For
me nothing says “kick back and relax” like the beautiful state of Maine.
Whether it’s the open, luscious farm land or the seaside antique shops, my
beautiful “adopted” state calls to me in words befitting a romantic novel ...
preferably one of mine.
My
go-to place in the summer is always Acadia
National Park where an abundance of beautiful scenery, fresh water, and
activities abound.
Also
worth a visit all year round is the Farnsworth Art Museum and Victoria Mansion,
both excellent examples of this wonderful state and its history.
Personally,
I love traveling Route 1 along the coast for a bit of restorative antiquing.
Known as the Maine
Antique Trail, you’ll find shops specializing in rare objects and every
kind of collectable you can imagine. One of my favorite finds was a beautifully
carved box made, much to my surprise, in the woodworking shop at the local
prison.
For
those of you (like me) who love a good lobster dinner, you’ll find none better
than along the Maine coast. If you’re an adventurist, you can also take an
early morning fishing expedition to catch your own feed of tasty goodness!
Once
fall rolls around the excitement of leaf-peeping near Bar
Harbor draws not only the locals but also people from all along the eastern
part of the U.S. Resplendent in shades of orange, yellow and red, the state
takes on an entirely different look.
How’s
a writer to get any work done when surrounded by so much to do and see? Well,
for starters, you plot a book around an area near and dear to your heart. Then,
you spend a good amount of time visiting and doing research (of course), and
then when the weather starts to cool, you write the book.
Such
was the case with my recently released novella, Kilty Pleasures. Set in the
fictitious, coastline town of Glencoe, it even includes a mid-October snow
storm not totally unheard of in this northern state.
Even
though you could live forever in the state and never want for anything, another
feature Maine has going for it is its close proximity to a foreign country ...
although very few of us would call Canada foreign. Just a hop, skip and jump up
I-95 to Houlton, or along Route 1 to Calais, and you find yourself at an
international border. Crossing at Calais also gives you the opportunity to
visit the Ganong Chocolate Museum.
I mean, after all, who doesn’t want to know the history of chocolate!
My
current work in progress is also set in the state and includes many references
to the area, including a national park setting for my reunited hero and
heroine. I look forward to sharing this book with my readers when it’s
complete.
Whether
you’re a summer person, winter person, or prefer the fringe seasons of spring
and fall, I invite you to come to Maine, enjoy our sights, sounds and
activities. But, most of all, enjoy the talent and commitment of our people.
I’m
giving away Two prizes, actually. The first is a $5.00 Amazon gift card and the
second is the winner's choice of any book from my back list. I'll choose from
those who comment.
Author Bio:
Like
most authors, Nancy Fraser began writing at an early age, usually on the walls
and with crayons or, heaven forbid, permanent markers. Her love of writing
often made her the English teacher’s pet, which, of course, resulted in a whole
lot of teasing. Still, it was worth it.
Published
in multiple genres, Nancy currently writes for four publishers. She has
published twenty-two books in both full-length and novella format. In November
2016 Nancy celebrated twenty years as a published author and will release her
25th book in mid-2017.
When
not writing (which is almost never), Nancy splits her free time between her
five grandchildren. She’s also an avid traveler with Las Vegas being her
favorite destination. Nancy lives on the east coast where she enjoys the
relaxed pace and colorful people.
Website:
www.nancyfraser.ca
Facebook:
http://facebook.com/nancyfraserauthor
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/nfraserauthor @nfraserauthor
Maine is so special and wonderful. When I lived in Montreal, since I was born there and am Canadian, each summer we used to drive to Maine for a week long holiday at the beach which was memorable and unforgettable. We drove through Quebec and N.B. The ocean, the beauty and the setting was soothing, and like no other place on earth. I pine for those days. Your book would be great and the post was perfect. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for this interesting and informative feature about the state of Maine, which was introduced to me many years ago by my husband who vacationed there each summer with his family when he was very young. I was entranced with the locale, route 1, and the different charming towns. I love everything about Maine except maybe the winter. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteNice commentary on the state. Not a place I'd want to be in winter, but good to visit any other time of the years.
ReplyDeleteI was actually born in Maine, although I never lived there except for the summers. The last 2 times I visited I almost hit a moose (once on 95 and once on a secondary road near Katahdin) so I'm terrified of the state now. lol But where else will you see a moose up close and personal? I have wonderful memories of camping with relatives in Acadia, which is such a beautiful park. Also, I've climbed Katahdin, the end point of the Appalachian Trail, twice. Not for the faint of heart (which I am). As you say, Maine has so much to offer.
ReplyDeleteNeat post - thank you for bringing back happy memories. Years ago, the family rented the old pilot's house on Georgetown Island. I remember ducking to go through doorways and the hole in the living room ceiling that admitted heat from the fireplace into the upstairs bedroom. Camden is stunning and the home of Edna St. Vincent Millay, one of my favorite poets. The best lobster I've ever eaten - and I've eaten many - was purchased on a pier near Portland and consumed while sitting at an old picnic table. My husband and I finished our lobsters, looked at each other, and agreed we could eat another one.
ReplyDeleteI love Maine. Only visited it once but fell in love with it's beauty. Saw Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor. We liked Boothbay better than Bar Harbor. Boothbay is more natural and not as touristy. I definitely want to go back to Maine. I set a scary shifter romance along the coast of Maine. Maine lends itself to scary stories. Of course, Stephen King lives there. I love your book covers.
ReplyDeletePhotos and news about Maine almost makes me weep! I have loved visits there in the past, all you mention and more. Next to Arkansas, I love Maine best. But the cold, ice and snow discouraged us when we were looking for a place to retire.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much to everyone for your lovely posts. I'm glad I'm not the only one who enjoys all the beauty Maine has to offer.
ReplyDeleteI will be picking the winner from among those who commented and notify them later in the day. I hope everyone has a wonderful (and Maine-filled) summer.
Nancy