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For more similar blog entries from Jeff Mateja, please visit his Portland, Maine blog at www.ILovePortlandMaine.com
In early October of 1992, the Time and Temperature Building downtown would be illuminated to read "Play Ball", but who knew a Double-A minor league baseball team would be such a success in Portland, Maine. Days later, on October 4, 1992, it was announced that Portland, Maine, would join New Haven, CT, as the site of one of two new expansion teams.
When tickets went onsale on February 26, 1994, there were die hard baseball fans camped out in 12 degree weather to be the first to get their hands on tickets for the inaugural season, and opening day was sold out in only a few hours. Sure, Kathy Lee Gifford would sing the National Anthem, and Frank Gifford would throw out the ceremonial first pitch, but the Portland Sea Dogs would go on to win the inaugural game and continue with great success to this day.
Their Double-A affiliation with the Florida Marlins of the National League certainly did not discourage baseball fans from enjoying quality baseball games at Hadlock Field, as the Portland Sea Dogs would finish first in their division during their second, third, and fourth seasons as a franchise. Even better for the fans, they would have the honor and enjoyment of watching some great future Major League Players like Josh Beckett (Minor League Player of the Year in 2001), Livan Hernandez, A.J. Burnett, Edgar Renteria, Luis Castillo, Ryan Dempster, Charles Johnson, and Gary Sheffield, just to name a few. Attendance would continue to be solid in Portland with nearly 400,000 fans visiting Hadlock Field each season (averaging 6,000 per game).
In 2003, the Sea Dogs played their first game under their new affiliation with the Boston Red Sox, the hometown favorite in Portland and across most of New England. Attendance records would continue to be broken for the season with over 430,000 fans, or an average of more than 6,300 fans per game during the 2006 season. Whether it's a Bobblehead giveaway night or just a warm summer night in Portland, you can always count on a great crowd and a fun time at the ball game.
Who could blame fans for wanting to watch great baseball? Hadlock Field seats the fans close to the action with no bad seats and great sight lines. You're right there for all the action and the management involves the crowd very well in between innings and various promotional nights. Even better, there is the strong possibility for fans to see their Portland Sea Dogs starting one day for their beloved Boston Red Sox in the big show. Former Sea Dogs who have received the promotional call up to the Boston Red Sox include, Jonathan Papelbon, Jon Lester, Kevin Youkilis, Hanley Ramirez, David Ortiz (a short rehab stint), Dustin Pedroia, Jacoby Ellsbury, and Clay Buchholz.
I don't know about you, but it is certainly a pleasure to see these players develop and be home grown here in Portland and one day watch them succeed at the next level at the friendly confines of Fenway Park. Head out to Hadlock Field and Let's "Play Ball!"
For more similar blog entries from Jeff Mateja, please visit his Portland, Maine blog at www.ILovePortlandMaine.com
 Portland will be jamming Sunday, November 29, as the improvisational band Phish hits Portland for one night only between New York gigs. With a very devoted fan base, the Cumberland County Civic Center is sure to be mobbed with a sell-out crowd. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:30pm.
A limited number of tickets are available directly through Phish Tickets’ online ticketing system. The ticket request period is currently underway and will end Friday, October 16th at 5:00pm EST.
Tickets will go on sale to the public on Saturday, October 24th at 9:00am EST. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.ticketmaster.com. Tickets may also be purchased, with no service charge, at the venue box office (Mon – Fri 9:30am – 5:00pm and Saturday 9am – 4pm) and select TicketMaster outlets.
General Admission Floor and Reserved stands tickets are $50.00 each. All those taping the performance must purchase general admission tickets. Please visit www.phish.com for more information and other fall tour dates.
For more similar blog entries from Jeff Mateja, please visit his Portland, Maine blog at www.ILovePortlandMaine.com
Whether you've ventured down to the East End of Commercial Street, looked from the Casco Bay Bridge up the harbor, or witnessed more of a buzz around town with crowded sidewalks and eating establishments, then you probably have noticed Cruise Ship Season is in full swing in Portland, Maine.
The arrival of American Glory, a small American cruise ship in late July, marked the beginning of the season of cruise ship activity in Portland, which is scheduled to draw 48 vessels into Portland's harbor and just over 70,000 passengers to welcome to our wonderful city.
