Meandering Maine

Favorite Maine Street

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:03:00 +0000

It doesn’t have to be a Main street or even a paved road – what’s your favorite Maine Lane?

There are so many grand houses in Camden. Some with sweeping views of a breath taking harbor. But I have to say Jacobs Ave lined with cottage style bungalows steals my heart every time? What row of Maine houses speaks to you?

The Carriage House Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Thu, 19 May 2011 14:56:00 +0000

Old houses tell stories, and this stunning second empire Victorian mansion has a wealth to share. Built in 1874 by Captain John McGilvery, a member of one of Searsport's most prominent seafaring, shipbuilding families, its rich history is complete with an intriguing cast of characters. The Inn was a garrison for army officers in the early 1940's and later the retreat of impressionist painter Waldo Peirce. A well known Maine artist of international repute, Peirce was one of the most colorful personalities in American art. Lifelong friends and portrait artist of Ernest Hemingway, who allegedly paid visits to Waldo at the Inn, Peirce found inspiration and refuge for 20 years along the breathtaking shores of Penobscot Bay.

Now the home of another sea captain's great-granddaughter with Scottish roots, this elegant bed and breakfast is decorated with family heirlooms and period antiques capturing the essence of years gone by. The Carriage House Inn overlooks the shores of Penobscot Bay, and sits within walking distance for the center of the quaint village of Searsport on coastal Route 1. The Inn is surrounded by 2 acres of gracious, park-like grounds with ocean views. To the delight of our guests, our property has been visited by moose, deer, and an occasional fox.

Maine Boating

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 01:38:00 +0000

Where is your favorite place to boat in Maine?

Ocean?

River?

Lake?

Advertise & Services

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:00:00 +0000

Advertise:

Giveaways: Giveaway your business' product on our website to boost blog followers, facebook followers, web traffic and overall exposure. We will require contestants to become followers of each to receive extra entries in your giveaway.

Membership – includes the written listing as outlined above. It also includes a searchable map point icon on our Map It! page, as well as a full page of information as it relates to your business including a business description (narrative text), contact information, website listing and link, a logo, and a photo of your business or business location. $135 annually.

Widgets – Display your advertising widget on Meandering Maine’s ™ pages for $135 annually.

Fill out this form to advertise. Links: A button ad link on our Meandering Maine Link Page. This does not include button ad design. The button ad would link directly to your website. Business must be a current member of Meandering Maine. small ad: 125x125 - $10/month large ad: 125x261 - $20/month

Services:

Simple Blog Set Up: $250 - Blog Websites are an inexpensive alternative to the high cost of website design. And you don't have to buy your domain address or pay hosting fees. We will set up a blogger based up to five page website. You must be a current member of Meandering Maine, provide photos to be used and page content. An example of our blog sites we have set up: Air Companions Meandering Maine Meandering Maryland Types of business that could benefit from a blogsite: Boutiques, spas, salons, shops, photographers, restaurants, transportation businesses, YOURS!

Simple Button Ad Design: $35 Business must be a current member of Meandering Maine. This does not include placement of the button ad on your website or any other website. An example of one of our button ads:

Photos of Your Business for Your Use: $250 - $750. Photos in the button ad above were taken by Meandering Maine. Prepay for an up to one hour scheduled photo shoot and receive photos that can be used in advertising including but not limited to your website, facebook, button ads, web ads and business brochures.

Yellow Trail Camp Med-O-Lark

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:52:00 +0000

If you drop your child off at

Camp Med-o-lark

And stay a while for vacation -

May we suggest the Yellow Trail:

Take a right on 220 and follow 220 until you take a left onto 17. Follow 17 several miles through the town of Union (a great, quaint Maine Village to stop in), South Hope, West Rockport until you run into Route 1 in Rockland. Take a left onto Route 1 and follow to Main Street in Rockland. Take a right onto Main Street and follow 73 to a left onto route 131 down the stunning St. George Peninsula.

Make reservations at East Wind Inn nestled the small quaint village of Tenants Harbor. These are historic, waterfront accommodations on an artsy authentically “Maine” peninsula that allows you to experience the culture in true form.

Feast on the freshest ingredients from their salad dressing to the fish harvested off the nearby shores in the East Wind’s dining room.

