BANGOR HAS ADOPTED Paul Bunyan as its symbol. Standing in front of the Bangor Auditorium is a 30-foot-high statue of the mythical lumberjack. We're among those who question this choice. Paul Bunyan relates to a by-gone era of seemingly unlimited resources. He is celebrated for prevailing over nature with brute force, clearing timber from Maine to Minnesota, laying waste to millions of trees. Never mentioned is the indescribably ugly scar his unabashed clear-cutting would have left upon the land.

Bangor could have adopted a more relevant symbol, Henry David Thoreau. The famed naturalist/philosopher visited Bangor in the 1860s on his way to Mt. Katahdin. Thoreau's love for the natural world and belief in frugality makes him an appropriate figure to revere.

Bangor can also lay claim to a modern-day icon of the literary world, Stephen King. Although the chamber of commerce guide is silent on the subject, Bangor's leading tourist attraction is the King residence on West Broadway. Here visitors can see King's famous wrought iron spider gate and perhaps catch a glimpse of the great man himself. King has sold more books than any other author in history, and while his critics often are less than adoring, King's popularity shows few signs of abating.

Bangor, which over a century ago was the world's busiest lumber shipping port, has many beautiful, historic structures, both commercial and residential. Bangor's whereabouts was determined by the depth of the Penobscot River. For the pioneers, his was as far into the Maine woods as you could bring a large sailing vessel. The city's location is still of commercial importance. It is on the Great Circle route, making Bangor International Airport 500 miles closer to Europe than any other on the U.S. east coast.

Like many American cities, Bangor has had to struggle to keep a viable downtown following the arrival of an outlying mall. So far, Bangor has been reasonably successful. Shopping downtown here can be fun. Shops, most of which are owner-operated, are highly individualistic. Many times lower prices compensate for exposure to the elements and somewhat less convenient parking.

Taking the Bangor Exit off I395 will put you on Main Street. You'll go by China Harbor (restaurant), the Bangor Auditorium, the Fireside Inn, Geaghan's Pub and Restaurant, the Bangor Chamber of commerce Info Center. The massive construction on your right is for a casino complex.

Keep going and you'll pass a McDonald's, Hollywood Slots, Herman Tattoo and Body Piercing, and the Cigar Shoppe. You'll see a Shaw's Supermarket, the Bangor waterfront, a Dunkin Donuts, and the Penobscot Theater.

Situated on eight acres, Hollywood Slots is a 750,000-square-foot, $132-million riverfront facility that includes a gaming facility, restaurant, and seven-story, 152-room hotel providing some 400 jobs to area residents. The place offers 1,000 slot machines as well as video poker. During its first two weeks, the place took in well over a million dollars a day. Developed by Penn National Gaming, this is Maine's only casino.

A left at the light will put you on Union Street heading towards Bangor International Airport and the Airport Mall.

The RAMADA INN has 115 newly renovated, oversized guest rooms and is home to Barnaby’s, one of Bangor’s best restaurants.




Keep going straight on Main Street and you'll pass the Bus Terminal, Epi Pizzas and Subs, a unique handbag place, the Discovery Museum, Taste of India (restaurant), Rebecca's (gifts), Paddy Murphy's, Herbal Tea & Tobacco, and the Grasshopper Shop.

In Market Plaza, look for the Whig and Courier, the Charles Inn, and Christo's Public House.


Paul Noonan of New Moon Café 49 Park Street has two new exciting dining and pub experiences in Downtown Bangor to offer. Christopher’s Bar & Bistro and Red Martini at 10 Broad Street. A two floor club that offers excellent food and drink in two distinctly different atmospheres . Upsatirs is Christopher’s a Pub like scene and sports bar with a rather reasonably priced superb menu. Downstairs Red Martini has quite a different ambiance with red and black décor hanging lights over high tables and stools and live weekend music to complete a rather New York City experience. The menu for Red Martini is similar to Christopher’s . A real great place to meet friends. 207-942-9007

Knapp’s Music at 51 B Main Street in Bangor is the oldest and finest music store in the area. They have new and used Pianos, Guitars, Brass, and Woodwind instruments Electronic Keyboards, Drum Kits, Sheet Music and more. All at prices that can’t be beat. Stop by and see Dan and let him know you saw his ad in this year’s Capt. D..


