The Mystery Maine Meetup!
posted June 16, 2013 1:44 PM   RSS | iCal | +googleCal

Mon June 24 at 6:30 PM, Novare Res Bier Cafe
4 Canal Plaza, Portland, ME, USA (Map & Directions)
Husband and myself will be visiting Down-east Maine for a the week starting on the 18th (we'll be near Augusta, in a cabin in the woods, but we're okay with visiting Portland and the like.) We would like to meet up with Maine/New England Mefites and also get tips/suggestions/recs on "Spooky New England" stuff, mystery spots, haunted houses, tourist traps, roadside attractions, fun fairs, etc. Let's all meet and talk!
posted by The Whelk to Meetup (36 comments total) 3 users marked this as a favorite

Hurray! If there's a Portland meet-up, I would very much like to join you!

To collect some of the links I tweeted earlier: I suggest you check out Strange Maine for ideas. For example, one of the entries there links to this Phoenix article about tunnels (rumored and actual) under Portland's streets and buildings*. Also check out The Green Hand, a used bookstore owned by Michelle Souliere, one of the contributors to the Strange Maine blog. Stop by the shop on Congress Street in downtown Portland and A) see if you can pick up the most recent Strange Maine gazette; B) if Michelle's in, ask her for other spooky/mysterious/haunted/unexplained spots and stories in the area; C) check out the fantastic assortment of books. And of course, there's the Cryptozoology Museum. I haven't been yet, so if you're looking for company, drop me an email.
posted by Elsa at 2:01 PM on June 16, 2013


Dang, this is the FIRST time I've ever seen an Augusta Maine meetup. I should tell you, however, that if you're staying near Augusta you are nowhere near Down East -- gotta go way farther north. :)

My favorite Maine roadside attraction, located between Augusta and Portland. Their gift shop is old-school to die for.
posted by JanetLand at 2:09 PM on June 16, 2013 [1 favorite]


Ack! I botched that first link and missed the edit window: of course, it's Strange Maine.
posted by Elsa at 2:10 PM on June 16, 2013


Janet, if we meet up in Augusta, where? Or, Bath isn't too far, and is nice to visit. Haven't visited the Cryptozoology Museum, but I'm confident it's worth visiting. Plus, meeting The Whelk, and Mr. The Whelk! The 18th is Tuesday, let's get planning.
posted by theora55 at 2:18 PM on June 16, 2013


I have no precexisting plans so I am fine with ..whatever wherever.

Hugh kitsch and camp however, is always welcome.
posted by The Whelk at 2:35 PM on June 16, 2013


Wellll, best places in Augusta to meet up are actually in Hallowell. The Liberal Cup, say, or Slates.

However, farther south could be fine. I have a love for Richard's in Brunswick. Or if people want to tour an attraction together, Augusta does have a nice museum. Or the desert or creepy cryptozoology could work.
posted by JanetLand at 3:11 PM on June 16, 2013


I'm actually a huge fan of Hallowell cause of the Liberal Cup, so I could be down for that.

But yeah, desert or museum. I submit to the whims of the residents.
posted by The Whelk at 3:12 PM on June 16, 2013


Seconding Desert of Maine. Also recommending the Maine State Prison Showroom.

Lipstick Thespian I will do our best to join you depending on when this falls exactly...I have work next weekend but we can try. We can get to Portland pretty easily and any points south of there.
posted by Miko at 4:45 PM on June 16, 2013


There is some leeway with dates cause we have a car and a gentleman's agreement regarding the actual in-habitation of said Cabin In The Woods. So basically the 18th to the 30th give or take. But yes I'd like to meet the most amount of people in the easiest possible local.
posted by The Whelk at 4:49 PM on June 16, 2013


I'm available Sundays through Thursdays, and I could dig hanging out in Augusta/Hallowell if a meetup falls on one of those days. If people want to go Down East, I hear there are beautiful azalea gardens at Northeast Harbor. I've been meaning to take a trip there this month.
There is also a town about twenty minutes west of Augusta called Belgrade, where you can rent kayaks and whatnot.
posted by jwhite1979 at 8:16 AM on June 17, 2013


We're actually househunting and moving by the end of the month so I put maybe for us. Otherwise would extend an invite here to our place on the lake, but mess and stress have gotten the best of me! Also the road is a washboard of the jaw snapping kind.

But if you do go to Belgrade, it's a very pleasant drive through scenic countryside, and go to the Village Inn, where the owner will personally come to your table and shake up your martini for you. Their specialty is duck, and I guess you can also mail order ducks from them. Great views.

Waterfront BBQ in downtown Augusta is good, you want to dry the Maine made Cold River gin there (last time I was in all they had was the blueberry, but very tasty).

South of Augusta on 202, in Winthrop, past the downtown area, is Fast Eddies drive in. You can sit in your car and get a milkshake and burger, or go inside and sit next to the giant Betty Boop and James Dean statues. Food is very good, service is excellent, and not too pricey. It's next to the pet food store that has a giant cow on the sign (used to be a steak house years ago).

Downtown Winthrop has a little farmer's market in the grade school parking lot on Saturday mornings. Corner of Highland and Main, take a right by the Hannaford off 202 and go down a couple of blocks, it will be on the left. There is also a resale shop downtown that I think has men's clothes, next to the Big Apple book store. Going down Main, if you turn right after the post office and keep going a few blocks, you run into Lake Maranacook and there is a great little park there with benches.

I *think* Wholesome Holmstead Farms is still doing their fresh garden outdoor pizza oven night on Mondays. You can call ahead and find out (they also sell stuff at the farmer's market). They are off 202 before you get to Winthrop, Route 135, turn right by the State Police Supply place and go down till you see the sign on the right.

