Accommodations are clean, quiet and comfortable. Mary Williams , the owner and your hostess will make you feel right at home with her warmth. She’ll also make you want to wake up early for her mouth-watering breakfast offerings. Gourmet buttermilk pancakes and fruit sauces, savory egg and vegetable dishes, tasty sausages and bacon, bowls of fresh fruit, and homemade breads served with excellent coffee, tea or juice will give you the fuel for the day to set foot out the door.

Another key benefit to staying at the Milliken House is that once you park in the easily to find parking in back, you need not drive again while here. Eastport is a very walkable community and the Milliken House is just up the street from the Eastport Arts Center and a few blocks from the thriving downtown on Water Street. National Historic Waterfront District contains a number of art galleries, eateries, including Greek and Tex-mex fare, an art museum. But don’t think this is simply a touristy town as you’ll also find the town’s post office, thrift store, chamber of commerce office, and working waterfront there, too.

Laura Baker, proprietor and chef, has done it right. She opened the cafe with a humble but strong menu of simply wonderful dishes. Classics, including souvlaki, spanikopita, gyros, and baklava, provided delicious alternatives to seafood and several options for vegetarians. As their following has grown, so has the menu and the hours. Now serving breakfasts including Greek yogurt pancakes or Eggs Benedict with a homemade hollandaise sauce that might make you want to move here. Not everything on the menu is Greek, but it is all fresh, sourced locally when possible, and made right here. On the regular menu you’ll find mouth-watering choices such as Tsatziki with pita bread triangles, true Greek Salad with chunks of feta cheese, or Dolmathes. Depending on when you visit, the daily special could be Fassolatha, or Greek Bean Soup, or Avgolemnon, a chicken and lemon soup, homemade Greek break, or locally-sourced lamb burgers. If you have room for dessert, you’ve got choices there, too, between Baklava, Galaktabouriko, or other specialties Laura has whipped up.

The atmosphere is clean, bright and cozy. The cafe is family-run and the service excellent and friendly, and the prices very reasonable and a superb value. You can even order a meal to go, so there isn’t a reason why you shouldn’t get your Greek on. Check the Liberty Cafe out on Facebook or give them a call at (207) 853-2080.

Written by Gail McGlamery

Mindy and Richard Gullen have created a welcoming little enclave in part of what was once, in its mid-century heyday, the busy Berman Mall. You can wake up to the locals chatting away about the last City Council meeting, join in on debates over crossword puzzle answers, or just enjoy some quiet time, pairing your cappuccino or cafe latte with one of their homemade pastries.

Dick’s also features a changing array of artwork on the walls from area artists, for enjoyment as well as purchase. You can pick up a copy of the local paper for information on the latest events or just ask Richard or Mindy. In addition to being masters of liquid velvet, they are well plugged-in to the local arts scene and can be found, if you’re lucky, as the musicians at local venues.

Written by Gail McGlamery

New York provides a plethora of cultural events – Broadway shows, numerous art centers and concerts tempt tourists and locals every day. It can be exhilarating, as well as tiring to get the most of New York. Bankers, tourists and people from all over the world make the city as buzzing as it is. Flying to New York does not mean New York is the limit – especially if you are a fan of idyllic scenery and traditional American lifestyle and history. For those, wishing to experience a taste of real American life, the city of Eastport is the perfect solution.

Conveniently located near the Canadian border, Eastport has plenty to offer. Eastport is inhabited by a number of artists, writers and public figures, who add to the city’s eccentric, yet homely atmosphere. If your cheap flights package did not include accommodation – well – this is great news. Eastport is full of charming little Bed & Breakfasts, family-owned hotels and economical accommodation for the whole family. There are also a few luxury spots, for those who like to holiday in style.

Eastport is the easternmost city in the United States, and the ocean and surrounding nature are simply incomparable to anywhere else in the country. Incorporated back in 1893, the city’s local history museum offers a unique collection of traditional American memorabilia. The downtown includes 29 structures on the National Historic Register, and the one of a kind architecture makes a great contrast with the remarkable vistas of sea and islands.

Traditional American food are all available within walking distance from the city’s main streets. Many eateries offer locally caught seafood, for an enriched gastronomic experience. Picturesque natural landscapes surround the city, providing relaxation and inspiration. Activities, such as kayaking, whale-watching, fishing and hiking are easy to organize, and are a great way to experience a unique, active holiday. The city is for the romantic souls too – there are a number of idyllic rocky beaches, perfect for spending quality time with a loved one.

You can also hire a fishing boat and explore the surrounding islands or go deep-water fishing. There is a farmers’ market every Saturday, where you can find local produce and experience the peaceful lifestyle of the Eastport residents.

