So I’m going to cheat here for this first post and go back to 2011.  We took this great road trip between Christmas and New Years. We went up to the Moosehead Lake area of Maine, technically to look at property but also to relax and enjoy the winter. Of course, we planned to snowshoe and do some hiking but the weather gods played a little trick on us and washed away the snow. But that’s okay.

We took a couple of day trips to Moosehead, did the requisite shopping at Indian Hill and Northwoods Outfitters, where Cheryl bought … (go ahead and guess)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. shoes (among other things). Vanessa Folsom (of Folsom Realty) is quite the food entrepreneur. She makes this amazing organic granola, as well as the best Neehams in the entire state. For those of you wondering what a Needham is – it’s a combination of Maine potatoes with a little coconut dipped in (preferably) dark chocolate that is quite irresistable. So stop at Indian Hill or Maine Made and check out her MooseBee Granola and chocolates.

Somewhere between Milo and Medford Maine

We took day trips to Mattawamkeag Wilderness Area (near Lincoln) where I found out what a Slewgundy Heater was. We went to Milo, Medford, Skowhegan and Sebec Lake. Mostly, the weather was on the warm side and slightly drizzly. Pretty great weather for taking pictures. We both kind of like dreary days.

Slewgundy Heaters

We found this great B&B in Dover-Foxcroft that I’m going to plug. The Freedom House Bed & Breakfast.   For people that like a little less structure than a typical B&B has, it was perfect for us.  You see, they have this section of the inn called “The Cottage” that is actually a separate building on the grounds that has 3 ground floor bedrooms and a private apartment on the 2nd floor. The apartment has a well-supplied kitchen, a nice large living room, a lovely bedroom and a private bathroom. It’s like having your own little home away from home, only in our case, with better closets!  With a separate entrance, it’s perfect for those of us that like to come and go as we please. Dennis & Chris are the wonderful owners who couldn’t be nicer. So go and tell them Mark & Cheryl from December 2012 sent you!

Winterberry on Kingsbury Pond

On the way home we stopped in Sturbridge to celebrate New Year’s Eve at one of our favorite restaurants in the world. Kaizen Sushi Bar & Grill. Kaizen (technically in Fiskdale not Sturbridge) does have sushi and sashimi but they also have this amazing fusion American-Asian food, with something for just about every type of palatte. Just incredible food in a wonderful atmosphere. Mark loves sushi & sashimi and Cheryl doesn’t. Cheryl really likes anything but sushi & sashimi. Cheryl likes really pretty, well-made martinis too so Kaizen fits the bill on several levels.  Make reservations though — it’s become very popular and gets packed pretty early.

So, all in all it was a packed, fun & relaxing road trip. We’re already planning our next trip in February!

It’s incredible the things you can see on just a short trip.