Budget bonanza
Feel free to roam this itinerary without pinching pennies - or even counting them
When it comes to stretching vacation dollars, free is key. The usual choices include visiting parks and preserves, local historical society museums and public gardens, attending community concert series and finding swimming holes, but there are other possibilities. Here are five places to go and things to do in Maine that should get the mental gears turning on how to put more "free" into your vacation. Do note that, while not required, a modest donation is accepted at most.
Art walk Art plus music, plus food, plus company adds up to good times and an excellent opportunity to quiz locals about their recommendations. Art walks encourage participants to mosey along, visiting galleries, museums, and alternative spaces, including restaurants and lounges. En route, view new exhibits, hear live music, and often taste goodies at receptions. Among towns with established art walks are: Portland (first Friday year-round; www.firstfridayartwalk.com); Bath (third Friday May-Sept.; www.fiveriversartsalliance.org); Brunswick-Topsham (second Friday May-December; www.fiveriversartsalliance.org); and Gardiner (varying dates; www.theartdogs.com).
Perham's Much more than a jewelry shop, Perham's long has been a favored destination for rockhounds and mineral enthusiasts. Inside is an impressive collection of locally mined tourmaline, amethyst, aquamarine, and other minerals and gems, artifacts, fossils, prospecting equipment, and more, exhibited in the store, mineral nature shop, and museum. Even better, Perham's invites visitors to prospect on its privately owned quarries (map available upon request) and keep any treasures found. June 1-Dec. 31, daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 194 Bethel Road (Route 26), West Paris; 207- 674-2341 or 800-371-GEMS; http://homepage.mac.com/ra sprague/PegShop/perham.html.
Johnny's Selected Seeds Gardeners, farmers, horticulturalists, and the curious visit the research farm of Johnny's Selected Seeds, about 15 minutes east of Waterville. Pick up a map and take a self-guided tour of 40 acres of trial gardens, where more than 2,000 varieties of herbs, veggies, and flowers are grown. Gardens open Monday-Friday July-September 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Foss Hill Road, Albion; 877-564-6697; www.johnnyseeds.com.
St. Saviour's Episcopal Church This 1878 Bar Harbor church has Maine's largest collection of Tiffany stained-glass windows. Ten originals are here; an 11th was stolen in 1988 and replaced with a locally made window. There are also 32 non-Tiffany windows. In July and August, volunteers regularly conduct free tours of the Victorian-era church; call for the schedule or make an appointment for an off-season tour. It also is open for self-guided tours. Pick up a brochure in the back. 41 Mount Desert St., Bar Harbor; 207-288-4215; www.ellsworthme.org/ssaviour.
Bar Harbor Whale Museum Sure, going to sea hoping to spy a whale is a blast, but if the price is prohibitive or you're prone to seasickness, there is this free museum, operated by College of the Atlantic's Allied Whale research program in collaboration with Bar Harbor Whale Watch Co. Highlights include a video of whales in their habitat, a life-size model of a prehistoric walking whale, a 29 1/2-foot humpback whale skeleton, seals, marine birds, and interactive exhibits. Open late May to October. 52 West St., Bar Harbor; 207-288-0288; www.barharborwhalemuseum.org.
MDI Biological Laboratory One of the few scientific research institutions in the world dedicated to conducting basic research using marine animals, the lab brings together scientists, physicians, and students to develop solutions for human medical problems and to improve environmental health. Free public tours, offered twice weekly, from late June through late August, begin with a presentation by a laboratory scientist and a short video. Next, a naturalist discusses animal life in Frenchman Bay and how it pertains to the lab's research. Tours include a hands-on presentation at the touch tank and viewing other tanks filled with marine critters. 159 Old Bar Harbor Road, Salisbury Cove; 207-288-3605; www.mdibl.org.
Hilary Nangle can be reached at Hilary@HilaryNangle.com. 