Paul Cyr announces new book

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Paul Cyr’s new book, “NORTHERN MAINE with Paul Cyr,” goes on sale today. The 128-page, hardcover book contains 450 of Cyr’s photographs and sells for $29.95.

“NORTHERN MAINE with Paul Cyr” represents a small sampling of some of the best moments Cyr has captured over the past 15 years while visiting the people, places, and things he enjoys the most.

“I have had inquires through the years but the requests last winter mostly from Facebook friends increased significantly, sometimes twice a day,” said Cyr about his decision to publish the book. “I hope all those people come around again.”

Cyr shares his work with over 30,000 followers on Facebook at Paul Cyr Photography. His inventory of photographs is measured in the thousands and many are used by dozens of northern Maine towns and businesses for websites, report covers, and tourist guides.

“NORTHERN MAINE with Paul Cyr” is also sold at the following locations in Presque Isle, Bradley’s Citgo, Country Collectables, Goin’ Postal, Morning Star Art & Framing, and at the Aroostook Centre Mall’s Information desk; Brambleberry Market and County Quick Stop in Caribou; Mars Hill Pharmacy, Mars Hill; DOC’s Place, Houlton; Mike’s Family Market, Limestone; Hebert Rexall Pharmacy, Van Buren; Robert’s Jewelry, Madawaska; John’s Shurfine, Fort Kent; Forget Me Not Shoppe, East Millinocket; and, Dysart’s Restaurant & Truck Stop on Coldbrook Road, Hermon.

MORE ABOUT PAUL CYR’S WORK: People may also find Cyr’s photographs featured prominently in the local media and Bangor Daily News, as well as Barcroft Media (London), Mirror (London), Boston Globe, Yankee and DownEast magazines, and more. Cyr’s work has been featured twice on WCSH News Center’s Bill Green’s Maine show. Down East Books recently published two books exclusively featuring Cyr’s photographs: Uses for Mooses (2017) and Bears Behaving Badly (2016), and included Cyr’s photographs in Maine Life in a Day (2017). In 2014, Cyr and local author Dottie Hutchins published ACADIAN ROOTS: Images of the St. John Valley to commemorate the World Acadian Congress. All can be found at www.amazon.com.

How To Be Money Smart During A Vacation in Maine

The growth in tourism in Maine has surged in recent years, clocking up around $975 million in the state during 2016, up 15 percent from the previous year, according to the Maine Office of Tourism. The lure of this rocky coastline and rolling landscapes shows no signs of slowing down with more and more visitors being attracted to a peaceful getaway in this most north-eastern region of the country. Whether you’re looking to save for a family vacation, relocation or simply wanting to explore it’s natural charm, finding way to look after your cash will help you get the most of your time in Maine and is key to a successful trip.

Be prepared before you leave

One of the most common mistakes people make when taking a vacation is not planning ahead for possible financial difficulties so that they’re adequately equipped before they happen. Organizing your finances and budgeting realistically will go a long way to ensuring your won’t overspend while you’re enjoying the sights of Maine. According to Crediful, creating a money management plan which combines all your credit or debit cards or personal loans, as well as knowing your credit score prior to leaving will help you take control of your money. It’s also a good idea to think about setting up automated text alerts and payments so you’re covered while you’re on your vacation and will help you keep track of your spending.

Choose the right time to go

As with most coastal destinations, choosing to go in the summer months is peak travel season and prices can be much higher. However, if you consider visiting during the fall foliage or ski season, you’ll be rewarded by considerably lower accommodation rates. After all, Maine is known as ‘vacationland’ for good reasons. Think about what you want from your Maine holiday and adapt it according to how much you can afford to spend while you’re there. If you do decide to visit during the summer season, find alternatives from the big name towns and opt for smaller ones instead such as Waldoboro, Searsport or Southwest Harbor which will help your money go further.

Live like a Maine local

Avoiding tourist traps and embracing your holiday like one of the locals will significantly reduce your vacation spending and there’s plenty of fantastic and free things to do while you’re in Maine. Take advantage of the array of outdoor recreation opportunities which won’t cost you a cent, including the Acadia National Park, and enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife without spending a fortune. Find deals for a park pass and search locally for discounts for restaurants, music concerts or family events, many of which are free during the summer season. Explore the farmer’s markets for immersing yourself in the local food culture which Maine is famous for.

The state of Maine is a destination that is thriving with natural wonders, delicious cuisine and cultural attractions so you’ll never run out of things to do. Just make sure you keep track of your spending so you don’t run out of cash while you’re there!

