From wagon rides to wine tastings, many apple orchards are offering activities beyond stocking up on fruit.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Local & State, News
Jack Palmer, Maine star of viral ‘buttery, flaky crust’ ad, dies
He and his wife became internet famous after repeatedly flubbing the lines while filming a commercial for Dysart’s in 2012, earning an ‘SNL’ spoof.
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Posted inArts & Entertainment, Books, Maine Authors
Bowdoin professors bring long-gone Maine writers back to life with new podcast
Tess Chakkalakal and Brock Clarke host the ‘Dead Writers’ podcast, airing on Maine Public and focusing on the lives and homes of several notable writers with ties to the state.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine home of Frances Perkins, first female Cabinet member, seeks national monument designation
An architect of New Deal measures like Social Security and the 40-hour work week, Perkins returned throughout her life to a home in Newcastle that had been in her family since the 1750s.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Local & State
Julia Gagnon’s birth mother, who helped inspire her ‘American Idol’ journey, has died
The Cumberland singer posted on Instagram Wednesday about the death of her birth mother, Sara Ramos.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Books
Maine island mystique: Why so many books feature these isolated settings
Authors say these often idyllic locales – where there’s nowhere to run or hide – present opportunities for heightened drama, suspense and romance.
Posted inFood & Dining, Things to Do
Aw, shucks: Steamer the clam opens up about life as a festival mascot
The face of the Yarmouth Clam Festival answers our questions about the best parts of the event, what it’s like to watch the shucking contest and life in the off-season.
Posted inThings to Do
Go a little farther afield and find a Maine summer fair for you
Why wait for the big fall fairs, when there’s tons of small-town fair fun happening all over the state in summer.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Waterville film festival at center of Maine’s cinematic universe
Highlights of this year’s Maine International Film Festival, starting Friday, are Dutch director Jos Stelling and the premiere of ‘Lost on a Mountain in Maine.’
Posted inGuides, Things to Do
Here are 8 things to do with kids during summer vacation in Maine
Things to do for kids and families range from amusement parks and drive-in movies to day trips to museums or natural wonders.