Articles Tagged "Shop local"

Between showings of the best Augusta homes for sale, our team knows that it's important to take time out for all the little things that make life special. The holidays are the season to get together with loved ones and celebrate what matters most. That also means it's time for the hectic fun of holiday shopping!

Even with the best of intentions, time can get away from you. Luckily, you have plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect gift here in Maine. Plus, our real estate agents know of a few places where you could find something truly special.

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The Kennebec Valley is known for beautiful natural sights and fresh produce that sustains communities around the region. Our real estate agents want to introduce you to the local apples and the cider they create.

Apple cider has long been a celebrated drink in New England, just right for getting warmed up by the fire in winter. Cider is a beverage made from crushed apples and may be fermented or unfermented. Heated cider is known as mulled cider.

No matter what type you choose to savor, the base of any cider is fine, fresh apples.

Kennebec Valley apples include such varieties as Spencer, Winesap, McIntosh, Northern Spy, and even the traditional Red and Golden Delicious you may find elsewhere throughout the country. An individual cider may use just one or several types of apples and might even be aged in a cask like wine.

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With nearly 200 farms that generate upwards of $570 million in annual sales, the dairy industry is a vital part of Maine's economy and culture. Join our real estate agents in supporting these hard-working farmers on Maine Open Creamery Day. 

About Maine Open Creamery Day

This year marks the 15th anniversary of Maine Open Creamery Day, a popular event where the public gets a chance to learn first-hand about the tradition of cheese-making. Here are some of the participating creameries that will be opening their facilities from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 9.

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Located a short drive south of Augusta homes for sale, Hallowell is Maine's smallest city and also one of its most historic. The city was founded more than 240 years ago, and its scenic downtown is recognized as a National Historic District. Though small in size at 6.1 square miles, Hallowell is home to a diverse collection of art galleries, dining destinations, antique shops, and boutiques. There are plenty of local shops to visit throughout the area. Our real estate agents have the local knowledge of some of the hidden gems that you can uncover for yourself in Hallowell.

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Running from Moosehead Lake to the Atlantic Ocean, the Kennebec River is one of Maine's most prominent bodies of water. It passes right through Augusta, and there are plenty of areas where you can enjoy a stunning view of this waterway. Our real estate agents recommend dining at one of these restaurants on the banks of the Kennebec.

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Our real estate agents know that the area around the Kennebec River has a lot to offer.

Waterville, Maine, is located right on the Kennebec River and is one of the northernmost parts of Kennebec County and is situated near Oakland homes for sale. It used to be a mill town, but today it's transformed into a vibrant area filled with art, colleges, culture, dining, and entertainment. You'll have no trouble filling the day with fun activities. A walking tour of Waterville gives you the opportunity to get some exercise while also supporting local businesses. Here is a quick list of things you'll definitely want to include in your itinerary:

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At Sprague & Curtis, our real estate agents know the magnificent natural beauty of the Kennebec Valley is only the start. Augusta homes for sale are nestled within beautiful surroundings, but local charm and culture are just as important.

One thing many newcomers are surprised to discover is the busy antiquing scene. The Kennebec Valley is dotted with an eclectic assortment of antique shops full of vintage furniture and other precious items.

Let's visit with a few now:

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Antiquing can be a lot of fun, but one of the hardest parts is sorting the trash from the treasure. When you discover that perfect find, there's no feeling quite like it! Our real estate agents happen to know some of the best places in Maine to find genuine treasures. 

If you're on the hunt for an Augusta home for sale (and some great antique furniture to fill it with) then you might want to check out some of these amazing antique stores and markets in the Kennebec Valley! 

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Fittingly, National Chicken Wing Day was established in 1977 in Buffalo, NY, the birthplace of the iconic American snack. Our real estate agents will be celebrating on Thursday, July 29th, with a pile of hot wings at one of these popular restaurants in the Kennebec Valley.

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Maine is famous for seafood! If you've been looking at Augusta homes for sale, you'll want to know more about the local seafood culture. 

While the "seafood season" goes year-round here, it peaks in late summer. This is when both hard-shell and soft-sell lobsters (also called "shedders") are readily available.

There are still many reasons to order up a plate of local seafood, especially with National Shrimp Day coming up on May 9th. 