You're required to turn right here and proceed on State Street. Look for Ageless Treasures, Downeast Coins and Collectibles, the Frati Pawn Shop (where Stephen King has said he gets his inspiration), and Diva's (adult entertainment).

Bringing people to downtown is the Childrenâs Museum. The Maine Discovery Museum features exhibits on science, music, art, physics, literature, and more. General admission is 5.50.

At the Hampton Inn, if you aren't completely satisfied, you don't have to pay. 1-800-HAMPTON. At Comfort Inns, kids stay free. The New Stable Inn in Brewer will set you up with a qualified babysitter. Call 207-989-9809. The Super 8 Motel on the Odlin Road offers Senior, AAA, and AARP discounts. 207-945-5681. The Park Rest Motel in Hampden is a bit off the beaten track, but has unusually attractive rates. 207-862-5500. In 1999, The Phenix Inn at West Market Square was voted Greater Bangor's Best Bed & Breakfast.

The Peace & Justice Center of Eastern Maine is engaged in a number of social causes--everything from the Maine state budget crisis and the desecration of the Maine woods to religious conflict in India and the future of Haiti. There is usually something special happening at the center, which is situated at 128 Main St., Bangor. If you lean toward progressiveness, you might want to stop in and meet the good folks here. Call 207-942-9343.

In Downtown Bangor, international cuisine is provided by Pakistani, Indian, and Chinese restaurants. Exotic spices and simple fare are offered by owner Farzana Khan at Bahaar Pakistani Restaurant. Biryani, massala, palak paneer, curries, traditional breads, mangoe shakes are just a few of the items available. Get authentic Indian cuisine at Taste of India.

New Moon Café at 49 Park Street offers live music every night with one of the most interesting and eclectic menu selections in Bangor. Try their Almond Crusted Chicken for a taste delight out of this world.

Thistle's Restaurant offers gourmet dining at attractive prices; a standout here is the lovely dessert tray. We've never had better sub sandwiches than the ones they fix at Veazie Variety Shop. Watching your wasteline? Be good to it at TCBY Treats, the yogurt place near the Phenix Inn.

Bagel Central on Central Street is a real kosher bakery offering terrific bagels, pastries, vegetarian specials and specialty gourmet recipes.

Downtown, Alcott Antiques carries country furniture, primitives, and folk art. The Overlook Group Shop on the second floor also carries antiques and collectibles. Nearby, the Central Trading Post, which specializes in police goods, buys and sells stuff at bargain prices.

If you're a tad on the hefty side (or know somebody who is), check out the garb at Niman's. They specialize in clothes for big and tall men. Call 1-800-286-4980.

The Charles Inn, downtown Bangor's only hotel, is an older stylish and elegant establishment with all the amenities travelers are looking for.  It's convenient to restaurants, pubs, parks, and waterfront strolls.  Enjoy a daily deluxe continental breakfast.  In the lobby there is a nice art gallery and free Internet. Located at 20 Broad St. Call 207-992-2820.

Find your wine.  State Street Wine Cellar, boasts Bangor’s most extensive wine selection.  Well-organized and neat as a pin, truly a pleasurable experience. Also on hand are gourmet foods and a well-stocked deli case with cheese and pate and more.Stop by, say hi to Shane, and let him know you saw his ad in Captain D. Located at 195 State St. across from Miller drug. 207-262-9500

Keep the kids happy by picking up some books at The Briar Patch on Central Street. Included here is a large selection by Maine authors and illustrators.

If your feet hurt, drop into The Walk Shop at 89 Main St. Bob and Louise Cust carry a wide selection of Birkenstock sandals and other therapeutic footwear.

Cornerstone Framing & Fine Art at 259 Union Street just beyond the Hammond-Union Street intersection will provide a frame for just about anything. On display also is a variety of prints and original art.