Eastport is an exclusive location, offering an unforgettable holiday for everyone, who wishes to experience more from their American holiday. Whereas areas, such as New York, LA and Las Vegas and very commercial and mainstream, a holiday to Eastport can guarantee you a vacation that not many have experienced. Eastport is a flourishing city; its inhabitants are friendly and eager to share their city with tourists. Make sure you get the most out of your cheap flight deal to New York, and experience the hidden gem of America.

The popularity of ocean cruises is soaring and as the competition rises, the prices fall which is great news for the budding tourist. The USA is home to a number cruise ports. So many cruises start from Florida coast and advance towards a number of places within the Caribbean. New England, USA is also a hugely popular starting point – they tend to head the wonderful ports along the coast of Mexico, along with the tropical islands of the Western and the Eastern Caribbean and South America.

Cruises come in many types. They are categorized on the basis of number of people going, their luxury features, whether or not the cruise is for relaxation or adventure purposes. They are differentiated by their size, capacity and age. Naturally the price can differ greatly so bear all this in mind when choosing the company for your ocean cruise.

The weather can also play a huge part in your cruise. Generally people go cruising in summers and winters only, guaranteeing the weather they’ve been dreaming about. And with so many operators these days, ocean cruises are reaching every corner of the world. But without doubt the favorite destinations are Alaska, Bermuda, Hawaii, Eastern, the Southern and the Western Caribbean. But if you want to go cruising at much cheaper rates then looking mid-season is a great option. If you plan your trip in early spring, the demand is at its lowest, and promotions are found everywhere.

Cruises ships area intricately designed by globally renowned architects. They are crafted to offer immense pleasure and great luxury. They are specifically carved for people who love traveling. Think of your ship as a floating 5 star hotel – complete with different bars, restaurants and clubs. There are endless areas to keep you entertained, often including tennis courts and swimming pools, movie theaters, even opera or ice-skating!

Building on the popular themed cruises for romance fans or singles, niche market cruises for people like book lovers, wine aficionados, adventurers and sports enthusiasts are gaining steam. Once a slow time in the cruise industry, more people are choosing to leave the worries of home behind and take a holiday cruise. Another trend is offering more for your kids. Ships have expanded from day care type services and games to nature programs, language classes and port excursions.

So no matter what your preferences or budget is, you can find an ocean cruise to suit your needs. Prepare yourself for a trip of a lifetime.

Although comprised of six sprawling states, I soon discovered that the region has a distinct beauty throughout which is exactly as picturesque as I had imagined. The land where the Pilgrims first landed and settled back in the 1620’s, New England still exudes a timelessness which suggests what it might have been like all those years ago. Quaint towns like Mystic and Providence are home to the ‘picket fence and pinafore’ appeal for which the region is famous, the recreated farm village in Providence looking like something straight out of The Waltons, complete with a working general store selling eighteenth century style goods. Our tour manager was incredibly knowledgeable, and the Escorted Tour itinerary covered a host of really special places.

The New Hampshire wilderness was incredible, with the views over the White Mountain region revealing classic expanses of unspoilt landscape. We also got a good look at Mt Washington, and indulged in some Montpelier Maple Syrup tasting.

All our train and coach transport was booked and sorted: one of the key advantages of an Escorted Tour. Transport is certainly important, as the beauty of a journey across New England is as much in the getting there as the destination. Views from the train window were spectacular as we crossed into Vermont, the whole landscape vibrant with color. Maple trees alight with the coppery tones of fall huddled en route, the entire landscape a rich tapestry of auburns and gold which were positively swoon-worthy.

Maine was next, the largest of the New England states. Glacial lakes, dense forest and unpopulated expanses sprawl back from a rocky coast which measures a massive 3500 miles and is dotted with magical lighthouses and islands to the north, including the charming Eastport, the eastern most point of the USA. Standing on the rocky headland looking out over the immense sprawl of the Atlantic I felt like a true literary heroine (Jo March eat your heart out).

Once downtown, you can stand in view of the water and judge whether tide is high or low, just for the sake of knowing. Stop in the new Moose Island Bakery for a cup of coffee and a fabulous pastry; the kind that requires time to slowly savor it. In a chair on their patio you can watch the activity at the breakwater that could include lobster boats unloading their catch or folks fishing off the pier.

If you pick up a copy of the latest Quoddy Tides you can read about regional happenings that can range from fisheries information to local church raffles, news from nearby Canadian Maritime islands, or Nettie Thurston’s latest recipe ideas for the latest seasonal fruit or vegetable. You might want to finish your coffee while window-shopping along Water Street in the numerous galleries and antique store windows, look for bargains at the thrift store, check out the Passamaquoddy model at the visitor center or marvel at the variety of eateries. At the far end of Water Street you can visit the Peavey Library that features a sunny reading room with comfortable chairs where you can peruse a variety of magazines or a book of your choosing from the stacks. Before you know it, it is lunch time. Which cafe looked enticing today?

