WANT YOUR BUSINESS OR EVENT LISTED HERE? REACH OUT TO [email protected]
HAVE YOU HEARD OF THIS PLACE?
It’s a fairly new business to Gardiner that sounds very unique. It’s a neighborhood bookstore, community space and bar! They have nightly programming like trivia night, karaoke and a variety of game nights like board games and co op interactive games.
And they’re getting great reviews too. Here’s what some people had to say:
“Best new business in G-Town! A welcoming space that offers so much more than spirits . Books, live music, art, karaoke, gaming, trivia, and so much more! Stop in for good vibes and great people.”
“Love this place! Great atmosphere. Super fun. Delicious beers and a ton of books! They have various theme nights during the week as well. The folks who run it are awesome. Gardiner needed place like this.”
“Love the decor and the friendly atmosphere! Great place to just hang out! Also nightly activities like game night and trivia. Wonderful addition to downtown.”
“Man, what a cool vibe and addition to our gorgeous downtown area! Come in for a drink and stay for the atmosphere and conversation. The owners are so friendly and welcoming, the decor is very moody and fun. I look forward to watching this place grow into a staple of our community.”
NEW BUSINESS ALERT
THE SIGNATURE SHOPPE IS COMING TO HALLOWELL
Think of this as your local Etsy shop, but with a storefront. Custom apparel, personalized gifts, school spirit wear, Maine souvenirs & unique finds. Locally owned! They are finishing up and will be opening soon! Stay tuned for an opening date. https://www.facebook.com/thesignatureshoppe/
PLUM BAKERY IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS - GARDINER
THANKSGIVING PRE ORDERS ARE NOW OPEN FROM NOW UNTIL 11/20.
They are open Sat and Sun 10-2PM. Check em out here: https://www.plumbakery.me/store
MAINE OUTDOORS
The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife confirms these dates for hunting season
Statewide muzzleloader deer Nov. 30–Dec. 5
Additional muzzleloader districts. Dec. 7–12
Expanded archery deer. Through Dec. 12 in designated areas
ARE YOU A LICENSED TRAPPER?
or a graduate of a trapper education course? If so, here are some classes to take it a step further and increase your skills and confidence in fur handling.
NEWS & INFORMATION
DICK’S GRAND OPENING IS THIS WEEKEND
COME CELEBRATE THEIR GRAND OPENING FROM NOV 13TH-15TH https://stores.dickssportinggoods.com/me/augusta/1687/
Click on the link above to get the coupon code and see their door buster deals.
The first 100 customers in line will recieve a free gift card. Every cards a winner and there’s even one $500!
There will be giveaways
And, Red Sox player Ceddanne Rafaela will be there Sat 14th from 12-1:30PM
THREE NEW CHICK-FIL-A RESTAURANTS COMING TO MAINE!
THEY WILL LOCATED IN BIDDEFORD, S.PORTLAND, AND AUBURN! These are set to open in early 2027.
READ MORE HERE
LOCAL TIDBITS
INTERESTING LOCAL NEWS AND GOVERNMENT DECISIONS
Hallowell: Six-month data center moratorium approved
On November 10, Hallowell city councilors unanimously approved a six-month ban on data center development. It's a timely local decision as Maine communities debate the potential impacts of large computing facilities.
Hallowell: Quarry Tap Room liquor license renewed
Following public discussion and a large turnout of supporters, city councilors approved renewal of the Quarry Tap Room's liquor license. Police had previously raised concerns about incidents associated with the establishment.
Jay: $550 million AI data center proposal advances
Developers seeking to redevelop the former paper mill have submitted environmental permit applications. Governor-elect Hannah Pingree has called for stronger regulations before Maine permits large data centers to proceed. A public meeting is expected next month.
NEED HEATING ASSISTANCE? HERE ARE SOME RESOURCES
DOWNTOWN AUGUSTA - CAPITOL HEIGHTS CENTER
SO, WHAT'S HAPPENING AT AUGUSTA'S FORMER KMART?