Check out the floral displays at Lougee & Frederick's on State Street in Bangor. These guys have won numerous awards.

Check out the floral displays Bangor Floral on Center Street. These folks will wire your selections all over the world.

Frati Jewelry, a high-quality second-hand store, specializes in cameras and consumer electronics. There's also plenty of jewelry on hand, all discounted 50 percent. Stephen King has said he gets most of his ideas here. (King's house on Outer Broadway, with its famous spider gate, attracts plenty of gawkers.)

What's nice about the Grasshopper Shop is that there's something for everybody, says co-owner Ken Schweikert. "We try to find things that are fun, affordable, and otherwise unavailable Downeast. We're getting new and different things all of the time.

Bangor city fathers haven't chosen to name property after Stephen King. There is no Stephen King boulevard or King Memorial Park. Local entrepreneurs don't seem inclined to cash in on King's notoriety, either. There is no Overlook Hotel or Needful Things curio shop. Maybe business people shy away from associating themselves with horror. What's more likely, however, is that they are just acting like Mainers, people very much inclined to tend to their own business, not that of others. King likes living in Bangor in part because people don't treat him like he's anything special. He can grab breakfast at the local coffee shop without there being any more fuss than somebody saying "Mornin', Steve."

Evidently, King has asked the Chamber of Commerce not to direct visitors to his house. It is, after all, a private residence, and King can hardly be expected to extend a personal welcome to every curious person who comes along. Still, King hasn't asked us to keep his whereabouts a secret. We couldn't anyway. Just about everybody in town knows that King lives on West Broadway in an early lumber baron's old house. We are sure that the readers of our book are highly literate types who want nothing more than to photograph King's house and gate.
Still, King has attracted more than his share of whackos. One guy who shows up in town from time has covered his van with documentation that King murdered John Lennon. Another guy appeared in King's kitchen and told Tabitha he was taking her hostage. "The hell you are," she replied before retreating to a neighbor's house from which she called the police. Another time, a mysterious package apeared outside King's gate. The police, suspecting it was a bomb, blew it to bits. It turned out to be a copy of "It" that a fan had left in hopes of having it autographed. Stephen King is Downeast Maine's only REALLY FAMOUS PERSON. Oh, sure, we have Hannibal Hamlin, Lincoln's first vice president, who had ties with Hampden, and Dorothea Dix, who did everything she could to help the mentally ill. And, of course, some famous rich people like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers spent time on Mount Desert Island, but they weren't really from there. King, on the other hand, is ours. He graduated from the University of Maine at Orono and was living in a trailer in Hermon and working at a Bangor laundry when the vivid shower scene in Carrie caught the attention of the folks at Viking.
 
Bangor has other outstanding used book shops. Pro Libris, with more than 20,000 current and out-of-print books in stock, is strong in issue-oriented materials. Lippincott Books has besides many ordinary used books a large stock of rare and valuable volumes. Book Marc's on Harlow St. has both new and pre-read books, and has recently added a cafe where you can borrow a book while you sip your coffee and eat your bagel.

Paul Zebiak at Maritime International is always buying and selling gold, silver, platinum, and also diamonds.


When we got into a jam, we ot really good service from COY'S TOWING AND AUTO CARE at 1576 Hammond St. The guys here went way out of their way to help us out.



Silo Seven, a very unusual bookstore. Stocked here are books concerning Eastern teachings, death & reincarnation, new physics, psychic development, inspirational natural magick, all this kind of stuff. If you are intrigued by the unusual, this may be your kind of bookstore.

If you exit I-95 onto Broadway, the first place you'll see to your left is Tri City Pizza. Further on past China Light is the Broadway Shopping Center. Look for Tim Horton's, McDonald's, Kentucky Fried Chicken, TJ Maxx and More, Amato's, Hannaford Super Market, Home Goods, Sherwin Williams, Bangor Savings Bank, Movie Gallery, Bobo Chinese Restaurant, Hallmark, Empire, Payless Shoes, and U.S. Cellular.

