The Smiling Cow Blog

Camden Named Top 25 Foliage Town

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 16:48:39 +0000

Yankee Magazine Names Camden a Top 25 Foliage Town

Celebrating the publication's 75th anniversary, Yankee magazine's September/October issue, on newsstands August 24, 2010, names the top 25 towns in New England for fall foliage travel -- the first time the magazine has ever ranked towns by this standard. Camden, Maine, ties with Waitsfield, Vermont, for sixth place. (The list includes many ties, so the ranking goes from first place to 13th place.) Other Maine towns named to the list include: Bethel, Rangeley, and Blue Hill.

"The view from the forested slopes of Mount Battie straight down to the forest of masts in Camden Harbor is one of the most dramatic in New England -- and never more beautiful than in fall," writes Michael Blanding, author of the article. "For a closer look at the trees, hike nearby Mount Megunticook or Bald Rock Mountain."

To determine the listing for the article -- "The Top 25 Foliage Towns in New England," by Blanding and the editors of Yankee -- a variety of tourism professionals, as well as Yankee's own writers and editors, first nominated communities for an initial review. The top contenders were then scored on a scale from 0 to 5 in 14 essential attributes of a perfect fall foliage outing: color intensity, scenery, vistas, nearby water, scenic drives, hikes, culture, farmers' markets and farmstands, orchards, covered bridges, state or local parks, the quality and variety of shops to browse, tourism amenities such as hotels and restaurants, and a category called "uncrowded" -- giving a boost to less touristy locations.

"I've been to every town on our list, and each one offers special, unique qualities," editor Mel Allen says. "Locals and travelers alike will have their own opinions of what makes a top foliage town; in one sense, a New England autumn gives all of our towns a ranking of among the best in the world. But if you take all the experiences that we feel make up a perfect fall day ... well, some towns just had more of them ... an orchard, or a waterfall, or a covered bridge, or a terrific inn. It's meant to be fun -- but also a real guide for readers who look to Yankee to take the guesswork out of a New England trip. I say let the discussion begin!"

The article includes a write-up and a chart showing each town's category results, serving as convenient travel guide for leaf-peepers.

Here are the rankings:

1. Kent, Connecticut
2. Bethel, Maine
3. Manchester, Vermont
4. Williamstown, Massachusetts
5. Middlebury, Vermont
6. Camden, Maine (tie)
6. Waitsfield, Vermont (tie)
7. Conway/North Conway, New Hampshire
8. Sandwich, New Hampshire
9. Rangeley, Maine
10. Blue Hill, Maine (tie)
10. Woodstock, Vermont (tie)
10. Waterville Valley, New Hampshire (tie)
10. Amherst, Massachusetts (tie)
11. Grafton, Vermont (tie)
11. East Haddam, Connecticut (tie)
11. Walpole, New Hampshire (tie)
12. The Cornwalls, Connecticut (tie)
12. Litchfield, Connecticut (tie)
12. Jackson, New Hampshire (tie)
13. Jeffersonville, Vermont (tie)
13. Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts (tie)
13. Montgomery, Vermont (tie)
13. Stowe, Vermont (tie)
13. Hanover, New Hampshire (tie)

Yankee's September/October 2010 issue celebrates Yankee's 75th anniversary as New England's magazine. Included in this collector's edition is a special anniversary section featuring "The Ultimate Yankee Quiz" and "75 Things Every New Englander Should Do." Since New England is the destination for foliage enthusiasts, the issue bursts with fall color and travel ideas. Readers follow autumn's splendor on a tour led by Tauck World Discovery, founded by Arthur Tauck Sr., who started the whole leaf-peeping trade in 1925 when he first took paying passengers to see the gorgeous colors of fall. Best-selling author, educator, and environmentalist Bill McKibben wraps up his four-part series "How New England Can Change the World" with an article on how small-town banks in Massachusetts' Berkshire Hills are printing their own regional currency. Also included in this keepsake issue are a sampling of Yankee's best recipes from the past 75 years.

Blueberries

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:35:01 +0000

Maine Blueberries
Small but Loaded with Flavor

Maine blueberries don't look exactly like the blueberries from other places. For one thing, they're smaller and they grow on low bushes that hug the ground. And Maine blueberries aren't picked either, they're raked. It's tough work, but worth it!

Maine is the largest producer of lowbush blueberries in the world with a harvest that's grown on over 60,000 acres of land.

The blueberry rake was created by a Mainer from the Downeast area by the name of Abijah Tabbutt over 100 years ago and is still used today in various forms.

