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:

• Seating capacity is 6,500, more than double that of Gill Stadium. The park really stretched its limits on May 26, 2009, when a record crowd of 8,903 came to watch Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz make a rehab start with the Portland Sea Dogs.
  
  
• The venue is the only ballpark in the country that shares its location with a hotel. Out-of-town visitors can enjoy the convenience of the Hilton Garden Inn, situated just past the stadium's outfield.
  
  
• With its great view overlooking left field, Samuel Adams Brewhouse is the place to be. Open two hours before game time, the full-service restaurant includes an 85-foot mahogany bar, 11 high-definition LCD TVs, and a made-to-order menu. The Tiki Bar Stage hosts live music every Thursday through Saturday.
  
  
• The upper level holds 32 luxury suites. Perks include a basic food and beverage package, individual climate control, two VIP parking passes, and a visit from either Fungo or Slider, the team's mascots. Having a work function or other large gathering? There are two private 100-person party decks behind first and third bases.
  
  
• Dinner on Deck is an exclusive section right alongside the field with four 4-person tables. Guests enjoy table service, complimentary drinks, and snacks, and VIP parking passes.

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:

• Monday, July 4 @ 7:05 p.m. vs. Hartford Yard Goats - Independence Day Fireworks
  
  
• Friday, July 22 @ 7:05 p.m. vs. Portland Sea Dogs - Christmas in July, with a Christmas socks giveaway
  
  
• Friday, August 5 @ 7:05 p.m. vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels - Sumo Wrestling Night
  
  
• Sunday, August 14 @ 1:35 p.m. vs. Erie SeaWolves - Puzzle Day, with a 3D stadium puzzle giveaway

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.

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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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. 

It's no surprise that national sources frequently rank Vermont among the top places to live in the United States. Our real estate agents take a deep dive into the features that make Vermont "A Place All Its Own" and the regions that make up this wonderful state.

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The beginning, middle, and end of summer are marked by holidays that honor our country's greatest values and liberties. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran's Day are steeped in traditions of honoring and remembering all those who served in the military.  For many of us, it also means an extra day off to celebrate with family and friends.

With the promise of summer stretching out ahead, Memorial Day has a special significance. Our real estate agents share their favorite New England Memorial Day traditions. 

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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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You aren't the only one in your family who could use a home office! More and more kids are learning remotely, and for many of them, this means trying to do their schoolwork in a busy area of the house or in their rooms. These aren't ideal solutions, so you might be looking for a better way to help your kids with remote learning.
  
Our real estate agents suggest the following 5 workplace ideas to help your kids with remote learning:  

1. Choose a spot that has as few distractions as possible.
   Your child probably won't be able to concentrate well without a separate space for schoolwork. If they're in the family room or at the kitchen table, they'll end up getting distracted due to the hubbub of daily family life. And if they do their schoolwork in their rooms, they're likely to find all sorts of distractions, including toys and electronics. Instead, set aside a desk in a quiet room to help your child focus. If a separate room isn't available, try utilizing a corner, hallway, or even a converted closet to house their workspace.
     
2. Have a place for everything and put everything in its place.  
   An organized space will help your kids enjoy their work area and keep everything where they can find it. To make this happen, every item needs to have a designated spot so your kids can return them to their proper place when they're finished for the day. Think of storage solutions such as rolling trays or drawers for art supplies, hooks to hang headphones on, and charging stations for tablets. Clear jars, labels, and magnetic items can also come in handy for this type of organized area.
     
3. Make sure the workspace has enough lighting.  
   Especially if you're using a space like a hallway or closet for your kids' work area, you'll need to make sure it has adequate lighting. A spot with some natural light is best, but even if you have it, you'll still need to supplement it with some artificial lighting. Desk lamps are a convenient solution, and you can also move anything that's blocking natural light from flooding the room.
     
4. Let your child decorate their workspace.  
   Letting your child personalize their workspace will make them feel more positive about spending time there and invested in keeping it orderly. Photographs, artwork, prints, and other items can be used to dress up the walls, and floating shelves can hold cherished objects.
     
5. Include some stress relievers.   
   Your kids will be spending more time at their workstations with remote learning than you might expect since it's meant to substitute for a full school day of learning. Between assignments and tests, your kids may start to feel anxious and burned out after a while, so let them keep some stress relievers on hand in their workspace to help. These can include Silly Putty, stress balls, or Koosh balls, as well as letting them listen to music if they're not distracted by it. And if your kids have trouble sitting still for long periods of time, take a cue from some traditional in-school classrooms and let them sit on an exercise ball instead of on a chair.  