The Bangor Mall on Hogan Avenue and Stillwater is Bangor's major shopping center. Shops include Abercrombie & Fitch, Advance Auto Parts, Aerie by American Eagle Outfitters, Aeropostale , American Eagle Outfitters, Arby's, Bangor Savings Bank, B. Dalton Bookseller, Bangor Sub & Deli, Bank of America, Bath & Body Works , BC Sports Collectibles, Berg Sportswear, Best Buy, Bob's Sugar House, Bugaboo Creek Steak House, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Charlotte Russe, Christmas Vacation Shop, Christopher & Banks , Cinemas 10, CJ Banks, Claire's, Comedy Connection, Dairy Queen / Orange Julius , Deb, Dick's Sporting Goods, EB Games, Finish Line, Flavor of India, Foot Locker, Gap, GapKids, GM Pollack & Sons, GNC, and Hallowell International.

Also in the Bangor Mall are a, Hannaford Super Market, Hickory Farms, Hollister, Hot Topic, J.B. Robinson Jewelers, JC Penney, JCPenney Portrait Studio, JCPenney Salon, John's Collectibles, Journeys, Justice, Just for girls!, K·B Toys, Kay Jewelers, Lane Bryant, LensCrafters, Lids, Macy*s, Maine Mobility, Maine Porcelain, MasterCuts, Minuteman Mobile, Motherhood Maternity, New York & Company, Olympia Sports, Oriental Express, Oriental Jade, Pacific Sunwear, Patrick's Hallmark, Payless Shoe Source, Pearle Vision Express, Personalize Me, Piercing Pagoda, Proactiv Solution, Radio Shack, Ruby Tuesday, Sbarro's Italian Eatery, Sears, Select Comfort, Space Port, Specialty Sweets, Spencer Gifts, Staples, Star Nails, Starbucks Coffee, Studio 2000, Sunglass Hut, Sweet Stuff, The Children's Place, The Optometrist, The Shoe Department, Things Remembered, Trade Secret, Uno Chicago Grill, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless, Victoria's Secret, Yankee Candle, and Zales Jewelers. 

On Stillwater Avenue look for The Centre. Here you'll find the House of Pizza, Elegant Nails, a Federal Credit Union, Specialty Sweets, Liberty Income Tax Service, All-State, All About Travel, Lamb's Book Store, VIP Auto Center,

Across from the Mall on Stillwater, look for Blue Seal Feed, Mallside Discount Outlet, Merrill Merchants Bank, China Wall Restaurant and Lounge, Day's Jewelry, Wight's Sporting Goods, Home Design Center, Tool Supply, and Liberty Mutual. Nearby look for McQuick's and Dunkin' Donuts.

Across Stillwater, look for a Goodwill Store, Petco, the Happy China Buffet, Pet Quarters, Sylvan Learning Center, Wallpaper Expo, Jo-Ann Stores, Circuit City, Dollar Tree, Home Depot, Chili's Grill & Bar, Carpet One, Talbot's, Central Maine Harley Davidson, a Subway, a Postal Center, Pepino's Mexican Restuarant, Dream Kitchen Studio, Kohl's, Old Navy, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Dress Barn, L.L. Bean Outlet, Office Depot, Famous Footwear, iParty, Game Stop, Papa John's Pizza, and the Texas Roadhouse.
 
Diana Cyr is soft-spoken and chooses words carefully, so when she says that Sanborn's has the finest caramel on the planet, you tend to try some and probably come back for seconds. Our verdict? We won't argue with Diana; we haven't had better caramel anywhere. Sanborn's Candies is a proud family affair; the Sanborns have been making chocolates in New Hampshire for a good long time. Diana's two-year-old shop is the first Maine branch. Situated off Stillwater Avenue near Service Merchandise, she is keeping alive this venerable company's fine reputation. Call 207-990-0778.

North of Hogan Road, look for Target and the Natural Living Centers.

