What To Do in Maine This Weekend: 5.4.10

Editor's note: Because The Maven is VERY pregnant, we'll be posting a little less frequently over the next couple of weeks in order to prepare for the little guy's arrival. Don't worry — Maine Maven isn't going away. Just nesting.

Welcome to the weekend — and why is it that short work weeks always feel the longest? To add insult to injury, the weather report looks questionable at best (at least, in our neck of the woods). But don't let a little rain spoil the fun. Here are a few inspiring ideas to celebrate two days of relaxation.

Eat ME
Everybody loves a good lobster roll, but for us, hot dog stands are a sure sign of summer. We're partial to Wasses in Rockland and Belfast, both of which are open year-round, and we always order a dog with sauerkraut, mustard and celery salt. What's your favorite Maine dog house?
Where: Renys Plaza, Belfast; Route 1, Rockland
When: Whenever
Web: n/a

Drink ME
This no wine thing is getting a little old, but the Teeny Bellini from Fiddlehead in Bangor makes things almost seem normal for The Maven. Made with peach puree and something sparkling that isn't champagne, it's the most elegant thing we've seen in the last nine months. We're guessing you can order a boozy one, too, if you're so inclined.
Where: Fiddlehead Restaurant, Hammond Street, Bangor
When: Every day except Monday
Web: http://thefiddleheadrestaurant.com

Rock out with ME
Looking for something to do in the Queen City this weekend? Head over to the West Market Festival, a celebration of music, fashion and more. We're particularly excited about headliners The Rustic Overtones and fashion shows by our favorite local shops and designers, including Sophronia Design and FX Dressed.
Where: West Market Square, Bangor
When: noon-8 p.m. Saturday
Web: http://www.bangpopmaine.com/

Look at ME
We're in love with Mikael Kennedy's photography — soaked in golden light, hazy and, in a way, nostalgic — no surprise that his images have been compared to the Hudson River School painters. He reminds us of early George Daniell. That being said, this young artist's work, especially his Polaroids, is some of the freshest and most modern we've seen. Check it out for yourself when "Saltwater River Guard" opens tonight at Gallery 37-A in Portland.
Where: 37-A Wharf St., Portland
When: Opening: 6-10 p.m. Friday, June 4; Regular hours: noon-5 p.m. Thursday-Monday
Web: www.thirtysevena.com

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What To Do in Maine This Weekend: 5.28.10

Here at Maine Maven, we couldn't be happier. The weather is stunning, we have a long weekend ahead of us and one of our best friends is getting married at the elegant Bar Harbor Club. All signs point to a perfect weekend in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.

So let's raise a toast to the happy couple — and to Maine, the best possible place to spend a holiday weekend.

Shop with ME
We love Maggi Blue's amazing glass pendants (so much so that she'll be our featured giveaway in June — stay tuned for details). Be sure to check them out during Maggi's trunk show this weekend at Archipelago in Rockland. This is one of a number of trunk shows that Archipelago is hosting this season to feature the work of great local artisans.
Where: Archipelago, 386 Main St., Rockland
When: noon-4 p.m. Saturday, May 29
Web: www.dyelotcollective.com

Eat ME
If we weren't eating really good wedding food, we'd be zipping off to Little Notch Bakery in Southwest Harbor for some of the best pizza and sandwiches in Maine. You may be familiar with Little Notch focaccia and baguettes, which can be found at gourmet markets and natural food stores statewide, but the tiny cafe is a treat when you're visiting Mount Desert Island.
Where: Main Street, Southwest Harbor
When: Anytime
Web: http://littlenotchbakery.com

Drink ME
Chances are, all of our wedding friends will be heading to Carmen Verandah after the festivities. It's our favorite Bar Harbor watering hole, and if you've never been (or you're a tourist), it's a must for drinks on the deck, dancing and an all-around great time.
Where: 119 Main St., Bar Harbor
When: Fun for lunch, festive after dark
Web: http://www.carmenverandah.com

