I regularly go check out Portland’s First Friday Art Walk, which is a great way to see and buy local art. Viewing the variety of art set up along the sidewalk and in the galleries inspires me to create and exhibit my own fine art photography. The art walk is also a great opportunity to watch art being created like painter Davin Thorndell from Harrison during this June’s art walk.
One-year-old James Johnston Jr. from Westbrook tries a hamburger from the Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth last month when their friends the Moriartys came to visit from Connecticut. Like the Johnstons, I also bring visitors to the Lobster Shack for seafood at one of the best outdoor dining rooms in Maine. A great spot to view the crashing waves along the ragged coast and watch the boats bring in their catch.
I love the history of Maine and the historic buildings. My favorite historic structure is the Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill. The observatory is one of the first spots I bring people to when visiting Portland. As you climb to the top for the amazing view you learn about the history of the city along the way to the top.
I have always loved the romanticism of lighthouses and the ocean. Before moving to Portland 19 years ago, the last two Midwest towns I lived in were near the Great Lakes and lighthouses. I was biding my time living near the Great Lakes until I could move to one of the coasts to be near the ocean. In my mid-twenties I spent a couple days in Maine and moved out here a year later and finally felt at home.
The setting sun on a summer day along the Eastern Promenade in Portland in June. I spent 16 years living in various houses and apartments on Munjoy Hill until moving off of the peninsula to buy a home in South Portland. I miss having the promenade a couple blocks away from my front door for the convenience of a scenic run or to hang out with friends.
I really enjoy running and there’s a variety of beautiful locations and trails in the area that motivate me to get out for a run including like in this picture of a winter runner along Back Cove.
I grew up golfing on rural courses in the Midwest. At the age of 5 my father had three junior golf clubs made for me along with a small navy golf bag with the letters PGA on the side. I played through high school but occasionally as an adult. Like many Mainers and Americans since the pandemic, I have started playing more golf the past couple of years, including at Spring Meadows Golf Course in Gray.
At least once everyone should have the experience of eating a whole lobster out of the shell and making a fine mess. After accomplishing that feat, I now prefer to work a bit less for my lobster so I go with the lobster roll minus the mayo.
Walking the network of trails provided by Portland Trails is a favorite activity with my dog Homer. We enjoy heading to Jewell Falls to see how the falls and the area changes throughout the different seasons.
Mackworth Island in Falmouth is one of my favorite spots in Maine. I have spent countless hours photographing the island. The past few years I have been photographing the details of the colorful rocks on both sides of the pier and exhibiting the images in galleries.
