We'll help you plan your best summer yet with our annual roundup of can't miss events! Plus we've got a Face the Music interview with vocal powerhouse Josh Groban who is performing in Portland on 6/24. And as always, we'll help you have a terrific weekend with our hand-picked selection of events. Have fun out there!
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Eat here now (before it’s too late!): Seasonal Maine restaurants & bars that won’t be open forever
Like sands through the hour glass, so are the days when we can eat at Maine’s seasonal restaurants before they close up for the winter. And no one wants to spend Maine’s frigid months regretting what they didn’t eat last summer. So let’s not let the season pass us by.
The Well at Jordan’s Farm, Cape Elizabeth
A rustic, seasonal eatery on the grounds of Jordan’s Farm - the four stools that face the kitchen may be the best seats in the house. You can also sit at picnic tables on the grass or if your party numbers six or more, in one of the two screened gazebos. (Gabe Souza/Staff Photographer)
Read more: The Well at Jordan's Farm
Bresca & The Honey Bee, New Gloucester
After several years at the helm of her highly regarded Portland restaurant, Bresca, James Beard award-nominated chef Krista Kern Desjarlais decamped to rural New Gloucester to run this upscale snack shack on Sabbathday Lake. (Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer)
Read more: Bresca & The Honey Bee
Tides Beach Club, Kennebunkport
Open May-October, the Tides is a popular neighborhood restaurant and bar for summer residents of Goose Rocks, Maine tourists and full-time residents of neighboring towns. (Claire Jeffers/MaineToday.com photo)
Read more: Get a cocktail at the Tides Beach Club in Kennebunkport before it closes for the season
Fat Boy Drive-In, Brunswick
Opened in the mid 1950s across Route 24 from the Brunswick Naval Air Station, Fat Boy still looks like something right out of the film “American Graffiti.” The food is classic drive-in fare, priced really low. (Gordon Chibroski / Staff Photographer)
Read more: Fat Boy Drive-In has changed little since it opened 60-some years ago
Earth at Hidden Pond, Kennebunkport
Since it opened in 2011 under the direction of Boston superstar Ken Oringer, Earth has maintained a well-deserved reputation as one of Maine's finest restaurants. It offers world-class, farm-to-table fare in a stunningly rustic settling. (Shawn Patrick Ouellette/Press Herald photo)
Read more: Earth at Hidden Pond
Rick's Cafe, Naples
During the day, with the sun beating down and the sound of Jet Skis in the background, you can choose to sit on the large patio downstairs or on the upstairs deck, which is in full swing during the summer. When the weather cools, there’s plenty of space inside. (John Patriquin /Staff Photographer)
Read more: Scenery, sounds, food specials make Rick’s Cafe in Naples a hot spot
The Point at Black Point Inn, Scarborough
Offering a stunning view of Ferry Beach and the ocean beyond, The Point is a bastion of New England fine dining, especially suited to celebrating a special occasion. The locally sourced menu features simple preparations of time-honored favorites. (Kat Franchino/Staff Photographer)
Read more: The Point at Black Point Inn
South Shore Marketplace, Standish
South Shore Marketplace has a “summer vacation” vibe to it - parts of the interior will make you feel like you're on a boat and it’ll probably make you nostalgic for childhood summers. And the sandwiches are delicious.
Read more: For sandwiches, summer vacation vibe: South Shore Marketplace in Standish
Kettle Cove Creamery, Cape Elizabeth
The yellow building near Crescent Beach and Kettle Cove has been a seasonal ice cream spot for years. But it also makes panini sandwiches, lobster rolls and other lunch fare. Take that grub up the road to Kettle Cove for incredible dining views.
Read more: Paninis and ice cream near the seaside at Kettle Cove Creamery in Cape Elizabeth
Chebeague Island Inn, Chebeague Island
A meal at an offshore location like the Chebeague Island Inn, presiding over the western side of the island and offering sophisticated dining and a fabulous view, is just the ticket for an escape from the city.
Read more: Chebeague Island Inn
Pirates Patio, Old Orchard Beach
Instead of plastic scabbards and costumed waiters asking “Rrrrrrr you ready to order?” there is an unassuming beach shack awaiting, a world away from the screaming rides and hullabaloo a bit down the shore. (Tim Greenway/Staff Photographer)
Read more: It’s a hidden treasure of a bar & grill near the beachh
Huot’s Seafood Restaurant, Camp Ellis
This family-owned seafood restaurant has been a Campe Ellis staple for decades - locals line up on opening day and visitors keep things busy all season. The nearby breakwater is an ideal spot to enjoy take-out. (Derek Davis/Staff Photographer)
Slyder’s, Old Orchard Beach
Slyder's is less of a restaurant than an open-air dining patio with a baseball theme. The menu is limited to bleacher fare – slider-style burgers, fries, hot dogs and soda. (Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer)
Read moreSlyder’s, Old Orchard Beach
Mainely Burgers, Scarborough Beach State Park & other locations around Portland
The focus of the Mainely Burgers truck is on innovative gourmet burger toppings, high-quality ground beef and outstanding buns. Hit the truck at Scarborough Beach State Park all season or check their Facebook page for the location of their other truck, often hanging out in Portland. (Carl D. Walsh/Staff Photographer)
Read more: Mainely Burgers food truck, Portland
Ken’s Place, Scarborough
Any day of the week fried clams coated in crumbs or batter, baked or fried haddock, fried Maine shrimp and fried scallops are always on the menu. Ken’s Place has provided these Maine summer essentials to locals and visitors for decades. (Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer)
Read more: Fresh seafood, fried nicely, makes Ken’s a favorite