Look and Listen with ME
We adore Mallory Bruns of Sophronia Design, and this weekend, her runway show will kick off a night of fabulousness at Space Gallery in Portland. On the docket: A documentary by [dog]and[pony], a performance by Bath native Christian Cuff and his 11-piece band, and a solo show by New York singer Mieka Pauley.
Where: Space Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland
When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday, May 29
Web: www.space538.org

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Maine To-Do List: 5.21.10

We wouldn't blame you if all you wanted to do all weekend was hang out on the deck. But if you decide to venture farther afield, here are a few great things to do in Maine.

Eat ME
We've never met a pistachio ice cream cone we didn't like, and we've heard the pistachio from Mobile Cone — made with imported pistachio paste — is to die for. See for yourself at the European Farmers Market in Bangor
Where: Sunnyside Greenhouse/Ingrid's German Shop, Buck Street, Bangor
When: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays
Web: n/a

Drink ME
Right about now, all we want to drink is iced coffee, but the chain-store offerings are subpar at best. We do love a tall, dark brew from Ampersand in Orono, but we want to know: what's your favorite iced coffee in Maine. Tell us by posting a comment below.
Where: you decide
When: summertime
Web: n/a

Buy ME
Tonight's the night for "Creature Feature III" at the Grand Theatre in Ellsworth — your chance to buy the work of nationally known artists for a song. Read more about it here.
Where: The Grand, Main Street, Ellsworth
When: 3-7 p.m. Friday, May 21
Web: www.grandonline.org

 Plant ME
Get your garden on at the Cumberland County Master Gardeners plant sale this weekend. The weather will be perfect, and our guess is, so will the plants.
Where: Barron Center, 1145 Brighton Ave., Portland
When: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 22
Web: n/a

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Maine To-Do List: 5.14.10

Friends and family are coming to town this weekend, and we can hardly wait. If we weren't entertaining (well, mostly being entertained) here's what we'd be doing. Enjoy!

Eat ME
We cannot get enough of the miniature cannolis at Giacomo's in Bangor. The Maven actually considered smuggling some out in her purse during a recent event there. They're that good (and she's that embarrassed). After eating dozens of subpar cannolis in Maine, even at Italian restaurants, we were convinced that it was a lost cause north of the North End. Clearly, we were wrong.
Where: 1 Central St., Bangor
When: Anytime
Web: N/A

Drink ME
This has nothing at all to do with Maine, but we'd be remiss if we didn't tell you about the Tea Forte Tea over Ice system, especially now that the weather is heating up. The Maven's mom and sister bought one for a recent baby shower, and it was the coolest thing ever — not to mention the fact that the tea was absolutely delicious. A tiny glass pitcher sits atop a larger glass pitcher — the top is filled with a Tea Forte tea bag and boiling water, the bottom is filled with ice. Let the tea steep, pour it over ice (this dilutes it without watering it down), and pour it into glasses filled with ice. It's a thing of beauty. And we must buy one.
Where: Mom got hers at Origins. We found it online.
When: Anytime
Web: Gourmet Food Store

Play ME
Who doesn't love "West Side Story"? Well, gather up your gang — Jets, Sharks, Cougars, whatever — and head to The Portland Players production of this Broadway classic.
Where: 420 Cottage Road, South Portland
When: through May 30; see website for details
Web: www.portlandplayers.org

Change ME
Climate change is a hot topic (pardon the pun) — often contentious. But there's nothing contentious about "A Bird's Eye View: Journeying through 21st Century Climate Change" at The Farnsworth Museum's Julia's Gallery for Young Artists. For the show, students from the Matinicus Island School teamed up with Julia's Gallery and students from Unity College for seven months. They explored birds, migration and climate change. The resulting exhibition features photographs, sculptures, video, creative writing and interactive displays.
Where: Julia's Gallery at the Farnsworth Art Museum, Main Street, Rockland
When: Through Aug. 29
Web: Farnsworth Art Museum

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Weekend To-Do List: 5.7.10

Editor's note: We're giving away a gorgeous tote designed by Erin Flett for AU. To learn how to enter, click here.
 
