There doesn’t seem to be nearly enough info on this site around the paradise I used to live in --- Maine. Thought I would recycle some old photos and try to highlight a few of the numerous hiking opportunities available.
Today everybody considers Scarborough a bedroom community of
Portland, but
this charming village has a history predating its big sister just north.Incorporated in the 1600’s Scarborough was
named after the seaside town in England
of “Scarborough Fair” acclaim.The
Abenaki natives called the area Owascoag, or ‘place of much grass’ in
recognition of the salt marshes dominating the landscape.The original settlement, which was fairly substantial,
was decimated by a legendary Indian raid known as the Battle of Moore’s Creek
in the late 1600’s, where a few Indians deployed as bait led British pursuers
into a bloody ambush.Scarborough
rose from the ashes after some fits and starts over the next few decades, but
remained a small community with cattle, timber and sawmills firing its economy.
Today the primary attraction of Scarborough remains the salt
marshes, and I heartily recommend visiting the ScarboroughMarshAudubonCenter
to sample the area. There is a delightfully teensy museum (no charge) here, but
the environs are the real attraction and you can amble across the marshes via
their ample pathways or better yet, rent a canoe at the Center and take to the
water!This is a prime spot for learning
how to canoe because the water is completely gentle and you paddle around lush
grass fields with an impressive diversity of bird life flitting by.
There are also a few fun beaches here.Ten years later, my ancient vehicle still has
a Pine Point Beach parking pass plastered on the bumper to take my family here
during the summer (they let dogs run off leash here, the really wonderful
attraction).Pine Point abuts Black
Point, where the prestigious Black Pont Inn sits – a high end getaway in a
beautiful spot if you are seeking a luxury vacation.
All in all, a pleasant community.We lived here for three years and nothing but
fond memories…
We got back up to Maine over Easter made a trip down memory lane, returning to Scarborough and driving past the old homestead. This left us very near the Len Libby retail outlet, one of the best hand made chocolate stores around. Part of our motivation was to see whether or not our daughter recalled visits here to gawk at the store’s major attraction, Lenny.
Lenny is a 1,700-pound chocolate moose sculpture! He was unveiled when we lived here and instantly became a local icon. A secondary reason for our return was simply to learn if Lenny was still around. Incredibly, Lenny had just celebrated his eleventh birthday (sealed off and preserved by ‘confectioner’s glaze’ per one of the attendants at the store). To celebrate his birthday, Lenny was even presented with a couple of chocolate bears to keep him company.
It was very cool to see our old friend had endured (Spencer didn’t remember him at all), as well as an opportunity to buy some of their wares! I can only vouch for their sugar-free offerings, but it is always high praise from anyone sampling their chocolates and you will be amazed at the variety of unique shapes they craft. So if you happen to be on Route 1 just south of Portland, making a stop at Len Libby’s to stock up on sugar and getting introduced to Lenny is a must!
Do they really have "hand made chocolate stores" back on the east coast? Seems that store would get licked to the point of collapse in no time flat! And I'd help do it! :)