Drive to the end of this piece of Maine and park on a water’s edge in the charming village of Port Clyde. You won’t find anything like it anywhere else on Earth. It’s tiny but packed with true Maine treasures. And boat access to the magical island of Monhegan. A day trip or many days trip you wouldn’t want to miss.

Just a short drive or a long walk from the Port Clyde village is the Marshall Point Lighthouse. A great adventure and views for the whole family. Pack a picnic from one of the general stores you spotted while making your way down the St. George Penisula or work up an appetite exploring the coast line and head back to Rockland for a diner’s delight and additional beautiful historic Inns.

Or why not head back up to Route 1 and then head south on a village tour of the southern mid-coast?

Friendship, Waldoboro, Damariscotta are all small Maine town with big coastal charm.

Watch a local fisherman reel in his daily catch.

Enjoy the history and heritage of many of the working harbors along your way.

Enjoy the real live canvas of art in the stunning views from seaside homes to rocky shores.

Drive down the peninsula from Damariscotta to the gorgeous and world-famous Pemaquid area. Stay at the rustic but cozy Ye Olde Forte Cabins and you are only a stone throw from soothing Atlantic waves crashing on the rugged ledges of the Maine coast.

There are so many hidden and obvious Maine gems around from artists studios, to local swimming holes, to tucked away sandy beaches, to forts dripping with history, to the stunning Pemaquid Lighthouse. You may never want to leave.

Ron Weaver’s work (a local New Harbor artist).

Or head back up to Route 1 and south towards the next breath taking, Maine village. Boothbay Harbor might quite possible be on every person’s bucket list. Or at least it should be. This magical walking village is riddled with shops, studios, sailing, boat tours – literally heaven on earth for those who want a slice of Maineness in one town.

And you’ll want to stay close to all the action at the Harbour Towne Inn.

Enjoy the Yellow Trail. We know you will.

Harbour Towne Inn

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:07:00 +0000

Located on the waterfront in the heart of the scenic coastal town of Boothbay Harbor, our historic Victorian Bed and Breakfast has earned the distinction as the “finest B&B on the Waterfront.” Our luxurious seaside Inn specializes in gracious Down East hospitality, elegant accommodations with water views, and decks overlooking Boothbay Harbor. Guests love our convenient location, right on the water and just steps to downtown Boothbay Harbor’s shops, restaurants and boating excursions.

Visit Harbour Towne Inn’s website.

Our New Look

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Sun, 20 Mar 2011 02:49:00 +0000

We are excited about our new blog. Going forward we will be posting on www.meanderingmaine.com and www.meanderingmaine.blogspot.com.

Dragonfly Cove Farm

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:07:00 +0000

Dragonfly Cove Farm is a small, diverse homestead farm located at the confluence of the Eastern and Kennebec rivers in mid-coast Maine. Joe Murray and Marge Kilkelly raise and sell Boer cross meat goats , goat meat, make maple syrup, and spend the summer canning and preserving the bountiful wealth of our kitchen gardens, vineyard and fruit trees. Dragonfly Cove Farm is in the Dresden Farmlands area which also includes large vegetable farms, greenhouses and berry farms. From spring until late fall a trip to Dresden Farmlands will yield full calendar of in season products: Maple Syrup, flats of seedlings, pick your own succulent Strawberries, amazing fresh picked sweet corn, tomatoes, cukes, and finally fall pumpkins and squash.
Goat meat is available at our farm year round, goat milk soap and fiber products from Go-tees Farm fill out a vibrant market basket, right here in Dresden Farmlands! Do visit!

Kari J Cross Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:28:00 +0000

Capturing life's special moments. Kari J Cross Photography is a husband and wife team who covers weddings, all types of events, and on location portraits. Children, families, and graduates will feel at ease with their easy going personalities and fun approach to capturing great images. With an unobtrusive approach to their wedding and event photography, brides, grooms, and guests will be able to enjoy their event without disruption. Kari J Cross Photography is available for weddings, engagements, family & children, and senior portrait photography. We also cover big and small events.

www.karijcrossphotography.com

Christmas Tree Harvest

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 20:27:00 +0000

We don’t really think of harvest time being about Christmas or trees but it’s both in Maine.

2010’s Christmas tree crop.

These trees will go from field to fancy in less than a month.

What’s your favorite Christmas tree?