Living in a college town, it's hard to forget that Mother's Day and UMaine's graduation go hand in hand. So it's going to be a festive weekend here in the center of the state. No matter where you are, we hope you're having an equally celebratory time. If not, here are a few ideas to get you going:

Eat ME
Like we said, getting reservations anywhere in our neighborhood is impossible this weekend, which is why people in these parts take matters into their own hands. Our friend Judy Smith, who owns Judy's Scrappin' and Stampin' in Orono, has a brilliant idea for Mother's Day. In her family, all of the moms get together and the dads do the cooking. Usually it's a brunch, but this year, it's all sweets. Sweet.
Where: your house
When: Sunday
Web: N/A

Drink ME
Every good celebration deserves a toast, and what better drink to toast with than a Bellini? It's the easiest thing in the world to make: in a champagne flute, combine 2 parts Prosecco with 1 part peach puree. Top with a dash of Chambord. Serve. Repeat. Can't find fresh peaches? Peach schnapps will do in a pinch.
Where: your house
When: Anytime
Web: N/A

Accessorize ME
Hannah Tarkinson of Ponomo is one of our favorite Maine designers (not to mention one hell of a musician). Though her gorgeous bags and jewelry have been available in select Portland boutiques for some time now, tonight marks the opening of her studio/retail space in Portland's State Theater building.
Where: State Theater Building, Suite 307
When: Grand opening from 5 to 8 tonight.
Web: www.ponomostyle.com

 Taste ME
Toast mom and taste some of Maine's most delicious treats and drinks on Saturday at Winterport Winery's free Wine, Ale and Chocolate Tasting, featuring truffles from B. Potter Wine Chocolates, Winterport Winery Wines and Penobscot Bay Brewery Ales.
Where: Winterport Winery, Route 1A, Winterport
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday
Web: www.winterportwinery.com

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Maine To-Do List: 4.30.10

Dear Maine weather,
Enough with the craziness. It's about to be May and a mid-day snow squall/hail storm/gale-force wind just won't do. We're all pale and pasty, and we could use a break — not to mention sunshine and warmth. We have a lot to do over the next few days, so here's the deal: you have a great weekend and so will we.
Love,
The Mavens

Eat ME
We're so looking forward to grilling this weekend. What's on the menu? Burgers. And nothing beats the ground beef from A Wee Bit Farm in Orland. The farm's specialty is grass-fed Highland Cattle, which yield beef that is naturally low in fat and cholesterol. Enjoy!
Where: Click here for retailers
When: Tonight
Web: A Wee Bit Farm

Drink ME
Saturday is Derby Day, and even though we're nowhere near Kentucky, Derby Day parties are all the rage this year. Even though the race is over in minutes, the drinking can go on all night. And frankly, the best part of Derby Day is, in fact, the mint juleps. To make them at home, you need three things: those iconic julep cups (yes, they do make a difference), fresh mint and really good bourbon. We like Maker's Mark, Basil Hayden's and Woodford Reserve. We also like this recipe from Epicurious: To prepare, make minted simple syrup ahead of time by combining 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Add a bunch of mint (use your judgment here) and let steep 15 minutes. Remove mint, let cool and refrigerate overnight, if necessary. In a julep cup or highball glass, pour 1 ounce minted syrup. Add 1 cup ice. Add 2 ounces bourbon and a splash of water. Stir and add enough ice to fill. Garnish with fresh mint.
Where: Your living room
When: 6:24 p.m. Saturday, May 1 post time
Web: www.kentuckyderby.com

