A Fire Safety Classification Guide for Mats and Flooring

In the event of a fire, you need to know that every part of your business is as safe as can be. You might achieve this by installing fire doors, smoke and fire detectors, alarms and sprinkler systems, as well as making sure that the building itself is finished with materials that are approved and safe.

Floor coverings, including mats and carpets, are a potential fire risk – using the wrong kind of material could result in you essentially lining your floors with a flammable surface, or using a product that encourages rather than restricts the spread of any fire. Make sure that your flooring and mats are fire retardant with our handy guide to the fire safety classifications.

Staycations used to be popular mostly in cities, where families and couples just book a hotel or resort nearby for some quality time. This makes unwinding fuss-free as it helps eliminate or reduce the need to travel long distances. But today, with the unpredictable travel restrictions and the need for more convenience, which both call for creativity, staycations have gotten even more popular beyond the city borders.

Well, if you’re in Maine or nearby, consider yourself lucky because you’ll never run out of options. It’s popularly dubbed as the ‘vacationland,’ after all. From nature and wildlife adventures to extreme sports in snow and water rapids, Maine offers countless spots for tourists and even locals.

But what about staycations? Especially one you’d want to spend with your special someone? For those days when you need some serious R & R with the love of your life, all you need is a hotel or accommodation. But not just any hotel—you’ll need one with the perfect amenities that will make you want to stay there, whether just indoors or within the property’s premises.

Maine has plenty of scenic views that can serve as a breathtaking backdrop to your staycation. But to make it romantic, here are 17 ideas that can turn it into a staycation to remember:

In the north, you can hike miles of trails through pristine wilderness and cool off in refreshing lakes. In the south, long sandy beaches await you. People can stay in small fishing villages or set up camps in remote areas. During your meal, you’ll enjoy seafood from the sea to your table and drink award-winning craft beers from all over the world.

Maine, has been branded as the ‘Vacationland’ for a reason, it’s because of its unique setting and diverse activities to choose from. If you’d like a gastronomic experience, carefree and fun vacation, you don’t need to wait for the best season because the best time to visit Maine is any time of the year. A trip to Maine, whether it’s for a day or a month, is surely worth your time and money.

A Guide to Animatronic Dinosaurs Mini Golf Courses

Everyone loves a game of mini golf, but no type of mini golf is better than animatronic dinosaur mini golf. Why you may ask? Because animatronic mini golf includes two of the things we love the most: dinosaurs and mini golf. And because the dinosaurs are animatronic, it makes the experience even more exciting for players. Keep reading below to find out all about animatronic dinosaurs and dinosaur mini golf courses:

What Are Animatronic Dinosaurs?

Realistic animatronic dinosaurs are amazing, but what are they? The term animatronic dinosaur describes the use of mechanical dinosaurs that emulate the dinosaur species or bring lifelike characteristics to a dinosaur model. It is a multi-handcrafted field that integrates sculpture, mechanics, skin, texture, and painting, resulting in dinosaurs that look just like real dinosaurs would have in the past. They are usually powered by pneumatics or electrics and can be operated in a range of ways, including human control and sensors.

7 Must Sees In Portland Maine While On A Cruise

Portland, Maine, has that certain vibe that makes both locals and tourists feel impressed and intrigued at the same time. The trendy yet casual scene of Maine’s most populous city is quite inviting without even trying. If you’ve been to this city, you’ll surely agree that it’s a must-see destination in Portland.

However, you might say that since you’ve already been there, there’s no point in going back. But, what if there’s a more exciting way to experience the city? Would that be something you’ll be interested in? Perhaps, you’ve tried taking the bus or riding the plane when you visited Portland, but what about cruising? If you haven’t been on a cruise yet while seeing this marvelous city, you’re missing out by a lot.

Top Spots To See In Portland

Cruising can be an exciting way to explore Portland. The somewhat limited time you have, plus the itinerary set by the cruise line, can be tricky, but in a good way. You have to try and squeeze in all the must-see spots throughout the cruise schedule. At the same time, you want to enjoy and make the most out of your trip. Who wouldn’t, right?