What To Know Before Your Maine Road Trip

Road trips represent 39% of the vacations that United States travelers take each year. The top two reasons are the flexibility of being able to stop along the way and of being able to pack whatever and however much people want to take in the car. Seeing as the coastal part of Maine is home to one of the most scenic road trip routes down US Route 1, there is a lot to see and do by car in the beautiful Pine Tree State. In order to take advantage of all that Maine has to offer and really optimize your travel experience, however, you’ll want to be fully equipped with a few tips before heading out to the open road.

Choosing the right road trip vehicle

One of the great things about traveling through Maine’s coastline is that there aren’t any cliff-hugging curves here, which means you can choose just about any car you’d like to indulge in a little coastal exploration. However, depending on when you travel through the state, you might want to splurge on a convertible as the summer months and zipping down the roads near the Acadia National Park will make for a beautiful, unforgettable experience. If you are looking to go green and reduce the impact you’re having on Maine’s environment, try going with a smart car that has off-road capabilities for combined safety and convenience.

Understanding Maine’s driving laws

If you live in the US then you won’t really need to equip yourself with much additional knowledge. There are a few different driving rules, however, such as the fact that it’s illegal to drive barefoot in Maine as well as drive too slowly in the passing lane on a highway. You’re also not allowed to have an open container of alcohol anywhere in the car, even in the backseat, but it is legal to have headphones in while driving in Maine. A valid driver’s license and up-to-date car insurance are required and will be necessary when renting a car to travel through Maine as well.

Visiting the most scenic routes

The cascading coastlines that are native to Maine provide some of the most stunning views you’ll get to witness all across the United States. Maine offers travelers diverse landscapes such as the Western Mountains and the rugged Downeast coastline, making it a dream for any individual or family looking to road trip up the coast. You can choose from All-American roads, national scenic byways or Maine scenic byways depending on the style and interests of your group.

The best way to visit Maine

While it’s debatable as to what’s the best way to visit Maine, there’s no doubt that visiting any place this beautiful by car is a great idea. From the freedom to get up and go whenever and wherever you want to the ability to access roads and places that you wouldn’t otherwise get to visit, traveling Maine by car is a great way to enhance your experience here and really immerse yourself in the local culture.

Deer Hunting Laws and Rules in Maine

If you live in Maine, you should be aware of all the rules and regulations concerning deer hunting before you head out. Hunting deer is perfectly legal in the state, but there are some restrictions, especially for which type of deer you hunt, which weapons you hunt them with, and where you hunt them. Being aware of these laws can not only protect you as you hunt and afterward, but also keep you and those who are with you safe.

Also ensure that you have the correct permits. There are many different kinds of permits, especially depending on your hunting location, which season it is, how many deer you aim to take, and which tools you plan on using to hunt. There are muzzleloader permits, expanded archery permits, and permits to take more than one deer.

Deer Hunting Prohibitions

When it comes to the deer themselves, hunting of antlerless deer (deers that have no antlers, or have antlers that are less than three inches in length) is prohibited except by special permit. This applies in both the firearms season and the muzzleloader season. There may be certain areas where no any-deer permits are issued, and in these locations, archers and junior hunters are also not allowed to harvest antlerless deer.

Be aware of exactly what season it currently is, as well—there’s a difference between firearms season and other seasons. During archery season, multiple deer may be taken. However, during any of the other remaining seasons, only one may be taken, unless you have a valid bonus or superpack antlerless deer permit.

Restrictions on Tools, Weapons, or Means

It’s prohibited to bait deer by placing grain, fruit, nuts, salt, or other foods from June 1 to December 15. Deer may also not be hunted with the use of artificial lights, dogs, snares, traps, or set guns. You may also not use any firearm that utilizes .17 or .22 caliber rimfire cartridges. Any deer decoys, however, are legal.

Restrictions on Location

Certain areas, such as Mt. Desert Island, Cross and Scotch Island, and Isle au Haut are completely closed to deer hunting. Some areas are open to deer hunting, but with special restrictions, such as Cranberry Isles, which is open to bow and arrow hunting only during the archer and firearm season, and the island of Frenchboro, which is open to deer hunting only with shotguns and only during the firearms season. Before you head out, look into your planned location to see what they currently allow and during which season. Many towns only allow deer hunting with shotguns during firearms season.

