Outdoors and Unplugged: Behind the Lens

Outdoors and Unplugged: Behind the Lens

I am just returning home from a spring time stroll down a local foot-trail feeling both energized and positive.  When I set out on my little endeavor, a couple of hours ago, I did it solely to stretch my legs. Then I quickly realized the walk was much more than a physical endeavor, it was a much needed, therapeutic boost to my state of mind. Over the last week I have learned to embrace the fact that this year’s start of Spring is not the typical, much-anticipated season of rebirth. Normally, people would be outside enjoying parks, but now we are inside practicing  social distancing. Local businesses would typically be running their spring promotions, instead these non-essential businesses are closed. We can’t escape the  continued barrage of news stories, many of which are peddling gloom and doom versus facts, it is easy to begin feeling trapped in your own home. But now I realize there is an obvious remedy…the great outdoors!  And despite our new health awareness responsibilities and rules, getting outdoors is still allowed and there is no better therapy for the “stay at home blues” than being outdoors, especially outdoors in Maine!

Being outside in this season’s crisp, fresh air immediately stimulates your senses and bolsters the feeling of freedom. Coupled with Maine’s majestic scenery, combining mountains, rocky coastlines and dense forestry not only infuses your senses, it inspires a new, fresh perspective of the future.

Both natural and man-made scenery are available for your enjoyment.  Lighthouse discoveries, wildlife watching, rocky coastlines strolls with both pounding swells and the gentle, soothing, rolling waves can entertain and mesmerize any person of any age.  Maine’s natural beauty beckons the artist in all of us.  Photographers, painters and artisans of all medium flock to Maine yearly in hopes of capturing its beauty and majesty.

When life as we knew it returns and a sense of normalcy is restored, and it will be back soon, all these enjoyable, beneficial and life enriching activities will be available to us as they always have been.  Both singles and families alike, will be grabbing a camera, packing a lunch, jumping in the ol’ family buggy and heading to the beach for a stroll or to a state park for a hike.

At Portfire, we want to share these experiences with our corporate groups too. After a long meeting in a hotel ballroom, guests will be craving that similar need for some fresh air and coastal breeze. We have outdoor and activities for every activity level and guests don’t need to travel far from the hotel. We will lead them on a Steadman’s Stroll, amble around on Marginal Way, paddle the local river, or simply enjoy a brew while birding or a photography tour!

I must admit, I feel I am so lucky and proud to be in an industry that can make these treasures available to visitors to New England while they are attending meetings, conferences and conventions and which may not otherwise have an opportunity to experience.

So we encourage you, if you can do so safely, get outside, grab a camera and capture the beauty of your surroundings! I was lucky enough to capture these shots, and we would love to see yours!

Meet Us In Maine

Meet Us In Maine

Writing has always been therapeutic for me. When I sat down to write a blog this week I found myself reflecting on my journey that has brought me to this moment. I have had 30 years of experience in the events and destination management industry. I live for the hustle and bustle of this world, but I tend to treasure the times that are a little more peaceful. A few years ago, my family and I decided to move up to Kezar Lake in Maine. We found our slice of heaven nestled in the beautiful white mountains. I quickly fell in love with Maine! I wanted to share this slice of heaven with the world, so I decided to start Portfire Events and spark exploration for meeting planners and companies to experience Maine. With its breathtaking coastal cliffs, to the sparkling lakes and wild mountains, Maine isn’t just for vacations, but for corporate meetings too! It is uniquely suited year round for meetings, group retreats, and events. I have found my place in Maine, and I can’t wait to show you why.

The more time I spend here, the more I learn and discover how each town has a close connection to nature. What better inspiration for an important meeting and special gathering than a spectacular destination to wow your attendees? The coast offers unlimited possibilities, from York, Cape Neddick, Ogunquit, Kennebunk, Portland to Bar Harbor. Maine is the area’s outdoor playground with something for everyone including,  lighthouse tours, sea kayaking, schooner adventures, outdoor clambakes, hiking, fat tire biking, and so much more.

Inland, you will find stunning sunsets, ski and lakeside resorts that are ideal while offering  golfing, hiking,  snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing as an added opportunity for team building in the great outdoors.

Maine’s hotel and resort meeting facilities also provide all the amenities you need to get right to business. Facilities have state-of-the-art AV, flexible meeting space, and food and beverage offerings that are uniquely Maine. We suggest adding a culinary experience to your meeting, so guests can indulge in delicious Maine blueberry muffins in the morning and a traditional Downeast Clambake serving mouthwatering Maine lobster, clams, mussels, and all the fixings!

Which leads me to one of my favorite things about Maine… the food! Foodies unite in Maine! Finding and enjoying great cuisine is easy in Portland. Compared to San Francisco for boasting the most restaurants per capita, Portland was dubbed  America’s “foodiest “small town, by Bon Appétit, and the New York Times mentioned Portland to be  “one of the best places to eat in the Northeast”. Where else can you get fresh oysters, haddock, lobsters and shrimp pulled from the Atlantic Ocean and placed on your table that same day? Meals are complimented with locally grown and sourced produce, dairy and meats. Not to mention Portland’s many exceptional bakeries sprinkled around the city that offer the most amazing bagels, donuts, croissants, cookies, and cupcakes.

I love Maine- It truly is the perfect pairing for productive meetings and special events. It’s time to regroup and explore Maine with your attendees, colleagues, and friends.