5 Signs of Spring....Maine Style...

Whether you're moving to Maine or already live in Vacationland, I'm sure you've noticed that spring is here!!!  Just yesterday I overheard a couple who is new to the area discussing the signs of spring that they've noticed lately.  I had to smile as they mentioned the daffodils peeking out of the ground...the birds building their nests...and the fact that the parking lots are 3 times larger now that the mountains of plowed snow have melted. I had to smile because while those are signs of spring, you can see those signs anywhere in the country.  Maine has it's own unique way of telling you that spring has arrived! My favorite signs are those that only someone who's weathered many a hard Maine winter can appreciate.  So what are my 5 favorite signs that spring... aka mud season...has arrived?  They are...

1. The Dairy Queen is open!  Yes, our Dairy Queen is seasonal. They put in some major hours in through the summer, and then take a nice, long, break through winter. Some of you might question my reasons for making this my #1 Sign, but those who know me understand.  I'm an admitted ice cream addict, and when I see the DQ light come on and the parking lot fill up....well...it's like Christmas to me!  Many of our lobster co-ops and seafood restaurants are also seasonal, so if you're planning a late winter trip to Maine you should call ahead and make sure the restaurant you want is open! 

2.  Everyone is wearing shorts!  And halters.  And bathing suits.  Want to advertise that you're not a Mainer? Wear a sweatshirt when the thermometer hits 50 degrees. You might as well be wearing a sign that says "I'm from away". Not that anyone will say something out-loud...but they will smile, shake their heads, and mutter something about having thin blood.  I made that mistake once.....once. Now I throw on my shorts, bring out the sandals, and carry a beach towel just for added emphasis. No one can tell I've still got my heat on.  Hey..my blood has "thickened", but I'm still a Georgia girl at heart. A word of advice...if you're coming to Maine, be sure to have a range of clothes in your suitcase. You'll need those feet pajamas at night...mornings and evenings can be chilly even during the summertime.  What...you don't wear feet pajamas?

3. The Osprey Return!  Another of my favorite signs is that the osprey have returned to their nests! Perched high on power poles, dead trees, and man-made towers, these birds are fun to watch. They arrive in the spring, have their young, and then leave the day after Labor Day.  I think they must have a contract with the Chamber of Commerce that requires them to stay through Labor Day.  Labor Day's over...hence summer is over...and they're outta here!

If you're in the MidCoast Area, make sure you eat at "The Taste of Maine" in Woolwich. They have an osprey nest right beside the restaurant, and they provide every table with a pair of binos to watch the activity. Just recently they installed a camera on the pole and a big screen TV inside, so you can watch the activity up close and personal!  But make sure you get there before Labor Day!

 4. Lobster Traps are on the move! The majority of fisherman pull their traps from the water during the wintertime. You'll see them stacked on the shore, covering small islands, and taking up the entire front yard of various houses. But once the weather warms, lobstermen kick into high gear! Ropes need to be measured, buoys need a fresh coat of paint, heads restrung, and tags added to the traps. Then the traps are moved to the dock. But how do you move 1000 traps?  Well, you grab a helper, pile them into the back of pick-up trucks, and make many trips!   Make sure you pile them about 10 high..and they have to hang out over the edges of the truck. Slap a rope around the middle and you're good!  (Picture the Grinch's Sleigh after he raided WhoVille)Yes, that's how it done. So if you see a truck coming that's loaded with teetering traps, give them plenty of room!  You'll thank them in June when you're eating fresh lobster!

5. You WILL find everything you've ever lost!  This is actually very magical....  Can't find that screwdriver? Or your left shoe? Or that old armchair that was in the attic?  Well, when spring arrives you will find it in your yard!  No Joke! It seems like all winter long, your yard is covered in a beautiful blanket of white.  But when spring arrives, the snow melts and reveals all your long lost items.  I don't care if you lost that earring while visiting your aunt in Bangor....you will find it in your yard once the snow melts.  I guarantee it.  Which is why you'll see everyone working in their yards one weekend and the very next weekend they're having a yard sale.  They're getting rid of all the stuff they found in their yard!

Well friends...those are my top 5 favorite signs of spring!  I'm sure that couple will come to appreciate those more the longer they live in our great state!  And if anyone has any to add....feel free to share!  If you'd like to watch spring arrive from your new home in Maine, contact The Hershey Home Team! 

Watch the Eagles Soar From the Deck of This Waterfront Cape!

Waterfront Cape!