So, if you are planning a cruise to Portland, Maine, you’ll need to come up with a list of destinations you don’t want to miss during your visit. To help you out, here are some recommendations you might want to check out:

Peaks Island

Since you’re already on a cruise, it’s easier to start your sightseeing escapade on a quaint island where you can eat fresh seafood while relaxing at its beautiful beachfront. Peaks Island is a relatively small haven, but is, undoubtedly, packed with everything you need to complete your tourist experience.

You can choose to rent a golf cart if you have time to go around the island and see its different attractions. Be sure not to miss the History Museum, where you can get a good picture of civil war history. If you’re looking for more activities and fun, you can try kayaking around the bay or biking along the island’s scenic pathways.

The Old Port

The Old Port at Portland gives off just the right amount of charm and luxury. It has a fine shopping district that boasts luxurious designer labels. You can also find handmade bags if you’re up for some unique pieces that you won’t easily find anywhere else. Don’t forget to check Old Port’s restaurants and cafes, where you can get a taste of a variety of cuisines.

An afternoon at the Old Port could be what you need to appreciate its allure. Spend minutes walking on its cobbled streets as you adore different trendy boutiques and red-bricked buildings. If you happen to do your vacation in early June, you might be able to witness the Old Port Festival.

Portland Farmers’ Market

If you’re into fresh and organic produce, there’s no better spot to be than Portland’s Farmers’ Market. Here, you’ll find loads of fruits and vegetables, goat cheese, honey, and so many others that you’ll surely won’t know where to start or what to pick first. There are also bundles of freshly picked wildflowers that you can take home to adorn your living room or kitchen counters.

If you plan on shopping for a lot of produce from the market, you might want to schedule your visit to this corner on your last day of the cruise. That way, the foods and flowers you’ll pick would remain fresh until you get home. Be sure to ask the sellers how to pack and transport them properly to maintain their freshness throughout the trip.

Portland Breakwater Lighthouse

Maine is home to several iconic lighthouses, one of which is the Portland Breakwater Lighthouse. Its size is relatively small compared to other lighthouses in the state, which is why it’s referred to as the Bug Light.

The Bug Light was built in 1855, but was first lit in 1875. The elegant look of this lighthouse is best captured on a dusky, moody evening. If you’re lucky to visit on a night with many stars, you can get a beautiful view of the Bug Light wherein the stars and its light glows so stunningly that you feel like you’re looking at dancing stars.

Portland Museum Of Art

The Portland Museum of Art is the state’s oldest and largest public art museum. It’s a must-see destination, especially if you’re into paintings from different eras. If you want to witness one of its special events and exhibitions, you can check online to find out their schedule for the year.

Children’s Museum And Theatre Of Maine

If you’re cruising with kids, the perfect destination to take them would be the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine. Inside, they’ll see and experience hands-on exhibits that’ll surely fascinate and entertain them to no end.

There’s a lobster boat, ranger station, farmer’s market, tide pool touch tank, and a space shuttle. There are even particular areas dedicated to toddlers, so you don’t have to worry about your younger kids not having a great time.

Victoria Mansion

The Victoria Mansion is an intriguing and historical must-see spot in Portland. With its fascinating history and vintage look, your eyes will have more than enough to feast on as you tour the mansion. It was initially built as a summer mansion in 1860, but has now turned into a museum after being bought by a Maine resident.

Marvel at the Victoria Mansion’s classic exterior with verandas and balconies that boast of grand décor. Inside, you’ll find opulent furniture, splendid draperies, and vintage wall paintings that have been beautifully preserved through decades.

Final Thoughts

Cruising in Portland, Maine, is quite a unique and fascinating way to explore what the city has to offer. Depending on your itinerary, you can include some of these must-see destinations to make the most out of your tour.

Be sure to drop by one of the stunning lighthouses of Portland. Shop fresh and organic produce at the Farmers’ Market, and if you have kids with you, you can take them to the children’s museum to have a great time. Go shopping at the Old Port and don’t miss the historic Victoria Mansion. To cap the tour off (or jumpstart it) you can visit Peaks Island, where you can witness the beautiful sunset by the beach.