On Saturday, September 5, Explorer Of The Seas, a Royal Caribbean cruise liner and the largest cruise ship ( 1,020 feet, 138,000-ton and 3,114 passengers) to visit Portland this year berthed for a 12-hour stop in the Old Port to the delight of many area businesses. You may have noticed the abundance of guests to the shores, shops, and restaurants, while others took quick trips via VIP Tour Buses to visit the area lighthouses, like Portland Head Light and our popular signature store, LL Bean in Freeport. This particular vessel plans to visit Portland three more times over the next two months.
The season could not come at a better time for the area businesses, who can expect a steady September and October flow of guests as we will welcome 36 of the 48 total vessels to visit Portland in these two months alone. Overall, the cruise ships will introduce just over 70,000 visitors to Portland.
According to reports from Cruise Lines International Association of Florida, Maine ranked 41st in the country in economic benefits from cruise ships with an estimated $24 million spent by guests during their visits here. Other industry experts believe Portland and Bar Harbor, the busiest Maine cruise ship destination generated more than that figure.
Either way, it's great for the Portland, Maine economy and wonderful that visitors can experience the city along their journey.
Looking at the cruise ship schedule we can expect visits from the major cruise lines Carnival, American Cruise, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean just to name a few. I personally cannot wait to see the Carnival Triumph (893 feet and 101,500 tons) and Jewel Of The Seas (962 feet and 90,090 tons). For more information on the schedule of ships, please check out;
For further information on when to expect the next cruise ships into Portland, please check out Port of Portland Maine Cruise Schedule
For more similar blog entries from Jeff Mateja, please visit his Portland, Maine blog at www.ILovePortlandMaine.com
Food lovers, set your sights, or better yet....your taste buds on the 2nd Annual Harvest On The Harbor in Portland, Maine, October 22-24. Deemed Maine's Premier Food and Wine Experience, the Harvest will feature three days of delightful foods and flavors for us all to enjoy, as the Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau once again shares the great works of our area restaurants and chefs.
After last years inaugural event, Harvest On The Harbor received recognition by Coastal Living Magazine as one of the Top Ten U.S. Seafood & Wine Festivals. Again, this years event will kick off at the Ocean Gateway Pier with the Grand Tasting on the Harbor Thursday evening at 5pm. Here you can sample some of the finest foods from many of Portland's great restaurants and chefs while enjoying an evening on the oceanfront. Friday will feature Maine's Lobster Chef of the Year Competition, Gourmet on a Budget with Peter Berley, and Italian Cooking and The American Table with Lucinda Scala Quinn.
Saturday will feature the premier experience, the Food & Wine Marketplace from 12-4 at the Ocean Gateway Pier where there will be over 100 exhibitors, including wineries, breweries, distilleries, and food artisans. A Taste of Maine exhibit will feature local wine, cheese, and seafood for food loving visitors, while a Man Cave will allow attendees to sample beers and learn the fine art of grilling.
The food experience will come to a close with Harvest Uncorked, a grand finale celebration at The Landing at Pine Point in Scarborough, featuring more great food and wines to sample, a cash bar, and dancing. Sounds like fun for all!
Over the entire weekend, area restaurants will also have special dishes featured for visitors looking to enjoy something different and delightful, and to showcase the quality and preparation of great food here in Portland.
For more information on Harvest On The Harbor, please check out their website; HarvestOnTheHarbor.com Schedule
To purchase tickets to the event - Harvest On The Harbor Tickets
More Blog entries posts from Jeff Mateja can be found at his Blog website www.ILovePortlandMaine.com
Ladies...the event you have been waiting for is here!
Dash of Diva: A Girls' Night Out will be the place to be on Thursday, October 29, from 4:30pm-9:30pm as the Holiday Inn By The Bay at 88 Spring Street, Portland, will host an event you will not want to miss.
While you sample the products and services of more than 45 area vendors, there will be a variety of entertainment including; music, a fashion show, psychic readings from Spirit Messenger Vicki Monroe, Zumba and Belly Dancing Lessons, and Comedy by Maine's Funniest Mom Karen Morgan. Wine, beer, and vodka tastings will be available to help take the edge off after a long week, and a dance floor to unwind.
For more information on Dash of Diva: Girls' Night Out and to purchase tickets, please visit DashOfDiva.com site.