6 Tide Mill Lane, Phippsburg, ME 04562 View Map

Here's your chance to watch the eagles soar above the water from the deck of your new home! Or, launch your kayak from the back yard and head out to sea! This remodeled cape nestled on the shores of Winnegance Bay offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, large deck, and 100 ft of waterfront. Updated inside and out, partially furnished, and in move-in condition! Minutes from Popham Beach, boat launch, Bath attractions, and less than an hour to Portland. All it needs is you!

Details

Asking Price:

285,000

Lot Size:

.24

Bedrooms:

3

Bathrooms:

2

# of Floors:

2

Garage Size:

n/a

Subdivision:

n/a

Year Built:

1917

Property Amenities

- Range/Oven
- Full Refrigerator
- Washer/Dryer
- Kitchen Island
- Deck
- Grass Lawn
- Yard

- Tool Shed
- Central Heat
- Walk-in closet
- Living room
- Office/den
- Dining Room
- Laundry area - inside

- 100 ft of Waterfront on Winnegance Bay!
- New Flooring
- Updated Windows, Wiring, Siding, and Roof
- Light, Bright, and Airy
- Charming Built-Ins
- Large Deck Overlooking the Water

Community Amenities

- Minutes to Popham Beach and Boat Launch
- Only 5 minutes to Bath

- Less Than an Hour to Portland

- Perfect As a Vacation or Year-Round Home

Contact Info

Brent Hershey
Associate Broker

Main 207-443-2200
Cell 207-319-5136
Dir 800-319-5136
Email | Website

That's My Boy!

Well folks, as a parent, I'm always trying to give my kids advice on things I've learned throughout the years.  But my children are now teenagers, and when I start offering advice their eyes glaze over and I can almost see their hearing turn off.  But every now and then I see something that makes me say huh..they were listening after all. Now sometimes it's accompanied by me turning beet red and exclaiming "I don't know where he picked that up from!" But every once in a while I see proof that they've been listening to the good stuff too.  For example....

My son has been working on a project at school that is designed to get him ready for the real world. They had to research and pick a college, decide on a career, and, determine a budget based on the salary they'd receive.  My son was shocked by the fact that he'd have to pay for groceries, a car, insurance, housing, etc.  Yeah...reality is hard to face sometimes.  But I had to laugh when I looked over his project. For housing, he'd chosen to buy an apartment building. His explanation was that he could live in one unit and let the income from the remaining units pay the mortgage. Then later he could move out and keep that as an investment property! 13 years old and looking for investment property?  That's my boy!!!

For the record, his teacher did not allow him to do that....he was forced to find a single family home to buy.  Heaven forbid we teach our children to invest...lol

Popham Woods...a New Community in Phippsburg, Maine!

Are you planning to buy a home in Phippsburg, Maine?  Maybe you're looking for a year-round home...something close to our gorgeous beaches yet convenient to Bath and Portland. Or perhaps you'd like a summer home...a place to come back to year after year. Everything you're looking for can be found in a new community in Phippsburg......Popham Woods.

Popham Woods is a planned residential condominium community located less than 2 miles from magnificent Popham Beach. The homes will consist of single family and duplex condominiums, all carefully sited to enhance the local environment. Nestled on over 183 acres, this community was carefully designed by an experienced team of land use consultants, landscape architects, and civil engineers.  The homes will be clustered in five neighborhoods, using the natural features of the land to enhance privacy.  Approximately 130 acres have been preserved for wildlife habitat, bird watching, and trail hiking. Phippsburg is loaded with hiking trails, and the Popham Woods trails connect to the network of trails that stretch through Phippsburg. From Popham Woods it is possible to hike to gorgeous spots that overlook Seguin Lighthouse to the north and travel the Morse River Marshes south to Popham Beach!

Popham Woods is being developed in 5 phases, with Phase 1 going in as we speak.  You can currently customize  five New England style model homes designed for comfort, quality, and low maintenance. The community will consist of 69 units when complete. The condominium homeowners' association will maintain the roads, driveways, walkways, trails, and other common areas and facilities. Phase 4 allows space for a community building, 2 tennis courts, and a small playground!

And did I mention the Popham Beach Club?  For an additional fee, you can the join the Beach Club, which is located right on Popham Beach! Enjoy a game room, kitchen facilities, locker room/shower, and, of course, access to Popham Beach. What more could you want?

If you are interested in receiving information about the Popham Woods community, contact The Hershey Home Team! 

If you'd like to search the Maine MLS, contact the Hershey Home Team!

Annual Phippsburg Easter Egg Hunt!