The Day Before THE Day

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 21:45:00 +0000

The Retreat at French’s Point’s mansion doors were flung open to make way for the bridal party to begin their rehearsal of a historic day in the lives of the soon to be Annie and Peter Gray.

Rain clouds and chilly weather could not dampen the spirits of the happy crowd – especially after they saw the feast that awaited them at the rehearsal dinner.

The wedding festivities were kicked off with an elegant, private rehearsal dinner party at the Wentworth Event Center where the two families, out of town guests and the wedding party met, mingled and ate delicious food prepared by Laura Cabot Catering.

Photo copyright Annie Higbee/ Imagewright

Laura Cabot Catering offered an artisanal cheese table with fruit, flowers and crackers as a stationary hors d'oeuvre. Passed items included truffle pate canapes and crudity from Laura's garden with a white bean and artichoke dip. Also circulating were two types of phyllo appetizer pastries: wild mushroom and lemon time or goat cheese with a fig confit.

The main courses were either oven roasted wild salmon filet on a bed of Caponata or grass fed beef kebabs with a ginger marinade and grilled vegetables. They also offered grey sea salt pommes frites and garden string beans with young carrots.

Photo copyright Annie Higbee/ Imagewright

Both Laura Cabot Catering and the Wentworth Event Center did a fabulous job executing a very special and memorable night for the now Mr. and Mrs, Peter Gray.

Thank you to our advertising partners who make this story possible:

Air Companions

Summer Maine Classic Vacation Rentals

Picture Journey

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 13:12:00 +0000

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 17:13:00 +0000

Go Directly to MeanderingMaine.com

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:38:00 +0000

You can find new blog postings, updates on the wedding and the Great Maine Giveaway prize winners directly on www.meanderingmaine.com.

Love Maine!

May Beach Weather in Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Thu, 27 May 2010 01:09:00 +0000

This May’s weather in Maine has been fabulous. Beach worthy – and if you strike out mid-week, you just might get it all to yourself or come close.

Steam Rising from the Sand

Maine has some of the best tide pools where kids and kids at heart can find treasures like crabs, periwinkles, shells and much more.

Seagull Prints

The fog might roll in and in less than an hour burn off. It’s so pretty to see.

Check our main site www.meanderingmaine.com to see all blog postings on the wedding, the giveaway and things to do in Maine.

New Site

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Wed, 26 May 2010 22:08:00 +0000

Our Blog has switched over to our new site. We now have a Meandering Maine Blog and a Blog for the Wedding Event of the Year. Both can be found on www.meanderingmaine.com.

The Bride Growing Up Maine

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Tue, 25 May 2010 12:11:00 +0000

Annie grew up on Alford Lake in Hope and Waterville, Maine. Ever since her birth on May 27, 1986, she and her family have been exploring secret coves along the coast of Maine in her grandfather’s boat. This formed a deep love for Maine, Maine beaches and this may be why it was so deep in Annie’s heart to have a view of those rocky shores while saying “I do”.

Annie and her grandfather Byron on the boat.

I don't know the name of the specific beaches and islands we frequently visited during my childhood summers but the memories I have from these trips will stay with me forever (I'm also extremely fortunate that my grandfather has hours of video of these trips). Our trips out on the "big" boat (my grandparents yacht, three bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, etc.) would typically begin with a trip to the grocery store with my grandmother to stock up on all the necessities for the weekend. Part of the grocery fun was bringing the bags down to the boat via wheelbarrow (if you have ever been to the marina in Rockland you know how tricky this can be during low tide when the ramp to the docks is at a very steep angle - now imagine a six to ten year old pushing/pulling a wheelbarrow down that ramp. Now that I think about, it's a miracle we didn't lose at least one trip of groceries overboard.)

Annie at her mom and stepfather’s wedding.

The weekends out on the big boat were always a new adventure. Without fail Grampy would always wake us up at the crack of dawn (many times before dawn) to bundle up and go clamming. "Got to get up before breakfast" is one of his famous lines. Then we would venture to a secret spot. Later in life we learned that Grampy's secret spots were not truly secret spots and often had evidences that the commercial clammers had beat us there. If you had asked us then, we all believed that we very well could be the first people to be setting foot on these beaches (secret spots, if you will:).