Top 4 Sites To See In Maine And How To Get There

Maine is said to be one of the favorite state destinations for travelers who are looking to embark on nature-filled adventures. Tourists ranging from couples, families, or solo travelers visit The Pine Tree State for its recreational activities while others go there to relax and unwind. With such, you may want to consider visiting Maine on your next trip. And when you do, don’t forget to check out the following sites:

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is great if you’re looking for a picturesque destination. Its trails are filled with untouched land and cobalt waves crashing on the shore. Here, you’ll witness harbor seals dozing off on bedrocks near the coast and peregrine falcons shadowing you from the sky.

The place is also filled with rocky trails with inshore trees, which is perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. It’ll also excite you with its adrenaline-packed activities like rock climbing, horseback riding, and hiking.

If you’re traveling from a different town out of state, you can reserve a ride on Greyhound Bus to reach Maine, then go straight to Acadia National Park. That way, you can explore all of the park’s 47,000-acre hiking trail.

And, if you’re looking to take a little break from all the outdoor activities, you can head down to New England Town in Bar Harbor, Maine, for some North Atlantic eats.

The best way to traverse over the area is by walking. Since the park was initially designed for hiking, you’ll do well by ditching the car and traveling on foot. If you want, you also have the option of traveling through the Island Explorer, which is a summer shuttle made to transport tourists from Bar Harbor Village to other destinations.

If you’re traveling by car, it’s best to rent out a private vehicle in one neighboring airport. Should you choose a ranger-led tour, the park also offers a guided tour for those who want to travel with an itinerary.

Ogunquit Beaches And The Perkins Cove

If you love beaches, Maine has Ogunquit Beaches which are well-known for their beautiful rocky coast and cliffs. Ogunquit Beaches also have warm water and gentle slopes, making them popular with families.

Alongside the walking path on the shore is an area where you can enjoy a more intimate beach experience. The path runs about a mile from the village to Perkins Cove, perfect for tourists looking for a quaint walk along the beach. However, the walking path is strictly for foot traffic only. Bikes aren’t allowed and tagging a pet along is prohibited from April to October.

The Perkins Cove is a small peninsula that protects a small bay thus creating a haven for beachgoers. Originally, it’s a tiny fishing water port, but the harbor nowadays is adorned by family-owned shops and restaurants along with a parade of fishing vessels. And you can even take time to enjoy the view while sitting on the benches placed along the path.

During summer, most businesses are very busy. Even the local museum and playhouse become crowded because of the tourists flocking to visit the area.

Reaching the Ogunquit Beaches is easy. You can choose from walking to riding a trolley. If you’re coming from the middle of town, you can take a short walk from there. And if you want to visit Perkins Cove, stroll further south along Marginal Way. But if you’re more after reaching your destination quickly, ride on the Ogunquit Trolley. These bright buses can make stops all over town, especially during the summer. You can even charter a trolley if you have more itinerary in Ogunquit.

Fort Williams Park

Another famous park in Maine is Fort Williams Park, which is located around the greater Portland Area. It’s known for its picture-perfect views, rich historical background, and recreational activities. You can enjoy relaxing on the different picnic-friendly sites or have fun playing in their fields and tennis courts.

You can also explore fun winter activities such as snow sledding and the like during the winter.

If historical sightseeing is what you’re looking for, then head down to Goddard Mansion, where the historical stone walls still stand. It also serves as the home to Portland Head Light which is one of Maine’s picturesque lighthouse destinations. The lighthouse offers a beautiful view of Ram Island Ledge Light and the island of Casco Bay.

To get around Fort Williams, you’ll need to follow Shore Road from the intersection of ME Route 77 and Cape Elizabeth. If you’re coming from South Portland, drive along Cottage Road leading to Shore Road at the Cape Elizabeth Town line. From here, you’ll be driving another 0.9 miles to reach the entrance of Fort Williams. For tourists traveling by foot, the places are accessible from the Cliff Walk, which is seated on the other side of the park.

