July 2016

We look forward to it every year: our Best of Maine feature, which begins on page 110. It’s a staple summer tradition for mags like ours, but for us, it’s more than that. It’s a chance to pause our hectic lives, take stock of the place we love, and remind ourselves what’s great about living here by calling out some of our favorite things — food trucks to florists to fishing lakes.

In that same spirit, I offer a few of my personal bests from the last year, drawn from my experiences exploring our state. Just another year in paradise, to paraphrase the denizens of Kezar Lake, whom Virginia M. Wright profiles in this issue, beginning on page 94.

• Meeting Mainers in Arizona: I had the good fortune to take a vacation out West and visit a few national parks. At the Grand Canyon, a man wearing a Sea Dogs cap struck up a conversation. Days later, we summited Mount Lemmon in Tucson and settled into a tiny restaurant, where I overheard the next table talking about Boothbay. I asked where they were from, and sure enough, they were from Port Clyde. Mainers make community no matter where we are.

• Fort Knox State Historic Site: Absolutely enchanting for any age — and a great history lesson for my 4-year-old. It’s a must-stop for families and history buffs passing over the Penobscot Narrows Bridge this summer.

• L.L.Bean: My daughter has become obsessed with L.L.Bean. It’s one of the first words she learned to read (on account of it’s on a lot of labels around our house), and she now insists on visiting every time we’re at my parents’ place in Freeport. The sleepless night that my dad and I spent walking my sick baby around the store until after 3 a.m. has mellowed into a lovely memory.

• Hiking the Precipice Trail at Acadia National Park: A certain editor on our staff (looking in your direction, Ms. Wright) assured me this hike was not difficult. Well, this slightly afraid-of-heights gal found it a terrifying challenge — and, of course, ultimately rewarding. For that, I credit the great company (most of our editorial team) and the dizzying (but breathtaking) views of the Atlantic.

• An ice cream sundae at The Waterfront restaurant in Camden: I have saved the best for last. The kid in me is so happy every time I order this decadent and delicious treat. Which is often. And I swear the view of Camden Harbor makes it taste even sweeter.

Here’s wishing you another beautiful summer of discoveries in Maine. — Kathleen Fleury