Walk with ME
We're continually amazed by the strange beauty of the Orono Bog Boardwalk, which winds its way through an eons-old peat bog that is home to carnivorous plants, stunted tamaracks and all sorts of birds. The walk opens this weekend, and we couldn't be happier. (Above photo by R. Davis).
Where: Enter through Bangor City Forest (off Stillwater Avenue in Veazie).
When: 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. daily
Web: oronobogwalk.org

Tote ME
OK, we just wrote about Angela Adams yesterday, but then we heard about Angela's new totes and decided we couldn't resist. The new, nautical Mica pattern might be our favorite yet (and that's saying a lot). Perfect for sailing, summer days and a diaper bag alternative for stylish moms.
Where: Anywhere
When: Whenever
Web: www.angelaadams.com

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Weekend To-Do List: 4.23.10

Good morning, Mainers! What a beautiful start to the weekend. We're skipping out of work early and heading south for a baby shower — can't wait to catch up with old friends and family. Since we'll have a foot in both Maines this weekend, we've rounded up a few picks of great things to do statewide. Enjoy!

Eat ME
We tried the new menu at The Fiddlehead Restaurant in Bangor last night and it was fantastic. We absolutely love Fiddlehead — the casual atmosphere, great food and friendly service — and they're super accommodating to people with special dietary needs, such as Jason (aka Mr. Gluten-Free). Try the truffled mac 'n cheese and the grilled romaine salad.
Where: 84 Hammond St., Bangor
When: tonight, silly
Web: follow them on Facebook

Drink ME
It's no secret that Gritty's is Maine's best brew pub, and voters in the Portland Phoenix's annual best-of poll confirmed it — for the 11th straight year. Check it out for yourself. And while you're there, have a pint for The Maven.
Where: Portland, Freeport, Auburn
When: tonight
Web: www.grittys.com

See ME
The I-95 Triennial: A Survey from Four New England States opened with a bang last night at the University of Maine Museum of Art in Bangor, and it's a must-see. Featuring 82 works by more than 40 artists, this ambitious exhibition is a welcome addition to the Maine arts scene. Don't miss the paintings tucked away in the Zillman Gallery — they're a treat.
Where: 40 Harlow St., Bangor
When: Click here for hours.
Web: www.umma.umaine.edu

Hear ME
Earlier this week, we previewed the Belfast Free Range Music Festival. You should go. Click here to find out why.
Where: Various locations in Belfast
When: all day Saturday
Web: http://freerangemusicfestival.com/

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Maine To-Do List: 4.16.10

When the weather starts to warm up in Maine, so does the calendar. Suddenly, there are so many things to do, you don't know where to begin. We have a few ideas. So get off your winter-white ass and have fun!

Eat ME
OK, this isn't exactly a Maine thing, but we can't get enough of the gourmet food aisles at Ocean State Job Lot. We went to the Bangor location last weekend, spent $50, and filled our pantry with upscale chips (think Kettle and Garden of Eatin' for under $2), party-worthy crackers, high-end olive oil, real vanilla extract and more — all for a fraction of grocery store prices. And they have a wonderful — and far less expensive — selection of gluten-free products.
When: Whenever
Where: Bangor, Belfast, Oxford and Sanford
Web: http://www.oceanstatejoblot.com/home/default.aspx

Drink ME
Talk about April showers. We'll be hosting a bridal shower for one of our best friends this weekend, and one thing that will surely be on the menu are our old standby, pomegranate mimosas. Our recipe? Two parts prosecco and one part pomegranate juice (we like Odwalla), served in a sugar-rimmed glass. Cheers!
When: Anytime
Where: Your kitchen
Web: n/a
Dress ME
Yesterday, we posted about how "Project Runway" is looking for designers from Maine (see details here). Well, they won't need to look too far if they just head to the WMPG Fashion Benefit at Space Gallery. The event, a fundraiser for USM's community radio station, will feature jewelry, accessories and apparel by more than 20 local designers.
When: doors open at 8 p.m. Saturday; show starts at 9
Where: Space Gallery, 538 Congress St., Portland
Web: www.space538.org