When our clamming expeditions were over, a boat full of tired, wet and often very dirty kids would return to the big boat to be fed and to get ready for our next adventure. Beach combing and a picnic were usually in store. My grampy loves the idea of beach combing. It is fascinating to him the different items that each grandchild treasures - and they always, without fail, differ. We would keep these treasures to do arts and crafts at a later time with my grandmother (we made wreaths, decoration boards, you name it).

I have so many amazing memories from these trips and could go on and on...but I think I'll stop there.

Annie with her brother, mom, stepfather, step-siblings and grandfather.

Crate to Plate will be giving away a lobster dinner for two for this week’s Great Maine Giveaway – live lobsters shipped anywhere in the US.

You take time to go to the farmer's market; you appreciate the quality of organic foods. On occasion you like to treat your family to artisanal cheeses or hand crafted chocolates. You value the principles of the slow food movement and you like to know your purveyor to understand exactly where your food comes from.

Regardless of where you live in the U. S. you can have lobster harvested wild from the Penobscot Bay in midcoast, Maine. Captain Dan Cosby lobsters from his boat the Fisher Girl in Saturday Cove, a small homey indent below historic Bayside, between Belfast and Camden. It is a perfect place to land a kayak and collect sea glass or take advantage of the rope swing on a hot summer's day. Dan is the man who can become your lobsterman. Get to know him and Saturday Cove. Treat your family and friends to Maine lobster harvested from your personal leased lobster trap.

Contact Crate to Plate today for more information about getting the freshest lobster you will ever eat, delivered from your leased lobster trap to your door as desired.

Enter to Win:

Send an email to info@meanderingmaine.com with:

Your Name, Address and Phone Number (this will not be used for any other purpose).
Answer the question: Where did Annie grow up? Hint: this can be found on an earlier blog.

Thank you to our advertising partners who make this story possible.

Air Companions

Summer Maine Classic Vacation Rentals

What’s to come -

Planes, cooking, golfing and boats. Meandering Maine with future bride and groom.

Let’s Rewind a Little Bit in Annie and Pete’s Story…

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Thu, 20 May 2010 19:31:00 +0000

A photo shoot of Annie at one of her favorite places in Maine by photographer Annie Higbee of www.imagewright.com.

A card from Annie to Pete across the pond

Let’s go way, way, way back to November of 2007…their “first date”. Pete says he remembers it was in November because his birthday is in November. They went to the local Cheesecake Factory and Annie ordered him strawberries and cool whip, because he is lactose intolerant. He says she is the most thoughtful person he knows.

Hand Made Card from Annie to Pete

Going back even before their first date Annie and Pete attended Babson College together, Pete says, “Oddly enough we had been at Babson together for two years before we ever knowingly crossed path, which was surprising given the relatively small size of the campus and student body”. They were first introduced to each other when they were put in the same group for a project in their first semester of their senior year. It was in Professor Len Green’s entrepreneurship class, and as Pete puts it he did learn in the class but meeting Annie was “clearly the pinnacle” and he will forever be grateful to Professor Green.

Annie and Pete first met in the library for a group project meeting, Annie had field hockey on the brain and Pete had just arrived home from London. Pete says that they both wanted to spend as little time as possible together at the first meeting, BUT…after a few group meetings and field hockey games they were finally ready to date. Pete says, “guys don’t go to field hockey games without a reason”.

They dated…they graduated…Pete moved to London…they continued to date long distance…Pete came home and proposed…they began an adventure to the altar! Stay tuned for more details about all of these events, we will definitely fill you in. We just thought you might want to know how they met. As Pete said, Annie is very thoughtful and as one could imagine as Pete has been in London Annie has thought A LOT about him. Here is a glimpse into their personal fairytale, here (and above) are some cards that Annie sent Pete all the way across the pond to his little flat in London…

Thank you to our advertising partners who make this story possible.

Air Companions

Summer Maine Classic Vacation Rentals

What’s to come -

Planes, cooking, golfing and boats. Meandering Maine with future bride and groom.

Winners

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Wed, 19 May 2010 17:56:00 +0000

Winners were selected by the first person to request a certain prize with the correct answer to the question.

1. Cathy Ansart St. George, Maine

An overnight stay at Camden’s Blue Harbor House.

