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Watery Commute

A student from Belfast, Maine, shares her experience of a daily commute by ferry to attend the Islesboro Central School’s magnet program for mainland students in grades 5-12.

Built for a Louisiana hotelier and his wife, the jaw-dropping rooms of Portland’s Victoria Mansion constitute the first and only extant interior by 19th-century design star Gustave Herter. Today, more than 150 years after it was built, the mansion retains 90 percent of its original furnishings and grants a rare look at 19th-century design.

Ties That Bind

Rope’s history in Maine is as long as the coastline that once housed the long buildings, known as ropewalks, where lines for fishing boats and sailing vessels were made. Like sail lofts and chandleries, ropewalks were a necessary part of any seaport, yet few of the buildings remain today. Writer Laurie Schreiber explains why.

Resilient Shellfish

Maine has a thriving oyster growing industry. Until recently most of these oysters were raised from commercial seed. As the industry has grown and coastal water temperatures have inched up, cultured oysters have begun to multiply on their own, particularly in the brackish waters of the Damariscotta River.

Modern Rustic

An architect designs an efficient yet elegant one-story home where his parents can enjoy their retirement.

Architectural Sparkle: Lowe Hardware

Founded by Bill Lowe of Owls Head, Maine, who started out making special metal fittings for yachts, Lowe Hardware has expanded into the high-end custom hardware home market. The company makes doorknobs, pulls, hinges, cabinet handles, and even fittings for furniture, in finishes that range from shiny or rough bronze to gold-plated brass or nickel.

Stellar Art

She may be 99, but Stell Shevis, master enamellist and life-long artist, continues to look for new experiences and creative outlets.

The Maine I Love - Nate Levesque

While Nate Levesque has a day-job at the law firm of Eaton Peabody, his true love is photography. Levesque, who graduated from Hampden Academy and the University of Maine, acquired a professional-grade digital camera soon after college and began teaching himself how to use it. A hiker and lover of the outdoors, he sought to capture the scenes that meant so much to him. A few years ago he became interested in shooting the night sky, particularly at Acadia National Park.

Roll Or Die

Paul Molyneaux and his son build a skin-on-frame kayak as a home-schooling project and learn deeper lessons about the balance of power between man and nature.

MJM Yachts: MJM 50z Zing

The MJM 50z not only boasts a classic downeast look and smart design; it also takes offshore performance to a new level. Designer Doug Zurn’s modified deep-V hull provides a snappy helm response and a dry ride, even in steep seas.