You don’t have to be # 1!  Nina Wildorf, Editor -in- Chief of Budget Travel Magazine, announced this morning on CBS,  The Early Show that Rockland, Maine was voted the #2 Coolest Small Town in America.  As an aside, she did say Rockland was a personal favorite.

This is a pretty big deal!  People all across the USA watched the nomination this morning and took note.  The Lime Rock Inn received a reservation during the segment and the phone at the Chamber has been ringing off the hook.  Congratulations Rockland!  You are a cool town!

The following criteria had to be met: 

1.  Have to be able to get a Great Cup of Coffee

2.  Good Food

3.  When you leave to visit the big City, you always want to come back

4.  More Art Galleries than Country Stores–this is not quaint America but Hip

5.  Population less than 10,000

For a peak at their magazine, which is jam packed with terrific travel hints, updates, and out of the ordinary articles (”the cow chip throwing capital of the world” ) go to www.BudgetTravel.com

Last week the incredible diversity and range of climatic regimes in Maine was on full display. Here on the coast we had crocuses poking their colorful heads through the spruce boughs that had protected them from an “old fashioned” winter. Only two hours away and 4000 feet higher, winter was clearly still in charge at Sugarloaf Mtn. as rime frost coated the trees in an amazing display of Mother Nature’s beauty.