The Inn is conveniently located just a few blocks from the harbor and shops. Our elegant yet casual atmosphere is a relaxing retreat for couples, families and business travelers.
You can expect pampering while staying with us. From delicious food to comfortable accommodations.

A full gourmet breakfast is served each morning of your stay.
Join us each afternoon for complimentary tea and cakes.

So, you will have Monday, May 24th at the Blue Harbor House. You check in and have afternoon tea. At 5ish you are picked up by All Aboard Trolley and Limousine's

Limo!!

You have never seen or ridden in limousines quite like these!

All Aboard Trolley and Limousine will escort you to the stunning Cellardoor Winery. There you and your guest will have a cooking class with Lani, chef and owner Megunticook Market.

In Lincolnville, just five miles from Camden Harbor, the home for the winery and vineyard is a sixty-eight acre farm with a rich history and majestic views to Levenseller Mountain in the distance. Simply, it is a special place, charmed really, to which we proudly welcome friends and guests.

Upon purchasing the winery in 2007 and thus becoming just the fourth owner of the property in the past century, we respectfully restored the 200-year old post and beam barn. While preserving the original barn boards, and the sense of history, we expanded and upgraded the winery facilities, added a porch and loft space, both lovely places for guests to linger and relax, built a new tasting bar, and added a full commercial kitchen. The goal of these efforts was to bring the winery experience to the Midcoast of Maine.

2. Dave Varone Cumberland, RI

Have delicious Maine Oysters – hand harvested by Glidden Point Oyster Farm shipped to you anywhere in the US or have them shipped as a gift anywhere in the US. You won’t find better oysters. Check out their website. You will also receive a shucking knife and logo pint glass!!

Glidden Point Oyster Company is a family owned sea farm located in mid-coast Maine. We grow oysters in a very natural, pristine setting, using no machinery or processing equipment - everything is done meticulously by hand. Our culture techniques, handling methods, attention to detail, and HACCP certified facility combine to produce the finest cultured oysters available anywhere. Satisfaction guaranteed. Since 1987.

3. Rebecca Wood Kingsfield, Maine

Two Rounds of Golf at Dunegrass Country Club in Old Orchard Beach. This is quite the place.

This story is made possible by the help of our advertising partners:

Thank you to our advertising partners who make this story possible.

Air Companions

Summer Maine Classic Vacation Rentals

What’s to come -

Planes, cooking, golfing and boats. Meandering Maine with future bride and groom.

Announcing Soon…

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Tue, 18 May 2010 04:28:00 +0000

We are in the process of updating our website. You will see lots of changes coming soon. In the meantime, keep checking in for the winners of the first round of giveaways. We will be announcing soon.

Are You Ready for This?

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Thu, 13 May 2010 14:30:00 +0000

We are expanding the first Great Maine Giveway. Hold onto your horses, or car or whatever you are sitting on -

1. Includes -

An overnight stay at Camden’s Blue Harbor House.

A full gourmet breakfast is served each morning of your stay.
Join us each afternoon for complimentary tea and cakes.

Do you know what’s really cool about this? The innkeepers are from the UK. That’s where our groom is living in London. This goes so well with our wedding story.

Your Hosts
Terry and Annette Hazzard

As experienced innkeepers and natural-born hosts, Annette and Terry truly enjoy welcoming guests and helping them to get the most out of their visits to Camden. At the Blue Harbor House, they have created their unique style of Down East hospitality with a Scottish accent.
Terry and Annette met while working aboard the cruise ship "Pacific Princess" (which played the part of the "Loveboat" in the TV series). When the ship's itinerary brought them to the Maine coast, they vowed to return to this spectacular corner of the US. First, however, they went home to Scotland, married, and Terry became bar manager at the five-star Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. They subsequently purchased a six-room B&B in Edinburgh and, two years later, bought a small hotel, opening for business when their daughter, Jade, was just three weeks old! Now that they are the owners of the Blue Harbor House, they are living their dream of owning an inn on the beautiful coast of Maine.

So, you will have Monday, May 24th at the Blue Harbor House. You check in and have afternoon tea. At 5ish you are picked up by All Aboard Trolley and Limousine's

Limo!!

You have never seen or ridden in limousines quite like these!

All Aboard Trolley and Limousine will escort you to the stunning Cellardoor Winery. There you and your guest will have a cooking class with Lani, chef and owner Megunticook Market.

