The Maine Outsider
The Maine Outsider is a free newsletter curating outdoor events across the state. Our mission is simple — help you find the fun and help great organizations find you.
Maine Outsider: Invite 89 // Jun 18
Invite 89 // Jun 18 This weekend is the summer solstice, which gives you roughly 15 hours and 26 minutes of sunlight to play around with in Portland (add ~30 minutes for Aroostook County). This week's lineup leans into the solstice magic with a golden hour concert series, a dusk firefly walk, and full-day summit hikes. Happy solstice to all who celebrate. Now on to the good stuff. ✌️ Max Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event...
Maine Outsider: Invite 88 // Jun 11
Invite 88 // Jun 11 If you’re like me, the weekend gets all the glory when it comes to outdoor plans. Long hikes, full-day paddles, road trips out of town. But weeknights? They tend to slip by, eaten up by long work days, cooking dinner, and compulsive streaming. Sometimes, we just need a small reminder that the 5-9 can also be a time to get outside. Here’s your nudge: the next three evenings are going to be some of the nicest yet this summer. Light breezes, a full moon tonight, and just...
Maine Outsider: Invite 87 // Jun 4
Invite 87 // Jun 4 Maybe by posting this sunny photo from several years ago on the Narraguagus River, I'll manifest a sunny weekend into existence. Unfortunately, it looks like this Saturday will be our 13th rainy Saturday in a row. Fortunately, we have raincoats and the ability to change our outlook. I'll be on the Schoodic Peninsula camping and hiking in the rain. What are your plans? Reply directly with your favorite rainy-day outdoor activity. ✌️ Max Disclaimer Time: Nature is...
Maine Outsider: Invite 86 // May 28
Invite 86 // May 28 Happy Wednesday Outsiders. Let’s wrap up this month’s theme of positive outdoor news with a few more highlights. Harpswell Heritage Land Trust Opens new 57-acre Anna M. Tondreau Preserve Coalition of Outdoor Groups Publish Maine's 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Roadmap Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument Unveils New Welcome Station Now, on to the good stuff. ✌️ Max Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event...
Maine Outsider: Invite 85 // May 21
Invite 85 // May 21 Kicking things off, here’s a recent reader report submitted via the trail log feature. Selkie Sauna Shindig: Super beautiful and fun! Nice buffet at Spinneys, lovely saunas and happy people enjoying an evening outdoors on the water. Please continue sharing your experiences by replying to any email or using the easy "trail log" feedback forms included in each issue. Now, let’s continue this month’s theme of positive news and developments from the outdoor world. Construction...
Maine Outsider: Invite 84 // May 14
Invite 84 // May 14 When I put out the call for positive outdoor stories, I received this surprising and fun story from Alicia Heyburn, executive director of Teens to Trails."An enormous oak fell in my neighborhood woods. The landowner called the Midcoast Wood Bank—an effort that connects trees needing clearing with people who love to chop, split, and stack and those who need heating assistance. Over the fall and winter, a cadre of volunteers transformed that fallen giant into stove-length...
Maine Outsider: Invite 83 // May 7
Invite 83 // May 7 Welcome new subscribers who've joined since last week, and thanks to Falmouth Land Trust and Two Maine Mermaids for the recent shout-outs. As mentioned in last week's email, I'll be using the intro section of the email to share positive outdoor news and stories from the last year. Here are a few bits of good happening in the outdoor world to kick us off. A new campsite opened on Verona Island, expanding the multi-day paddling opportunities on the Penobscot River Paddle...
Maine Outsider: Invite 82 // Apr 30
Invite 82 // Apr 30 Several weeks ago, I took a bus from my apartment to the edge of Portland and walked home via the Portland Trails. I'm not sure if it was the sunny weather or stretching my legs for the first time in a while, but I saw things differently. I saw things as good, and I saw good things. I noticed a stretch of trail by the Canco woods that has been vastly improved, a new disc golf course at Payson Park (shoutout to JoySwich), and a handful of new plots opened at the community...
Maine Outsider: Invite 81 // Apr 16
Invite 81 // Apr 16 This week’s newsletter might not feature the most traditionally “fun” events I’ve ever rounded up—but with the right mindset and crew, outdoor volunteer events can be a blast. If joining a group cleanup isn’t your thing, consider packing a trash bag on your next hike, bike, or paddle and bringing back a few pieces of litter as an Earth Day contribution. Now, on to the good stuff. ✌️ Max Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the...
Maine Outsider: Invite 80 // Apr 2
Invite 80 // Apr 2 It's not exactly prime time for outdoor activities in Maine. The next few emails might not provide immediate opportunities to get out there. However, there are a few things to plan for:1. Earth Day: You'll notice a lot of upcoming events related to volunteering and Earth Day (April 22nd). I'll be featuring less than 5% of what's out there. Search around you. If you love being outdoors, consider being a steward for a day or a few hours. 2. Race Season: Summer is race season,...
The Maine Outsider is a free newsletter curating outdoor events across the state. Our mission is simple — help you find the fun and help great organizations find you.