Camden, Maine

Camden is best known as the Jewel of the Maine coast and is situated around mid-coast Maine. It’s a sanctuary perfect for many ocean lovers, outdoor travelers, and even shoppers. With such, Camden has an influx of tourists from all over the country during the summer. Many of the tourists during this time are fond of the scenic ocean views around the Harbor.

Apart from its beautiful views, Camden is also known for its many recreational activities. Some of the most popular ones are hiking and sailing. You can visit the Camden Hills State Park for an adventure-filled hiking trip or wind down as you sail through the ocean waves of Penobscot Bay.

There are also many lodging options around Camden. You can find several historic inns around the area as well as delightful beds and breakfasts where you can stay at. For tourists traveling with family and kids, you might do better staying at any one of the waterfront resorts around Camden.

Camden is also a go-to for couple trips like destination weddings. The place is perfect for visitors planning to have a rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, or honeymoon.

Around the nearby town on the north coast, visitors can enjoy fine wine as the area is filled with a quality winery. You might enjoy the charming villages Rockland, Rockport, and Owls Head which are located a little south of Camden.

Portland and Rockland are the nearest airports from Camden, so if you’re coming from outside town, you can book flights to these airports. If you’re coming from Portland, you can drive from there for two hours while it’ll take you a 15-minute drive from Rockland. You can also take a group mini-van taxi service that can personally take you to your Camden lodging.

Conclusion

There are other sites in Maine to visit, but the abovementioned destinations are said to be among the most popular. Whatever fun you’re looking for, you can find it in Maine, especially if you visit it with friends, family, or lovers. There’s so much you can do in The Polar Star State, so better put it on your bucket list.

Passover Programs in Canada, what makes it different?

Passover is a unique celebration for the Jewish community, always celebrated in the spring of the year. During Passover the Jewish community usually refrain from working at their jobs if possible, and often opt to plan their family vacations to coincide with the holiday week.

What makes Passover programs so special?

One of the primary differences you see between Passover celebrations is the food that is being served. There are some kosher restrictions that apply to all Jewish people no matter where they are located. These restrictions do not stop each local community from implementing their own flare in dishes, seasonings and presentation.

You will undoubtedly find matzah on the majority of all seder menus. Matzah is an unleavened bread that is serve during this holiday celebration. It meets the requirements of no chametz and it is something that connects all of the Jewish followers together.

The diverse dishes that are served during these celebrations are ways for each family to strengthen the bonds they have together. Going to different destinations during the Pesach holiday will give you and your family an opportunity to try the many different options available, and then develop a unique family tradition of combining your favorite dishes from all over the world.

Canada Passover Programs

There is a fabulous resort in Mont Tremblant that participates in a delightful Passover program. The festivities are held at the Le Grand Lodge. This superb location is only one hour, by car, from the center of Montreal.

The lodge is positioned on the side of Lake Ouimet. Guests are provided with a stunning view of the mountains and the forest areas just across the lake. Each guest has a private balcony from which they can view the scenery. Guests enjoy fine kosher dining. Chief rabbi David Sabbah supervises the preparation of the lodge for the Passover guests. The fire that is used to prepare the meals is lit by a Jewish observer. Guests can enjoy a group seder in the grand dining room or they can have private family seders in their rooms and suites.

If you prefer to prepare your own seder meal, each of the rooms has a complete kitchen that is fully equipped and ready for you. All of the utensils and crockery is chametz free. Your family can have the unique food and atmosphere that is part of your family tradition. There is a family living room in the suite so the family can gather together and spend quality time sharing the experiences. There is also two king sized beds, one in each bedroom, and a Murphy bed and sofa bed in the living room.

During the day guests can enjoy world class skiing opportunities that are close to the lodge. There are also exceptional golf courses available and luxurious spas that can help you wash away the stress and begin to truly relax. The Olympic sized swimming pool has a lifeguard on duty so your family can enjoy the water without fear of accidents. There are fitness rooms in the lodge, and whirlpools and saunas for you to use.