Wild blueberries hold a special place in Maine's agricultural history - one that goes back centuries to Maine's Native Americans. Native Americans were the first to use the tiny blue berries, both fresh and dried, for their flavor, their nutrition and their healing qualities and it was not until the 1840's that wild blueberries were first harvested commercially.

You can find delicious Maine blueberries for sale in roadside stands and local grocery stores throughout the month of August.

June's Prize Winner

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:58:41 +0000

June's Prize Winner

This month's winner is Ronnie from Oxford, NC! Congratulations!

We'll be sending Ronnie a copy of Alan Claude's 2011 Lighthouse Poster Calendar. The Lighthouse Collection Series by graphic artist Alan Claude is a dramatic and bold interpretation of lighthouses and their surrounding environments. With colorful contrasting imagery, dimensional light and shadow, these classic art travel posters bring forward the strength and spirit of each New England lighthouse.

www.smilingcow.com/mainely-maine/2011-lighthouse-poster-calendar.html

Facebook

Mon, 10 May 2010 18:45:40 +0000

The Smiling Cow is on Facebook. You can check out great photos, learn about local events, make comments and even upload your own photos!

www.facebook.com/pages/Camden-ME/The-Smiling-Cow/360698513684

Botanical Gardens

Mon, 10 May 2010 18:41:40 +0000

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
A Beautiful Place to Spend the Day

"Here at the Gardens, you'll see glorious formal gardens, impressive stonework, man-made waterfalls and ponds, and an overall design that's both appealing and impressive. But you'll also find antique stone walls; nearly a mile of sparkling waterfront; massive ledges covered in mosses, lichens, and ferns; and native forest - in fact, the essence of Maine."

250 acres of pure beauty located in Boothbay, Maine!

www.mainegardens.org/

70th Anniversary

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:27:26 +0000

When my grandmother, Margaret Hawkey, first opened The Smiling Cow in 1940, Camden, Maine was a little too far to drive for a weekend visit for most. Route 1 was slow going and so were the cars! Visitors to Maine came for the whole summer and stayed in summer cottages or on their boats. Back then we sold lots of items that people might need for entertaining along with books, postcards and many, many cans of "Maine Air', as well as toys and greeting cards.

Over the past seven decades we've seen our world shrink as roads improve and cars get faster and safer. Now, spending a few days in Maine is an easy vacation for people from all over, and we're delighted to know where you're from when you come into the store.

We are so excited to be opening for our 70th season, carrying on traditions begun so many years ago, like free coffee and tea on our back porch. For 70 years The Smiling Cow has been opening its doors to locals and visitors from all around the world. It gives us great pride to be carrying on this tradition with continuity from generation to generation. I'm proud to be a link in this line of family members who have been manning the helm for so many years, and I'm grateful for both all the new visitors each summer and to those of you who come back year after year.

April's Prize Winner

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:24:25 +0000

Nancy from Virginia is this month's prize winner. We'll be sending Nancy a Maine Blueberry Soap and Lotion Gift Set.

Relax and relieve tension with these all natural, hand crafted, goat's milk soaps and lotion. Made on a small goat farm in Maine with the highest quality ingredients. Each set includes 2 bars of soap, matching goat milk lotion, and a shower scrubby, packaged in an elegant organza gift bag.

Choose from: Maine lupine, Maine blueberry, or lavender.

www.smilingcow.com/mainely-maine/lotion-and-soap-gift-set.html

69th Annual Sale a Big Success

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:41:22 +0000

Our 69th Annual Half Price Sale was a whirlwind! People poured in at 6 a.m. and then slowly over the next two weeks leaving the shelves practically bare and ready to fill with exciting new items and old favorites for next year.

Some people got through their entire holiday gift list while others bought that one item for themselves they've been hoping would still be there the day of the sale. As always it was both fun and exhausting for everyone... and, of course, we'll do it all again next year.

A big thank you to everyone who came out for the sale and throughout the 2009 season. We hope to see you back again in 2010.

In the meantime The Smiling Cow dot com is a treasure trove of holiday gifts from Maine! During the next few weeks we will be adding more new items to our site and will keep you up to date on special holiday deals!

The Smiling Cow Salutes its Staff

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:27:48 +0000

Part of what makes the Smiling Cow so special are the people who work here. Many of them have been with us for years and years! Kristy, for example, has been here since she was 14! We won't tell you her age, but we will tell you that she started here 20 years ago! And Sandy, who worked here during high school in the early 50's, and is now a great grandmother, has been back with us for close to 30 years!

