5 Ways to Keep Maine Close

For those readers leaving campus for the summer, the departure is always bittersweet. Although we’ll be back in time to catch the last of the heat before fall paints the campus, it’s hard not to feel like summer is Maine’s shining moment.

Fear not! Whether to Scarsdale or Seattle you’ve returned, there are plenty of ways to keep Vacationland close. 

Here are 5…

1. Every die-hard Polar Bear knows that visiting L.L. Bean in the middle of the night is the first activity on BSG’s 50 Things to Do Before You Graduate. With your Bean Boots swapped out for flip flops, you can still keep up with the famous retailer’s doings on a tumblr curated by “Public Relations Gal” Laurie Brooks. 

From vintage Bean ads, to the now infamous “Bootmobile” you’ll find it all at http://llbeanpr.tumblr.com/!

2. Have you been following Maine’s Senate election? Well, don’t stop just because you’ve crossed over the Piscataqua River Bridge–especially if you plan on casting a vote on November 6th. Here are some recent articles to get you up to date:

“Crowning A King” The Economist— does former Governor and Bowdoin Lecture Angus King have an advantage because he is an independent?

“Maine Democrats feel campaign energy at convention” Boston.com–State democrats want to see a liberalization of Maine politics, starting with a party victory in the Senate race.

“Maine governor not endorsing in GOP Senate race” RealClearPolitics–Governor LePage says he will not endorse a candidate of the six Republicans currently vying for Snowe’s seat.

3. Listening to Portland-based alumni musicians always brings me back to beneath the pines. Consider indulging in the aural stylings of The Milkman’s Union (Henry Jamison ’10, Peter McLaughlin ’10):

and JAW GEMS, featuring Ahmad Hassan Muhammad ’10 (check out this AMAZING LCD Soundsystem cover!):

4. Longing for fresh local foods courtesy of Thorne and Moulton? Bring a taste of Maine to your home kitchen, with a sweet blueberry waffle recipe from DownEast.com:

Maine Blueberry Malted Belgian Waffles with Maple Syrup and Fresh Whipped Cream

There’s just something about the flavor of a blueberry waffle served with buttery, pure maple syrup. Simple and delicious!
Makes 12 waffles

2¼ cups flour
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
½ cup canola or vegetable oil
1½ cups 2 percent milk
1 egg
¼ cup malted milk powder
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 cup Maine blueberries (thaw and drain well if you use frozen berries) and fresh whipped cream, for garnish

1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, oil, milk, egg, malted milk powder, and baking powder and mix with a whisk until well combined. Do not over mix — it’s okay if the batter is slightly lumpy. Gently fold in the blueberries, using caution not to break them.
2. Heat a waffle iron and liberally coat it with cooking spray.
3. Ladle the batter onto waffle iron and cook until golden brown, about 8 minutes. To keep the waffles warm and crisp, keep them covered in a 250-degree oven and then just before serving uncover to expose waffles to the dry heat for a few minutes, then plate.

YUM!

5. When the sun goes down after a long day by the pool, why not pop in a Maine-inspired movie like cult-classic Wet Hot American Summer?! Although the film was shot in Pennsylvania, it supposedly takes place near Waterville…