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 94 // Jul 23
Invite 94 // Jul 23 Photo Caption: After an hour on the potholed and washboarded Golden Road from Millinocket, we pulled into the parking lot on the banks of the Penobscot at Lobster Stream. We unloaded our kayaks and prepared for the several-mile paddle into Lobster Lake. Once on the stream, we passed through marshy flatlands and cruised by a cow moose with her calf feeding at the shore. Eventually, the stream opened up into Lobster Lake, a gem of the North Maine woods accessible only by...
Maine Outsider: Invite 93 // Jul 16
Invite 93 // Jul 16 A thoughtful reader recently pointed out that the tight spacing between events made it hard to tell which maps matched which events. Looking back at past issues, I realized they were 100% right and even spotted a few more formatting issues I fixed. After 93 newsletters, I've probably developed some blind spots about what could work better. Fresh perspectives help me improve this as a community tool. I'd love to hear from you: What would make your experience even better?...
Maine Outsider: Invite 92 // Jul 9
Invite 92 // Jul 9 This week, I want to show some love to another local newsletter. The Portland Logbook launched in February and has been consistently publishing weekly, curated issues that are thoughtful, comprehensive, and soulful. Its format is similar to this newsletter, but it primarily highlights indoor events (gasp) around Portland and opens with engaging intro sections that spotlight something unique about the city's culture, history, or people. In short, it’s another wonderful tool...
Maine Outsider: Invite 91 // Jul 2
Invite 91 // Jul 2 Before jumping into this week's intro, a short reader check-in from Joe, who participated in the recent East Bayside Trail Fest Great Race, well organized for its first year back, and a lot of local sponsors out and about post race. Looking forward to doing it again next year! Thanks for the report, Joe! In case you missed it, the good folks at Maine Outdoor Brands recently released an epic guide of Maine outdoor products and experiences as part of their Adventure Local...
Maine Outsider: Invite 90 // Jun 25
Invite 90 // Jun 25 I don't have much to add this week in the intro besides this: find a body of water near you, submerge yourself in it, and enjoy the ensuing feeling of peace. Now, on to this week's events. ✌️ Max Disclaimer Time: Nature is unpredictable and events change. Always double-check the organization's event page before heading out. The Maine Outsider is sponsored by Amble Therapy, offering walk & talk mental health counseling at nature preserves around Portland and telecounseling...
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...
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.