If you think that health food stores are too pricey, you'll be pleasantly surprised at many of the prices at the Natural Living Centers in Bangor and Brewer. There is, for example, a huge selection of herbs and spices at prices up to 80 percent lower than those of supermarkets. "We try to buy smart and pass the savings on to our customers," says co-owner Barbara Geiger. She says that people come from as far away as Portland to shop for health foods. Also on hand are a fine Oriental food selection, a terrific book section, and,a huge variety of imported beers and home-brew equipment. NLC stocks at least a dozen varieties of rice. Nationwide mail order 1-800-933-4229. At their Natural Way Cafe, they have good soup, sandwiches, and cookies along with a whole lot more.

On the north side of Hogan Road, look for the Bangor Business Park. You'll find a WalMart, a Kentucky Fried Chicken, Burlington Coat Factory, the Ski Rack, CITI Financial, Van Syckle Auto Sales, and the Longhorn Steak House.

In Springer Place, there is the Downeast Credit Union, Bonney Staffing Center, Dr. Linwood Colson, Life Share Management Corp. Nearby, look for the 99 Restaurant & Pub, Super Shoes, Quirk Auto, Darling Ford, Denny's, and Sam's Club.

In Shaw's Plaza, look for Shear Attraction, Malibu Tans, Quiznos, Strictly Formal, Natural Nails, an Armed Forces Recruiting Center, Marlene's Uniforms, and Bull Moose Music,

Back on the southside of Hogan Road, there is a Big K Mart, Little Caesars Pizza, Hands of Hope Thrift Store, Appleby's, Miquel's Mexican Restaurant, Bangor Motor Inn, an Olive Garden, Finest Hearth, and a Comfort Inn.


N.H. Bragg & Sons, an industrial supply company, keeps a very low profile in the Bangor Industrial Park, but, to those in the know, it makes available a large, discount hardware and automotive supply outlet. Prices here are just a bit above wholesale.

A well-kept secret in Bangor is the availability of smoked hams prepared by W.A. Bean and Sons at their retail store in the Bomarc Industrial Park. Bean's is Maine's oldest independent meat packer. Founded in 1860, Bean's has been run by the same family for five generations. The company is known for its spiral-cut, honey-glazed hams, sold across the country by mail order. Each ham is slowly sugar-cured and smoked the old-fashioned way. At their retail store, they also prepare special meat packages at considerable savings. They will pack meats for shipping. Tours of the plant can be arranged. Call 1-800-649-1958;.

In Downeast Maine, Marlene's is the place to come for uniforms of all descriptions. Nearby is Ben Sklar's, which specializes in good deals on clothing for big and tall men.

If it's tires you need, Tom Bennett of Bennett Tire on the Bangor's Perry Road won't, well, take you for a ride. Also, if you find yourself stranded, he has a free shuttle and delivery service. Dean Mooers of Mooers' Tire on Wilson St. in Brewer insists that his are the lowest area prices on both used tires and retreads.

If you take Exit 44 off I-95, you'll come to Dysart's Restaurant, an old-fashioned truck stop that's become legendary. It's open 24 hours, and you'll get trucker-size portions whether you order the Yankee pot roast or Daisy's renowned bread pudding. There's no glitz here, but plenty of honest-to-gosh good value. This is a family business that is fun to visit because everybody obviously genuinely likes everybody else. In his guide to Maine, Charles Calhoun called Dysart's "a beacon in the darkness on I-95..."

Karite-Gold Shea Butter Products of Hubardston, MA, has opened a Maine-based distribution center at the Natural Living Center. All of their skin-care products and soaps are created from 100 percent pure, raw shea butter imported from Africa. Working closely with a small village population over several years has changed the lives of the perople there. Those villagers now enjoy a far better life filled with hope and promise for the future.

The Cole Land Transportation Museum is notable for its great variety. On display are over 150 vehicles ranging from an antique baby carriage to a locomotive and railroad station, horse-drawn logging sleds and logging trucks, wagons and sleighs, vintage cars and trucks, snowplows and fire trucks. Adults $5, children age 19 and under free, seniors over 62 $3, AAA discount $4. (You find the place by taking Exit 45B off I-95, turning left at the first light, then left on Perry Road.)


The Bangor Historical Society (situated in the Thomas A. Hill House, 159 Union St., 942-5766) provides maps for self-guided walking tours thru s eight remaining historic districts.

