The Maine Weekender, 1/13—1/15

Photo: Allan Mas

With holiday stress in the rearview mirror and 2023 resolutions on the brain, now is a great time to consider picking up a new hobby. Interested in rock climbing or cross-country skiing? Maybe you’d rather dabble in the fiber arts and take a stab—quite literally—at knitting, crocheting, or quilting. Perhaps this is a sign to become a plant parent! While we settle into the season and await more snow (seriously, where is it?), here’s our roundup for this weekend in Maine:

Something to Do:

Take part in the historic winter tradition of ice cutting at Libby Camps on Sunday! Fun for the whole family, this annual experience marks the opening weekend of the winter season, during which a group of guides and volunteers cut nearly 500 blocks of ice (weighing 80-100 lbs. each) that will stock the camp’s ice house for all visitors throughout the spring, summer, and fall. The event is free, and lunch will be served from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday
Where: Libby Camps, Oxbow

Something to Eat:

Looking for the best gluten-free and vegan bagels in southern Maine? Try the newly launched Badger Bagels, currently available at Arabica Coffee on Free Street. Made from white and brown rice flour in an allergen-free commercial kitchen in North Yarmouth, these plain, everything, and cinnamon raisin bagels are the first product produced by Sligo Foods, which hopes to expand their line of items in the upcoming year.

When: Starting this week
Where: Arabica Coffee, Portland

Something to Drink:

Little Woodfords, named one of the best coffee shops in America by Food & Wine magazine, is shutting its doors for good on January 31. If you haven’t visited the warm, tiny, LGBTQ+-friendly spot owned by Portland city councilor Andrew Zarro and his partner TJ, the next few weeks are  your last chance. Don’t sleep on the astrology drinks like the Capricorn, a golden agave turmeric-ginger latte topped with organic cinnamon, or the house-made breakfast sandwiches paired with a fresh cup of joe brewed from Vermont’s Vivid Coffee.

When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: 316 A Congress Street, Portland

Something to Watch:

Join Bates College in honoring the legacy of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, Jr. with an afternoon showing of the film All These Sons. The 88-minute documentary follows a Bates graduate and his friend as they create healing spaces for young men on Chicago’s West and South sides, which are infamous for their high murder rates. A group discussion will follow the film, and free tickets can be reserved online.

When: 2 p.m. Sunday
Where: Olin Arts Center, Lewiston

Something to Look Forward to:

Oasis Free Clinics, a non-profit medical practice providing care to uninsured adults in Midcoast Maine, is hosting three virtual cooking classes to raise money for their free medical, dental, and prescription services. Experience a night in that feels like a night on the town with chef Sam Hayward of Fore Street, pop-up innovator Ali Waks Adams, or Asian-inspired cookbook author Chris Toy as you whip up a winter shellfish and fish stew, romantic Valentine’s Day roasted rack of lamb, or lobster wontons, Maine salmon, and root vegetable stir fry. Bon appetit!

When: January 28, February 11, or March 18
Where: Virtual (tickets available online)

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