travel

The Maine Destination

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I’ve always been intrigued by Maine.  In high school I drooled over the brochures for the Bates Dance Festival, yet never made it there.  As an adult I am still enamored with the idea of attending the festival some time but my interest also lies in just seeing Maine.  It’s one of the few states in the U. S. that I haven’t stepped foot in yet (North Dakota, and possibly Arkansas, Rhode Island, and Delaware are the others).

Since returning to the East coast two years ago Tate and I have been daydreaming of a road trip to that northeast corner.  He’s never been either and it’s the only state he’s ‘missing’.

We’re taking off this evening for a big ‘ol roadtrip of visiting friends and family, camping, and hiking.

Our path will lead us through Brooklyn (and to a March Fourth Marching Band show tonight!), on to Boston to see friends, then to Portland and eventually Acadia.

Any Maine readers out there?  I would LOVE recommendations on hikes, restaurants, activities, coastal towns, campgrounds, or anything else!

Virginia is for Music Lovers

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I’ve been hearing about Floyd Fest since it started nearly a dozen years ago.  This annual music festival is held in the Blue Ridge Mountains of southern Virginia and has been on my to-attend list since I moved back to the area.

It did not disappoint, in fact it impressed.  Big time.

Friendliest festival ever.

Some festivals feel like they are about making money.  This festival is about community, music, dancing, yoga, sharing ideas, and enjoying a weekend together.

There were friends.

Comrades in kale love.

I even ran into family, my little brother played at the festival a few years ago but this year he was volunteering for the weekend.

The bigger the hoop, the easier to hula!

(the weight of it is a little intense on the ribs though!)

One of my music highlights was March Fourth Marching Band.

This crazy band of stilt walkers, musicians, and dancers is from Portland and I used to see them there often.

The surprise highlight was Matisyahu.  I saw him once before years ago but I’ve never paid much attention to his music.  He puts on an excellent show.  So good.  35 minutes into his encore he played this song and reached down to pull people on stage with him until it was overflowing.

What’s the best live show you’ve ever seen?  I prefer smaller venues but the best aspect of a live show to me is when the performer is genuinely enjoying them-self and sending that out to you.