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International Waffle Day is celebrated on March 25, so forget about skipping breakfast or settling for a routine bowl of cereal. Instead, head out to a Kennebec Valley restaurant to sample some local flavor and get your day started with a delicious waffle.
  
Our real estate agents suggest trying one of the following breakfast spots to satisfy your craving for waffles:

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Our real estate agents want to help you celebrate Valentine's Day in style this February.

Valentine's Day is the perfect time to make lasting memories with the one you love. Even with travel restrictions and other public health precautions still in place, you can find ways to make a big impression this year through the many local florists in and around Augusta.

Augusta homes for sale are convenient to many trusted florists, including locally owned and operated businesses that have been around for years. Fresh flowers in handcrafted arrangements give you a classic and tasteful way to proclaim your love on one of the most romantic days of the year.

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When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, it's either amore or time for National Pizza Day. Our real estate agents are excited to celebrate! On Tuesday, February 9, celebrate with an order of delicious pizza from one of these great Kennebec Valley restaurants.

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Are you ready to celebrate one of the most delicious months of the year? Maine has long been a national leader in fresh-caught seafood, and the Augusta area is the perfect place to celebrate National Seafood Month. Every October, National Seafood Month shines a light on all of the delicious seafood available in local communities around the country, so this is a great time to see what your local seafood shops have to offer. Our REALTORS® have all the delicious details on where you can find fresh, local ingredients for National Seafood Month in the Augusta area.

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When you're feeling hungry while exploring the streets of Augusta, there's nothing quite like making your way to your favorite food truck. With freedom of movement and the ability to customize their menus to suit the personality of the chef, food trucks are great places to find items that aren't available at other local restaurants or sample foods that you haven't tried from around the world. You'll often find food trucks in the busiest parts of the city, or catering local events of all sizes. Our REALTORS® know Augusta, and we've put together a list of 5 food trucks you won't want to miss in the area.

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Have the fall and winter months left your landscaping in need of a spring refresh?

If you're buying or selling a home in the coming months, landscaping is more important than ever. Our real estate agents always recommend sprucing up your curb appeal before listing. Since many sellers list in early spring, fixing up your landscaping right away will help ensure that your home stands out from the crowd. 

Whether you need a few new plants, some fertilizer, and mulch, or gardening tools to help you get the job done, a quick visit to one of the area's greenhouses will help you get started. 

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Did you know that maple syrup has its own holiday? National Maple Syrup Day is observed every year on December 17, and our corner of Maine is the perfect place to celebrate this sweet holiday. Local, family-owned businesses have been producing fresh maple syrup for generations, using old-fashioned harvesting practices producing some of the best maple syrup in the world. Whether you're a maple syrup aficionado or you want to enjoy something sweet, this is the holiday for you. Our REALTORS® have all the delicious details on four great spots to celebrate National Maple Syrup Day near Augusta this year.

1. Bacon Farm Maple Products – 415 Goodhue Rd., Sidney, ME 04330
   Conveniently located close to Sidney homes for sale, you'll find Bacon Farm Maple Products, the perfect place to celebrate National Maple Syrup Day. This farm is one of the oldest continually operating maple syrup shops in the area and has been delighting visitors ever since it was first founded in 1881. Today, the Bacon family sticks to the classic methods that have served them well for generations, starting with the sap harvest in the early spring. The sap is boiled down on-site to create fresh, delicious maple syrup. If you're interested in creating your own maple syrup, Bacon Farm also sells sugaring products and supplies.

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Every year on the weekend after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday gives shoppers an opportunity to support their local businesses. It's a great chance to get your holiday shopping done and show your favorite mom-and-pop stores some love. 

In honor of the occasion, our REALTORS® are excited to share some of their favorite small businesses in the Augusta, ME area. Be sure to check out these amazing local shops this season!

1. Kennebec Chocolates - 10 Western Ave, Augusta, ME 04330
   If you're in the area looking at Augusta homes for sale, there's one place you're guaranteed to find the best chocolate. That would be Kennebec Chocolates, a favorite local shop that offers incredible treats for anyone with a sweet tooth. From gourmet truffle assortments to chocolate-covered espresso beans, Kennebec Chocolates has something for everyone. They even offer some fantastic sugar-free options. 
   
