy? Caledonia Food Co-op is working to provide a source of natural, artisanal, and international foods to the community. A group of local residents is spearheading this exciting start-up, which currently has more than 600 members signed up. Just $100 buys a share in the co-op and entitles everyone in your household to benefits. Visit the website for more information.
  
  
• City Market/Onion River Co-op - 82 S. Winooski Ave., Burlington, VT 05401
  Co-ops have a number of features in common, most notably their guiding principles, but the business model of City Market/Onion River Co-op is unique. When Onion River Co-op leased land from Burlington to open their store, they agreed to sell a number of conventional foods as an affordable option for city residents. This became City Market, while Onion River Co-op continued to sell natural foods. There is a second location on Flynn Ave. in Burlington's South End. A full equity share is $200, which can be purchased with $15 annual payments. Both stores are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
  
  
• Hunger Mountain Co-op - 623 Stone Cutters Way, Montpelier, VT 05602
  During the 1960s, Plainfield Co-op was as much a social group as a source for groceries. Members frequently got together for pot lucks at picnics. In 1972, the co-op moved to Montpelier and became Hunger Mountain Co-op, which celebrates its golden anniversary this year with more than 10,000 shareholders. Sustainability and conservation are major priorities for the co-op, which recently installed a solar panel carport with an EV charging station in the parking lot. Membership is $180, which can be paid all at once or in annual installments of at least $15. Hunger Mountain Co-op is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
  
  
• Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op - 9 Washington St., Middlebury, VT 05753
  Like many others, Middlebury Natural Foods Co-op began as a pre-order buying club back in the mid-1970s. Members bought food in bulk and packed the food themselves. Steady growth over more than 45 years resulted in a number of expansions, culminating in the current storefront that features a prepared foods and deli section with indoor and outdoor seating. Memberships are available for $20 a share, with a maximum of 15 shares. Hours are 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily.
  
  
• Plainfield Co-op - 153 Main St., Plainfield, VT 05667
  While it was founded in 1972, Plainfield Co-op is a throwback to the days when general stores and similar shops served as social gathering places. Above the grocery store is a community center that's available for classes, workshops, and other public and private events. Any member of the community may rent the space for $15 per hour, with a $9 hourly fee for co-op shareholders. The center also serves as a gallery, spotlighting works from local artists. Share prices are $180, payable up front, or minimum installments of $20 per year. Plainfield Co-op is open 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily except Sunday, which has a start time of 10 a.m.
  
  
• Putney Food Co-op - 8 Carol Brown Way, Putney, VT 05346
  The roots of Putney Food Co-op extend all the way back to 1941 when obtaining food was a challenge due to wartime fuel shortages. A group of residents led by Carol Brown assembled to form the co-op, and the street on which the storefront is located is named after Carol in her honor. The charming store includes a deli that features a make-your-own-sandwich option with your choice of bread, protein, cheese, spreads, and veggies. A hot bar and soup is also offered every day from noon - 4 p.m. Membership fee of $75 can be split into three payments. Hours are 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sunday.

"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.

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.

Tips for Supporting Local Businesses During the 2021 Holiday Season 

• Chat with the Owners 
  When big businesses get so much of the local economy's market share, it's easy for local shop owners to begin to feel underappreciated. Take a few minutes to stop and talk with the owner of the store you are visiting. That person will undoubtedly appreciate the gesture, and you'll get a chance to learn more about their wares and what makes them special. You may not be aware of some of the small details that make their products special – for instance, maybe their café makes all of its food items with locally sourced ingredients.  
  
  Talking with the owner may also open doors for you if you discover they do not currently stock the product you were looking for. Many shop owners are happy to do the legwork of finding and ordering specific products for patrons if they know someone is interested in those items.  
  
  
• Look for Local Alternatives 
  Many of the items on your friends' wishlists are probably available from local retailers. They may not carry the exact item that was requested, but if you know the recipient isn't typically concerned with brands, you might be able to find a great substitute from a quality local producer instead. Stick to the spirit of everyone's gift requests instead of trying to follow them to the letter, and you'll end up with nicer gifts while also injecting money into your local economy. 
  
