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...

Life + Culture

Cruise Control

Set sail, haul traps, and soak up summer across southern Maine with these excursions that offer a fresh perspective on some of the state’s most iconic scenery Article by Becca Abramson Lucky Catch Lobster Cruises luckycatch.com For a quintessentially Maine adventure, hop aboard a working lobster boat with Lucky Catch Cruises. The 80- to 90-minute excursion takes passengers through Casco Bay while crews haul traps and share insight into the state’s storied lobster industry. Along the way...

Food + Beverage

The Bagel Guy Next Door

Blue House Bagels is a homegrown operation with a devoted local following Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Lauren Lear On a quiet stretch off Portland’s peninsula, there’s a moment when the neighborhood starts to stir. A dog barks, a car door shuts, someone heads out for coffee. Inside one house, though, the morning has been underway for hours. Ryan Mash is already baking. The dough he’s working with isn’t new—it’s been resting, developing, quietly doing its thing for nearly two...

Life + Culture

3,600+ Miles to Go

As he turns 80, Portland chocolatier Dean Bingham sets out on another cross-country journey Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by courtesy of Dean Bingham As he approaches his 80th birthday, Dean Bingham, founder of Dean’s Sweets, isn’t slowing down. Instead, he’s gearing up for his next goal: a cross-country bike ride from the Pacific to the Atlantic, an ocean-to-ocean journey fueled by grit, curiosity, and purpose. “I think it’s a challenge,” he says simply. “There’s something pretty...

Finance + Legal Services

Who's Really Managing Your Wealth

The registered investment advisor (RIA) industry has been undergoing a rapid wave of consolidation and aggregation, reshaping the landscape for both firms and their clients. While firms claim these mergers and acquisitions bring better services and stability, the reality is that consolidation is often driven by succession challenges, the need for growth, and financial incentives. This shift in ownership structure can lead to both opportunities and challenges for clients, impacting the level of...

Finance + Legal Services

Why Independence Matters in Wealth Management

When it comes to managing your finances, trust is everything. The decisions made with your wealth manager can shape your future, impact your lifestyle, and influence the legacy you leave behind. That’s why the independent business model in the wealth management world can be a big deal; advisors are allowed more freedom to act without outside pressure or influence… truly considering the client first.In Maine, we understand that trust is further built from personal relationships, genuine...

Finance + Legal Services

Giving More than Money

Your time and experience are valuable gifts. Consider making those gifts even more meaningful.In my work with clients, many of our conversations revolve around building a great retirement. But what happens once you’ve actually reached that milestone? Several of my clients who are recently retired or considering an upcoming retirement are trying to figure out what this stage of life should actually look like. They’re trying to find what gives their days meaning after spending so much time...

Home + Design

Making Her Mark

Carrie Dessertine on craft, legacy, and the launch of Meyette Article by Becca Abramson | Photography by Nicole Wolf When Carrie Dessertine launched design firm Mey & Co, she built a reputation for thoughtful interiors and custom furnishings for hospitality spaces around the country. Now she’s turning that expertise inward. Her newly launched brand, Meyette, offers both restored vintage pieces and an original collection of furniture designed in-house with longevity, craftsmanship, and...