Freeport Chocolatier, Wilbur's, to expand

Wilbur's Chocolates has purchased a new location in Freeport. In the summer of 2008 they will begin the migration of their production, retail and warehouse facility from the present location on Independence Dr to the new location on Rt 1 South, just a few feet away.

Also joining Wilbur's in the new location is that great brownie-making team at Simply Divine Brownies. A third 'foodie' company, as yet unannounced, will also share the space.

Wilbur's has won numerous awards for their chocolates and Simply Divine Brownies were selected to supply the 'sweets' for the Academy Award gift bags.

The businesses will be adding up to 45 new jobs in the course of the next two years.

Be sure to stop in at the Wilbur's factory on Independence Dr on Tuesdays in August for a factory tour ($3). Simply Divine Brownies is presently located in Fort Andross in Brunswick.

LL Bean Summer Concert Series- 2007

Portland Symphony Orchestra is on the marquee for this Saturday's LL Bean Summer Concert (July 21). So far we've been to the Robert Cray concert on the 4th and had great seats for the show and the fireworks.

And don't forget...the Yarmouth Clam Fest starts on the 20th!

Freeport Village Center Shopping District

Demolition is well under way at the site of the old LL Bean outlet store (new store is on RT 1 South, just past Desert Rd). The cranes have been onsite for a few weeks now but the demo really took off last week. This photo is from July12. Several old hewn timbers are being 'rescued' from destruction.

When this demo is completed and construction begins, Freeport will be making way for a new shopping area with a 550 car parking garage. No news on what stores will be occupying the new space. So far we've heard there are 2 anchor stores and then smaller, boutique-type shops in between.

This will still be outdoor shopping. Kind of exciting having all this new construction going on!

The Fourth of July parade was, once again, a great start to the holiday! Spectators lined the streets from north to south as many Freeport residents brought out their 'flivvers' to drive through town. And not to be outdone was The Boot!

Taking it all in on the sidelines was 'Parade Dog' outfitted in her stars and stripes and wishing just one of those kids would throw some candy her way. (She did get a small piece of chocolate from Wilburs, always a crowd favorite on parade day!)

The new Leon Gorman Park will be dedicated on July 4 at 11:45 AM. Following the dedication and speeches, there will be entertainment for the whole family. Here is an overview plan of the park. (2.19m file in .pdf)

Make a whole day of it in Freeport on the 4th! Start with the LL Bean 10k at 7:30 AM, have a pancake breakfast at St Jude's Church (7-10 AM), watch the parade on Main St at 10 AM, walk to the park dedication on Bow St (just past the Bow St Market), do a little shopping or kayaking, boogie to Robert Cray at 7:30 and enjoy fireworks after dark.

A complete July 4th package in one small town. What are you waiting for? Make your plans today!

Cruise around Casco Bay to Eagle island. Lots of fun! This is the view from Admiral Peary's study looking north.

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens had their grand opening on June 13. It is now the largest botanical gardens in New England.

The Penobscot Narrows Observatory on the bridge is now open.

We'll be out trying some more restaurants so be sure to check back to see our 'reviews'.

LL Bean Summer Concert Series- You've got to be here this summer for at least one of these great shows! All shows are outdoors and subject to change or cancellation (due to weather). This Saturday (June 23) it's 'Ricky Nelson Remembered' with The Nelsons.

LL Summer Concert Series starts tonight! First up is Feufollet with Cajun style Zydeco music.

This summer is looking to have a great line-up of musical talent. The concerts start at 7:30 PM are free and outdoors. (Severe weather may cause cancellations!)

Most of the concerts are on Saturday night, but there are shows on July 4, 5 & 6 as well. Line up an entire Fourth of July celebration in Freeport with the parade at 10 AM, concert at 7:30 PM and fireworks at (around) 9 PM. In between, head to the shore or sign-up for an LL Bean Walk-On Adventure ($15).

If you are staying here on July 3rd, be sure to eat breakfast early and head out to the front porch (or pull up a chair right on Main St) and watch the parade with us.

Kennebec Tavern and Marina was the site of a 'meeting of the minds' as we met up with innkeeper friends for a night of comraderie. The view from the dining room is fabulous and it looks as if the deck is progressing quickly. A warm summer night on the deck over the river will be the perfect setting for dinner!

We had the potato leek soup for starters and it was yum! I had the salmon special with smashed potatoes and it was done perfectly. The others in the group had the broiled haddock with fresh veggies, the pasta del mar and the sasanoa chicken. There were no leftovers to take home to the dogs!

Our waitress, Sharon, was a hoot. The drinks were done just right and all-in-all it was a wonderful night out with friends.

The Kennebec Tavern is located on Commercial Street in Bath.