Arts + Culture

Sit. Stay. Smile.

Pet photographer Gina Soule turns fleeting moments into lasting memories Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Gina Soule When Gina Soule tells you she spends her days photographing dogs, it’s not just the cute ones or the well-trained ones. It’s all of them: wobbly puppies, high-energy rescues, semi-feral street dogs, and wise old companions nearing the end of their lives. “There’s no such thing as too wild or too untrained,” she says. “You just embrace dogs for who they are.” By day...

Life + Culture

Where the Wild Things Learn

Rippleffect brings adventure—and access—to Maine kids Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Rippleffect If you’ve ever stood on Portland’s Eastern Prom and looked out at the islands dotting Casco Bay, you may have unknowingly gazed upon a haven of ziplines, sea kayaks, and summer camp magic. Cow Island, home to local nonprofit Rippleffect, is more than just a scenic speck in the water—it’s a 26-acre classroom where Maine kids come to learn leadership, build resilience, and...

Life + Culture

Catch of the Future

Luke’s Lobster connects local teens to life on the water Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Luke's Lobster In Maine, it’s not unusual to grow up within walking distance of the working waterfront. What’s less common is having a direct connection to it, especially for people without family ties to fishing or the marine economy. Luke’s Lobster’s Lift All Boats project, launched in 2022, helps high school students break into this traditionally insular world of lobstering. The...

Life + Culture

Little Hands, Big Adventures

Through gentle, nature-centered designs, Mae Monsees of the Nestling Company celebrates the beauty of mindful play Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Mae Monsees What is the story behind the Nestling Company?  The Nestling Company began at my kitchen table in Waldoboro, Maine, during my early days as a stay-at-home mom in a new state. Sewing quickly became a creative outlet, and I started making baskets to organize toys and bring beauty into our daily routine. As our family grew...

Arts + Culture

Center Stage in Stonington

Opera House Arts marks 25 years of community, creativity, and connection Article by Becca Abramson It’s not every day you find live theater on a working waterfront. But in the coastal town of Stonington, Maine, the historic opera house overlooking the harbor isn’t just a backdrop—it’s the beating heart of the community. This year, Opera House Arts (OHA), the nonprofit organization that operates out of the historic Stonington Opera House, is celebrating 25 years of performances, programs, and...

Food + Beverage

Passport to Flavor

Eight global restaurants that prove Portland is an international dining destination Article by Becca Abramson Portland’s food scene has long punched above its weight, earning accolades from coast to coast. But beyond the craft cocktails and new American bistros is a deeper story told through simmering broths, fire-kissed flatbreads, and spice blends passed down through generations. The city is home to chefs and families who bring their culinary traditions from across the world, offering locals...

Travel

From Dream to Departure

Expert guidance, member-only savings, and dedicated support make AAA Travel Advisors a must for any traveler Article by Becca Abramson Planning a vacation can be exhilarating, but also overwhelming. Between booking flights, comparing hotels, and navigating ever-changing travel regulations, it’s easy to feel lost in the details. We spoke with Jennifer Wakefield, manager of Travel Products and Services at AAA Northern New England, to learn how the organization’s seasoned travel advisors can...

Life + Culture

Picnic Perfect

Mainely Experiences turns everyday settings into extraordinary celebrations Article and Photography by Deborah Roberts Imagine lounging on a blanket under the Maine sky, surrounded by wildflowers or the calming sound of waves, while indulging in a beautifully styled picnic featuring gourmet bites from one of the area’s beloved local restaurants. This is the essence of Mainely Experiences, luxury pop-up picnics curated by Deborah Roberts and thoughtfully designed to celebrate life’s most...

Food + Beverage

Downeast Feast

Your go-to guide for pulling off a fuss-free, flavor-packed lobster boil this summer Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Bon Vivants Creative There’s no better way to celebrate summer in Maine than with a classic lobster boil or a seaside seafood picnic. Whether you’re gathered on a rocky shoreline or around a backyard table, here are a few tips to make your shellfish spread one to remember. Source it Fresh Start with the good stuff: fresh, local seafood. Hit your neighborhood fish...

Sports + Recreation

Wind Chaser

Pro kiteboarder Briana Attalla finds unexpected community, connection, and calm on the rugged coast of her ancestral home Article by Becca Abramson When Briana Attalla moved from Maui to Maine, she didn’t expect to find herself kiteboarding again, let alone falling for a local kiting community that rivals some of the sport’s most iconic global destinations. “I thought I was just here for school,” she laughs. “But being on the water here definitely made me feel more connected to the elements...