Across the street from the historical society is the beautiful Isaac Farrar Mansion (947-2008), which is open to the public (admission $1). This fine old house (circa 1845) purportedly is haunted by the ghost of a distraught governess. It retains many of its original features, such as carved mahogany paneling, curved and slotted bookcase doors, marble fireplaces, and stained glass windows.

St. Johns Catholic Church has marvelous, recently-restored European stained-glass windows.

Bangor boasts the nation's oldest symphony orchestra and the state's only year round repertory theater group.

Harness racing in Bangor goes back to pre-Civil War times. Bass Park, which has had a track for trotters for over a century, has been the site of several racing world records. No fewer than fifteen immortals of harness racing's Hall of Fame have competed here. During July, racing programs are held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Fridays and Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Call 207-947-6744.

The Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society is a nonprofit organization of people whose common interest is canoeing, kayaking, and other related outdoor activities. Members are found throughout New England. Out-of-state visitors can get in on the society's trips. Call Kate Judy at 207-843-7983.

Staples on Union Street in Bangor offers a terrific assortment of business products, all at discount prices. It's a club, with members getting many special prices, but a club that anybody can join.

The Paul Bunyan Statue on Main Street in Bangor stands 31 feet tall, weighs two-and-a-half tons, and embodies the folklore surrounding Maine's historic lumbering industry.

"Why do people even bother to shop in Freeport?' asks Mickey Marden. "They don't know bargains until they shop at Marden's." Represented Downeast by stores in Bangor and Brewer, Marden's, which at one time or another has handled just about every product imaginable, gets most of its merchandise from insurance losses and natural disasters. By buying large lots, it endeavors to sell everything for 50 percent off regular retail. People have responded; annual gross sales approach $50 million. Some of the merchandise looks a little beat, but Marden's guarantees everything it sells. Unhappy customers--there aren't too many--have no problems getting refunds. Selections change constantly. "People never know what they're going to find," says Marden. "That's what bring them back."

Two bakeries--Country Kitchen and Nissen-- have thrift stores in the Bangor/Brewer area. (The Country Kitchen store is at 494 Broadway in Bangor; the Nissen is at 34 Abbott in Brewer.) Both stores offer good prices on slightly dated things that didn't sell in regular retail outlets.

At the Double Dip on the Griffin Road, hotdogs are two for $1.19 and cones are under a buck. This place is slightly off the beaten track and uses low prices to entice business.

Bangor has non-profit thrift shops run by both the Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries. The Attic is a volunteer-run thrift store whose proceeds benefit St. John's School. Resale Shops in the area include Page Two Resale Shop, Victoria's Closet, Just Kid's Stuff, Irresistibles, Children's Choice, the Hampden Flea Market, Ware Me Out Resale Shop, Sylvia's Resale Shop, and LuRee's Thrift Shop

GREATER BANGOR

If you're into recycling, you'll want to salute the guys at J&J Auto Salvage on the Brewer Lake Road in Orrington. Among other things, they heat the place with used transmission oil. They save just about everything, including freon from auto air conditioners. All of which means you can save a bundle on parts they've rescued from otherwise unwanted autos. There's a mechanic on duty; he'll install anything you buy there. It's pretty much risk free; there's a 30-day guarantee on all parts and labor. Call 207-825-3061.

Linda Mitchell-Storer, who calls her business Vintage Finery, has been collecting distinctive wearing apparel since she was a teenager; over the years, she has amassed an amazing assortment of both vintage and antique clothing. (Antique clothing, she says, is more than a century old; some of her inventory goes back to the 17th century.) On hand are prom dresses, tuxedos, wedding gowns, and a vast assortment of costumes for every occasion. Besides clothing, Linda has a dizzying collection of accessories--over 600 hats, gloves, shoes, jewelry, bags, and coats, including fancy furs. She is developing a shop; and, perhaps eventually, a museum in Orrington (which you get to by taking Rte. 15 south out of Brewer). In addition to the fancy stuff, Linda has more ordinary thrift shop-type clothing on hand for sale inexpensively. Vintage Finery is open noon to 4 p.,m. Monday thru Thursday or by appointment. Call 825-4142.

