Maine Part 3 - Kennebunkport

Welcome everyone to Kennebunkport, ME. Home of Maine's finest saltwater taffy, fried haddock 'n' chips, sunsets, ocean front property, and of course, the summer home of the George Herbert Walker Bush family. We loved this town. I think it was everything we had envisioned when we thought of quaint little Maine towns on the ocean.

On day 2, after the 5 AM photo shoot, we headed south on Highway 1 looking for adventure. We saw Kennebunkport on the map and figured, with a name like that, it had to be cool. When Matt telephonically informed us that it was the home of the Bush's, that sealed the deal. We had to go, if for nothing else than to see if their house was indeed made entirely of glass with people inside throwing . . . you're right, sorry, this is no place for politics.

We didn't find the Bush estate (we didn't really look), but we did find this little gem. It's called The Wedding Cake House and is apparently known as 'the most photographed house in Maine.' Well, H took this one, and I think it beats all the others. You have noooo idea how proud I am of her and her budding photographer-ness.

The center of town is located on the Kennebunk River, only a mile from the mouth, leading out into the mighty Atlantic. In other words, the center of town sits on this . . .

which leads out into this . . .

which leads out into this (doesn't H look great?).

Yeah. What's not to love, right? It started as a fishing and boat building village. Wait, did somebody say boats? Oh yeah, Kennebunkport is crawling with them.

Like the Sally Mack . . .

And this old classic . . .

I found this one and I'm claiming it for my Dad to live out his boating dreams. Ahoy, Pops.

There's more. The narrow streets that lead through town are laced with little shops whose entrances look like this . . .

or who have VW bugs sitting right on their shop floor.

But the best part of all is this road that leads out of town and heads straight for the ocean. Once it gets there it runs along the ocean for about 2 miles and is lined with amazing houses on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. If the Bush's decide not to sell, H and I are going to settle on one of these, as long as it has plenty of porch space for grillin', plenty of spare bedrooms for all our visitors, and plenty of chairs for chillin'--H already looks right at home in hers.

We left town after a few hours of exploring, but when we got hungry, we came back--just had to. We sat on the beach, ate fish 'n' chips, and enjoyed the sunset . . .

And the view of the ocean.

We've both missed Kennebunkport every single minute since we left and are now in the process of creating a giant paper chain to represent the number of days until we get to buy our summer vacation home there--I think we're gonna need more paper.

A Photographic Plug

We now interrupt our normal broadcasting (of the wonderful and glorious world of Maine) for a brief message from our sponsors.

Ok, so my brother Matt and I have started a photography blog. I'm pretty pumped about it actually. Plenty of pics, helpful photog tips and stories about our lives as aspiring photographers. If you're interested, check it out. If you're not, check it out anyway. C'mon. Humor me.

Thanks everyone. Back to you, Maine.

Maine Part 2 - The Food

I know, I know. We said Maine Part 2 would be a tour through Kennebunkport. But if you know us, you know that we love food, and boy did we eat in Maine! So we just couldn't wait.

I think it's safe to say that not more than 2 hours went by without us eating something.

Our first meal: a lobster (sorry, lobstah) roll from a little lunch counter in an adorable little dock town called Harraseeket.


Luckily my husb did a little research before we left and found "The 10 Best Lobster Shacks in Maine." This was on the list. On a side note, we checked off a total of 3 on the "10 Best" list. We were there for 2 full days. Yeah. You do the math.

I've never had lobstah before (hey, go easy, I grew up in a landlocked state where Gorton's fish sticks was as authentic as it got) so I figured why not try it in the MAINEland of lobstah. Verdict: one claw up, one down. It was good, but our expectations were pretty high. We're glad we tried it, but it's possible that Harraseeket Lunch 'n' Lobster paid someone off to get on the "10 Best" list.

My favorite: Blueberry muffin made with authentic Maine blueberries (which are coincidentally the best blueberries in the world). But, here's the kicker--the fine folks at Becky's Diner GRILL their blueberry muffins!!!


It was phenomenal! So phenomenal that we went back on day 2 for another one (are you still doing the math...stop if you are, we ate more than 6 normal meals in one day...there, I said it).

We had to get some saltwater taffy (another Maine staple).


Turns out it was almost $4.00 for 25 pieces. Pretty expensive for the candy people are usually pawning off at Halloween or chucking at people during parades. My favorites: FlutterNutter and Pina Colada. Jed's favorites: the remaining 23 pieces. He's not picky. I love that about him.

Next up: The Clam Shack in Kennebunkport. Fish (Haddock: Maine staple, of course) 'n' Chips. Only thing better than the food was the Kennebunkport sunset on the side.


Our all-time #1 choice favorite: Red's Eats in Wiscasset (gotta love those names).


Homemade tartar and cocktail sauce, hand-drawn butter with every lobstah roll, and, our favorite, crab meat rolls with a whole harbor full of crab stuffed in.