Tickets are only $7 in advance and $10 at the door. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Maine Women's Fund and The Press for Higher Education Scholarship Fund. Attendees may also drop off gently worn professional clothing to be donated to Dress For Success. The Portland Press Herald and Maine Sunday Telegram will be awarding the "Dash of Inspiration – Women Motivating Women" award, and will honor the Top 10 nominees at the Dash of Diva event.
 Portland, Maine, has a very active running community, which is why on any given day of the year you will see your fair share of novice to die hard runners (they will run in virtually any weather), joggers, and road racers all around Greater Portland.
The community continues to grow thanks to Portland Trails adding additional running avenues, groups like the Maine Track Club and The Nor’Easter Run Club, organizing runs and races to encourage exercise and team training, and companies like Peak Performance and Maine Running Company available to service the needs of runners of all levels.
As you can imagine the running community is very friendly, open to training with new runners, and building relationships as runners connect with each other and recognizable faces at the many road races in the Portland area. Each race has their mix of the veteran runners who are very competitive to the novice runners who enjoy a little competition and want to challenge themselves to run a new personal best.
Many of the races have become an annual tradition for most, like the Beach to Beacon 10k, the Mother’s Day Sea Dog 5k, and the Irish Road Rover 5k. No matter your finish time, these are great races to compete in, as the crowds are always strong. The Mother’s Day Sea Dogs 5k has been so well received by runners and spectators that 2009 marked the addition of the Father’s Day Sea Dogs 5k. You can’t go wrong with a 5k loop around Portland that finishes at Hadlock Field, home of the Portland Sea Dogs, who do a wonderful job hosting both events.
Road racing also finds runners enjoying the coastal charm of Portland with the Peaks Island Road Race that requires a beautiful ferry ride over to the island for a pleasant run in the gentle sea breeze. For the real die hard ambitious runners, the Polar Bear 5k in Downtown Portland takes place in February, when the sea breeze can be a bit brisk and chilly, not to mention the high likelihood of snow on the ground.
With the strong running community you can always count on a number of races and runs each year to benefit charitable causes, which then turn into annual events like the Laura Vogel Memorial 5k and the Run/Walk for Hope.
If you just need a reason to get your butt out and run and would like some competition to push you along, there is the weekly Back Cove 5k Series which runs the Back Cove (Baxter Boulevard loop) each Wednesday evening from late Spring to early Fall.
In case you were wondering where you might take your next run, here are a number of Mapped Runs for you; Map My Run – Portland, Maine
Enjoy running around Portland. Have fun!
 Great News! Portland, Maine, has just been ranked 22nd in a report released by Business Week ranking the “Best Cities for Generation Y”. Portland ranks high on the list surrounded by many large cities like New York City, Boston, Washington DC, and Los Angeles, as well as big college cities like Madison, WI., Boulder, CO., Ann Arbor, MI., and New Haven, CT.
The driving factor in the study seems to be the labor markets that these cities offer with stability being a reason for attracting Generation Y. While Portland does have a number of employment opportunities catering to the Generation Y crowd, the cities vicinity to Boston, the strong art and music scene, and relatively inexpensive living stand out as reasons for attracting them to Portland. Not to mention one can bike, boat, hike, and ski in numerous places within 30-45 minutes of Portland, which adds a further attraction.
Congratulations Portland! A great honor and hopefully additional publicity to attract more great citizens of Generation Y.
Read full story here – Why Certain Cities Attract Gen Ys”
Portland in the rankings here – Portland, Maine #22
CreativeClass.com List of Cities – Cities List Here
 When beach goers wish to catch some rays and enjoy the beautiful surf of the Maine coastline you usually hear of them venturing to the well-known and popular beaches like Old Orchard Beach, York, Wells, Kennebunk / Kennebunkport, and Ogunquit, which attract many of our out of state visitors and tourists.
However, nestled away are some great little beaches that while they attract crowds are not commercialized like the other beaches above and one can enjoy a relaxing day near the water to work on the tan and enjoy a quiet beach day with other like-minded folks.
Here is a quick overview of the beaches around Greater Portland, their distance from Portland, and what they have to offer;
- Old Orchard Beach – (15-20 mins from Portland) offers 7 miles of sand beach along with family-friendly activities including games and food, an amusement park, and a nightlife scene including bars, signing, dancing, and live music for a full day of fun an excitement. OOB as it is referred to is conveniently accessible by the Amtrak Downeaster. Metered / Lot parking available.
