Natural Resources Council of Maine Wade Street Augusta, Maine 0 0- 17 NON-PROFIT U.S.-POSTAGE P A I D PORTLAND, ME PERMIT NO. 454 CHECK YOUR LABEL! Please call NRCM with address corrections or duplicate mailings! T This special edition of Explore Maine is so packed with ways to enjoy our great state that we expanded it to eight pages! In honor of the 0th anniversary of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway—the issue upon which the Natural Resources Council of Maine was founded—you’ll find an in-depth article highlighting the hard work and the individuals who made it happen, as well as NRCM’s special role in that effort. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of Acadia National Park, another of Maine’s unique gems. To keep with that theme—special places that are federally protected, owned by the people of the United States—NRCM staff, board, and fellow members share with you their experiences and tips for exploring Maine’s national wildlife refuges, wilderness areas, Acadia National Park, and the lands proposed for a new national monument. And don’t forget to download our app (see page 7). As always, you’ll also find books, blogs, sporting camps—this year, even sporting gear!—and more ways to celebrate Maine. Be sure to start your planning now, and enjoy all of what Maine’s summer has to offer.—Allison Childs Wells, Editor Places to Explore, Books by NRCM Members, and Much More SPECIAL EDITION EXPLORE MAINE TUMBLEDOWN MOUNTAIN BY BILL AMOS WINNER OF OUR “I LOVE OUR MAINE LANDS” PHOTO CONTEST WHAT’S INSIDE: Are you an author? Artist? Musician? Nature-based business owner? If so, we invite you to send us information about your work so we can make it available on our website and perhaps feature it in next year’s edition of Explore Maine. Get Outdoors with NRCM Active Apparel!»»» We’ve partnered with Atayne, an outdoor active apparel company committed to sustainability that is the brainchild of NRCM Rising member Jeremy Litchfield. isit our customi ed online store to choose your t-shirt style, then your design, color, and outdoor activity: “Explore Maine,” “Hike Maine,” “Paddle Maine,” or “SUP Maine.” Your very own custom NRCM t-shirt will be on its way! Just launched: NRCM bicycling jerseys (at right)! All products are made from recycled materials, and from every purchase is donated to NRCM. rder your customi ed NRCM outdoor apparel today at http://nrcm.atayne.com Maine’s National Wildlife Refuges & Wilderness Areas Protecting the Allagash Sporting Camp Discounts for NRCM Members Hand-crafted Passamaquoddy Baskets Become an NRCM member and receive our Explore Maine publication chock full of recommended reads and other tips to help you enjoy Maine this summer! Best of all, you’ll be helping protect the Maine you love. “NRCM Environment” You’ll find more than 200special places to explore. Discover them for yourself! Available on iTunes and Google Play or visit the Explore Maine map at www.nrcm.org Become an NRCM member “NRCM Environment” You’ll find more than 200 to explore. Discover them for yourself! Available on iTunes and Google Play or visit the Explore Maine map at www.nrcm.org Looking for places to hike, bike, swim, paddle, and more? DOWNLOAD OUR FREE APP! PHOTO CREDIT: BILL AMOS s u m m e r g u i d e 2 0 1 7 1 4 5 ous, Town Landing Market in Falmouth will present you with a deliciously succu- lent pile of fresh crab meat to silence even the most resolute lobster purists. Late riSer In 2014, The Washington Post described brunch as “the most delicious–and divi- sive–meal in America,” citing the genera- tion gap and cultural snobbery as factors in the respective delight and derision felt to- ward the fashionable ‘new’ mealtime since diners started ‘discovering’ it again. Poli- tics aside, Maine has a wealth of eating op- tions to kick-start your day. Loyal locals flock to the diminutive Palace Diner in Biddeford for some of the best fried chicken and French toast around, served inside a re- claimed chrome train car. News that owner Chad Conley will soon open Rose Foods, a bagel shop and Jewish-style deli in the for- mer site of Brealu Cafe on Forest Avenue, has Portland foodies buzzing. Impress or irritate your local friends by visiting the deli before they do this summer. Just a short walk from Monument Square, Isa Bistro is easily overlooked for its location on Portland Street, one of the roads less traveled by tourists in the city. The black-and-white floor tiling and scat- tered bistro tables lend Isa a cosmopolitan European feel, though the menu is diverse and seasonal, inspired by chef Isaul Per- ez’s mix of French and Italian training and Mexican heritage. Book a table for Saturday morning and enjoy a plate of zesty huevos rancheros with a steaming cup of Tandem coffee. Once the bill is paid, you’re only a a aga ine pr ides ne kind insight ut s e ti es its g d t ll l al su ntra t rs t see hats great r lun h. i tured Benn s n er ial treet.