Inch ME
"Hedwig and the Angry Inch" is one of our favorite movies of all time. To see it on stage seems sublime (and, truth be told, a bit weird. In a good way). Thanks to Penobscot Theatre Company, we can. With New York actor Scott Slone in the lead, and local musicians providing backup as the Angry Inch, it should be rockin'. So should the theater's beer-and-brats fundraiser on Saturday night, affectionately called "6 Angry Inches and a Pint." Try and tear them down.
When: Through May 2
Where: Bangor Opera House
Web: www.penobscottheatre.org

Bead ME
Like making jewelry? You'll love Beads and Baubles Downeast, the small-but-wonderful bead show held each year in Ellsworth. The event will feature 20 vendors, including lampwork bead artisans such as Sihaya Hopkins of Blossom Studio (whose work is pictured above)
When: noon-6 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday
Where: The Maine Grind, 192 Main St., Ellsworth
Web: www.giftedhandshow.com/events.htm.

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Maine To-Do List: 4.9.10

Well, we'd be lying if we said we're not happy this week is over. It's time to kick back and relax (finally), or, if you're The Maven, it's time to kick back and write a bunch of freelance pieces. Either way, here's to two days of springtime sun and fun in beautiful Maine.

Eat ME
It seems like chorizo is all around us these days. A few months, back, friends made amazing chorizo tacos for brunch, and then yesterday, we had a chorizo and egg burrito at Verve in Orono. It's way better than hamburger, and we particularly like the links from Cornerstone Farm in Palmyra, which are just spicy and salty enough. Take the meat out of the casing, fry it up and serve it in soft corn tortillas with sour cream, fresh salsa and shredded cabbage. Mmmmmm.
Where: At your farmers market or at the farm
When: whenever
Web: www.cornerstonefarm.us

Drink ME
We've heard the ales and stouts coming from Penobscot Bay Brewing at Winterport Winery are superb, and we can't wait to try them. Why not stop by for a tasting, now that the brewery and winery are open for the spring?
Where: Route 1A, Winterport
When: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (through April)
Web: www.winterportwinery.com

Grow ME
We're mad about glads — we grow hundreds of them, and Jason's grandfather grows thousands — so we're intrigued by the Maine Gladiolus Society's Bulb Auction this weekend.
Where: South China Community Church, Old Route 3, South China
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday
Web: n/a

Taste ME
Freeport is known for its shopping, but in recent years, the restaurant scene has dramatically improved there. Check out the offerings from 20 vendors at this weekend's Flavors of Freeport event. Highlights include the Chefs Signature Series and Libations Gala, an art auction, food and beading demonstrations (by our favorite — Heather from the Beadin' Path) and more.
Where: Various locations, downtown Freeport
When: Friday-Sunday
Web: www.flavorsoffreeport.com

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To-Do List 4.2.10

Let's hope this weekend's weather forecast wasn't an April fool's joke. In Maine, all you need is a little sunshine and a temperature over 60 to make everything seem better, and it looks like that's what we'll have. Need any other inspiration? Here are a few diversions to make it even more fun. Oh, and happy Easter!

Eat ME
Regular readers of Maine Maven know of our love for Houlton Farms Dairy butter, but HFD's ice cream is equally rich. If you're in the County this weekend, you're in luck, because the Houlton Farms Dairy bar in Houlton opens this weekend. If you're not in the County, have someone smuggle you out a few tubs. It's that good.
Where: 131 Military St., Houlton
When: starting at 11 a.m. Friday
Web: Facebook, Twitter

Drink ME
While we're on the subject of the County, we're totally digging Twenty 2 Vodka's Spring Evolution series, a very cool set of images that reminds us of the old Absolut ads (see the most recent one above). You can check out the whole thing on Facebook. The Houlton-based distillery makes some of the smoothest vodka around, and they release a new recipe on their Web site every Friday at 3 p.m.
Where: Your living room
When: after 3 p.m.
Web: www.Twenty2Vodka.com