Conclusion

When you set out to hunt deer in Maine, the most important things to keep in mind are what season it is, and what’s allowed in the specific location you’ll be hunting in. Always ensure that you get the correct permits, and never take more than one deer unless you have a permit to do so. By following these laws and rules, you can stay safe and operate efficiently during deer hunting in Maine.

5 Tips to Save for That Family Vacation

Moving to Maine After Vacationing in the State

Roughly 36.7 million tourists visited Maine in 2017, which is a 2.5% increase since 2016, according to statistics from the Maine Office of Tourism. This shouldn’t come as a surprise, as Maine is home to some of the most beautiful foliage and breathtaking byways. However, what happens when you visit and you feel like you’re not quite ready to leave yet? Here are a few things to keep in mind when relocating to Maine as a permanent resident to ensure the transition is smooth.

Be Prepared for Stunning Colors & Great Restaurants

Portland, Maine is one of the most restaurant-dense communities in the United States, and the long list of great eateries extends out into the rest of the state as well, making it a great place to expand your culinary horizons and enjoy the natural-grown ingredients Maine has to offer like dishes centered around a lot of seafood, maple syrup, blueberries and apples. When you’ve loaded up on great local food, you’ll be in great shape to head to the great outdoors and enjoy your first fall as a Maine resident. Long walks through the beautifully decorated forests that seem to rain orange, red and yellow will be something you’ll never forget and want to remember forever.

Maine Actually Wants You to Move Here

The state has actually implemented a program called Live and Work in Maine that encourages out-of-state employees to relocate to Maine in order to attract top talent. There’s even a “Visit for a Week, Stay for a Lifetime” campaign that you might have already seen that’s convinced to you to come for a vacation then permanently relocate. As well, in 2016, the University of Maine offered out-of-state students from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania the chance to pay the in-state tuition prices as part of the Flagship Match Program, which is a great option if you’re looking to relocate and you’ve got a child headed to college soon.

Tips Before Relocating to Maine

So you’ve decided to make the big move. Welcome to Maine! Now, before you permanently relocate to The Pine Tree state, you’ll want to get your affairs in order. Consider speaking to a financial adviser to gain insight into the economic tips you’ll need in order to navigate a cross-country move, such as refinancing or selling your home, finding the perfect city to settle down in and handling the moving fees and logistics.

Regardless of your reasons for relocating to Maine, it’s clear that the state is ready and welcoming you with open arms. From great job opportunities to education opportunities in one of the country’s most beautiful states, it’s hard to find a reason not to want to move here. When relocating, be sure to take advantage of the programs the state offers, to get your financial affairs in order and to enjoy every second of becoming a Maine resident.

The Thrills of Hunting Wild Game in Maine

The state of Maine is famous for its hunting culture that has become an attraction to visitors looking for an adrenaline rush chasing down game in the woods. Maine is blessed with beautiful nature that ranges from lush forests, scenic highlands and unlimited rivers which traverse the countryside giving life to the area. When it comes to the availability of wild game Maine doesn’t disappoint, with birds, small animals as well as the big game which is a favorite to tourists who flock to the state during the hunting season.

Wild Game in Maine

Animals that make up the majority of the game in Maine include the wild turkey, duck, Grouse, Moose, Deer, Bears and other small game like rabbits, squirrels, quails, and pheasants. All of these animals have been living in Maine for ages and are protected by the government of Maine with the aim of maintaining their numbers in the wild. Depending on the size of the animal there are some hunting tools and weapons that are not allowed into the parks.

Hunting Season

Hunting is regulated and scheduled to be conducted during specific dates across the year. It is illegal to walk into a forest and start hunting without a license or permission. Each animal has its specific day for hunting. Deer hunting takes place from the 28th October to the 9th of December. Bear hunting commences in August and lasts till November. Moose hunting begins on the 25th of September and lasts till the 25th of November. Wild Turkey season starts on the 2nd of October till the 28th of May. All these come with limits which ensure the animals are not wiped out.

Hunting Rules and Regulations

Hunting of deer with no antlers or with antlers that are less than 3 inches is prohibited as they are considered to be young to qualify as game. It is illegal to hunt using dogs, cruel snares, and traps, artificial light or high caliber firearms. Potential hunters must possess a hunting license which only allows them a specific number of times they are allowed to participate in hunting in a year. All hunting licenses expire on the 31st of December of the same year from the date of issue; if an individual wishes to do more hunting, there are special permits which can be acquired through a special request.

Personal Conduct

With or without rules hunters are expected to respect nature. Animals feel pain. Therefore, special consideration has to be observed when hunting them, hunters are expected not to injure animals unnecessarily. Besides, they are allowed to litter their habitat with foreign material.