All of these things are about 20 minutes or less from Augusta, maybe you've been in the area down by Manchester and Winthrop before, but it's all very pretty right now, green and lots of flowers.

In Portland, I believe Bubba's Sulky Lounge does a retro disco night on Fridays. Have not been, but know people who have (they turn up on my FB wearing strange wigs and bell bottoms).

Will try to get to whatever people decide on, but just some suggestions for your stay!!!
posted by Marie Mon Dieu at 2:27 PM on June 17, 2013 [1 favorite]


Having talked to the SO..tentatively thursday after work at the Liberal Cup?
posted by The Whelk at 7:38 PM on June 17, 2013


I can do that, sure.
posted by JanetLand at 5:37 AM on June 18, 2013


Ahhh for some reason my iPad is making this thread hang horribly so responding or editing is tough - apologies, I'll see what I can do to confirm dates/times later this morning.
posted by The Whelk at 3:02 AM on June 19, 2013


Okay - talked it over with SO - Portland - Monday the 24th at the old Mefite standby The Novare Res Bier Cafe work for people? Around 5:30?
posted by The Whelk at 5:09 AM on June 19, 2013


*sigh* I knew it wouldn't turn out to be an Augusta meetup! :)

But yes, I can be there, although not until after 6, because I don't get off work until 5 and I gotta drive from Augusta. ;)
posted by JanetLand at 5:25 AM on June 19, 2013


We are a thin possibility. It's hard on a weeknight. If we don't make it up, have a great time though!
posted by Miko at 5:44 AM on June 19, 2013


I can make it on Monday at Novare Res! If The Fella isn't on deadline, I'll bring him along.
posted by Elsa at 9:22 AM on June 19, 2013


I have never been to a meetup and will be there on Monday unless work runs late! Looking forward to it!!
posted by unreasonable at 12:14 PM on June 19, 2013


So, tomorrow it is! I expect to be at Novare Res at 5:30. For those of us who haven't met, this may help us find each other: I'll probably be wearing a purple sleeveless dress, and I'll have a bright blue (not quite Metafilter blue) wrap with me, either on me or on the table. If a photo will help, there's one on my Twitter avatar. (I may not be wearing glasses tomorrow.)

If The Fella joins us, we'll be even easier to spot: look for the tallish gray-haired woman and the BIG TALL fella with the salt-and-pepper beard.

It looks like rain tomorrow, so I'm wondering if we should get a table inside rather than staking out the lovely deck... and then it occurred to me that I don't know if I've ever been inside at Novare Res. Does anyone know the lay-out; will it be easy to grab a table big enough and close enough to the entrance for newcomers to spot each other?
posted by Elsa at 11:46 AM on June 23, 2013


Inside is dark but has 3 or 4 long tables. Basically you go inside, blink at the darkness, and the tables start with the short end of the first one at your right. I can't remember if it's two rows of tables or only one.
posted by JanetLand at 1:58 PM on June 23, 2013


Thanks, JanetLand! Trestle tables make it easy to be sure we can all sit together without having the first arrival single-handedly stake out a huge table.

Of course, it's possible that it will be beautiful tomorrow, so we can pick inside or outside based on the weather. See you all then!
posted by Elsa at 3:07 PM on June 23, 2013


Weather permitting, I'm planning on biking over to Portland to join in the meet-uppingness.
posted by mikepop at 6:18 AM on June 24, 2013


My car, referenced in this Ask MeFi about how terrible VWs are

http://ask.metafilter.com/241582/VW-YN

Died on Friday and hubs has band practice tonight. But if we can work it out, I will be there! It's perfect weather for drinking outside!
posted by suki at 8:24 AM on June 24, 2013


Suki I can swing by and we can ride over together if your bicycle is up and running :)
posted by mikepop at 9:43 AM on June 24, 2013


I think I will be back from my meeting in Biddeford to make 630 pm. Thanks to Elsa for noting this in the MM thread, or I never would have seen it. Looking forward to seeing all of you!
posted by anastasiav at 10:26 AM on June 24, 2013


This is shaping up nicely! We're about to leave, which means I won't see more updates. See you at Novare Res! If the weather holds, The Fella and I will be out on the deck. I'm wearing a purple dress & carrying a blue wrap, he's wearing a Red Sox jersey. See you all soon!
posted by Elsa at 2:04 PM on June 24, 2013


We hete on the deck!
posted by The Whelk at 3:03 PM on June 24, 2013


Heading out now and should be there around 7. Shoot me an email if you change bars!
posted by mikepop at 3:31 PM on June 24, 2013


Running late, as usual, but on my way.
posted by theora55 at 3:42 PM on June 24, 2013


Weve moved inside
posted by The Whelk at 4:14 PM on June 24, 2013


I am full of beer and good cheer, good job everyone!
posted by The Whelk at 7:10 PM on June 24, 2013 [1 favorite]


Well met, team! Good to see/meet everyone. See you next time!
posted by Elsa at 10:38 PM on June 24, 2013


I just want to say what a wonderful time I had and thank The Whelk & Mr. The Whelk for making an opportunity for us all to get together. I believe the final total was The Whelks, Elsa & her fella, MikePop, theora55, JanetLand, and MikePop. As great as Metafilter is on The Internets it is always better in person.
posted by anastasiav at 6:22 AM on June 25, 2013


Yes, it was great to get together as always!
posted by mikepop at 8:41 AM on June 25, 2013


Great fun! Worth the drive! A+++++
posted by JanetLand at 1:49 PM on June 25, 2013



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