Machias

I have lived there most of my life.

The annual blueberry festival has a certain kitsch factor that is notable.

The beehive collective is there, they are sort of a neat, hippie art commune. I enjoyed watching the Electric Starlight Space Animals at their headquarters, on my last visit there.

For some reason, people throughout Maine always rave about the pie at Helen’s—personally, I think they use too much whipped cream, but I have never understood the New England culinary convictions. Jasper’s beach, and Rogue Bluffs are very nice for picnics. Some people really like the congregational church.

This town is the site of the first naval battle of the revolutionary war. In high school, I was in a play about that.

If you are all gothy, there are some creepy historic cemetaries with accompanying legends.

Let me think… what else? The Artist’s Cafe is pretty decent, if you want REAL food. There are neat trails by UMM. Machias gets a lot of busses full of leaf-peepers. It also has a similar small town charm that you would expect from a coastal New England town, pretty far off the beaten path. The one bar, AJ’s has affordable drinks, all kinds of dead animal to gawk at, and all the charm you’d expect from a little local honky-tonk.

All in all, it’s a very cute town. Go during the summer. Avoid the Seagull motel at all costs. Don’t get hooked on Oxy while you are there. I suggest you bring a book, an mp3 player, and just chill for a few.

I was born here, and Machiasport is the current residence of my Mother… not much to say, as I don’t miss Washington County a bit.

is the real maine, but strange. be prepared.