  
• Speak Up for Small Business 
  Instead of buying from a small retailer yourself, spread the word about these businesses to people who do have a holiday budget they want to spend. Recommend small local shops to your friends and family, and consider leaving the business a good review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. Every bit of good publicity helps these small businesses grow their customer base and stay profitable.  
  
  
• Don't Forget About Food 
  Even if you aren't buying many presents this year, chances are good that you're still planning to have something special to eat during the holiday season. If so, remember that local retailers carry food too! Whether you're cooking a full festive dinner or just want a few small treats to indulge in, there is probably a butcher, cheesemaker, vineyard, confectioner, or other local business that sells what you need. As a bonus, their wares are probably much higher quality than what you would get at your neighborhood grocery store. The premium flavors and textures will add a little extra magic to your holiday table.  
  
  
• Shop Based on Your Values 
  Shopping local is an excellent opportunity to use your money to support the outcomes you want to see in the world. Many small businesses partner with local charities to raise money or organize important local events, so you can buy from a shop that is affiliated with a cause that is near and dear to your heart.  
  
  
• Look for Extended Deals 
  Small businesses know they are competing with many other retailers to win your dollars. To make shopping at their locations more attractive, many extend their Black Friday deals for longer than bigger stores do. You can often get excellent prices on all kinds of items well into December, making it easier to fit the cost of shopping local into your budget.
  
  It is still a good idea to shop as early as possible, though – unlike their competition, small retailers may not have a regularly updated Facebook page or website that you could use to find out when these promotions end. If you don't want to miss out, don't wait.
  
  
• Look for One-of-a-Kind Artisan Gifts 
  Local retailers rarely stick to selling the same old merchandise you could get from the big box store down the street. Instead, many of them pair up with local creatives to sell hand-crafted items you won't find anywhere else. Buying a handmade necklace, scented candle, or piece of furniture not only supports two local independent businesses at the same time – but it also gets you an incredibly unique gift that your loved ones are sure to treasure.  

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.

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.

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

Click Here to Read More...

Our Peterborough Office opened their office to the local Peterborough Chamber, Friends, Family, and Community May 23rd to celebrate their recent office remodel.
The office remodel design was created to offer flexible, comfortable and productive spaces. We are thrilled with the results! 

The office features local artists; Daniel Thibeault and Debra Caplan.  

A special thanks for all of the hard work and dedication from those that made this opening a success and to Cafe 532 for catering - the food was fantastic! 

Click here to find out more about our Peterborough office and agents and stop by to check out the new space! 

95 Grove Street | Peterborough, NH | 603-924-8373

Have you been wearing yourself out searching for the ideal home? While buying a new home is an exciting adventure, our Augusta real estate agents know that sometimes you need a break. There's no better way to recharge your batteries than spending a few hours getting pampered at a great spa.

There are many day spas to choose from in the Augusta area, but a few stand out from the crowd. Here's a round-up of our favorite places to relax and unwind.

Click Here to Read More...

Considering all the turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and Christmas cookies that come with the holiday season, it's no surprise that losing weight is one of the most common New Year's resolutions. If you're committed to getting in shape in 2019, you're certainly not alone. 

Here in Bangor, Maine, there are a lot of great gyms to help you get your resolution going. We asked our Bangor real estate agents to name their favorite gyms in the area, and we got a lot of great answers. So no matter what your workout style or fitness goals may be, there's an option for you. Best of all, they're all within a few minutes' drive of our many homes for sale in Bangor, Maine!

Click Here to Read More...

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:

Explore Bangor History

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. 

Click Here to Read More...

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.

• Three Times the Charm
  Nashua is the only city that Money Magazine has ranked the #1 "Best Place to live in America" in both 1987 and 1997. Also, the magazine ranked it 16^th of 50 communities as "Best Places to Live 2016."
  
  

Click Here to Read More...

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.

Click Here to Read More...

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 By Any Other Name Wouldn't Be as Sweet

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. 

We're the Catch of the Day--Least Until Saturday

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). 

Your Rockland Real Estate Professionals

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.