Maine Stories

MAINE - An easy way to meet the maker of traditional Maine crafts is by attending arts and craft shows that happen throughout December and during community winter festivals and events.

See wood workers create functional or artistic pieces. Watch knitters, potters and basket makers make beautiful creations from raw materials. And see the work of painters, jewelry designers and metal smiths.

The United Maine Craftsmen organization hosts popular winter shows, while the Maine Crafts Guild is a great resource for finding craftspeople throughout Maine.

New Year's Lodging Packages

The Kennebunkport Inn's New Year's Eve Celebration package includes accommodations for two nights, champagne on arrival, a four-course dinner at One Dock, champagne toast at midnight and entertainment throughout New Year's eve. Package valid Dec. 31 to Jan. 1.

Ring in 2012 beside Bear Lake at Bear Mountain Inn in Waterford. The New Year's package includes a stay of up to three nights, champagne and chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival, sleep in gourmet breakfast on New Year's day, free use of snowshoes and sleds, and complimentary hot chocolate and cookies daily.

Rockland's Berry Manor Inn teams up with Primo Restaurant for a New Year's Eve Celebration package. Guests receive accommodations for a minimum of two nights from Dec. 30 to Jan. 1, a dinner reservation and private transportation to and from Primo, and a daily inn breakfast with complimentary mimosas.