Around the Peninsula - October 29, 2010

Time for a quick Around the Peninsula feature...

• Trader Joe's is opening today! This is the biggest thing to happen in Portland since Lady Gaga visited. Munjoy Hill News has been my go-to source on the Trader Joe's subject. The Press Herald also did a solid piece of investigative journalism / advertising of the new store yesterday.

• This post over at the Maine Observer site takes a look at Portland's five architectural "wonders" (I added the quotations) that could disappear next." It's a good read.

• From Away takes a look at the sacred Amato's original Italian sandwich. My review would be 'tasty.'

• Portland Town has been busy lately between Maine Restaurant Week (which goes until this Sunday) and Harvest on the Harbor.

I could keep going, but I won't. I'd like to do these posts more often. If anyone has something that is extra newsworthy, feel free to let me know that it should be included in the next Around the Peninsula post.

Around the Peninsula - August 2, 2010

I haven't done one of these little posts in a long while. Here we go...

• Keen observers and geography nerds such as myself may have noticed that Google released updated satellite views of Portland and the surrounding areas. Based on the half-demolished Jordan's factory and the first stages of the Jetport expansion in the imagery, I estimate the images to be a couple months old. Check it out on Google Maps or Google Earth before they get old.

• Unseen Portland has taken off since my last "Around the Peninsula" posting. This site posts photographs taken around town by many different photographers, and anyone (even you!) can submit your shots. As the author describes the site: "My goal is simply to show Portland in it’s most raw and beautiful state." You might even spy one of my photos in the archives. 

• Live Work Portland has an up-and-coming blog, called Portland Now. They are always looking  for  contributors, too. Also check out their Creative Portland People.org site: 

• Hillytown.com was redesigned not long ago, look sharp! Still the go-to site  for music happenings around town and the place to go for info about the remaining music festivals around the state taking place this summer.

• Portland Food Coma goes on a Maine BBQ Pilgrimage

• "Top 10 Under $10" cheap eats list by Broke 207. This will come in handy.

• And as always, be sure to check out the blogs listed on the right-hand column. Want your blog added? Just let me know.

Around the Peninsula - October 21, 2009

Just a few notable posts of the past few weeks from local blogs...

• The Blueberry Files shares a recipe for BLT Pie, which looks amazing to me.

• A guest writer at HillyTown tries some 'real Maine lobster' in NYC.

• Colin Woodard wrote a wonderful piece for Downeast Magazine about the secret lives of Mainers.

• Another new food blog, Appetite Portland. I think the layout is quite nice. I've been listening to a lot of Guns N' Roses lately so I would suggest they rename the blog "Appetite for Portland."

Around the Peninsula - August 18, 2009

Here are a few interesting things from around the local blog circuit that you may have missed...

• Portland Food Coma continues sharing some deep thoughts on local bars located within Asian restaurants.

• Tip of the hat to Portland Food Map on this post, reporting that Mainebiz reports on the old claim that we may have more restaurants per capita than San Francisco, maybe.

• Original Portland/Portland Photoworks proprietor Elliott Teel was interviewed in a Bollard story about the Parkside neighborhood, I recommend checking it out (the article, but Parkside isn't as bad as it used to be they report)

• Portlandtown covers the MS Harborfest of this past weekend with some great photos.

- Also, you may have noticed that I turned off comments for my new posts. I have been having troubles with some spam recently (I kept getting 30 different spam comments each day) despite having the word verification feature on. I'm working on the issue and will likely install the Disqus comment tool that is currently used on Walk Around Portland.

Around the Peninsula - May 14

Here are a few interesting things from around the local blog circuit...

Rights of Way reveals the MDOT's flowchart, which looks pretty accurate.

Portland 207 has the scoop on dance team tryouts for the new 'Maine Red Claws' basketball team. Job requirements: "...a car and a willingness to show up for the 24 home games."

Strange Maine covers the falling moose epidemic. (I use the word epidemic lightly)

Munjoy Hill News has a nice write-up about the Portland Harbor Museum's move from the SMCC campus in South Portland to downtown on Congress Street. Grand opening 5/20.

The MidCoast Collective has some nice posts on their recent advertising project for the Salvation Army. To go along with the theme of the campaign, my mentioning of their advertisements costs nothing!

Around the Peninsula - April 14

A lot of blogs have nice weekly/monthly/daily round-ups and I've considered doing something similar here. Here is a test run for you. I will highlight some things happening around Portland that might be of interest. If no one hates the idea, I might do this once every week or two.

From the Press Herald, "Downtown Downeaster in Portland?" A look at a topic being discussed by city councilors concerning extending the Amtrak's route down Commercial Street by the marine terminal. It would bring those travelling by train closer to the downtown/old port area than the current station which is very nice but not very pedestrian friendly for those trying to get downtown.

Thanks to Hillytown for the tip about the inaugural Tower of Song Festival which will take place near the end of May. Sign up now as a vendor or to volunteer. Should be fun!

When I get home I will post a few of my favorite photos of Portland taken this week by people other than myself (Can't get on flickr at work). Check back later in this spot.