Farms & Fiberarts
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Signature Events
Maine and Hooked Rugs
Maine is most likely the origin of hooked rugs — crafting non-woven rugs began in North America in the early 1800s according to rug historian Mildred Cole Peladeau of Readfield, Maine. Early incidences point to Maine as the hooked rug’s birthplace: the first published account of creating non-woven rugs appeared in a Portland, Maine newspaper in 1838. Mass producing pre-printed rug patterns first became fashionable in Maine in the 1860s when Edward Sands Frost, of Biddeford, commercialized rug hooking. The development of Waldoboro hooked rugs, with their distinctive sculpted floral designs and velvety surfaces of deep pile established Maine as a center of the finest rug-hooking techniques and craftsmanship early in the twentieth century. These rugs have since played a significant role in American decorative arts, and craftspeople throughout Maine are still making beautiful, unique hand-hooked rugs to this day.
When traveling in Maine, you can learn much about our culture from visiting farmers and fiber artisans. Both are rooted in long standing tradition and are perfect examples of Maine-made quality.
Celebrate our farms and vibrant fiber arts by experiencing them firsthand. Enjoy a weekend getaway in Maine visiting farms, farm stands and specialty shops, or try your hand at a workshop where you can learn anything from knitting a sweater using hand spun Maine wool to making your own wine or cheese.
You can even plan to stay overnight at a working farm B&B where you will meet the cows, sheep and goats responsible for delicious artisan cheese or the alpacas and llamas that share their soft wool.
Maine’s dedicated fiber arts community is a wonderful place to learn a new skill or see artists at work; Maine Fiberarts’ Open Studio Weekend is a great way to meet the artists in their studios and watch them create beautiful textiles.
There are fairs, festivals and workshops throughout the year that highlight Maine’s farm-fresh products and fiber arts, so come and enjoy this fine Maine tradition.
Greater Portland & Casco Bay
Located on Casco Bay, Portland is the gateway to the region’s many islands and surrounding coastal communities. Portland is Maine’s largest city and is known for the Old Port’s lively shopping district, the diverse arts & entertainment options and its award winning cuisine. The surrounding farmland provides many local restaurants with fresh produce, cheese and meat.
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Portland & Casco Bay
Mid-Coast
Scenic bays, craggy peninsulas and sparkling offshore islands surround Midcoast Maine’s fishing villages, seaside resorts and bustling harbor towns. This region is home, and inspiration, to many Maine artists, and there are endless ways to experience the area’s beauty — from biking to sea kayaking. Be sure to enjoy great farm-to-table dining and the thriving arts community as well.
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Mid-Coast
Maine's Lakes & Mountains
While the Maine Lakes & Mountains region may be known as a paradise for winter outdoor enthusiasts, its spectacular mountain ranges, crystal-clear lakes and creative communities make it a four-season destination for those who enjoy a unique blend of bustling cities and wide-open spaces.
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Maine's Lakes & Mountains
Kennebec & Moose River Valleys
The Kennebec Moose River Valley region offers visitors a wonderful combination of outdoor adventure, scenic splendor, history and culture. Famous for its whitewater rafting and snowmobiling, the region also boasts nationally known museums, Shakespearean theater, Maine’s capital city, and an international heritage corridor.
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Kennebec & Moose River Valleys