- Wells – (35-40 mins from Portland) offers 7 miles of oceanfront across four beaches, including open to the public Wells Beach, Crescent Beach, and Drake’s Island Beach, and the private Moody Beach. Wells has plenty of dining and shopping opportunities and is accessible by the Armtrak Downeaster.
- Ogunquit – (45 mins from Portland) considered “family friendly yet sophisticated” offers 3.5 miles of sandy beach. Further, Ogunquit offers something for everyone including art galleries, boutique shopping, theatres, deep sea fishing, and whale watching. The quaint town features cozy bed & breakfasts, high end hotels, and fine dining. There is a Footbridge Beach as well where you travel over a footbridge to a less visited section of beach which is also lifeguard patrolled.
- York – (45-50 mins from Portland) – has three beaches right off Route 1A for you to enjoy including Harbor Beach, Long Sands Beach, and Short Sands Beach. Each have lifeguards on duty from June through Labor Day and metered parking available.
- Kennebunk / Kennebunkport – (30-35 mins from Portland) – has 6 beaches including Mother’s Beach, Gooch’s Beach, Middle Beach, Colony Beach, Cleaves Cove Beach, and Goose Rocks Beach – a beautiful sand beach excellent for walking. Kennebunk and Kennebunkport offer shopping, restaurants, marvelous views of the Maine coastline, and of course an up close and personal glimpse of the home of our former President George H.W. Bush, Sr., at Walker’s Point.
Outside of the main beaches are some great beaches below where at times you can avoid the crowds and enjoy a calm and relaxing walk, rest in the sand, or just listen to the ocean;
- Higgins Beach – off Rt. 77 Scarborough/Cape Elizabeth, long stretch of sand beach with little parking available.
- Crescent Beach State Park - 66 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth – sand beach, salt water swimming, picnic tables and grills, bath house, plenty of parking, playground, gentle surf, nice kayaking area.
- Scarborough Beach State Park - off Rt. 207 in Scarborough near Prouts Neck, long stretch of sand beach.
- Willard Beach – South Portland, near Southern Maine Community College – fine sand beach, plenty of parking, lifeguards, restrooms, near mile long beach, views of Fort Preble and Spring Point Lighthouse
- Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park – off Wolfe’s Neck Rd in Freeport.
- Mackworth Island – Falmouth, sand beach with views of Portland, quiet, limited parking on island, hiking trails.
- Pine Point Beach – Off East Grand Avenue, Scarborough, at northern end of Old Orchard Beach, sand beach with dunes, great running spot during low tide, public and street parking available.
- Ferry Beach State Park – Saco/Bay View, white sand beach between Saco River and Pine Point, swimming, picnic area, admission charged
- Biddeford Pool Beach – two miles of sandy beach with gentle surf, bathhouse, lifeguards.
- Fortune’s Rocks Beach – Biddeford, salt water swimming, sand beach
- East End Beach – pebble beach located off Portland’s Eastern Promenade provides views of Casco Bay, restrooms, limited parking, no lifeguard, picnic tables.
- Peaks Island Beach – Peaks Island, short ferry ride from Portland on Casco Bay Lines, long rocky shore.
As you can see, the Greater Portland area does not have a shortage of beaches. Grab your sunscreen and beach towel and hit the sand and grab some sun! Enjoy!
For further information on the above beaches listed, please visit the State of Maine’s 2007 Geological Survey Guide of Beaches website.
Over 100,000 visitors will fill the streets of Yarmouth, Maine, this coming weekend for the 44th Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival, drawing tourists from all over the country and thousands of locals who do not miss the annual tradition.
While a schedule of events is planned for each day of the festival providing great entertainment, there will be artists and craftspeople displaying their works in the streets throughout the festival weekend. For you history buffs, the Yarmouth Historical Society will give guided historical tours of the Town of Yarmouth via Pineland Farms Trolleys.
If you have ever been to the Yarmouth Clam Festival before, you are well aware of the mass amounts of wonderful food to enjoy as you visit the entertainment acts and vendor booth displays. Rather than go into great detail, I have provided the following link featuring a list of all the food vendors and the treats they will have for you Yarmouth Clam Festival Food List. You will note 6 of the booths will feature the famous clams. No worries with the “red tide” concerns this year, as the Yarmouth Clam Festival folks prepare well in advance and have plenty of native clams that were “flash frozen” months ago to preserve the quality and taste for you to enjoy this weekend!!
