Well if you are stopping in Kittery, you might as well stop in York and go to the BIG Stonewall Kitchen store. It's is located right off of 95. I have only driven by, but have been thinking about taking a class or two. My boss recently stopped in for lunch and she said the restaurant was nice, and the shopping was great too. Hmm, let me think, let me think....
Yes, that view has been in our family since the Civil War, my grandpa used to go across the road and maintain the clearing that gave us a view of the lakes in New Hampshire. He also maintained the farm for all of his 97years. Sometimes my parents talk about selling the farm and it makes me sad, but then I think of all the work they do just to maintain it, and that helps me understand. They sometimes mention getting a house on a river or lake, it certainly wouldn't be the old farm, but they would be happy. Now understand they have "talked" about this many times over the past 6 yrs or so, since granpa passed. I think that time may be getting closer as this is the first year I can remember the barn swallows being shut out of the barns. My dad no longer wants to clean up after them. The oxen were sold two years ago, the last of the chickens died last year. At least I will always have the memories of growing up there, having my first kiss and marrying that same boy there. I will definatly support my parents' decision, but I will also definatly be sad to see the place go.

Thought a website might be helpful to those unfamiliar..

Here is a link that might be useful: stonewall kitchen

Well...Kittery is familiar to me, but Lush Bars are not. What are they, and where do you get them?

If you might be stopping for a light, casual lunch in Kittery, I'd suggest Beach Pea Bakery. It's located right over the Prescott Park bridge coming from Portsmouth - right next to the Golden Harvest Market. They have the best freshly baked breads - their Fougasse is legend around here, but you usually have to get there by noon for them, before they run out - and you can get made-to-order specialty sandwiches and homemade soups. Of course, they have some great dessert selections, too. The dieters can even stay on-program with soup & a veggie sandwich on whole grain bread, if they choose. They have a small inside eating area if weather's bad, and a lovely covered porch w/ bistro tables for outside dining. Not expensive, very casual, local flavor.

If you are going through the outlet malls in Kittery & want a non-chain, sit-down restaurant that is still casual, try "Robert's." They have an appetizer of steamed mussels with a fennel/cream sauce that is so, so good. They have good sandwiches, lunch salads (like Lobster Cobb) and good fish dishes, too. Pricier than Beach Pea, but not crazy expensive.

By the way...there is a Lindt factory outlet store in the building almost directly across from Robert's. And speaking of candy, "Yummies" is right up the road, a stone's throw from the Crate & Barrel outlet. It is a floor-to-ceiling candy wonderland. If you are a baby boomer you will find things there you haven't seen since you were a kid - Sky Bars, Mallo Cups, Rum Wafers, Mary Janes, etc. Probably not the best place for the diet conscious, but it's a fun walk down memory lane.

Those places came to mind when you mentioned Kittery, if I think of any others to suggest, I'll let you know.

Indicanoe, I always have Stonewall's Vidalia Fig Onion sauce on hand for frilled pork loin. Thanks for the heads up.

Amck, My travel partners said "no outlets" that's why I said I would have to trick them to stop in Kittery for a Lust Bar (sorry, not Lush Bar). I'm thinking that we will be ready for lunch right about Kittery from the Manchester airport!

Thanks for the information!

Here is a link that might be useful: Lust Bar

Absolutely stop into Stonewall's flagship store. If you use Indicanoe's link you should be able to see what their Cooking School schedule is for the week you're coming. If you are inclined to spend an hour or two, you may find an offering for a lunchtime class. You would have as your lunch what is being demonstrated in the class. The classes are so much fun! I've been to 2, one around Christmastime and one on my BD in July.

But even if you don't do a class or lunch, I think a stop at the store would be fun.

Just happened to see this while checking out our local news station website...

Here is a link that might be useful: maine foodie

Thanks!! I might have to have them drop me off for a couple of hours while they do lighthouses.

I just printed out the Maine Foodie and the other notes you both have provided.

Sorry Cathy, other than goat cheese at the goat farm and Lobster anywhere on the coast, I got nothing.

