As summer rolls in, I’m savoring a rare and cherished break. Heading into the season, I deliberately packed my schedule in May and June so I could take July off from outdoor markets. My family has a shared waterfront Maine cottage, and we have exclusive access to it for June and July. The house isn’t insulated, and the town water is available only about five months out of the year. In coastal Maine, where the summer season is fleeting, it’s a special privilege to soak up every moment.
This summer is particularly unique for me—it’s the first time in about 15 years that I haven’t been working for someone other than myself. So, I decided to fully embrace this opportunity and spend as much time as possible at our Maine cottage. Over the past three weeks, I’ve been living the dream up there. The experience has been nothing short of magical, and I’m so grateful for the chance to relax and revel in the simple joys of Maine 🌲
A Glimpse of Paradise
Here’s the view from our Maine cottage, situated right on the Damariscotta River in Boothbay. The view stretches out towards the Atlantic and neighboring islands, and it’s hard to put into words just how special this place is.
Our family’s connection to this Maine cottage dates back to 1963 when my great grandparents bought the property before anyone else was around on this small peninsula. Over the years, they built the cottage and soon involved their children, who began bringing their own families to enjoy the summers here. They even moved rocks to create a small beach in the cove, which only appears at low tide. My mom first came to this cottage at the age of six, and decades later, my sister, cousins, and I were jumping into the freezing cold water and playing in the cove for hours. As we grew older, we started exploring the coastline in small boats.
A Legacy of Memories
My childhood—and much of who I am—has been shaped by the time spent at this Maine cottage. It’s amazing to hear my mom and uncles recount their childhood stories here, which so often mirror my own. Seeing photos of people who’ve long passed, standing on the same rocks and gazing at the same view, adds another layer of depth to this place. It’s easy for me to think of the cottage’s history as starting with my own first visit, but it’s been a cherished family experience for five generations now, contributing to our close-knit bonds.
Summer Adventures and Inspiration
As you might imagine, the stunning surroundings were a bit distracting, so I didn’t do much painting during my stay. Instead, I indulged in exploration and local activities that I’m excited to share!
I made sure to take the obligatory annual jump into the river, though I spent more time swimming upriver where the water is about 10 degrees warmer. The chilly 59 degrees at high tide can be a bit of a shock! We keep our boat tied up at a spot near a gray container used for storing lobsters. About once a week, we boat across the river to a Lobster Co-Op, pick up lobsters, and store them in this container until it’s time to cook them.
In Damariscotta, at the end of the river, the water is significantly warmer, allowing us to stay in for longer periods.
The weekly farmers market is a must-do, not just for fresh produce but also to visit my favorite golden retrievers who sell delicious berries.
Ocean Point, ME, is a favorite spot of ours for scenic walks, despite not being in our immediate neighborhood.
Of course, I couldn’t resist capturing every opportunity to snap a picture of the gorgeous hydrangeas that bloom around the area.
Our boating adventures also led us to see many seals. Our Maine cottage is just a 15-minute ride from “Seal Cove,” where seals sun themselves on the rocks during low tide. This experience is what inspired my seals print!
A Special Summer
Overall, this summer at the Maine cottage has been a rejuvenating escape and a source of inspiration. The natural beauty, family history, and local traditions make it a cherished part of my life, and I’m so glad I took the time to enjoy it fully. Here’s to many more summers filled with these special moments and new adventures!
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