Like everything, school vacation week this holiday season will look and feel very different, but there are still lots of things to do virtually and outdoors.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maine’s people and places. He’s written about why so many businesses use the made-up word “Mainely” in their names, how you can trace Portland’s history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. He’s interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and “Jeopardy!” A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
Posted inFood & Dining, Things to Do
Run & Eat: Empire returns in time for birthday takeout
The Portland Chinese restaurant reopened for takeout and curbside pickup in the fall with an online ordering system.
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Posted inMaine
For shop clerks and DJs, it’s the most wonderful time for their ears
Incessant Christmas music started earlier than usual this year, but even people who have to listen to it nonstop don’t mind.
Posted inThings to Do
No time like the present to make your own gifts
Crafty Mainers are offering classes that can make for a fun activity and help with your shopping list.
Posted inThings to Do
How to deck the halls for a long winter at home
Make your home cozy and inviting with wreaths or holiday arrangements, pillows and blankets, and more natural light.
Posted inThings to Do
Make time, and space, for these holiday events
Maine holiday events have been adapted for safety this year, including several driving events featuring festive light displays.
Posted inFood & Dining, Things to Do
Run & Eat: Sample several dumplings from BaoBao for a takeout treat
The Portland restaurant has online ordering and an easy curbside pickup system.
Posted inFood & Dining, Maine
As the weather cools, more outdoor diners become ‘early birds’
The pandemic has pushed the dinner hour up, especially this fall in Maine, as outdoor diners try to take advantage of the relative daytime warmth.
Posted inArts & Entertainment, Things to Do
Local theaters host virtual readings
Portland Stage presents John Cariani, reading from his new novel version of ‘Almost, Maine,’ and Acorn Productions puts on a reading of ‘Madeleines,’ by Bess Welden.
Posted inMaine
Adaptive sports program helps veterans stay connected through outdoor recreation
Participants say the VAST program, run by veteran and olympic skier Kristina Sabasteanski through the New Gloucester nonprofit Pineland Farms, is even more important amidst the isolation of the pandemic.