About Lani:

My heart kept leading me back to food. After 10 years as an event planner, I had chosen menus for hundreds of meetings and gala events, taste tested hors d'oeuvres for conferences from London to Japan and traveled the country from California to New York. Finally I decided to make a break for it, my lifelong desire to cook for a living.At first, I considered cooking school but that would delay my urge to get into the kitchen, so I took a job at a popular cafe and bakery in Bronxville, New York. First it was baking muffins and scones then cookies, homemade pies and cakes. Soon it was catering, then managing the operation. Now what to do? I was on the hunt for a kitchen in Camden, but nothing appeared. One day, while surfing the internet, I came across a market (with a kitchen) for sale. My husband, Dale, and I packed for a road trip and jumped in the car to go see it. Although it was a little rough around the edges from neglect, I could see this country store as the center of community activity, just waiting for a fresh coat of paint and some new energy. I couldn't wait to get in the kitchen and start baking. We chose Maine because it is a food lovers paradise. There are fresh produce farmers, fishermen, bread bakers, cheese makers and food artisans making jams, jellies, pastries and confections. There are orchards, dairies and organic farms. This little market was the perfect place to bring all these artisans and farmers together.

That, folks, is all in number one.

2. Have delicious Maine Oysters – hand harvested by Glidden Point Oyster Farm shipped to you anywhere in the US or have them shipped as a gift anywhere in the US. You won’t find better oysters. Check out their website. You will also receive a shucking knife and logo pint glass!!

3. Two Rounds of Golf at Dunegrass Country Club in Old Orchard Beach. This is quite the place.

Dunegrass Country Club has been offering local and visiting golfers the opportunity to experience an uncommonly high caliber of golf for Maine and New England since 1998.
Designed by internationally known golf course architect, Dan Maples, Dunegrass Country Club has quickly gained the reputation as Portland area’s premier public golf course.

Dunegrass Country Club is 18 holes that meanders over 300+ acres of wooded, back dunes. At 6,644 yards, with a par 72, the course offers a challenge from the back tees that will
have serious golfers thinking twice before placing their bets! With four sets of tees on each hole, every level of golfer will find the course playable.

Dunegrass Country Club was idyllically crafted on Maine’s coastal terrain and sculpted into a masterpiece of golf design. Natural features including streams, hill sides, undulations and
rock cropping have been preserved to produce a visual feast.

Enter to win: send email to info@meanderingmaine.com with where Annie & Pete got engaged, your name, address and phone number (not to be used for any other purpose) and which prize you would like.

We’re Kicking It Up a Notch

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Thu, 13 May 2010 01:29:00 +0000

Check back tomorrow to see how we are upgrading giveaway #1. You won’t want to miss it!

The Great Maine Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:48:00 +0000

Photo by Annie Higbee Imagewright

There will be three chances to win in the first round of The Great Maine Giveaway for those following the wedding story of Annie and Pete.

1. Cooking Class at the stunning Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville on Monday, May 24th at 5:30 with chef and owner of Megunticook Market Lani Temple.

2. A Dozen Maine Oysters, a shucking knife and a logo pint glass from Glidden Point Oysters. Shipped anywhere in the US and other parts of the world are possible.

3. Two Rounds of Golf at Dunegrass Country Club in Old Orchard Beach.

Enter to Win:

Send an email to info@meanderingmaine.com with:

Your Name, Address and Phone Number (this will not be used for any other purpose).
Answer the question: Where did Pete and Annie get engaged? Hint: this can be found on an earlier blog.
Which prize you would like to receive.

Thank you to our advertising partners who make this story possible.

Air Companions

Summer Maine Classic Vacation Rentals

What’s to come -

Planes, cooking, golfing and boats. Meandering Maine with future bride and groom.

I Said Yes!!

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:55:00 +0000

Text: sent to all friends and family August 28^th.

From: Annie Pease

WOW!! What a beautiful ring! The love story is even more beautiful. Let’s meet the groom and hear what he planned and how it went for him.

Meet Peter Gray..

Pete lives in London, England so he had to cross the Atlantic Ocean to do the deed. His side or the story…or as he puts it “what was supposed to happen”.