The food tasted even better served up by the SWEETEST little New England lady. We've been doing our best impressions of her accent ever since, but somehow Jed's comes out more Irish and mine comes out more Staten Island. If only there were an app for that.

Ok. Enough. My mouth is watering all over the keyboard and Jed hates it when I do that. The tour of Kennebunkport is coming in Maine Part 3. Promise.

Maine Part 1 - The Lighthouses

We took a trip north to Maine for Memorial Day weekend. I have to say, it's been one of my very favorite places to visit. There is just something about New England that makes me want to bust out the seersucker and sail away into the sunset.

Sunday morning my sweet husb woke me up (yet again) at 5:00 AM (yes, we were on vacation) to visit the lighthouse that put Maine on the map: Portland Head Light.

Was it worth it? The whole area to ourselves, snuggling with my husb on the rocky beach overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, seeing the sunrise . . . uh, yeah, it was worth it. It was pretty magical if I do say so myself (although pictures of myself--which will NEVER be seen--would suggest otherwise).


A little later in the game we thought it would be cool to see another lighthouse. Well, one of the handy things about the iPhone is, if you're wondering where the next lighthouse is up the coast of Maine--there's an app for that. Just kidding. But, I was able to find a lighthouse just miles from our drive up Highway 1.
I present Pemaquid Point Light (isn't the name a hoot?):

We were able to go inside the lighthouse and look out over the ocean.

We had a Pemaquid Pro giving us some facts and figures about the lighthouse and it was pretty fascinating.

I noted that I think the world of fishing is a bit of a mystery. I mean, who knows how many nautical miles it takes to get to the nearest lighthouse??? I actually love that it's never been altered. There is no technology to fish, just the old fashioned lobster-basket-thrown-overboard approach. Love it.

We have a LOT more to talk about . . . there could be posts for the next few months on how much I loved Maine, but I will keep it to a minimum--for now. But seriously, if anyone wants to go, we are SO IN!!!

Stay tuned. Next up on Maine Part 2, a tour through our new favorite New England town: Kennebunkport, ME.

Lindy Hop Celebration

Ever heard of Frankie Manning? Me neither--until yesterday that is.

Mr. Manning was apparently the "Ambassador of the Lindy Hop" and the "Master of Swing." How do I know? Because yesterday was Mr. Manning's 95th birthday and there was a rip-roarin' celebration. We only caught the tail end of it as we were wandering around Central Park, but man was it a sight to see.

Unfortunately the Master of Swing wasn't there to see it--he died in April. But that didn't keep his fans down. These "cats" could swing.

One of the many reasons I love this town, just a stroll through the park only to stumble on a Lindy Hop dance celebration.

Oh, one more thing. They took pictures of the celebration. Pardon the lack of a decent zoom lens (hint hint, birthday's in October, preesh), but I had to snap a pic of this photographer taking the picture. Yowza, now that's dedication.

Stay tuned. We're headed to Maine today! Pics and posts to come . . .

Idol Thoughts

Wow. Quite a night. Well worth staying up late to watch it (work--you know how it goes).

Thoughts on the performances:

• Kris definitely brought his A-game, and did Kris. 'Ain't No Sunshine' and 'What's Goin' On' happen to be two of my favorite bluesy songs, and man did he nail them. I don't care what Simon says, that 'What's Goin' On' was sweet.
• Adam didn't have the off night we needed. That Sam Cooke goodie was cool, until the middle when he "Adamized" it. H would like everyone to know that she thinks Adam's face is one of the most painful things to look at when he does his best Steve Perry impersonation (ok, I added the Steve Perry part).
• Even though Adam was on, I still think Kris has a chance.
• Making Kris and Adam sing the same song in the same key was a dirty, cruel, inhumane, cheap trick, and they should be ashamed.
• The fact that Kara co-wrote that song, and that it sucked that bad--proof enough for me.

Been a long road. Thanks for sharing it. One more night to go.

Idol (Pre-Game) Thoughts

It's the finals folks. This is big. Big enough to warrant a pre-game show.

My thoughts:

• Kris needs to bring his A-game. No defense, just offense, no mishaps.
  
• Kris also needs to do Kris. No copies, just original interpretations. Kris doing what Kris does best.
• Kris also needs a little help from Adam. I hate to say it, but I think Adam needs a bit of an off night for Kris to have a chance.
• I know I shouldn't root against people, but I kinda hope Adam has an off night.
• I can't wait to see what the judges do to top all their previous spotlight-stealing antics. It's the finals. Better be big people. And, who knows (fingers crossed), it may be Kara's last chance . . .
  

So. What do you think? Can Kris pull it off? I think I feel a poll coming on. Yep. I do. Cast your vote to the right. Whatever your pick, good luck tonight.

Cupcake Cravin'

Move over Magnolia. Make room for Billy's Bakery. H and I stumbled on this spot today and remembered that Hill saw them on Food Network. Well, anyone who knows us knows we never pass up an opportunity to try a Food Network gem.