Head east on Rte. 9 from Brewer an you'll come to Lakeview Auction. Here auctioneer Mike Lufkin conducts popular Thursday evening sales that may include any merchandise imaginable Lufkin specializes in buying out the total contents of homes and businesses and putting the useful stuff up for sale.

Large portions are what make the Eagles' Nest Restaurant in Eddington noteworthy. The burger we had there reminded us of a small meatloaf. The restaurant, situated on Route 9, also keeps prices modest.

Winterport, situated 12 miles south of Bangor on Rte 1A, was important a century ago as the last anchorage on the Penobscot River that always remained ice-free. The Winterport Historic District, a cohesive, homogeneous grouping of late 18th, 19th and early 20th century buildings is in the National Register of Historic Places.
 

BREWER

If you head south on Main Street (Route 15) here, you'll find yourself on the Orrington Road. Look for Van Raymond Outfitters, Mobil Marine Services, Orrington Antiques General Store, a gun shop on Mill Creek Road, Carol's Neighborhood Gym, Chandler Forest Products, and Vance's Tropical Fish



MOBIL MARINE SERVICE on the River Road in Orrington will come to you, usually on the day you call.




The Twin City Plaza in Brewer is home to the Twin City Buffet, a Dollar Tree, Winterport Boot, Fitness Center, HHC Healthcare, the Bedworks, the L Factor, Cosmos Prof, Maine Savings, H&R Brock, Atlantic Home Health Inc., OHI, MMIC Family Medicine, Optical Outlet, and a gym,

The all-you-can-eat Twin Super Buffet is full of Chinese goodies priced for way under $10. You wonder how they can do it.

In Brewer, Wilson Street turns into Rte 1A, the road to Ellsworth. After crossing the bridge into Brewer, you'll pass the Muddy Rudder Restaurant, the Brewer Auditorium, the Village Green Motel, the Brewer Motor Inn, Brewsters (fine food and drink), a Movie Gallery, Pat's Bikes, Jason (New York style pizza) , and a Dunkin Donuts.

On the right is the Brewer Shopping Center with its various businesses. Look for Hannaford Super Market, Family Dollar, Designs by Donna, Electrolux, the Maine Smoke Shop, RAC Rent-a-Center, Edge Video, U.S. Cellular, Laundry and Cleaners, Insurance Shoppers, Rainbow Chinese Restaurant, and Pine Tree Karote.

Nearby look for a Tim Horton's, Kostas Restaurant and bar, a pharmacy, a Cozy Inn, the New Stable Inn, the Vacationland Village Inn & Suites, the Coach House Restaurant, a KFC/Taco Bell, a Subway, a Noodles, a Dairy Queen.

The Vacationland Village Inn & Suites (formerly the Twin City Motor Inn) has had a major facelift. Nor long ago, a local area couple bought the place and completely refurbished it. It has been transformed, brought up from having a decidedly shady reputation to being kid-friendly and downright wholesome. The place has been given a Maine theme—here a moose, there a bear, over there a loon. The bar is gone, replaced by the Lighthouse Christian Cafe, a coffeehouse with live Christian music.

The McDonalds on your right features intriguing retro fifties decor, the only such place in New England.

Across the way is a Burger King, a Pizza Hut, and Marden's (surplus and salvage at bargain prices). Further on , look for the Unique Boutique Resale Shop, House of Hunan, Quiznos Subs, a Ruby Tuesday, and a Super Walmart, a Dunkin Donuts, and the Weathervane Restaurant.

Wilson Square has a military surplus store and a fitness center.

Further on, you'll see a Lowes and the onramp to I395. Look for Mitchell's Antiques, and the Island Green Golf Complex.


HOLDEN

The Island Green Golf Complex features go carts, mini golf, driving range, snack bar and interesting 9-hole golf course.

Watch for McKay's RV Center, Port Harbor Marine, Dysart's, Irvings, a Country Kitchen Bakery Thrift Shop, Holden Family Campground, Rensaisance Dogs, Swish Cleaning Center, Garrett's Auto Sales and Service, and Holden Self Storage.