Written by Gail McGlamery

There is a wide variety of wildflowers on display at this time of year that offer an entire palette of color. Perhaps what makes the Lupines so intriguing is the colorful variety they display on their own. Purple tends to be the dominant color but spikes of fuchsia, pink, lavender and near-white also punctuate the patches of flowers found in fields, hillsides, roadside clearings, and open lots. If you are lucky enough to also be down-wind of a grouping of the tall and showy flowers, you will also be treated to a softly sweet fragrance.

As members of the plant family Fabaceae, Lupine have lots of relatives in the floral world throughout America, including the well-known Bluebonnets from Texas. The flowers are held on tall spikes, sometimes more than a foot in length that are lifted by the plant to waist- or chest-high. Once the blooming is over, seeds are produced in long, bean-like pods on the plant. They easily reseed themselves for next year’s show.

Written by Gail McGlamery

The thing about life way Downeast is that we all know absolutely that an individual or a small group of friends working together can make a difference that will benefit the entire community. Stop anyone who lives in Eastport, and they will give you examples of this magic. The arts center, the childrens’ string program, the art scene, the food pantry, were all born from the small dreams and mighty effort of the people of Eastport, Maine.

And so it was that The Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra (PBSO) was born. When the season begins in the spring, musicians gather on Thursday evenings at the Eastport Arts Center to practice. Conductor and music director Trond Saeverud (also concert master of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra) leads the community orchestra, an artistic collaboration of musicians from Washington County, Maine, and Charlotte County, New Brunswick, which celebrates its third anniversary this spring.

The orchestra’s mission has grown in its short lifetime. As usual, several PBSO concert series will be given throughout the year, on both sides of the international border. They have arranged three orchestra weekends for the Summer Keys music program in Lubec. They will play a concert for the Machias Bay Chamber Concerts series this summer. As a means of outreach to students and a wider audience, a quintet has been formed which can perform at smaller venues, including libraries and schools.

PBSO begins its 2010 season with a series of concerts in Eastport and Machias, Maine, and St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Concerts will be held at the Eastport Arts Center on Saturday, April 24, at 7 p.m.; at the University of Maine at Machias Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 1, at 7 p.m.; and at the Van Horne Ballroom of the Algonquin Hotel, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, on Sunday, May 9, at 2 p.m. (Atlantic Time).

The program will include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, described by orchestra member and PBSO board member Helen Swallow as “very Beethoven: stirring, then cheerful and lyrical, dramatic and sometimesthunderous.”

The orchestra will be joined by trumpet player Ray Phillips of the Farmington Community Orchestra to play Proclamation, a contemporary composition by Ernest Bloch. “It is short and shiny and gorgeous,” says Swallow.

The third piece in the concert was written by PBSO conductor Trond Saeverud’s grandfather, Harald Saeverud, a beloved and revered composer in Norway. They will play his Sinfonia Dolorosa, written in a time heavily influenced by the German Occupation of Norway during World War II. Trond Saeverud conducted the Bangor Symphony playing this work last year.

Tickets to the concerts are $10 per person or $20 for families and are available at the door.

For more information, refer to http://www.eastportartscenter.com/constituents/passamaquoddy-bay-symphony-orchestra/ or to the orchestra’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pbsorchestra.

One of the highlights of the Eastport celebration is the arrival of a U.S. Navy ship to Eastport’s port, a tradition going back to 1905. This year, the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate U.S.S. De Wert will make the call to help folks celebrate Independence Day. Free tours of the vessel will be available to all.

The De Wert is named for Hospitalman Richard De Wert, who was killed in Korea in 1951 and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism while serving with the 7th Marines.

You’ll also be treated to another fireworks show, this one over the bay on July 4 (can’t have an Independence Day without lots of fireworks!), as well as the Grand Independence Parade, an antique auto show and plenty of water sports, games and contests for the whole family.

Overlook Park will be the site of a range of free entertainment, much of it geared for the kids. Everything from cupcake-decorating contests to pet shows will be held.

And several races for children are also set, with prizes going to the victors.

The event is the largest of its kind in Maine, bringing together Americans and Canadians. It isn’t just a celebration of America’s independence, either, but a memorial service to those who have given their lives for freedom.

Eastport welcomes visitors who want to come out and celebrate. Click on http://www.eastport4th.com/ to find out more.