When the current owner, Meg Quijano (far right) took over the store from her parents, Margaret and Henry Fisher, they gave her lots of great advice, but one of the most important tidbits was, "the customer is always right"! At the Smiling Cow we put our customers first and we work as a team, supporting each other through ups and downs and taking great pride in a job well done.

So, thank you Smiling Cow staff for making this not only a great place to shop, but a great place to work too!

New Hours Start Labor Day

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 17:06:18 +0000

Beginning on Monday September 7th, The Smiling Cow store hours will be:

Monday through Saturday from 9:00 to 5:30 and

Sunday from 10:00 to 5:00.

Maine Blueberries

Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:19:20 +0000

Maine Blueberries
Small but Loaded with Flavor

Maine blueberries don't look exactly like the blueberries from other places. For one thing, they're smaller and they grow on low bushes that hug the ground. And Maine blueberries aren't picked either, they're raked. It's tough work, but worth it!

Maine is the largest producer of lowbush blueberries in the world with a harvest that's grown on over 60,000 acres of land.

The blueberry rake was created by a Mainer from the Downeast area by the name of Abijah Tabbutt over 100 years ago and is still used today in various forms.

Wild blueberries hold a special place in Maine's agricultural history - one that goes back centuries to Maine's Native Americans. Native Americans were the first to use the tiny blue berries, both fresh and dried, for their flavor, their nutrition and their healing qualities and it was not until the 1840's that wild blueberries were first harvested commercially.

You can find delicious Maine blueberries for sale in roadside stands and local grocery stores throughout the month of August.

Store Hours

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:10:41 +0000

The Smiling Cow is open 9:30-5:30 Mon thru Sat and 10-5 on Sunday. On June 26th we will go to summer hours: 9:00-9:00 seven days a week.

Lobster Facts

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:46:22 +0000

Lobster Facts The Largest Lobster Ever Recorded was 44.4 Pounds! Lobsters are bottom-dwelling crustaceans closely related to both shrimp and crabs. The lobsters that live in the chilly waters off the coast of Maine are called Homarus americanus, but there are hundreds of types of lobsters in the oceans of the world. Lobsters have highly developed senses of smell and taste and mostly eat fish and mollusks, although they will eat marine plant life in a pinch. In the wild, Lobsters have a lifespan of about 50 years. The annual global catch of lobsters is more than 200,000 tons! Now, that's a lot of butter!

Lobstering In Maine

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 12:39:46 +0000

Lobstering in Maine Everybody Loves Lobster! It's hard to imagine that lobsters were once so plentiful that people could simply gather them by hand while walking along the shoreline. Things have gotten a lot more complicated since then! Trapping became the preferred method of catching lobsters by around 1850 and today it's estimated that there are about 2.5 million lobster pots on the ocean floor off Maine. Each pot is attached by rope to a buoy that floats on the surface of the water. Lobstermen and Lobsterwomen identify their particular buoys by painting them with distinctive colors and designs. The buoys dot the harbors all over Maine and remind us that this is the best place to get a fresh lobster dinner!

Camden Native Goes to Washington

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:00:45 +0000

Samantha Appleton, a Camden native whose parents Sam and Annie still live here, has been tapped to join the staff of the White House Photographers Association. Samantha, whose work has appeared in TIME, The New Yorker, Newsweek and US News (among others), will spend most of her time photographing First Lady, Michelle Obama.

Way to go Samantha!

Making Strides

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 13:45:33 +0000

Smiling Cow team is top earning company in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk!

What an inspiring day! The Smiling Cow team joined with thousands of people from around the state of Maine to participate in this important event. Thanks to our generous supporters we raised over $2,000 and were named the 2008 top company in the Damariscotta Region walk!

Store Closed for the 2008 Season

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:42:17 +0000

It was definitely early and it was certainly cold, but as promised, The annual Smiling Cow 50% Off Sale was FUN!

On Saturday November 1st the Smiling Cow will close until April. As always, we are sad to close our doors, happy for a break and excited for our our upcoming 69th (!) season. You can still shop with us anytime right here on our website.

Part of our winter break will be spent visiting gift shows around the country and here in Maine, searching out great new items to add to all the perennial favorites.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our annual sale and this season a success!

*Shoppers lined up down the block at 5 a.m. for our Sale!

Fall 2008 Hours

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 13:12:04 +0000

In the summer when Camden is crowded with people and evenings are warm the Smiling Cow stays open late for after dinner shopping and back porch views of the harbor at twilight. Beginning on Monday September 1, we will no longer be open at night. Our new hours are 9am - 5:30pm... seven days a week.