Day Six - Heading North to Kennebunkport, Maine

Good morning everyone:
Another beautiful and breezy day in Boston. Lulu and I had a quick lunch at Bloomingdales (some of you may know that Bloomingdales is in the Chestnut Hill Mall...)

Getting out of Boston after purchasing a few "necessities" for Lovely Lulu (and I'm not talking kleenex, but I'm also not talking Federick Fek...), I headed up North on Hwy 95 in my Volvo rental. About 45 minutes along my way, I see a sign "Historic Town of Newburyport". I decide since I am on my own and can do anything I want to do today, to veer onto the exit. It's worth mentioning that if Bill were traveling with me, I know he'd be up for a stop as long as I find him a cozy bench to relax at with his Blackberry or book "How to Increase Laypeople's Participation in the Catholic Church". It was the right decision, as Newburyport is the most delightful harbor town full of brick buildings and streets lined with shops, antique stores, galleries, and restaurants.. each one with window boxes full of flowers spilling over the sides. There was a Labor Day festival going on so lots of live music and food booths. Fun Fun Fun - definately a place to take Lulu when she wants to get outa-town!

Having spent more time than planned in Newburyport, I found a Friendly's for a quick dinner (those of you from NJ will recognize this fine dining establishment) and then headed up north through a teeny bit of New Hampshire, then crossed into Maine. Kennebunkport is just at the very bottom of Maine, and by the time I passed through the village it was 8pm, so it was dark but the stores were still lit (one with a huge
pile of glass pumpkins in the window) and the restaurants busy busy.

I don't want to go any further here without mentioning that I have officially figured out ON MY OWN how to work the GPS in my rental Volvo. Duly noted, if you follow the directions it's not difficult at all (Anne -stop it!)

The week ahead is supposed to be chilly and clear skies, so I'm looking forward to the next few days of R&R, as well as some exploring. I have attached some photos of beautiful Newburyport for your enjoyment!

Did you know: Maine has the largest toothpick manufacturing plant in the entire United States, producing over 20 million toothpicks in a single day! (this will be of particular interest to one of my girlfriends, who shall remain unnamed)

The donut hole maker, earmuffs, power drill and thermostat were all invented in Maine.

Maine has over 5,500 miles of coastline - more than California. The state bird is the Chickadee.

90% of American Lobsters are caught in Maine, and the springs in the western areas of Maine are the main source used to produce bottled water.

Finally, the infamous Appalachian Trail starts in Georgia and ENDS in Maine. I'll be on the lookout for you-know-who...