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Bookstores and Brewpubs
I recently had a birthday, and my plan was to spend the day snowshoeing. However, the weather forecast was vague, meaning that I might experience anything from warm winter sun, through moderate snow, to a major ice storm. This suggested that I should consider planning an indoor activity. Bookstores here I come!
There are a couple of bookstores in the midcoast Maine region that I had heard great things about, but had never had the opportunity to visit. So, my birthday trip included those two stores, plus one of my favorites. And, I felt that the way to balance out those intellectual visits was with a few more "recreational" visits, to some of the local brewpubs.
BookMarcs, Bangor, Maine
Bangor is a very interesting city on the Penobscot River, and was known as the lumber capitol of the world in the late 1800's. Many folks worldwide now know Bangor as the home of author Stephen King. Bangor is definitely a "reading" city, and the Bangor Public Library is the largest library north of Boston.
BookMarcs is an excellent bookstore, right in downtown Bangor, across from City Hall. The store has an exceptional collection of maritime books, and books about Maine and by Maine authors. In addition to Stephen King's works still in print, they carry a limited selection of some of King's early hardcovers.
BookMarcs also has a pleasant café. The bookstore and café hours are different every day, and the bookstore is open overnight on some weekend nights (from midnight to the morning). Call for the store hours.
BookMarcs
78 Harlow Street, Bangor, ME
Ph: (207) 942-3206
Website: www.bookmarcs.com
Email: bookmark@mint.net
Blue Hill Books, Blue Hill, Maine
Blue Hill Books is one of those bookstores that you would like to live in. The store is housed in an old home in the town of Blue Hill, a town with a large number of structures on the National Register of Historic Places. You will find a substantial collection of marine titles and an excellent art and architecture selection. The children's room includes many titles that I have not found in other stores, particularly titles for older children.
There are comfortable chairs throughout the store and, a feature I really like, many low bookcases that are just the right height for laying out and looking through a large book.
Blue Hill Books is open from 9:30 to 5:30 on Monday through Saturday, and is closed on Sundays until June.
Blue Hills Books
2 Pleasant Street (Route 15), Blue Hill, Maine
Ph: (207) 374-5632
Website: www.bluehillbooks.com
Email: bluehillbooks@acadia.net
The Owl and Turtle, Camden, Maine
The Owl and Turtle is a favorite of mine. This is a relatively small store, on two levels, but packed full of books and with a staff willing to order whatever is not in stock. This store also has an excellent marine section, an extensive children's room, and usually has some very good sale titles.
Books-on-tape are available for sale or rent, and there is a good selection of classical and folk music tapes and CD's. If you think you might become a frequent visitor, get a punch card. Each $5.00 purchase equals one punch, and after 20 punches you will get $10.00 off of your next purchase.
Store hours are Monday to Saturday, 9:00 - 5:30, Sunday, noon - 5:00.
The Owl and Turtle
8 Bayview, Camden, Maine
Ph:(800) 876-4769, (207) 236-4769
Website: www.midcoast.com/~owlturtl
Email: owlturtl@midcoast.com
Belfast Bay Brewing Company, Belfast, Maine
Maine has a large number of brewing companies and attached brewpubs, and Mainers are pretty passionate about beer. It's possible that this is due to the fact that until about a decade ago, wine sales were controlled by Maine state liquor stores, while beer was available in just about every corner store.
The Belfast Bay Brewing Company produces a number of beers, ales and stouts, right on-site in their East Belfast (that means on the east side of the Passagassawakeag River) location. They also have a good selection of other brands, on draft and bottled, as well as a varied food menu. When I mentioned that it was my birthday, my draft was on the house.
Belfast Bay Brewing Company
100 Searsport Avenue (Route 1), Belfast, Maine
Ph: (207) 338-4216
Sea Dog Restaurant
After visiting the Owl and Turtle Bookstore, meander on over to the Sea Dog Brewing Company, about a three block walk. The Sea Dog includes a kegging brewery and a brewpub, on the site of an old woolen mill. They offer an impressive array of brews, ranging from pale ale to stout, along with many seasonal brews.
Sea Dog's menu is extensive, and the portions are large. There is a child's menu, and great Sea Dog root beer for the kids. A large number of board games are available for both children and adults.
Sea Dog
43 Mechanic Street, Camden, Maine
Ph: (207) 236-6863
Website: www.seadogbrewing.com
If you enjoy visiting brewpubs, check out the Maine Brewers site, at www.drinkmainebeer.com Many of the breweries on the list give tours.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our North America Insiders page.