Ask Caliloo.

Oh wait... 30 years ago in Bar Harbor, they had Bar Harbor Bars that were yummy. (take a cookie, add scoop of ice cream, top with another cookie, dip in chocolate.....in loads of different flavors) But I don't think you are going to Bar Harbor.

Have lots and lots of fun (and chowder).

Oh I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous! I would love to be headed up north for some leaf peeping!

Anyway, yes get some Lust Bars at the trading Post - my tastebuds are tingling at the memory LOL!

I would definitely make a stop at Stonewall Kitchens too - they have a nice little cafe and there is lots of stuff open on the counters around the store for tasting. I picked up a jar of the Roasted Vegetable Bruschetta Spread and I wish I had gotten a couple, it is awesome!

If you go up as far as Kennebunkport, I would make a stop at Federal Jacks. The Brewmaster (and the whole staff) is quite well versed in explaining a lot of the beers they make on site and you can see the brewery as you walk in to the restaurant. The food was great too and it is right on the harbor so the view is lovely.

There is also the Red Hook Brewery in Portsmouth and they have tours also. The food was awesome when we were there a month ago - the only drawback is not much of a "view". It is on the old Pease AFB property.

In Ogunquit there are a couple of worthwhile destination restaurants - Arrows and The Tavern at Clay Hill Farm. Both are pricey, but the food is awesome. They both have web sites with menus, so you can google them if you are interested.

Of course there is Flo's in Cape Neddick - hit the one on Rt 1 instead of the one in the Trading Post parking lot. Order your dogs with Flo Sauce and mayo - they are insane.

If I think of others I will post them.

Have a great time and take lots of pics :-)

Alexa

"My travel partners said "no outlets"" & Crate& Barrel outlet.....hog tie 'em and stuff them in the truck!

I'm copying and pasting to my travel notes!!!

Peppi, I would trade my travel partners for you guys but they are family members! You know the "pick you noise ...." thing. I can do an outlet mall in 30 minutes because I am selective--hit it, get it, outta here. I probably will go into some stage of shock passing up C&B, Stonewall, and other kitchen & foodie opportunities.

Actually they are very, very nice (Raymond's family) we just don't have the same agenda when it comes to food.

Cathy, that doesn't seem quite fair, they get to do what they want but you don't get to do what you want.. It seems like you could at least stop at one or two places you like.
And THAT is exactly why I always think I need to drive my own vehicle if I go someplace with other people. I like to do some things that they might not like to do and vice versa....

I think you're right, get them to drop you off while they're doing the lighthouse thing. If you want to see lighthouses, you can see every one we have next time you come to Michigan, LOL.

Or, if you are staying in one place a couple of days, rent your own car, get up in the morning and say "see ya at supper".

Annie

So Cathy - when are you going? I might be able to talk my DH into being a single dad for a few days and I will drive up to meet you.....

No guarantees, but if I dont ask it can never happen!

Alex

Annie, I'll take you up on the lighthouse tour next time. I know there are a lot of them. I was invited to join the group because I know the lay of the land. I feel like I should conform to their agenda. Plus, my niece said "Aunt Cathy is going to run the show now?". So I promised myself to be a spectator.

Alex, We arrive next Tuesday in Manchester then head to Naples, ME.

Have fun, Cathy. I hope you get to do at least one or two foodie things. Wish I were with you.

OK, then, play nicely. LOL You will probably make points with the family and then maybe they'll repay you by letting you do ONE foodie thing.....

Hey, where there's life, there's hope! Have fun anyway, I love Maine and the seafood is outstanding, even the fish sandwich I got at the roadside dairy freeze was amazing.

Annie

NO LUST BARS!! The Kittery Trading Post was sold out. I had them check all registers (it's a big place).

It rained all day Saturday so we HAD to go to the Kittery outlets to stay out of the rain. Went to Crate & Barrel and Stonewall Kitchen!!

Still in New England; full report later.

Thanks for your suggestions,
Cathy