It's hard to believe, but Easter is almost here and it's time for the annual Phippsburg Easter Egg

Hunt!  Sponsored by the Phippsburg Recreation Committee, this years festivities will take place  

March 29th from 10am-12pm. From 10-11, children of all ages can choose a variety of snacks to

eat and Easter crafts to create...everything from decorating an Easter bonnet, to painting Bunny

pictures, to decorating cupcakes! And at noon...the great hunt commences! If the weather cooperates, the hunt

will take place on the playground and activity field behind the school. The children are divided into 3 age

groups.....infant-3yrs, 4-6 years, and 7-12 years. This ensures that all the children find lots of goodies! 

After the great hunt, the children can reassemble in the gym and see if they've won a prize!  Prizes can be won by having your name drawn or finding a special prize egg!   Don't forget to bring your Easter Basket!

We NEED volunteers for this event!  So if you're willing to donate your time, contact The Hershey Home Team! 

What a View!

The Hershey Home Team | Court Street Realty 78 Court St Bath, Me 04530 | hersheys@courtstreetrealty.com | 1-800-384-7075 Carrying Place, Phippsburg, ME Gorgeous Ocean Views! 3 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $294,900 Year Built 1920 Sq Footage 1,456 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking 2 Lot Size .16 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Come and tour this updated home perched on the rocky shores of Carrying Place Cove! Begin on the wrap-around deck and imagine yourself relaxing as you watch the sun set over the water. Step into the kitchen and notice the Corian countertops, stainless steel appliances, and the large center island with plenty of work space and storage opportunities. Pass the remodeled bathroom and walk into the dining and living room! Pause a minute to notice the pine floor and the large windows that frame a sparkling water view! Head upstairs to view 3 spacious bedrooms, a full bath, and extra space that could be used as an office or a 4th bedroom. If you need additional storage, make sure you check out the walk-up attic! Done with your tour? While you're in the area, be sure to visit the private, residents-only beach that is just down the road. Then take a short drive to Popham Beach, Resort Golf, and miles of hiking/biking trails! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Central heat Walk-in closet Hardwood floor Living room Office/Den Dining room Dishwasher Refrigerator Stove/Oven Stainless steel appliances Attic Basement Laundry area - inside Balcony, Deck, or Patio Yard OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES Remodeled From The Inside Out Updated Kitchen Corian Countertops Stainless Steel Appliances Center Island with Storage Pine Floors Efficient Monitor Heater Updated Systems Hand Dipped Cedar Shingle Exterior Office/Den Area Convenient to Popham Beach and Hermit Island! ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: The Hershey Home Team Court Street Realty 78 Court St Bath, Me 04530 hersheys@courtstreetrealty.com 1-800-384-7075 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Oct 15, 2007, 11:09am PDT

Classic Summer Cottage Minutes From Popham Beach!

The Hershey Home Team | Court Street Realty | hersheys@courtstreetrealty.com | 207-442-7111 ext 4 Sandpiper Lane, Phippsburg, ME Classic Maine Summer Cottage! 2 Bdrm Single Family House offered at $195,000 Year Built 1950 Sq Footage 600 Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 0 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Lot Size 1 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION This is the quintessential summer cottage! Open and rustic, yet offers 2 private bedrooms and 3/4 bath. Enjoy your morning coffee on the huge wrap-around deck or snuggle up next to the woodstove at the end of the day. Prime location is just down the road from Popham Beach State Park! Great opportunity for a summer home or a rental investment property! see additional photos below PROPERTY FEATURES Fireplace High/Vaulted ceiling Hardwood floor Living room Breakfast nook Stove/Oven Balcony, Deck, or Patio ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Seller contact info: The Hershey Home Team Court Street Realty hersheys@courtstreetrealty.com 207-442-7111 ext 4 For sale by agent/broker Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Mar 12, 2008, 6:09am PDT

Phippsburg, Maine Community Profile Series: Recreation

All parents are familiar with the dreaded "I'm Bored" refrain that children everywhere have perfected. Delivered at a certain pitch and repeated enough times, it can drive any parent crazy. But if you live in Phippsburg, Maine....you are always ready for the onslaught. Simply whip out your Phippsburg Recreation Committee Newsletter at the first sign of boredom and save the day! You and your family can choose from a multitude of activities!

If there's one thing I love about Phippsburg, it's the opportunities it provides for it's residents to have fun!  Not just from the variety of fishing spots, beaches, etc., but from actual organized activities provided for people of all ages.  We are definitely a close-knit community and enjoy getting together after the work is done.  To help provide activities for our residents, the Recreation Committee was created. The Phippsburg Recreation Committee is composed of 5 appointed members and a slew of volunteers...myself included!  We offer everything from youth sport clinics, to comedy club trips, to ice cream socials! Here are a few of the upcoming events....

 Do you like to bowl? Join us 1 Saturday a month at Spare Time in Brunswick for Phippsburg Day and bowl for free!