The nearly 8-acre property is being redeveloped as Capitol Heights Center, a proposed mixed-use destination featuring a 135-room hotel, apartments, restaurants, shops and other commercial spaces. Plans currently include 58 apartments in the initial development, with another 60 proposed for a future phase. Developers have begun recruiting businesses, and a national hotel brand was previously reported to be under contract. However, no specific retailers, restaurants or hotel brand have been publicly confirmed. READ MORE HERE
MAINE’S LARGEST INDOOR FLEA MARKET THIS WEEKEND
At the Augusta Civic Center. Nov 14 and 15th from 8-3PM.
Admission $5 for 13 & up, 12 and under are free
Food trucks, crafts, antiques and more!
HOLIDAY EVENTS
🎄 Maine Holiday Craft Fairs & Shows 2026
Shop local, discover handmade gifts, and support Maine artisans this holiday season!
November 14–15
Waterville — Nov. 14: Seton Village Craft Fair
Winslow — Nov. 14: Waterville Lions Club Holiday Craft Fair
Belgrade — Nov. 14: Belgrade Holiday Artisan Festival
Augusta — Nov. 14–15: Veterans Weekend Arts & Craft Show | Augusta Armory, 9 AM–4 PM
Portland — Nov. 14: Celtic Fair
Portland — Nov. 15: Maker's Market at the Point
November 20–22
Lewiston — Beginning Nov. 20: Kora FEZtival of Trees
Fayette — Nov. 21: FOSH Annual Holiday Craft Fair
Augusta — Nov. 21–22: KCCV's 6th Annual Holiday Craft Fair | Augusta Civic Center
Bangor — Nov. 21–22: Maine Harvest Festival
Topsham — Nov. 21–22: Made in Maine Craft Show
Augusta — Nov. 22: Holiday Ritual Market
Thanksgiving Weekend & December
Augusta — Nov. 28–29: 47th Annual Christmas in New England Craft Show | Augusta Civic Center, 9 AM–4 PM
Augusta — Dec. 12–13: Last Minute Christmas Arts & Craft Show | Augusta Armory, 9 AM–4 PM
Augusta — Dec. 19–20: Season Finale Craft Fair | Augusta Armory, 9 AM–4 PM
🎄 Maine Festival of Trees 2026
Get into the holiday spirit! Explore beautifully decorated Christmas trees, festive displays, raffles, and holiday activities at these Maine tree festivals.
Kennebec County
Fairfield — Nov. 20–22 & Nov. 27–29: Festival of Trees | Kennebec Valley Community College, Carter Hall. Decorated trees, gifts and raffles. Admission $2; ages 12 and under free.
Augusta — Nov. 27–29: River of Trees | 244 Water Street. More than 30 decorated trees with raffle prizes, benefiting the Augusta Downtown Alliance and Colonial Theater restoration.
Gardiner — Dec. 3–6: Johnson Hall's 9th Annual Festival of Trees | Johnson Hall Opera House, 280 Water Street. More than 40 decorated trees, visits with Santa and FREE admission!
Worth the Drive
Lewiston — Nov. 20–28: Kora Shrine FEZtival of Trees | 11 Sabattus Street. More than 60 decorated trees, a craft fair, visits with Santa, food and holiday activities. Admission $6; children under 12 free with a paying adult. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
Portland — Nov. 27–29 & Dec. 4–6: Portland Festival of Trees | 415 Congress Street. More than 30 decorated trees, a craft fair, raffles and silent auction. Admission $5; children under 12 free with an adult.
Saco — Nov. 27–Dec. 30: Saco Museum Festival of Trees | Saco Museum. The 22nd annual festival features themed Christmas trees, artwork, raffles and holiday displays. This year's theme is Merry and Bright.
Holiday Parades & Santa Sightings Across Maine 2026
The holidays are coming! From illuminated parades and visits with Santa to festive downtown celebrations, here are some Maine traditions worth putting on your calendar.