Religious serves will include two daily minyanim lectures in the synagogue. The religious services are led by the in-house Rabbi and staff. You will have the opportunity to worship and give glory to God in the way that your religion has instructed you to.

Tours of the quaint villages surrounding the lodge are available. You can also opt to go into the villages without a guide and experience the true culture of the people, as you shop in their shops and stop at their dining establishments. If you like nature walks then you will delight in the hundreds of kilometers of natural paths through the villages and around the scenic lake. Mount Tremblant National Park is in close proximity and you can truly see the beauty of the Canadian wilderness. You can go horseback riding on many of the trails and get in touch with nature. You can also take an ATV and ride to explore farther regions that you simply would not want to walk to. You can go tubing on the lake and enjoy the water, and in the evening, you can light the fireplace in your suite and enjoy the beautiful romantic glow that only can be gotten from a roaring fire. Take an airplane ride above the area and get an arial view of the majestic mountain peaks, and the natural scenic areas lying around the lodge. God made this beautiful country, and God freed the Jewish people so they could have an opportunity to experience his craftmanship.

A trip to Canada during Passover could introduce your family to so many wonderful things that they have never experienced before. It is time to get out of our cocoons and go explore the destinations and locations of the North East, the South, the East and the West. Visit the Whistler Blackcomb where the 2010 Winter Olympics were held. Some of the best snow is found in this region during the spring. Go skiing and snowboarding through white snow, down peaks and slopes that were used by Olympic athletes. Go to the Niagara Region and see the wonder of Niagara Falls. See the sights, smell the aromas, and feel the freedom of 2022 as you enjoy a grand Passover.

Now is the right time to be proud of your Jewish heritage and to explore the pride that the Jewish communities around the world have in their religion and their God. Each time you visit a Passover friendly hotel or resort you are upholding the Godly tradition of lending a hand to your neighbor. You are supporting local people who need your tourism dollars to sustain their way of life and their family traditions.

Everything You Need to Know to Have an Enjoyable Camping Experience in Maine

Maine is a beautiful state with lots of amazing campsites. The weather here is also very suitable for outdoor camping and activities. Before you get started on your plans, however, here are a few things you should know about camping in Maine.

Go Camping During the Summer

The weather in Maine during the summer is very comfortable. Maine has one of the most comfortable summer climates in the entire country. Temperatures peak at 70 degrees on average during July. The skies are mostly clear during this time of the year, although you will have the usual cloudy days at times. However, cloud-covering will not take comfort away. Even with a bit of humidity, the conditions are still ideal for camping. Given these amazing conditions, it is best to go camping during the summer, although you are more than welcome to try it out in winter as well. Of course, weather conditions can change at any time. So be sure to consult a weather app before going camping.

Pick from an Existing Campsite

Maine has plenty of campsites that you can check out. So instead of picking a random spot out in the open, it is best if you pick from an existing campsite or a known camping location. That way, you will know what to expect from the campgrounds, how to get there, what kind of activities you can experience, and so on. Besides, it is always a safer option to set up camp in a common camping ground. Rangeley, Wayne, Pownal, Brooks, Camden, Aurora, Otisfield, Cornish, and Buckfield are some of the best-known cities for camping in Maine. For some of the best camping experiences in Maine, you can check out the Rangeley Lake State Park, Camden Hills State Park, Valley Acres, and the Moose Trail Mountain Farm. In case you are someone who does not enjoy the traditional way of camping outdoors, you can check with some of the many glamping sites in Maine. You will surely enjoy the idea of camping outdoors but cocooned in a bit of luxury and comfort.

Take Part Outdoor Activities

When you go camping, you need to enjoy yourself. That is something you cannot do just by sitting inside the tent all day. Taking part in outdoor activities is one of the most intriguing parts of camping. And luckily, Maine has some fun activities for you to choose from. Hiking is a common outdoor activity in Maine, especially in July. You can choose to go hiking if your campsite is located near the mountains or close to a park. The Acadia National Park, Baxter State Park, and Camden Hills Park are popular hiking spots in Maine.

