The Girl is here visiting for a few days and so yesterday we woke up super early and headed out on a mini adventure. Well, The Girl and I did, the HH and Lucy stayed behind with a list of projects to work on while we were away. š
Our first stop was Dot’s Market and Cafe in Lincolnville for breakfast pastries and tea. Anytime we are near Dot’s, I have to get a slice of their apple pie. They add extra cinnamon to their pies and they are SO GOOD!
Yesterday’s temps were a wee bit on the chilly side. Factor in the 20 mph winds and we are talking seriously cold!
The big attraction on our list was the West Quoddy Lighthouse in Lubec, Maine. One of my goals for this year is to visit 6 {new to me} lighthouses in Maine this year and the West Quoddy Lighthouse makes my second one.
The lighthouse is the easternmost point of the contiguous United States and let me tell you Bob, standing out there with the wind whipping around like it was, I thought we were going to freeze our faces off. {Note to self: buy some wool tights to wear under jeans.}
The lighthouse and museum was closed of course because it’s the off season and tourists are far and few between, but it was still nice to walk around the grounds and imagine what life would be like there back in the early 1800’s when the lighthouse was built.
The pictures make you cold just looking at them don’t they? Brrrr.
Speaking of cold… We found the local ice cream stand. It was closed for winter, though I can’t imagine why. š
We did find Helen’s Restaurant a few towns over though and they had hot chocolate and hot lunch specials and so we were mighty happy about that.
Meatloaf, real mashed potatoes and pickled beets. Yes please!
The Girl tried their fish and chips {she always gets fish and chips!} and both meals were delicious. 5 stars in our opinions so if you’re ever near the tip of Maine, you should totally stop by Helens. They have wonderful pies and cakes too {we took home a slice of their coconut cream pie and it was wonderful}.
One of the things we were hoping to do on our big adventure day was to check out a bunch of antique stores and thrift shops along the way. Sadly though, most of them were closed for the winter or were only open on weekends but we did manage to find a few.
We found some old cod jigs we thought were pretty cool but couldn’t figure out where I’d put them or how I’d display them once we got home so I passed.
We also found a ton of duck decoys. This Canada goose was going for $475 which seemed a little high to me, but what do I know.
It almost made Uncle Sam seemed like a bargain at $1,450 after seeing the price of the goose.
All in all it was a good day. We had ourselves a little adventure, saw something new {and I didn’t have to drive and it involved baked goods} and we came home exhausted.
What more could a girl ask for?
Have a wonderful day everyone, and stay warm.
~Mavis
Christie says
What a great way to spend the day with your daughter. Every adventure you post in Maine makes me more eager to visit. It looks so incredibly beautiful!
Meg C says
Hi Mavis! I am in the āleggings arenāt pantsā camp, as I know you are. That said, I do own 2 pair – specifically for the purpose of wearing under jeans when in cold weather/cold conditions situations. They are more comfortable than tights, in my opinion, and they do a good job keeping me warm. Wool socks are an absolute must, too. We like to walk/hike in the winter and also, as a hockey mama, I spend lots of time in cold ice rinks (some are even outdoors/partially outdoors) so staying warm is imperative to enjoying our family activities.
MEM says
Its not even 9:00 in the morning and already I am wanting that meatloaf! I thought the beets were cranberry sauce and I would be okay with that. Yesterday here in Boston the weather was so cold I actually hollered at the wind “this is wrong! this is so wrong! stop it! just stop it!”. Thank you for sharing your latest adventure.
marie says
I shouted at the wind today too! Enough.
Anne in VA says
Decoys are big money. Google “Guyette and deeter disperses Griffith collection” and check the price tags. Some not included in this particular sale fetched several hundred thousand dollars apiece and are working decoys – not just decorative.
If that goose decoy was made by someone important in the decoy world, the price listed was dirt cheap – like dollar store material.
Robin in WI says
Sounds like a great trip! š Another option for keeping legs warm in coastal winter wind are fleece-lined jeans. I wear my husband’s — how his jeans fit great with my curvy hips when he’s so slender is beyond me, but his Wranglers men’s relaxed-fit jeans fit me so well that they’re all I’ve worn for years now. š We live in the windiest spot in Wisconsin; our town juts out into Lake Michigan and the wind here is insane. Gets an extra boost.
Maxine says
Was going to say same thing – lined jeans, either flannel or fleece lined are wonderful. LL Bean, Lands End, etc. maybe end of season sale now?
Kim says
The Cabelas Natural Reflections fleece lined jeans are nice. They are all I wear in the winter.
Anne S. says
Have you been to York, ME and seen the Nubble light house? It’s also called the Cape Neddick Light. It sits on a point by itself. When it’s windy, the waves smashing the rocks are amazing.
Diane says
Hi Mavis,
You might consider getting a skiers mask when in such cold and windy conditions. You could leave it in a zip lock bag in the car (like in an emergency kit). Since spring is on the way, the store will be clearing out winter sports gear soon…you could get a deal. I find these masks more comfortable and easier to deal with than a scarf.
I sure do love your Maine trip stories. I look forward to the day that I can make the trek to see it in person. Thanks
Lynda says
Iām in the barn and riding my horse most days, all winter long. Smart wool socks over a thin sock, Cuddle duds, and a fleece neck gator are absolute musts plus the regular hat, gloves, etc….
I never get fish and chips in the US…after having them in the UK, I just canāt do it! The chips HAVE to be fresh ones, not frozen!
Julie says
And here in the U.K. it would be served with mushy peas mmm shame the chippies are closed now I fancy some
Cecile says
Mavis, you should have got the jigs for towel hooks for the guest bathroom. You would just have to get your HH to cut the sharp end off then clear coat them as they are with indoor/outdoor clear coat, my favourite is Rustoleum. There’s even a hole to put a screw or nail through! lol
KATHY S HORT says
Cecile, I came here to say that!! Great minds think alike! LOL! or maybe mount them on a piece of driftwood (after the sharp point is cut off or blunted) I think it would go so good in your coastal bathroom theme.
Mary Neathway says
Helenās is famous! When I lived in NB forty years ago, a special treat was to drive down to Helenās. The pies! The fish! Ah, memories and appetite have been turned on! And yes, to the decoy. As someone said, if that is hand carved, the price is a bargain.
Suzanne says
When I lived in Maine and did home health, I would go to Helen’s often when I visited clients up there. The food is awesome! Hopefully you can go back when the shops are open.
Jen says
I LOVE these kinds of adventures! Pretty drives, history, food, antiques: my dream days! I miss this, but am inspired that you made it work for you during the pandemic.
Someday I hope to get to New England!
Emily says
Thanks for braving the cold to share the lighthouse with us so we can enjoy it from the warmth of our homes. I bought a pair of ski pants for winter walks this year and they are great for blocking the wind.