Life + Culture

Hidden in Plain Sight

The thoughtful details behind one of Maine's most meaningful children's brands Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Zack Bowen When Sarah Piasecki and her sister Christine Bitetti set out to create Izzy Lee's, they weren't fashion designers. One worked in commercial real estate, the other was a physician assistant. They were just two sisters, home during the uncertainty of the pandemic, searching for a way to transform unimaginable loss into something that could bring comfort, beauty...

Style + Beauty

Homegrown Confidence

Jessica Candage proves individuality never goes out of fashion Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Kim Chapman Photography What parts of your Maine upbringing shaped who you are today? I started pursuing makeup and music while still living in Maine. The support from the community was always huge for me, and I still feel it living in Nashville. I hope to make my Maine people proud! Mainers are so loyal and kind, and I bring that into my world everyday. When you come home to Maine...

Style + Beauty

Good Looks

Portland's favorite independent optical shop is helping customers discover eyewear with personality Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Joel Tsui There are two kinds of people who shop for glasses. The first walks in with a screenshot, a Pinterest board, and absolute certainty they need small tortoiseshell frames. The second shrugs and says, "I have no idea." According to Chris Wheaton of North Optical, the second group usually has more fun. “If you want to have a good time, we’re...

Sports + Recreation

Walk This Way

Five scenic routes for dog owners looking to shake up their routine Article by Becca Abramson Capisic Pond Park Part nature escape, part neighborhood secret, this park feels worlds away from the city. Winding trails, wooden boardwalks, and abundant wildlife make it a favorite for curious pups eager to follow every new scent. Presumpscot River Preserve When summer heats up, this shady riverside route is a go-to for those in-the-know. Gentle trails wind through the woods alongside the...

Life + Culture

Raising Maine

Lisa Bazinet's mission is simple: help families spend less time searching and more time making memories together Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Real Maine Mom Lisa Bazinet, the mother behind Real Maine Mom, has become a trusted resource for families looking to make the most of life in Maine. What began as her personal passion project grew into a hyperlocal guide connecting parents with family-friendly activities, businesses, and experiences across the state. We caught...

Life + Culture

Play is the Point

Brick by Brick gives children space to experiment, imagine, and learn through play Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Brick by Brick On a recent Saturday morning, the Brick by Brick Maine studio in Falmouth was filled with the familiar sounds of childhood: excited chatter, ideas being shared across tables, and the click of LEGO bricks snapping into place. Around the room, children were hard at work creating everything from animals and vehicles to entirely original...

Arts + Culture

The Art of Belonging

Side x Side's approach to education is resonating with students, teachers, and families across Maine Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Side x Side Walk into a Side x Side classroom and you're bound to find something unexpected. Maybe it's a flock of first graders elbow-deep in paper mâché, carefully sculpting birds they've spent weeks researching. It could be a group of fifth graders carving fossil stamps with the focus of professional artists. Or perhaps it's third grade...

Food + Beverage

The Spirit of the Coast

How the makers of Marine 01 are bringing a distinctly coastal flavor to Maine cocktails Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Evan Kalman There’s something undeniably Maine about a spirit shaped by the sea. With the launch of Marine 01, Portland-based Bold Coast Spirits is bottling that coastal connection in a way that feels both inventive and deeply local. The new small-batch vodka, created by co-founders Jay Lombard and Stuart Littlefield, is the first release in the brand’s Marine...

Arts + Culture

A Stay Worth Framing

Inside Portland’s newest “living gallery” at The West End Collection Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Casco Bay Artisans As Portland’s hospitality scene continues to evolve, one beloved West End property is entering a new era without losing sight of the artistic spirit that made it memorable in the first place. This spring, The West End Collection unveiled a year-long renovation of the former Pomegranate Inn, pairing elevated boutique accommodations with a new partnership...

Life + Culture

Birds on Tap

An unlikely pairing became one of Portland Explorer’s most beloved local experiences Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Portland Explorer For more than a decade, Portland Explorer (formerly the Maine Brew Bus) has built its reputation on showing people a different side of Maine. This version of the state is rooted less in bucket-list tourism and more in curiosity, connection, and local discovery. Even by Portland standards, though, combining birding with brewery hopping...