For some odd reason the state of Maine dispensed several years ago with its popular lobster license plate that proudly proclaimed the state as “Vacationland.” Now if you want a lobster tag you must pay extra for it, as we did, but there is no more plug for the state’s tourism industry. I am all for supporting the lobster industry of course, but not everyone vacationing here comes for the popular crustacean.
With that said, Linda had last week off for vacation and so we decided that rather than jockey elsewhere with the visiting hordes from out of state over the holiday weekend (which also happens to be our anniversary), we would indulge in a “staycation.” Indeed, the main reason we moved here was to be able to live and work where we loved to play or “vacate” and we have lots to explore here in our own backyard of midcoast Maine.
And vacate, we did. We FINALLY discovered some vestiges of the southern cuisine we left behind as we dined on some of the best fried chicken and pork barbecue we have ever had, period. We also enjoyed our favorite culinary treat of ice cream waffle cones at several stands in the area and Linda got the lobster roll she has dreamed of since our move to Maine.
Even before we traipsed off to try local versions of our favorite foods, not to mention explore hidden coves and quaint villages along the coast, we attended the first Food Truck Friday (food is a theme here) sponsored by Down East, the magazine for the state of Maine whose offices are across the street from our condominium development. And as pictured above, we had fun getting our photo taken and pasted onto its cover.
So what does all of this have to do with simpler living? Well, my purpose in sharing our escapades here is to highlight what fun can be had for relatively little expense by being creative and willing to see one’s environs with fresh eyes. And to top it all off, Linda remarked before heading back to work this week that she thought this was one of the most relaxing vacations we have ever had!