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...

Life + Culture

Pull Up a Seat

Inside Man & Oak, Portland's private bottle club Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Lauren Lear Walk down Oak Street in the Old Port and you might miss it—tucked discreetly behind frosted glass, with nothing to announce itself but a subtle logo. But inside Man & Oak, a members-only bottle club founded by whiskey enthusiast and industry veteran Michael Meir, something exceptional is happening. “It’s not that I pay to drink my own bottles,” one member told Meir. “I pay to share my...

Food + Beverage

Sipped, Savored, Selected

Man & Oak director Michael Meir picks five whiskeys that hit all the right notes Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Lauren Lear William Larue Weller  “My #1 all-time favorite bourbon. It’s high proof with mouth moisture wicking elements—a real flavor bomb—yet easy to drink. The mark of excellence!” EH Taylor Barrel Proof  “I’m a sucker for the history of this brand and a nerd for the history of the spirirt itself. Taylor is the godfather of bourbon for good reason, and no...

Arts + Culture

Brotherly Harmony

Sean Oshima talks music, Maine, and what it means to be a good man in a boy band Article by Becca Abramson For Sean and Jamie Oshima, music didn’t begin with a record deal or a viral hit. It started in rural Maine—at musical gatherings, family jam sessions, and homes filled with instruments rather than formal lessons. “Our parents are musicians and artists,” Sean says. “We grew up surrounded by songs. There were no lessons, but there was a lot of music.” Now, the Japanese-Italian Oshima...

Life + Culture

Worn Wild

How Sambob’s custom fleece became the outdoors’ most personal layer Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Kim Chapman When Sam Roberts, founder of Sambob, traded bird banding and backcountry hikes for a sewing machine and stacks of Polartec fleece, he wasn’t trying to launch a business—he was just trying to make the perfect hoodie. “I got kind of into the ultralight backpacking world of gear,” Roberts says, recalling his days as a wildlife biologist crisscrossing national parks in Utah...