Look at ME
We're more than excited about the "Fragments for the History of the Human Body" show that opens tonight at Gallery 37-A (during the Portland Art Walk). The show features work by New York artists Bast (pictured above) and Antonio Trecel Diaz and Aspen-based artist Erin Perry. If you love urban art, go.
Where: 37-A Wharf St., Portland
When: 6-10 tonight
Web: http://www.thirtysevena.com/

Walk with ME
When most people think of Bucksport, they think of the Witch's Foot or the mill. But this weekend, the town becomes a destination for art lovers — and hungry people. Visit Saturday and you can view the work of 10 artists at various downtown locations during an Art Walk. All weekend long, "Alice in Wonderland" is showing at the Alamo Theatre (a great old cinema). And if you work up an appetite, Wahl's Dairy Bar opens this weekend, too. If you're there at dinnertime, head to MacLeod's and if the steak chili is on the menu, order it.
Where: Downtown Bucksport
When: Friday and Saturday
Web: Visit Rebecca Berry's blog for details

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Maine To-Do List: 3.26.10

Looks like spring sprung and then got jammed back in its box. And what was that white stuff on the ground this morning? Oh, well. What a difference a week makes. If March is going to go out like a lion, you should at least go out like one, too. Here are a few great ideas for this weekend in Maine. Oh, and stay warm.

Eat ME
We don't live in Portland, and yet we can't get enough of Peter Smith's blog Portland Psst. It's an insider's view of the Forest City's restaurant culture ("scene" doesn't quite do the thing justice) with just enough snark thrown in to keep it interesting. Peter's a great writer — you can see his work in Maine. magazine — and unlike some bloggers, he gets the whole accuracy thing, so even the rumor-mill fodder is usually spot on. When it's not, he corrects it. Read it and get inspired or, at the very least, hungry.
When: Whenever
Where: Your laptop
Web: http://portlandpsst.blogspot.com/

Drink ME
Here in pregnantville, this no-wine thing is starting to get a little bit old. Especially when friends come to dinner bearing a bottle of Cupcake Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc. Now, The Maven is craving cupcakes anyway, and it's kind of sad to eat lobster risotto with a glass of water. But we digress. The wine is clear and light as water, with lemony undertones and a crisp, clean finish. At least that's what our sources tell us. Buy a bottle.
When: After 4
Where: Your dining room
Web: Cupcake Vineyards

Listen to ME
Think love is all you need? Think again. All you need are tickets to Saturday night's Classical Mystery Tour performance with the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. This Beatles tribute will be like no symphony show you've seen. You'll love, love, love it.
When: Saturday, March 27
Where: Collins Center for the Arts, Orono
Web: http://www.bangorsymphony.org/

Gaga with ME
This wins the award for best event ever: On Saturday, Bubba's Sulky Lounge in Portland will hold a Bad Romance Lady Gaga Look-Alike Contest and Dance Party with DJ Jay-C. Need we say more?
When: 9 p.m. Saturday, March 27
Where: Bubba's Sulky Lounge
Web: www.bubbassulkylounge.com

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Maine To-Do List: 3.19.10

Does it get any better than this? Seriously, who would've thought we'd have 60-degree temperatures in March? The other day, it was the same temperature in Portland as it was in Key West. We're so excited about this gorgeous Maine weather that we can hardly stand it. Here are a few tips to make the first weekend of spring even better:

Eat ME
Pistachio? Black Raspberry? Grape Nut? We'll take all three, in a sugar cone, please. Gifford's ice cream stands throughout Maine open today — and if you go between 6 and 8 p.m., you can get a free small two-scoop cone — which means it's time to celebrate. Take along your canine companion and you can even order a Dog Bone Sundae. How sweet it is!
Where: Click here for locations
When: Starting today
Web: www.giffordsicecream.com