Verdict: Way better than Magnolia. Icing was better. Cake was better. Yum. As far as we could see though, no banana pudding offering (which by the way is the only thing worth getting at Magnolia). Can't win 'em all I guess.

Thanks Hill. We owe you one.

Deets: Billy's Bakery | 184 9th Ave. @ 21st | www.billysbakerynyc.com

Idol Thoughts

Apologies for the tardiness, I'd never make it as a journalist with all those deadlines (PS. anybody see the final jeopardy this week about where the word "deadlines" comes from?). Enough stalling, let's get down to business.

Thoughts on the week:

• Watching Simon duke it out with Randy and Kara was better than watching a classic boxing match. "Down goes Frazier!"
  
• Simon was absolutely right. Tell Kris what song to sing and then rail on him for singing it? Bad form.
• While we're on the subject, Randy and Kara are worthless. Randy used to be semi-cool but I think Kara brings him down. Neither of them are as nuts as Paula, but at least she's nuts enough to be entertaining.
• The crazy weird double-date vibe at the judges table this season makes American Idol look more like Elima-Date then American Idol.
  

Deep breath. Let it go. They're only judges making millions of dollars for being idiots. Let it go.

• I'm glad Kris is in. That version of Heartless was pretty sweet.
• Is anyone else at least a tiny bit worried about Kris' wife? Something tells me all this fame just might go to that kid's head. C'mon Kris, do the right thing.
• I'm okay with Danny being gone, he was getting kinda old. But it would have been so sweet to watch Lambert get kicked off one show away from the finals. I just don't like how inevitable it feels . . . especially to him.
• I'm glad the season is almost over. I feel like I did at the end of every semester in college. Great classes. Learned a lot. Homework sucked. Can't wait for summer break.
  

Native Tourists

Break out your I heart NY T-shirts folks . . . it's tourist time!!!
Our friend Jeff made his maiden voyage to our town last weekend and left it to us to show him around. What better way to see the city then to get our quack on with a good ole' fashioned duck tour. H looks quacktastic next to her first quackmate and Barnacle Bonnie (tour guide) in the back.

Duck tour verdict: two thumbs up. Plenty of sites, no sore feet. Gotta love it.
Jeff was an A-1 travel mate. Even turned down Grimaldi's at the sight of the line. Bold move brother.

Jeff's favorite? The Central Park Circus (or so we like to call it). Who needs Barnum & Bailey when the weather warms up and the buskers (hollatcha Kage for teaching us the term) hit the streets--er--parks? Luckily our favorite musical roller derby was out and these guys were kind enough to strike a pose for the posin' photojournalist (caution: some images may not be suitable for small-ish children).


But the best pose award has to go to these two. Much preesh for doin' what you do gentlemen.

Finally, another perk of the morning duck tour--the Hudson all to yourself--and, luckily, the fog that is.

Thanks for the memories Jeffrey. Come back anytime.

Idol Thoughts

I want to give a special thanks to Jed for inviting me to be the American Idol editor in chief for the blog about tonight's show.

Here are my thoughts...

1. The whole show was weird. Nothing exciting. Nothing unusual (besides the weird part.)
2. Adam Lambert's make up is applied better than mine.
3. I thought the last lady standing (Allison) did a great job. That being said, it NEVER fails that when I really like someone's performance, the judges didn't like it. So, no surprise that they thought it was a "poor song choice."
4. Is anyone else annoyed that the judges use "poor song choice" for criticism??? I think if we played back every show from this season the phrase "it was a poor song choice" would be heard from at least one judge.
5. Paula needs more clothes. And less Simon flirting.
6. Was anyone else bored with Ryan Seacrest and his introduction of the stage falling apart? I think the whole show is falling apart.
7. I am becoming a bored fan. I am sorry folks...the truth has been spoken. I am bored with AI. Anyone else?

Now, let's hear your thoughts.

Photo Op

1. The tulips at 59th and 5th are one of my favorite things about spring in NYC.

2. It rained last night into the early morning.

3. Scott Kelby (my photographic guru, thanks to my brother Matt, my other photographic guru) says just after rain is the best time to take pics of flowers.

4. Yep, it's photo time.

A few peeps have asked for photography tips and tricks. Disclaimer: I'm by no means an expert. But I'll share a few things I've learned so far. Here goes.

Why I like it: Tulips on a back-drop of cabbies--juxtaposition of nature and metropolis. I love that about NYC.

How to do it: First, get low. Don't shoot down on flowers (says Kelby) because everyone sees them that way. Second, set the ISO low. Low ISO = clear pictures. Clear is a must for flowers.

Why I like it: tulip (cool flower) + The Plaza (cool building) = cool photo.

How to do it: Get low and do the same with your aperture (if your camera gives you the option). Low aperture = fuzzy background.

Run-On Sentences

She did it! H ran her first 5k. Today was the Revlon 5k Run/Walk, and H ran it like a champion. Total time: 39' 45". I was like a proud coach waiting for her at the finish line as she blew by the competition.

Next up: NYC marathon . . . just kidding.