America’s Most Iconic Dishes

America’s diversity and innovative spirit has led to it becoming a world leader when it comes to cuisine, with Maine’s lobster industry alone worth $334 million a year. From its very beginning, the USA has been importing recipes from around the world and putting its own unique spin on it. Agriculture remains an important part of the community, so if you’re visiting Maine or any other state, then you have to check out some US-exclusive foods. Dining in Maine restaurants will definitely satisfy your food cravings, but don’t be afraid to explore elsewhere for even more unique American dishes.

Whoopie Pie

Where else could you start than with Maine’s official state treat? Whoopie Pies are an iconic staple of Maine and no trip to the state is complete without a taste. Somewhere between a cookie, a pie and a cake, this chocolate heavy, cream filled snack offers a unique flavor. It represents the optimism and ingenuity of the American character.

Ryan Hibbert, Riot Hospitality’s CEO, highlights the benefits of keeping things local. His restaurant ‘Farm and Craft’ serves healthy food on a diverse menu, while paying homage to his Arizona and Mexican food-based roots. Consuming the Whoopie Pie is a way of experiencing the culture of Maine, in the same way a Farm and Breaky Burrito contains the spirit of Arizona.

Lobster Roll

You can’t visit the USA and not try some of the greatest lobster that the world has to offer. While Maine is well known for its fishing heritage and fresh-from-the-ocean lobster, the whole nation will provide this delicious crustacean. The most common way to prepare it is in a bread roll.

From fancy restaurants to New York City vans, the lobster roll makes for a great stomach-filling snack. Native to New England, it will usually be served in a hotdog bun with butter, lemon and mayonnaise. Generally served cold, with plenty of herbs, this is filled to the brim with flavor, all in a quick roadside snack.

Wild Salmon

There is plenty of Atlantic ocean salmon making its way to shores of America, but 99.8% of this is farmed. For true freshness and flavor, consider visiting a state such as Alaska. Here, fishermen risk injury to catch wild salmon. Once in the restaurant, a glaze of maple syrup is the American way of adding something special for its visitors.

The cold northern seas are where the best wild salmon can be found. Be sure to visit a restaurant which advertises wild salmon for a real, authentic taste, without preservatives. In true American style, salmon is best consumed on a New York bagel.

With the three dishes above, you have tasted some of the best America has to offer. Of course, there are hundreds of other foods you could try. Come to Maine for your first Whoopie Pie, but stay for the lobster rolls and wild salmon. American restaurants are always experimenting with flavor, to give you the best eating experience possible.

Kingfield POPS Concert set for Saturday, June 30th

The 2018 Kingfield POPS will feature the Bangor Symphony Orchestra conducted by Lucas Richman with collaborating guests – Adam Ezra Group and Gypsy Tailwind Reunion featuring Anna Lombard…And solo performances by Shawn Tooley, Golden Oak, Gypsy Tailwind Reunion, thenAdam Ezra Group and the Western Mountain Trash Can Band.

Program Highlights

The Kingfield POPS will be everything our audience has come to expect over the last 16 years, with a few refreshing changes that showcase our commitment to providing music programming for all ages. Once again the BSO performance will end our program and conclude with a Fireworks Finale!!!

Event Information

Off street parking is required. Follow signs for POPS PARKING. Bringing a wagon or wheeled cooler will assist with getting your items to the field. HANDICAP parking is on Kennedy Farm. Don’t forget to bring a blanket/tarp or low-back chair, flashlight, an extra layer or two and rain gear. No pets, no open flames or any fireworks are allowed. Picnics are welcome. Food vendors will also be onsite. Pop up tents are only allowed in designated areas so that the view of the stage is not obstructed for others.

Tickets prices are $20 through May 15, 2018, then $25 until gates open on June 30th, 2018. Prices at the gate are $30. Youth 17 and under are free!!! GATES OPEN AT 4:30pm.

What else to do?

Friday Night Art Walk—June 29 from 5-8 p.m.
Kingfield POPS Road Race—June 30 at 7 a.m.
Visit www.kingfieldpops.com for area activities, lodging and dining.

What about the weather?

The weekend activities will go on, rain or shine. For the latest updates on the day of the event, visit our website.

