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 101 // Sep 10
Invite 101 // Sep 10 This week, Maine State Parks announced that on September 20th, they'll provide free admission for anyone who shows up with a public library card. It's the perfect collab between two public institutions and community resources. Books are a gateway to deeper outdoor experiences. After reading Eager, I found myself awestruck by beavers. Thoreau's Maine Woods provided companionship on a 7-day solo trip north of Moosehead Lake. A book about Maine Sporting Camps made a winter...
Maine Outsider: Invite 100 // Sep 3
Invite 100 // Sep 3 Two and a half years ago, I drafted an email in Gmail and sent it to twelve friends with the subject line "Maine Outsider: Issue 1." The writing was a touch spicier back then... "Each week, I'll digest this fatty diet of outdoor goodies and baby bird only the best nuggets into your inbox." But the mission looked the same. Today, you're reading the 100th issue. What started as an experiment has evolved into a small community and a joyful practice. I've learned so much about...
Maine Outsider: Invite 99 // Aug 27
Invite 99 // Aug 27 Something strange happens to me when I sit at my computer for too long. My browser accumulates tabs, my attention bounces between tasks, and I start to feel a combined sense of detachment and claustrophobia. I lose myself in a digital world. The simple solution is usually to close my laptop and get outside for a walk or bike ride. But sometimes, during busier and more complicated times of life, even that isn't enough—the feeling lingers. When that happens, I need something...
Maine Outsider: Invite 98 // Aug 20
Invite 98 // Aug 20 Several weeks ago, I was mountain biking through a forested preserve somewhere in the Midcoast. I reached the boundary of the preserve and noticed the trails kept going. There weren't any trespassing signs or indications to stop, so I kept riding. I started to notice more trails and little homemade signs. It was clear I'd stumbled on a small community trail network. I rode these secret trails until I popped out at a farm's driveway. Feeling a bit guilty and unsure, I...
Maine Outsider: Invite 97 // Aug 13
Invite 97 // Aug 13 Several years ago, a friend gave me a Maine state park pass as a gift. Prior to that, I'd camped at Camden Hills State Park, but never really thought much about the state parks. Holding that little blue pass in my hand sparked my curiosity. I found myself on Google Maps, scoping out swimming spots at Lake St. George, XC Skiing trails at Mt. Blue, or canoeing opportunities at Lily Bay. (You can view a map of all parks here.) On drives home from weekend trips, my wife and I...
Maine Outsider: Invite 96 // Aug 6
Invite 96 // Aug 6 Outsider reader, Lara, had this to say about the recent Peaks to Portland charity swim: "Great swim, well organized, and loved the DJ at the beach on Peaks, definitely got us all in the mood!" I've had this event on my bucket list for a few years. Envisioning a beach party/DJ sendoff before crossing the chilly waters of Casco Bay has me hyped too. I'm vowing to be out there next year. Thanks for sharing, Lara. Now, on to this week's activities. ✌️ Max Disclaimer Time:...
Maine Outsider: Invite 95 // Jul 30
Invite 95 // Jul 30 We've hit peak summer in Maine. The sea breezes no longer chill, grass tips are browning, and the air hangs hot and sticky. You might expect this intro to be about swimming holes, beaches, or ways to cool down. Instead, I'm going to do the complete opposite. Think about fall and winter for a moment. I know that might sound unpleasant right now, but here's what I've learned: spending a few hours planning a season ahead opens up incredible experiences. The best campsites....
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...
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.