   
2. Kennebec Cheesery - 795 Pond Rd, Sidney, ME 04330
   Focusing on handcrafted small-batch artisan cheese and yogurt, Kennebec Cheesery is a hyper-local shop where you won't find anything that isn't from Maine. Located minutes from Sydney homes for sale, Kennebec Cheesery is the passion project of Jean and Peter Koons. They make everything using milk from their own Alpine and Saanen goats and organic Jersey cows' milk from nearby Woodside farm. Everything is solar-powered, non-GMO, and delicious. 
   
   
3. Mystic Maine Quilts - 5 River Rd, Chelsea, ME 04330
   Mystic Maine Quilts is an incredible resource if you have a crafty person on your Christmas list. Offering a tremendous selection of high quality 100% cotton fabrics, sewing notions, patterns, books, and professional longarm quilting services, Mystic Maine Quilts is located in the quiet community of Chelsea, just a few miles from Augusta and a stone's throw from these Chelsea homes for sale. If you'd like to have a custom quilt made – or are looking for the resources to make your own – this is your place.
    
4. Uncorked Wine & Cheese - 145 Civic Center Dr, Augusta, ME 04330
   Few things go hand-in-hand quite like wine and cheese, and this tiny boutique shop in Augusta is your go-to destination for both. Uncorked Wine & Cheese offers a broad and ever-changing selection of wines and cheeses from here, and all around the world. You're sure to find something special. Be sure to check their calendar for upcoming wine tastings and other events!
   
   
5. Jellison Traders - 359 Riverside Dr, Augusta, ME 04330
   Augusta offers no shortage of quaint antique stores, but Jellison Traders leads the pack. For more than a decade, this local shop has offered a simply stunning variety of antique, vintage, retro, modern, collectible and second-hand items. For antique hounds, it's essentially a 4,000 square-foot wonderland, where you're sure to find a perfect gift for anybody with a taste for the old-fashioned.
   
   
6. Wolf Creek Farm - 13 Blake Rd, Sidney, ME 04330
   A fantastic resource for finding local Maine products, Sidney's Wolf Creek Farm Store is the ideal place to stock up on delicious Maine-centric gifts for anyone on your list. In addition to all-natural meats and produce, they also offer a wide selection of jams, jellies, pickles, candies and locally hand-made goods of all kinds, including eye-catching arts, crafts, and jewelry. 

There's always something new and exciting to discover in Augusta, ME. Contact us today to learn more about life in Maine, and talk to our team about finding your dream home.

The leaves are changing colors, and that means that brewmasters across town are changing the kegs behind the bar. As the days get shorter and the weather starts to cool off, you are going to have plenty of time to sample some of the finest beers in the state. You might even see one or two of our real estate agents tipping a glass to celebrate a new home purchase with our clients.

• The Liberal Cup Public House & Brewery - 115 Water St, Hallowell, ME 04347
  The Liberal Cup Public House & Brewery is ideal for those nights when you want to enjoy a dash of British flavor and a touch of ole' world humor. The ambiance is what you would find on the other side of the pond. It is a fantastic place to enjoy a family outing or indulge in frivolity with your closest friends. When folks buy Hallowell homes for sale, this is often the first place they choose to celebrate their purchase.

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When potential home buyers start exploring Gardiner homes for sale, one of the first things they notice is the area's small-town feel and strong sense of community. Residents here love to support small business by shopping local. That's one of the reasons the Gardiner Food Co-Op is so popular. 

Not sure what a food co-op is or how it works? No worries! Our real estate agents have the inside scoop on everything you need to know! 

What is a Food Co-Op? 

On the surface, a food co-op works in much the same way as a traditional grocery store or food market. The storefront is open to the public, and you don't have to be a member to shop there. 

The biggest difference is the fact that local residents can become cooperative owners by making an equity investment, or purchasing shares. This gives them a vote in important matters regarding the operations of the business.

Unlike a traditional stock investment, the value of the shares does not fluctuate. When excess funds are accumulated, they are typically invested back into the co-op, held as reserves, or used to support other activities approved by the shareholders. Although it's not the primary objective, occasionally excess funds are returned to members based on their use of the services.  

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