Well to be completely honest I wanted to propose for a long time, so leading up to it there was nothing going through my head other than what if she said no. I’m not a fan of awkward situations. The day before, however, when I was flying home from London it was quite cool, the flight attendants found out I was going to propose and all got together to give me a bottle of champagne to open on the big day. As if that wasn’t enough, when we landed at Logan Airport the pilot wished me good luck over the intercom so the whole plane knew! It was quite cool but I think that increased the pressure level a bit.

-Peter Gray

Pete and I decided to spend the weekend at his family’s condo in North Conway, NH. After visiting the outlets we headed to Grant’s to pick up some essentials, and steak, potatoes and corn on the cob for dinner (I’m sure Pete bought brownies too, he does every time we go grocery shopping). The weather was absolutely beautiful and once the groceries were unpacked we decided to head to Mount Washington for a little hike. Pete suggested that we hike to the waterfall, only about 10 to 15 minutes up. He packed a backpack with “warm clothes and a couple of beers” to enjoy at the waterfall. We reached the waterfall and since the weather was ideal for hiking, I suggested we keep going. We ended up hiking for about 45 minutes, unbeknownst to me that the backpack Pete was carrying was much heavier than I thought…

- Annie Pease

BUT…Pete had “perfect plans”…how it “should have” gone.

It was a nice fall afternoon, Annie and I had just drive up to my family’s place in the mountains. It was still mid-afternoon and Annie suggested we go for a hike, playing magnificently into my plan. I suggested that we drive to the base of Mount Washington and hike up to Cascade Falls, it’s only about a ten minute trek up a nice easy path and has plenty of areas to set out a blanket and relax for a drink. We got to the falls, selected a nice rock underneath the water, I lay out a blanket and pull out the champagne. After a few minutes I took the video I made out of my bag and told her it was really funny and she had to watch it. She was clearly curious about me having carried a video, but after two minutes she seemed to have an idea of what was happening and when the last song finished I got down on one knee and sputtered out those four words. She said yes, we shoved the ring on her finger, a big hug and a kiss, and she whipped out her phone to call her mom. We spent the night calling people…well, that’s what was supposed to happen.

-Peter Gray

According to Annie, things went a little differently. She may have botched Pete’s planning just a little bit, but in the end the ring does go on her finger and…well you’ll see…

On our way down the mountain Pete suggested that we stop at the waterfall, which we did briefly but we hurried along (I had drank a liter of water on the way up and was anxious to reach the restrooms at the bottom). Relentless on his mission, Pete brought me to another trail that led to a river where we were going to sit and enjoy our drinks. It surprised me when after spreading out a blanket, Pete pulled his laptop out of his bag and told me he had a “funny video” you have to watch…quite suspicious. As the video rolled through pictures of us over the past two years, I had and inkling of what was about to happen, and when the song changed to “marry me Juliette, you’ll never have to be alone, I love you and that’s all I really know, I talked to your dad, go pick out a white dress…” came on I knew. Pete kneeled down on one knee and said “Annie Pease, will you marry me?” I think I said yes, but to be honest I can’t remember. I was so excited! Pete then pulled champagne flutes and champagne out of his backpack (he can tell everyone how the champagne was presented to him). It is true after a hug and a kiss, I told Pete I had to call my mom and since I had no reception I ran out to the road to find some. We spent the next couple of hours calling family and friends to share our exciting news!

-Annie Pease

This begins Meandering Maine’s wedding story of the year, but it isn’t the beginning of Annie and Pete! Stay tuned and keep following to hear more about Annie and Pete growing up, meeting in college, and their beautiful journey to the altar.

The future Mr. and Mrs. Gray in London

Peter with his father Gary Gray.

The Great Maine Giveaway:

This week’s Great Giveaway begins with a cooking class with Lani Temple of Megunticook Market at the stunning Cellardoor Winery in Lincolnville, Maine on Monday, May 24 at 5:30 pm. You will join Annie and Pete in this cooking class. There’s more. So stay tuned this week for the rest of the giveaway and how to enter to win.

A big thank you to Cellardoor Winery and Megunticook Market. This event will be a feature story on a future blog.

Thank you to our advertising partners who make this story possible.

Air Companions

What’s to come -

Planes, cooking, golfing and boats. Meandering Maine with future bride and groom.

Happy Mother’s Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Meandering Maine) — Sun, 09 May 2010 17:02:00 +0000