🎄 Kennebec County
Waterville — Nov. 28, 6 PM: Parade of Lights & Kringleville | Downtown Waterville. Illuminated floats welcome Santa and Mrs. Claus, followed by free visits at their holiday cottage in Castonguay Square.
Winthrop — Dec. 5, 3–5 PM: Holiday Parade, Santa Visit & Tree Lighting | Downtown Main Street. Parade at 3 PM, Santa visits at the Winthrop Historical Society, and tree lighting around 4:15 PM.
Gardiner — Dec. 3–6: Johnson Hall Festival of Trees | Johnson Hall Opera House. More than 40 decorated trees, photos with Santa, and free admission.
✨ Worth the Drive
Bath — Nov. 28, 3:45–5:30 PM: Santa's Arrival & Jingle Bell Walk | Library Park and downtown Bath. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at 4 PM, followed by a festive walk, cookies, cocoa and photos.
Freeport — Nov. 20–Dec. 20, select dates: L.L.Bean Northern Lights Santa Visits | Freeport. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus during scheduled weekend appearances. Special pet-friendly visits on Mondays.
Freeport — Dec. 4: Sparkle Celebration Parade of Lights | Downtown Freeport. A dazzling holiday parade ending with Santa bringing the famous Talking Christmas Tree to life.
Bangor — Dec. 5, 4:30 PM: Festival of Lights Parade | Downtown Bangor. Illuminated floats, performers and Santa's arrival. Weather date: Dec. 6.
Ellsworth — Dec. 5, 4 PM: Christmas Parade of Lights & Tree Lighting | Downtown Ellsworth. Themed holiday floats followed by the community tree lighting at City Hall.
Saco — Dec. 5, 5 PM: Holiday Festival & Parade of Lights | Main Street. A festive downtown parade with illuminated floats.
Kennebunkport — Dec. 3–13: Christmas Prelude | Downtown Kennebunkport. Holiday lights, parades, fireworks, caroling and the famous Santa arrival by lobster boat.
Ogunquit — Dec. 11–13: Christmas by the Sea | Ogunquit. Holiday parade, fireworks, tree lightings, bonfire and visits with Santa.
Carrabassett Valley — Dec. 12–13: Sugarloaf Tree Lighting Festival | Sugarloaf Mountain. Santa visits, music, holiday treats, mountain festivities and fireworks.
WEATHER SNAPSHOT
LOCAL EVENTS
THERE ARE SO MANY EVENTS HAPPENING AT VILES ARBORETUM INCLUDING DREW’S ANIMALS, WREATH MAKING, NIGHT ANIMAL WALKS, MEDICINAL PLANT WALKS AND SO MUCH MORE. HERE IS THE LINK TO STAY IN THE LOOP: https://vilesarboretum.org/experiences/events-programs
P.S. Looks like there is a mini photo shoot session happening here this weekend too. https://www.facebook.com/events/viles-arboretum/-holiday-mini-photography-sessions/2189432624937977/
Augusta
Nov 14th-15th: The Largest Flea Market @ Augusta Civic Center Sat & Sun 8-3PM
Nov 14th - 15th: Veterans Weekend Arts & Craft Show 9-4PM @ Augusta Armory
Waterville
Nov 13th-14th: Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical
FARTHER OUT EVENTS WORTH NOTING
Augusta
Feb 9th: Harlem Globetrotters: Rivalry Tour 7-9PM. Tickets are on sale now.
WORTH THE DRIVE
Freeport
Nov 21- Dec 24th: LLBean’s Northern Lights Events including lights, letters to Santa, photo ops, and so much more
Portland
Nov 20th: How the Grinch Stole Christmas @ Merrill Auditorium 6PM
Dec 11: Disney on Ice @ Cross Arena. 6PM
LOOK UP! SKY HAPPENINGS
The Leonid meteor shower peaks November 17–18. Under ideal dark skies, observers may see roughly 10–15 meteors per hour, although moonlight could reduce visibility this year.
The best time to watch is after midnight, especially in the hours before dawn. Head somewhere dark, dress warmly and give your eyes time to adjust. No telescope is needed
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