Ah, sweet summer! How do you decide when the season that gave Vacationland its name officially begins? Is it on Memorial Day or the summer solstice? Is it when you finally hear the spring peepers on warm evenings? Or perhaps it’s the moment you smell that distinct, sweet scent of a humid afternoon in the Pine Tree State? No matter how you decide, here’s our roundup for this weekend in Maine:

Something to Do:

Are you curious about Maine’s rich maritime history and want to learn more? Head to Portland this Saturday to take part in Walk the Working Waterfront! Featuring a series of events including a walking tour of Portland’s working waterfront along Commercial Street, boat cruises, and educational demonstrations such as tuna dissections, among other activities, you’re sure to finish the day with a newfound appreciation for Maine’s history with and relationship to the ocean! Please note that the walking tour is free, but other events are ticketed and require pre-registration to participate.

When: 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday
Where: Various piers and wharves along Commercial St., Portland

Somewhere to Go: 

Have you heard about the alewives yet? Every year, thousands of these tenacious fish migrate upstream to spawn, but only for a short period of time! Make sure you get the chance to see them by signing up for this Saturday’s guided walk at Mill Brook Preserve, hosted by the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust. The event is free of charge but has a limited capacity, so be sure to secure your spot ASAP!

When: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Saturday
Where: Mill Brook Preserve, Westbrook

Something to Eat:

If you were a big fan of Portland restaurant Five Fifty Five—which closed in early 2020—great news! Owners of the Portland standby Steve and Michelle Cory opened a reimagining of the restaurant, 555 North, at the Federal Hotel in Brunswick on May 19. With a menu focused on locally sourced ingredients, fresh seafood, and modern takes on classic dishes, fans of the former Five Fifty Five are sure to find something to love. Make a reservation today! 

When: 5–9 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays
Where: 10 Water St., Brunswick

Something to Drink: 

If you’re ready for a drink and a tasty snack after a long week, make your way to Lone Pine Brewing Company’s Gorham tasting room this Saturday for Donut-Palooza! Created in collaboration with the Holy Donut, Lone Pine will be serving doughnuts paired with a series of beers featuring flavors inspired by the doughnut shop’s signature potato delicacies. Options include a blueberry glaze sour ale paired with a blueberry doughnut, a margarita craft seltzer with a margarita doughnut, a coffee cake imperial stout with a coffee cake doughnut, and more! Choose four pairings for your flight and tuck in. 

When: 12–6 p.m. Saturday
Where: 48 Sanford Dr., Gorham

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