Besides hiking, you can also go kayaking if you are fond of water sports. The Acadia National Park is well known for this activity among local as well as foreign tourists. In case you are looking for a more subtle and less stressful outdoor activity, you can always try fishing. As long as there is a lake or river nearby, feel free to get started. Once you are done, you can then fire up the grill and start cooking your catch for dinner. Visit a Few Popular Tourist Attractions

Maine has some amazing tourist attractions that you should check out if you get the time. Some of them are probably located right next to your campsite. Others might require a 20-30 minute drive. Visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse if you are camping at the Acadia National Park, and the Old Port and Portland Head Lighthouse if you are near Portland. The beaches at Marginal Way and Ogunquit are also full of tourists around the year, especially during July. For a more cultural experience, you can visit the Farnsworth Art Museum, the Maine Maritime Museum, and the Portland Museum of Art.

Carry Bug Spray and Mosquito Repellent

The mosquitoes in Maine are menacing, which is why people refer to them as the “Maine state bird.” And since you will be spending time outdoors, you need to keep yourself safe from them, as well as other small bugs like flies and ticks. Carry bug spray with you to keep these insects at bay. Use mosquito repellent as well. Try to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers if the weather is not too hot. That will help keep them away from your skin. Most importantly, while setting up camp, avoid damp areas, since these areas are usually inhabited by mosquitoes.

That is all for this Maine camping guide. By ensuring these simple things, you can have an enjoyable camping experience in Maine.

The Top 6 Best First Date Locations in Maine!

If you include its islands and inlets, Maine has almost 3,500 kilometers of coastline. Add in mountains, dense forests, and delightful colonial towns, no wonder it’s a haven for romantic breaks. If you’re single, you’ll find your ideal Maine traveling companion by joining a dating site. These outlets tend to offer free registration and inbuilt algorithms will find a perfect local match based on your preferences. There are chat rooms where you can interact with the other site users and meet local singles online with the help of secure communication channel for exchanging private messages. So once you’ve got to the stage of planning a New England jaunt with a new partner, here are the top six best locations for your first date.

8 Tips for Success on Your First Freshwater Fishing Trip

Fishing is quite a complicated sport to learn as there are a lot of moving gear parts to manage. Rigging your gear, casting the rod and hopefully, hooking and landing a fish are all things that will most likely feel a little foreign when you’re first starting out.

The key to having a successful first fishing trip is having fun and enjoying your time on the water. By following our simple tips below, you can mitigate things like tangles which can get frustrating, catch a fish in no time, have a great time, and want to do it all again the next day.

1. Make Sure Your Fishing Gear Is Ready For Action

Having been a fishing guide for most of my life, I can tell you that most of the disasters that happen on the water come from poor preparation.

Make sure that you take the time before your trip to ensure all the line is on the reel correctly so that it doesn’t tangle, learn a few knots to tie on your lure or hook with like the improved clinch knot, and practise setting up your rod, reel, and lure before you get to the water.

This may all sound simple, but if all your fishing gear works on the water, you’ll have eliminated moments which might lead to losing a fish or spending time on the bank unravelling tangles of line.

2. Pack The Right Things For Your Trip

Fish can be fussy creatures, and the bait or lure you first start using on the water might not appeal to them, so you’ll need some variety. The tools to help you change lures can even help you land a fish. Plus, you’re probably going to be outside all day long, so packing for the weather conditions is a must if you’re going to be safe and warm out on the river or lake.

The first thing you’ll need is a backpack for fishing gear. Make sure it’s water-resistant or waterproof. Be sure to put in some extra baits, lures, or hooks. You’ll also need some spare leader line, nippers to cut the line with, a hat, sun cream, a waterproof jacket, and any extra layers you might need, depending on the weather.

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A Fire Safety Classification Guide for Mats and Flooring

17 Romantic Staycation Ideas: Why You Should Book Hotels With Jacuzzi In Maine

A Foodie’s Guide For The Best Time To Visit Maine