Contact us today at The Masiello Group if you're interested in buying or selling a home in the Northern New England area. We have offices throughout the area and have been the region's real estate leader for more than 52 years.   

Owning your own home is a valuable step in building your equity and creating security for yourself and your family -- no matter the shape or size. Part of homeownership is maintaining that investment through required chores and maintenance. Don't lose value simply because you don't know what to do. The start of a new year is the perfect time to keep tabs of chores you should be doing once a year. Our REALTORS® have assembled seven chores you shouldn't forget to do yearly, to help you keep your home in top shape.

1. Clean or Replace Lightbulbs
   It might seem a little strange, but starting by wiping off your lightbulbs will let in a tremendous amount of light -- easily more than you would expect. This shining light will let you better notice other areas of your home that need attention, and it's also a good reminder to change a few bulbs. Also, it's always a good idea for your health and safety to remove extra dust and debris so you can breathe better and reduce fire hazards too.
2. Deep Clean Carpets and Upholstery
   And speaking of dust and allergens, you'll want to do a yearly deep clean of upholstery. Go beyond carpet cleaning to make sure any food or pet stains get removed and provide an overall fresher feel to your home. Also, proper cleaning can help improve the lifetime of your furniture.

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When starting your home search and looking for an agent, the first question a real estate professional will usually ask is "Have you been pre-approved?"

What is a mortgage pre-approval?

A mortgage pre-approval from a lender means they have verified and pre-approved the borrower to borrow a specific loan amount and possibly a specific mortgage type. It is the initial process of qualifying for a mortgage loan. The borrower has submitted the required financial information. This process usually requires pay stubs, bank statements, w-2's, social security number and an inquiry on the borrower's credit.

Why is pre-approval Important when home shopping?

• It can help you find a reputable and experienced REALTOR®. Many seasoned agents only want to work with buyers who have already been mortgage pre-approved before shopping for a home.
• Getting pre-approved by a lender at the start of your home shopping process will save you, and your agent, valuable time. Knowing how much you can afford helps narrow down your home search. You can avoid disappointment by shopping too far above your price range. This also helps you avoid settling on a home that may be under your budget that you're not 100% in love with. Your REALTOR® can now find the perfect dream home within your price range.
• Home sellers will take you more seriously. Having a mortgage pre-approval letter from your lender can give you an advantage when making an offer, especially if there happens to be multiple bids on a property. A seller may be more apt to accept the offer with the pre-approval backing it over an offer from a buyer without. The seller knows that your offer is less likely to fall through, and fewer issues to arise, knowing your lender has already gone through a screening process.
• It can help in negotiating a price if the seller is eager to sell.
• A pre-approval helps speed up the process when you are ready to purchase and your offer is accepted. You have already done part of the leg-work and there will be fewer hurdles to jump through.
• It holds more value than being pre-qualified. Receiving a pre-qualification from a lender only shows that you meet certain criteria to apply for a home loan. This usually only requires a few basic questions. It is not a great indicator of your ability to actually purchase or receive funding.

If you are accepted for a mortgage pre-approval:

1. Keep your finances operating as-usual.
2. Don't open any new lines of credit.
3. Don't fall behind on current payments.
4. Your pre-approval is usually valid for 60-90 days

How to become pre-approved

Requirements for Mortgage Pre-Approval

1. Proof of Assets
2. Good Credit
3. Proof of Income
4. Employment Verification
5. Any other two types of documentation: usually a driver's license or Social Security number

According to Investopedia, Consulting with a lender before the homebuying process can save a lot of heartache later. Gather paperwork before the pre-approval appointment, and definitely before you go house hunting.

Are you ready to get started? Click here to learn about our reliable mortgage partners!

https://www.masiello.com/mortgage-services

Click here to find your next home!

https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0411/5-things-you-need-to-be-pre-approved-for-a-mortgage.aspx

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.

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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!

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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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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. 

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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."
  
  

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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. 

1. 28th Annual Gingerbread House Contest Exhibition
   The city of Portsmouth is known for classy and understated holiday celebrations. If this is your style, you'll love the 28th Annual Gingerbread House Contest Exhibition. The beautifully decorated gingerbread houses, created by local families, artists, and businesses, are proudly displayed on the first-floor gallery of Discover Portsmouth. The "winter wonderland" theme and surrounding large-format photographs are sure to put you in the holiday spirit.
   
   

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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.

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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. 

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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.

A True New England Treasure

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.

Come See the Tree and Stay a While in Rockland

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.

Fort Western: A Landmark That Changed the History of the Region

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.

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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.

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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.

Visiting the Maine State House

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 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). 

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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.