Posts with tag 'Local businesses'

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 looking for vintage or retro décor for your next home, Hallowell, Maine, has been a wonderful antiquing destination for decades. Their many unique antique stores have a wide variety of items big and small dating back from the 1800s and beyond. Our real estate agents at Sprague & Curtis Real Estate love getting lost in the relics of yesterday and have picked out a few of our favorite Hallowell antique shops for you to check out!

1. Hallowell Antique Mall - 191 Water St., Hallowell
   How could a stop at the antique capital of Maine not be on your antiquing list? The Hallowell Antique Mall has two buildings featuring 30 separate dealers that have thousands of treasures waiting to be found. In addition to a large selection of furniture, The Hallowell Antique Mall has a stunning collection of vintage clothing, military items, coins, tools, gifts and more. Swing on down to the largest antique store in town and discover what wonders await you near amazing Hallowell homes for sale.
   
   

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No matter the season, there is nothing quite like settling in with a great book and being carried away to another place. Whether you're sitting by a fire in the winter or dipping your toes in the sand during the summer, the right book makes for the perfect companion. Living in the Hallowell area means that you don't have to buy your books online, because there are still plenty of great, local bookshops in the area where you can always pick up an excellent read. Our real estate agents are here to help you find the perfect read, with our guide to some of the best bookshops in the Hallowell area.

Shopping for the Best Books? Where to Find Your Next Read Near Hallowell

1. Merrill's Bookshop – 110 Water St., Hallowell
   Shopping for Hallowell homes for sale? Be sure to make a stop at Merrill's Bookshop, where you can find books on just about any topic under the sun. Merrill's Bookshop has been serving the area for more than 20 years, with a fantastic selection of books that span the centuries. Merrill's is proud to be an old-fashioned bookshop and is one of the best spots in the region to find rare, antique editions of classic books. The knowledgeable staff is happy to help you find the books you came for, and offer great tips on books that you may not have known about before visiting.

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Are you looking to add some crafty décor to your home? You're in luck, because there are several places near Manchester, ME that sell local crafts and artwork, with a few even offering classes. Our real estate agents recommend these four craft studios to update your home or hone your craft skills.

1. Stained Glass Express - 966 Western Ave., Manchester
   Located close to homes for sale in Manchester, the Stained Glass Express impresses visitors and regulars alike. The family-owned business features a studio, retail store, and their Glass Academy on site. They have an array of stained glass, mosaics, and etching supplies in stock. Their staff can restore or create any number of projects, such as residential cabinet doors. They have two large classrooms in their Glass Academy and host a variety of classes, ranging from beginner and children's classes to adult classes. They teach glass and glass blowing, to more advanced stain glass techniques. The Stained Glass Express is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
   
   

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