Posts in category 'Augusta Me'

Pure Maine maple syrup is such a popular commodity that Native Americans used it as money. While maple syrup is no longer made by dropping red-hot stones into thick wooden containers of sap, it retains the same unique quality and flavor people have enjoyed for hundreds of years.

On the fourth Sunday of March each year, our state's sugar houses celebrate Maine Maple Sunday. Our real estate agents prepare you for this year's event on March 24 by sharing the story of making maple syrup along with our favorite sugar houses to visit.

How Maple Syrup Is Made

The maple syrup cycle begins when the first crow of the year flies, usually in late January. This marks the beginning of the "sweetwater" sap flow, which generally runs until mid-April. Even in these high-tech times, many sugar houses still follow the tradition of collecting sap in buckets hung from trees.

How valuable is sap? A large tree can produce a generous amount of 60 gallons in one year, but the end result is only about one-and-a-half gallons of maple syrup.

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Take a deep breath in.

Now exhale with a slow "Om."

Residents who value the calming effect of meditation know that Augusta and Hallowell are perfect places for a peaceful and relaxing yoga session. Our real estate agents know that a good instructor, class, and ambiance is key to helping you disconnect from the world and reconnect with your inner spirit. We've gathered a list of our five favorite yoga studios around town that we know will enrich your mind, body, and soul.

1. Harmonious Spirit, 74 Winthrop St., Augusta
   Seek inner harmony, and you shall find it at Harmonious Spirit. Right down the street from cozy Augusta homes for sale, this studio focuses on whole body wellness. Individual coaching or group classes are available for yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and stress management. Their additional services include reflexology, cupping, Reiki, and full-body massages. They even offer specialty services like infant massages and can provide in-home chair massages by request. Licensed massage therapist, registered yoga teacher, and Reiki II practitioner Hilary Spear will guide you through holistic practices that promote mindful living throughout your life.
   
   

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If you're in the market to buy a home this year, and you're looking for Augusta homes for sale, then make sure you're considering all of the financial factors surrounding your new home purchase. Of course, there's the purchase price and down payment that you'll be well aware of, but are you prepared for the closing costs with your new home? Don't be surprised by closing costs!

• Closing Costs Explained
  In a nutshell, closing costs are your responsibility for all of the legwork that goes into your home purchase. As a buyer, you'll be responsible for lenders fees, third-party fees, homeowners' fees, and any fees or costs associated with your title, including attorney's fees.
  
  In essence, closing costs encapsulate all of the "extras" involved in your real estate transaction and basically sets you up for a future of homeownership. While some mortgages allow you to roll closing costs into your monthly mortgage payment, be sure to set aside 2%-5% of your home's price for closing costs if you're in the planning phase of buying a home.
  
  

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Your first week living in a new town is filled with things to do: unpacking boxes, hooking utilities up, and learning your way around town. The last thing you want to worry about is cooking. With so many fantastic restaurants in the area, there is no need to add "making dinner" to your list of things to get done. Getting out and enjoying these seven restaurants that our real estate agents recommend will give you a chance to rest and discover the fantastic culinary delights Augusta has to offer.

1. The Red Barn - 455 Riverside Drive
   There's no better way to celebrate your new home purchase than with plates piled high with the freshest seafood in the area. The Red Barn features succulent lobster, tender scallops, and some of the best clam strips in New England.
   
   

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Folks in Augusta, Maine know how to enjoy the winter weather. In fact, for people who love the snowy season, the variety of options for outdoor winter fun is one of the best aspects of living in the area. Whether you are already an area resident or are shopping Augusta homes for sale with the intention of becoming one, there are lots to do when the snow flies. Here are four places for outdoor winter fun near Augusta that you won't want to miss:

1. GO Tubing, 60 Alder Park Road, South China, ME
   This popular winter fun venue offers old-fashioned fun for families. Snow tubing is their main gig, with four tubing lanes and a tow line to haul tubers back to the top for another run. There is also a skating rink available to patrons, as well as a cozy lodge with a roaring fire and a food truck where meals, snacks, hot chocolate, and other beverages are purchased.  You can host parties and group events at GO Tubing.

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