Drink ME
If the Maven were drinking, which she isn't, she'd be kicking back on the deck with a tall Pomegranate Mimosa, inspired by the one at Slates in Hallowell. To make it, combine three parts Prosecco with one part pomegranate juice (we like Odwalla's best). Stir, sip, repeat.
Where: Your back yard
When: As soon as you get out of work
Web: n/a

Basil ME
Like Monty Python? You'll love Ten Bucks Theatre's presentation of "Fawlty Towers." The last time they did this it was crazy-funny, so go get your laughs on, you little nest of vipers.
Where: The Grand Theatre, Ellsworth
When: 7 p.m. March 18-20, 25-27; 2 p.m. March 21
Web: Facebook or The Grand

Bejewel ME
Jewelry Artisans of Maine has officially opened, showcasing the work of some of our favorite Maine jewelers, including Amanda Coburn of Riverside Jewelry Designs in Stillwater. Check it out.
Where: 586 C Main Raod North in Hampden
When: this weekend
Web: n/a.

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To-Do List: 3.12.10

What a wonderful weekend! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and you're ready to break out of hibernation a month early. Here at The Maven, we're taking this opportunity to finish up a bedroom in time for the Mini Maven's arrival, but if we weren't on deadline, so to speak, here are a few of the things we'd be doing. Enjoy!

Eat ME
For some reason (hormones), we can't stop thinking about croissants, and the butter croissants from Atlantic Baking Co. in Rockland are among the best we've had in Maine. They're at once buttery, decadent and airy, and they're the perfect complement to a Sunday brunch on the deck.
Where: 351 Main St., Rockland or click here for retailers.
When: ASAP
Web: www.atlanticbakingco.com

Drink ME
Don't like to party on a school night? Get your Guinness on early at one of Maine's fabulous Irish pubs. We're all about Ri Ra and Brian Boru in Portland and Paddy Murphy's in Bangor, but we'd love to hear about some of your off-the-beaten-path favorites.
Where: Old Port in Portland or West Market Square in Bangor.
When: The weekend is young
Web: Brian Boru, Ri Ra, Paddy Murphy's

Listen to ME
We're absolutely wild about Le Vent Du Nord, the contemporary Quebecois band that plays traditional Franco-American favorites. It's enough to make even the stodgiest person get up and dance.
Where: Strand Theatre in Rockland.
When: 8 p.m. March 12
Web: www.rocklandstrand.com

Dig ME
If we have any time left over this weekend, we're planning to start seeds. If you missed yesterday's post on Maine seed-starting resources, click here. In the meantime, we'll be choosing our seeds at Parks Hardware in Orono, our favorite garden-stuff destination.
Where: Mill Street, Orono
When: Any day but Sunday
Web: n/a

Style ME
Looking for an excuse to get your hair done? Head to Head Games salon in Portland, which will donate 100 percent of Saturday's profits to Haiti earthquake relief.
Where: 116 Free St., Portland
When: all day Saturday (registration required)
Web: www.headgameshair.com

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Maine To-Do List: 3.5.10

You blinked, and then it was Friday. Usually, that feeling is a good thing, but this week, you could use a few extra hours in your days. Since you're beyond stressed out, it's more important than ever that you blow off some steam this weekend. Here are a few creative ways to get out in the great Pine Tree State. Enjoy. And relax!