 Is Roller Skating more your speed? Phippsburg residents skate for free 1 Saturday a month at Roller World in Topsham

Like to Dance? Once a month, a dance is held at Phippsburg Elementary for 4th,5th, and 6th Graders.

Like hockey? Join us for a Portland Pirates Game! Tickets are $10 each and transportation is provided! The bus leaves at 5:30 so don't be late!

Want to catch a movie?  "Free Family Movie Night" at the elementary school will be showing "Flushed Away" on May 2nd. Bring your pillows, blanket, or favorite chair! Admission is free....popcorn and soda are only $1.00!

Learn Tae Kwon Do from our Police Chief every Wednesday from 3-5!

Learn to Swim for only $20! The 5 week program provides transportation to the YMCA, supervision during the  swim lesson, and transportation back to the elementary school.

Trim down for bathing suit season in the 6 week Body Sculpt class!

Learn to make a quilt in our "Quilt In A Day" Class!  Ok..for me it was more like "Quilt In a Week"..but it is possible to make a full quilt in a day!

Like Basketball? Come with us to the Harlem Globetrotters Magic As Ever Tour! Tickets are only $15 and the bus leaves at 5:30!

This is only a small portion of activities provided by the Phippsburg Recreation Committee for the citizens of Phippsburg.....and.... if the truth be known.... people from surrounding towns are welcome too!  I'd love to list all the opportunities that exist in Phippsburg....but there just isn't room on one post. But I guarantee you...you'll never have to listen to "I'm Bored" again!

If you'd like a copy of the Recreation Committee's schedule, contact The Hershey Home Team or visit www.Phippsburg.com

If you're interested in owning a home in Phippsburg, contact The Hershey Home Team!

Moonlight Madness!

Well folks, it's that's time of year again.  Just when it's getting light early enough for me to stumble my way to the coffeepot without finding the light-switch, daylight savings time rears it's ugly head. So I guess I'll be setting my clocks back an hour on Saturday night.  But, looking on the bright side, that means spring is on it's way.  Really..it will get here.  In celebration of the coming Spring , the town of Bath is holding a special event on Friday, March 21st from 6pm-9pm. Under the light of a full moon, Main Street in Bath will come alive with live music, various street performers, excellent food, and wandering astronomers! The wandering astronomers will be prowling the streets to give shoppers, children, and anyone who's interested a peek at the Universe!  More than 20 stores will stay open late...many offering Moonlight Madness sales....and  Gina Hamilton (Editor of The Coastal Journal) will be at City Hall sharing star stories. Remember the Banners Over Bath that appeared in a previous post?  Those are complete and will be proudly displaying the Celestial Navigation theme from every lamppost in Bath.  So join us for what is guaranteed to be a rousing time under the full moon!

And don't forget to set your clocks backs on Saturday night....wouldn't want you to be late to the party!

If you'd like to walk to the party from your new home in Bath, Maine...call The Hershey Home Team!

If you'd like to have a community event posted here...call The Hershey Home Team!

Want a "Pure Maine" Wedding?

Attention Couples!  Looking for the perfect location for your wedding?  How about on the coast of Maine?  Right beside the ocean....sun setting in the background...tables of fresh lobster waiting for the reception...  And did I mention it's free?

Yup!  Sebasco Harbor Resort has announced the launch of their "Pure Maine Wedding Getaway"!  The winning couple will receive a gorgeous wedding at the Resort, including the ceremony site, a reception for up to 200 of their friends and family, overnight accommodations and spa services for the bride and groom, a golf outing for the wedding party, and a rehearsal celebration sunset cruise for up to 24 people aboard Sebasco's touring boat, The Ruth.  This prize is valued at $25,000!  Finalists will be announced in 2008, and the wedding will take place in 2009!

Sebasco Harbor Resort is just down the road from my house, and let me tell you...it's beautiful!  We've played golf on the course, swam in the saltwater pool, watched the fireworks every  4th of July, and dined at their fabulous restaurants. And a good friend of mine,  Capt'n Phil will take you out on The Ruth...if you see me out lobstering be sure to wave!  It is truly a fantastic place, so if you're planning a wedding be sure to enter!

Interested couples must submit a brief video essay that talks about who they are, how they met, and why they want to win a Pure Maine wedding. Winners will be chosen based on their stories and their desire to experience "Pure Maine"!  Visit their website for additional information!

I'll continue to do follow ups as the finalists and  the winners are announced!

If you'd like to see a community event posted here, Call The Hershey Home Team!

If you'd like to start your new life together with a new Maine home, call The Hershey Home Team!

*Image Courtesy of Sebasco.com