Buy Local and Discovering Thompson’s Point

Maine is one of several states in these United States with a low population and just one lone area code; 1.33 million people living in 35,385 square miles. Come summer, our numbers grow by leaps and bounds with visitors and snowbirds, the term for our fair weather folk who visit us between Memorial Day and Columbus day, then high-tail it to southern climates such as Florida for the winter. Our economy is small; therefore, it’s important that we keep as much commerce in the state as possible. You’ll find many Mainers are dedicated to buying local, supporting their friends and neighbors small businesses.

Portland Buy Local is Portland’s Independent Business and Community Alliance, a non-profit focused on raising awareness and encouraging small business growth. Buy Local is hosting a series of events this summer to promote local businesses and we’re grateful for their efforts. To celebrate Independents Week here’s a couple to check out –  July 1 to 7, Afternoon Tea Tasting will take place at Dobra Tea. Here you can taste some wonderful teas from Maine and the rest of New England. On Friday, July 7, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can enjoy Cider and Kombucha Tastings with Urban Farm Fermentory of East Bayside at the Portland Food Coop.

The Food Coop is a bountiful market for local food, beverages and health products — never crowded and on the way to the beautiful Eastern Promenade.

On Saturday, July 8 from noon to 5pm, the Downeast Lobster Roll Festival will take place at Thompson’s Point in Portland. The World’s Best Lobster Roll Competition, featuring lobster from our shores, live music, and food and drink. The competition has been reduced to 12 finalists who compete for the title. Eight of the finalists are from Maine and the other four from out-of-state. The winner will be announced at 3:30 p.m.. Look for the winners and fun lobster roll facts in next week’s blog.

The beautiful and recently developed Thompson’s Point in the Libbytown area of Portland is a great place for food and drink all year round. Enjoy wine tasting at Cellardoor Winery, spirits at Stroudwater Distillery, beer at Bissell Brothers Brewing Co., and tasty fried chicken at Big J’s Chicken Shack.

In the early 19th century, this point of land served a hub of barge and boat traffic on the Cumberland and Oxford Canal. Until recently, this industrial site has been underutilized. Much of Thompson’s Point is historic and developers have done a magnificent job preserving the beautiful brick buildings and rehabilitating the site. See a concert on the waterfront or pack a picnic and relax in a splendid setting. Spend a few hours or spend the day; Thompson’s Point has plenty of parking and is a short ride from downtown Portland.