Eat ME
Maine Restaurant Week isn't over yet, so take advantage of the lunch and dinner specials at eateries from Bangor to Kennebunk. Just be sure to call ahead. This event — which offers three-course dinners for special prices that range from $20.10 to $40.10, as well as $15.10 lunches — is understandably popular, and you don't want to be left hungry.
Where: Statewide(ish)
When: Through March 10
Web: www.mainerestaurantweek.com

Drink ME
St. Patrick's Day is almost here, so why not start the celebration early with Black Bear Brewery's Demon Stout. It'll take the edge off a chilly Maine evening, too.
Where: Pick one up at the brewery, 19 Mill St. in Orono, or click here for locations.
When: Now
Web: www.blackbearmicrobrew.com

'Do ME
The live-model hair show at The L Factor Salon in Brewer sells out fast — and with good reason: it's incredible. So dress up, grab a martini and prepare to be inspired.
Where: The L Factor, 258 State St., Brewer
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, March 6
Web: n/a

Read to ME
The National Endowment for the Arts' Poetry Out Loud competition could not be cooler — high school students statewide compete in a recitation and they're really, really good. This year's final is tonight in the Waterville Opera House, so go show these young creatives some support.
Where: 1 Common St., Waterville
When: Event starts at 4:45 p.m.
Web: http://mainearts.maine.gov/

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Maine To-Do List: 2.26.10

Here at the Maven, it's not even 7 a.m. and we have one foot out the door — today's a travel day. So here's a very abbreviated to-do list. Need more? Some of last weekend's picks are still going strong. You can read them here. Have a great weekend, and we'll see you next week!

Eat ME
Semifinalists are out for the James Beard Foundation awards, and some of our Maine favorites such as Sam Hayward of Fore Street in Portland and the Chases of Chases Daily in Belfast made the list. Celebrate by patronizing one of these fine establishments.
Where: Locations vary
When: ASAP
Web: Read more about the awards here.

Listen to ME
In the mood for jazz? Head to Aarhus Gallery, where Luna Madidus (formerly Agharta Jazz) will perform. This small venue is the perfect spot for an intimate concert. Plus, you can eat at Chase's Daily (see above) beforehand.
Where: 50 Main St., Belfast
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 26
Web: http://www.aarhusgallery.com/

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Maine To-Do List: 2.19.10

Today is the end of what feels like the longest week ever. How to celebrate? As Elaine Benes would say, "Get out!" Here are a few of our favorite Maine picks this weekend:

Eat ME
Basically, all The Maven wants right know is sweets, and the incredibly dense, decadent treats from Freeport-based Simply Divine Brownies are just the thing. Even though it sounds like overkill, the frosting makes them even better. We like to keep it simple, with the chocolate-on-chocolate Cocoa's IncrEdible Creations, but there's something for everyone, including blueberry frosted, turtle and gluten-free varieties.
Where: The retail shop is located in Wilbur's of Maine, 174 Lower Main St., Freeport, Maine
When: ASAP
Web: www.simplydivinebrownies.com

Drink ME
You're not exactly sure where your neighbor's mouth has been, but one thing's for certain: You don't want it anywhere near your wineglass. ClinQs can help. The brainchild of Bangor resident Jennifer Khavari and her sister, Jeila Gueramian, ClinQs are reusable decals (think Colorforms for grownups) that will tell you which cocktail, wineglass or water goblet is yours. And, more important, which isn't.
Where: State Street Wine Cellar, 195 State St., Bangor, Maine
When: Before your next party
Web: www.clinqs.com

Watch ME
In honor of Black History Month, Penobscot Theatre Company in Bangor presents "Spunk," a theatrical adaptation of three Zora Neale Hurston stories. Among the stars is solo acoustic blues musician Samuel James of Portland. Though we haven't seen it yet, our sources tell us it's great.
Where: Bangor Opera House, 131 Main St., Bangor, Maine
When: through March 7
Web: http://www.penobscottheatre.org/

Read ME
In "Settled in the Wild: Notes from the Edge of Town," author and naturalist Susan Hand Shetterly of Surry reflects on the way humans, flora and fauna coexist and adapt to development pressures and changing lifestyles. Part celebration, part warning, Shetterly's prose beckons readers to observe and preserve the rural landscape.
Where: A bookstore near you
When: Available now
Web: http://susanhandshetterly.com/settled_wild.htm

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