Friday
The festivities begin with the official opening of the festival at 10am on Friday, July 17th, with singing by the Down East Barbershoppers at Memorial Green. The events of Friday feature a number of music and entertainment acts, carnival rides, horse and wagon rides, and most notably the crowd favorite Battle of the Bands, and the Clam Festival Parade.
The Battle of the Bands will feature six Yarmouth High School bands facing off between 230pm-5pm at Railroad Park, with the winner returning to play Sunday at 2pm during the festivals closing.
This years Clam Festival Parade beginning at 6pm on Main Street will feature area groups and businesses on floats with their interpretation of this years parade theme, “Hats Off to Broadway”.
Saturday
A full packed Saturday kicks off with a Blueberry Pancake Breakfast at Memorial Green (7am-1030am) , and the Canoe & Kayak Race starting at 7am at Yarmouth Town Landing and finishing at The Muddy Rudder. The Kids Fun Run begins at Memorial Green at 715am, where depending on the childrens age they will compete in a half-mile or one-mile run. Beginning at 8am at Memorial Green is the Pat’s Pizza Clam Festival Classic 5 Mile Road Race, a quick flat race and always competitive. Cap off the morning with some music and entertainment, followed by the Clam Shucking Contest set to begin at 1115am on the Library Lawn. In the afternoon, don’t miss out on the entertaining Firefighter’s Muster at 1pm, or Capt’n Eli’s Karaoke Challenge starting at 3pm, and finish off the night with a Fireworks Display beginning at 915pm (note the fireworks are set off from Royal River Park and best viewed from behind the library or Memorial Green).
Sunday
Enjoy another Blueberry Pancake or Flapjack Breakfast at 7am, prior to the 9am start to the 29th Annual Men’s and Women’s Professional Bike Race on Main Street (36 miles loop for men, 21.6 for women). An event not to miss is the highly anticipated Diaper Derby hosted by Lee Goldberg, sportscaster from WCSH6 in Portland, from the Library Lawn beginning at 12pm (note registration begins at 10am). Finish up your festival while listening to the Battle of the Bands winner at 2pm on Memorial Green.
The Yarmouth Clam Festival does have a No Pets Policy with the exception of service animals, so please leave your pets at home.
Other Yarmouth Clam Festival information and news for you…
Yarmouth Clam Festival Home Page
Parking & Directions
Accommodations
Yarmouth Clam Festival Daily Schedules
Press Release – “There will be no shortage of clams for You”
Clam Festival on Twitter
Clam Festival Facebook Page
"Nothing better than grabbing breakfast at Becky's Diner in the morning!" www.beckysdiner.com
Recognized by the locals and many tourists as the best diner in the City of Portland, and the crowds waiting at normal dining hours can support the thought. Located on the west end of Commercial Street, Portland since 1991, Becky's serves great food and great portions, and is a great Portland Maine experience.
President Bill Clinton is one of a few celebrities to dine at Becky's Diner. While the diner opens early to make sure the fishermen are filled up before heading out for a long days work, Becky's Diner also serves lunch and dinner, and breakfast most of the day, and some great desserts that are to die for!
Oh, and not to mention a Late Night window for Take Out when most places are closed. It seems like Becky's Diner is hardly ever closed. Good thing...because you'll want to stop in and try the excellent food and take in the atmosphere!!
For more information on the City of Portland Maine and its surroundings, please visit www.ILovePortlandMaine.com or contact Jeff Mateja of Keller Williams Realty. Thank you!
Jeff Mateja
Associate Broker, Keller Williams Realty
50 Sewall St, 2nd Floor, Portland, ME 04102
Cell: (207) 233-2420 Office: (207) 553-1332
Email: JeffMateja@hotmail.com
Web: www.JeffMateja.com
Blog: www.ILovePortlandMaine.com
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Jeff Mateja
Portland,
ME
More about me…
Keller Williams Realty
Address: 50 Sewall Street, 2nd Floor, Portland , ME, 04102
Office Phone: (207) 553-1332
Cell Phone: (207) 233-2420
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