In the Holden Plaza, watch for Aunt Nellie's Attic, Dreamcatcher Antiques, Habitant for Humanity ReStore.
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Ahead is a place dealing in granite counter tops, Grooming Botique for Dogs, Myerowitz Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic, Al Benner Homes,. Further on is Harold's Transmission Service, RGS's Antiques, and the Woodland Terrace Motel.

If you stay at the Woodland Terrace Motel, you can play its 9-hole golf course for free. The course is short, but hilly and really quite beautiful. You might choose to just take a walk back there, if you're afraid that golf might ruin what otherwise would be a pleasurable experience. There are good hiking trails. Call 207-989-3750.

Look for Holden Bait, the Red Barn Campground, Ace Hardware, Granville Rental, Mid-Coast Fine Antiques, Holden Cabinet and Millwork, an old cemetery, a Mobil Service Center, Gilley's Truck Caps, McLeod's Guns and Coins, Pete's Pretty Good Ice Cream, Hummingbird Hollow, Darlene's Dolls, a U.S. Post Office, The Squire, Merrill Bank, and the junction of Route 46..


PETE'S PRETTY GOOD ICE CREAM is way better than pretty good—it's GREAT! When you come here don't ask for Pete, expecting to meet the owner. Pete is owner Mark's dog, a pooch who loves ice cream. If there is anything Mark loves more than his dogs, it's top-quality ice cream treats. He insists on the finest, freshest ingredients—he uses Maine berries and Maine maple syrup. For your main course, check out Mark's lobster rolls (made from fresh Maine lobster), his chili dogs, or his chili by the bowl. Click here to see the entire menu.

At the junction of Rte 46, a right will take you to Bucksport.

On Route 1-A, look for Dysarts, Armanto's, C&M Variety, a Dunkin Donuts, a Subway and Dorsey's Furniture, and Foto-Fixer..

Ralph McLeod of Foto-Fixer in Holden says he is the only real camera repairman this side of Boston. He can fix just about any camera, although he won't do warranty work. His $25-an-hour fee sure beats the $65 most out-of-staters charge, and if your camera is unrepairable, he won't slap you with one of those aggravating bench fees. If you're a visitor leaving soon, he'll try to hurry your job through without charging extra.

Further on is Lucerne Self-Storage, the Lucerne Veterinarian Hospital, the Down East Dive Shop, Lucerne Auto Sales, the Lucerne-in-Maine Golf Club and Lucerne Inn.

The Lucerne Inn is haunted. There is a long history of things going bump in the night, lights mysteriously turning on and off, and objects spontaneously setting sail. It seems that Sam, the caretaker of the place when it was a stagecoach stop, caught his wife extending excessive hospitality to a guest in room 8. Enraged, he murdered the offending couple before offing himself. Word has it he's still mad, and cursing the place (although he never bothers the guests). Call 207-843-5123.

After just a few years of renewed operations, the Lucerne Hills Golf Club boasts some of the finest greens found anywhere. Host Roger Tracy imported bent Province grass from Rhode Island, and it has established itself beautifully. This hilly and challenging Donald Ross course is a truly fine 9-hole test of any player's abilities. The $7 green fees are the lowest for any standard course in the Downeast region. Call 207-843-6282.

Keep going and you'll see a turnoff to Jenkin 's Beach and Violette's Landing on Green Lake. Nearby is Damn Yankee Balloons and the Maine Woods Smoke Co.

For a real uplifting experience, check out a hot air balloon ride. Damn Yankee Balloons Inc. offers them from East Holden. Call 207-843-7249.

Jay Osler, the man behind the Maine Woods Smoke Co. in Dedham, says his is "the best smoked salmon in the world." He's been at it for almost a decade, and has developed a brine that unlike most is neither too salty nor too smokey. Although he gets orders from all over the country, he still caters to a loyal band of locals. To find him, go 1.6 miles north of the Lucerne Inn and take a left on Fire Road 3, an inconspicuous turn-off from Route 1A.


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