Questions? Information…

www.kingfieldpops.com, Kingfield POPS on Facebook, info@kingfieldpops.com or call (207) 265-7677

Preparing Yourself For The Appalachian Trail

At just under 2200 miles, the Appalachian Trail is the longest hiking trail in the US and it starts in the spectacular Mount Katahdin in Maine. You can either hike the whole thing in several months, take a casual stroll in a day, or anything in between. Regardless of what you choose, you need to be prepared. This will take even the experienced hiker out of their comfort zone as you leave civilization behind and venture deep into the wilderness. Before you head into the Appalachian Trail, here’s the preparation you need to do.

Plan your route and have a backup

Research is everything. Wandering blindly into the mountainous countryside could be dangerous, so first explore the different routes so that you can select the right one for you. Decide on the length and difficulty, avoiding any paths that are dangerously steep. The Trail is constantly changing, both in length and terrain. You should plan a couple of routes in case the one you want to take is covered by a flood or mudslide. This will give you a safe option if you end up in an unsafe situation.

Selecting your equipment

Hiking is hard work, but there is equipment out there that will help you travel further and prevent injuries. You will need to take plenty of food and water and likely a tent or cooking equipment, so ensure you can carry everything by selecting a pack which is comfortable to wear, but also rugged. It should be able to cope with wet weather and heavy loads. Finding a high-quality pair of hiking boots and poles will also help you to trek comfortably and safely.

What to wear

When at altitude, layering is key. You will become colder as you climb higher, while becoming warmer as you exercise harder. This means your body temperature will vary and fluctuate often. You should start with a solid base layer that can regulate temperature and wick away moisture. Find a lightweight rain jacket or fleece, which can be easily packed away when not being worn. Synthetic materials engineered for performance will keep you comfortable and safe from the elements.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail is one of the most thrilling and spectacular things you can do in Maine. Ensure you have the trip of a lifetime by being properly prepared. Select your route carefully, then pack the essential equipment and clothing to keep you safe and comfortable to get the most out of your trip.

Everything You Need To Know To Plan The Perfect Maine Road Trip

With 3,478 miles of shoreline and 542,629 acres of national parks, Maine is a natural beauty that is simply begging to be explored. The beautiful marine scenery, magnificent wildlife, and the delicious seafood that you can find around Maine are simply some of the best in the world. However, if you want to get everything done in the magnificent state, the best way to do so is through a road trip. So, check out this list so that you get check off everything on your list.

What to take

The most important part of your trip is the car. If you don’t want to put the miles on your family car, then you can rent through a rental car company. Choose a vehicle suited for your trip, prepay for the car to get a better rate, and be sure to rent your car somewhere that is a good distance from the Portland or Bangor airport, as the rental company around the airports can get pricey. You may also want to rent a hybrid car since you’ll be doing a lot of driving and a hybrid car can save about $5 per gallon of fuel. Pack your car lightly to also save some gas and to provide room for anything you buy on the trip. However, don’t forget a jacket as it can get chilly in Maine and some waterproof clothes for your beachy journey.

Where to go

The most iconic road trip through Maine takes you along the coastline. If you start in Southern Maine and take US Route 1 up towards Bar Harbor, then you’ll see everything on your bucket list. This route provides 65 different lighthouses, the best harvest of lobsters, and amazing scenic views. Southern Maine will give you the sandy beaches that will help relax the beginning of the trip. Then, Mid-Coast Maine will help you take the perfect postcard picture of boating towns and at the end, you’ll enjoy iconic Bar Harbor and the magnificent sunset at Acadia National Park.

What to do

If you start in Portland, the shopping lover in you will enjoy the harbor and Old Port district. Here you have historic brick building restaurants, bars, and shops before you check out the Portland Head Lighthouse. From then on, your trip will be filled with natural wonders, so you’ll be able to do anything outdoors. This includes fishing, hiking, kayaking, and surfing. You may also want to check out some of Maine’s infamous festivals before you leave to ensure you stop at the right places. At the end of your trip, be sure to check out the sunset in Acadia. Some of the best places to see it are Cadillac Mountain, Seal Harbor, Thunder Hole, and the Bubbles. Any of these spots will give you a magical view of the sunset and create photos and memories to last a lifetime.

Where to eat

You can’t visit Maine without indulging in some seafood. If you’re a foodie, you’ll enjoy some of the freshest lobster, oysters, and clams in the world. On your journey up Route 1, be sure to stop by Bite Into Maine Commissary, Eventide Oyster Co., and C-Ray Lobster. You’ll get a great taste of the state and won’t be disappointed. A road trip through Maine is one of the best adventures you’ll ever take in your life. From the food to the natural wonders, it is simply breathtaking.

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