I have three passions in life: Maine, traveling and skiing. Okay, four: chocolate. Maybe five, spa-ing (is there such a word?). I guess writing would be my sixth passion. And cheese, oh yeah, artisan-crafted and farmstead cheeses. What can I say, I’m a passionate kinda gal.
When I dropped out of grad school, I became a ski-and-whitewater bum, working at ski resort in winter, for a kayaking and whitewater rafting company in summer, and supplementing my wages year round by bartending and waitressing. So I’m pretty well versed in tourism and outdoor recreation.
When I got tired of hearing my parents ask: “When are you going to get a real job?” I became communications director of the U.S. Men’s Professional Ski Tour, responsible for a weekly newspaper and an annual magazine. That’s where I learned the difference between glamour and reality. Glamour=traveling the country with a bunch of hunky guys from around the globe and visiting ski resorts. Sign me up! Reality: 18-hour work days, driving back and forth across the country, and a $15 (no, there’s no digit missing) per diem. (I can work a buffet like no one, baby).
I put the writing experience to work a few years later as managing editor for Gourmet News, a trade tabloid for the gourmet foods industry. Twenty-five pounds later, I segued to a position as features editor responsible for arts and travel for a daily newspaper. Lost the weight, but not my taste for good food.
Now, I’m a full-time freelance writer. I’ve written on assignment for for publications ranging alphabetically from AARP to Yankee, topically from Art & Antiques to National Geographic Adventure (see Recent Articles). I’ve kissed a codfish for SKI, cast a line for National Geographic Traveler, break-danced an Olympic downhill for VIA, bared my soul for Organic Spa, dished on lobster for Down East, savored truffles for Islands, slept around for Maine, stargazed at 44 below zero for Private Clubs, noodled byways for American Style, and learned to pronounce Passawassawamkeag while researching my three Moon guidebooks: Maine, Coastal Maine, and Acadia National Park.
My husband, Tom, and I split our year between coast and the western mountains, with frequent forays elsewhere in the state and beyond it. In this blog, I’m sharing my finds and thoughts, not only about Maine, but also about wherever else assignments take me. And don’t be surprised to see occasional stories about pet travel featuring my dog, Bernie, a Leonberger (no, not cheese, just a giant overly friendly, overly furry breed with an ancestry that includes St. Bernard, Great Pyrnees and Newfoundlander–but no drool!).
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Disclosure: I occasionally accept free or discounted travel assistance when my editors have approved or requested it, but my writing always reflects my actual experiences. I will not knowingly lead you astray. Truth is, I prefer to travel incognito (not always possible in a state where it seems you can connect to anyone else in two moves). I find it far easier in many ways, although it’s less kind to my budget.
Southern Coast
Greater Portland
Mid-Coast
Penobscot Bay
Blue Hill Peninsula
Acadia Region
Down East
Aroostook County
Maine Highlands
Kennebec Corridor
Western Lakes & Mountains
Hilary,
Sounds like you really enjoy life! Have you ever been to The Cheese Iron? I think you’ll like what we have. Stop in sometime.
Thanks,
Vince Maniaci
I would just like to say that Vince is correct – I think that you would also enjoy The Cheese Iron!
Next time you are on MDI please stop by our little place in Town Hill (Town Hill Bistro) – we are also opening a wine and cheese shop/art gallery in about 2 weeks time, also in Town Hill.
Cheers,
Maureen Cosgrove
Thanks for the heads-up on your new wine and cheese shop/art gallery. I’ll definitely look for that next time I’m on the island–late June. And thanks, too, for the reminder about your bistro. I’ve heard good things. Hope to sneak in next visit or so.
H.
Good luck with the blog, Hilary. You’re THE Maine expert.
Things have really picked up, gastronomically speaking, from our early shared meals at Kimball Dining Hall at Holy Cross!
I look forward to reading all your entries – I have just jumped in and already I am hungry and ready to hit the road again.
All the best,
Lorraine
HELLO!! I AM SO HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND”MAINEGAL” WHAT A GREAT SITE! I LOVE MAINE AS WELL, ESPECIALLY THE RANGELEY AREA. MY SON DEVELOPED AN AMAZING SUBDIVION AROUND ROUND POND. I JUST MADE IT UP TO THE TOP OF THE PROPERTY CALLED ROUND TOP. 1900 FEET UP, THE VIEW WAS AMAZING. BE OUR GUESTS TO TRY THAT HIKE IT IS NEAR THE WILHEM RIECH MUSEUM UP DODGE POND ROAD ABOUT A MILE. YOU CAN WALK UP WHERE IT SAYS PARCEL 13 BEST REGARDS, MARY
I like Hilary’s style and take on places. Next time in Rockland check out Cafe Miranda, the Restaurant that started (and still here!)the food trend in the mid coast.
Yep< a cheap plug cuz I own the place! Kerry
Thanks, Kerry. I love Cafe Miranda, and it’s in my books. Cafe Miranda was the first of what has become an increasingly interesting selection of restaurants in downtown Rockland. Last time I visited, we sat at the bar and watched you work your magic. Thanks for the reminder, it’s been a while since I’ve eaten there; must return.
Hi, Hillary! So glad I chanced upon you as I was myself lamenting the closing of Port in a Storm bookstore, which is across the street from my house in Somesville. I share your passions for Maine, eating, and outdoor stuff, which I also blog about here as “A New Yorker Talks to Herself about Maine” – because my friends stopped listening to me. I publish a site about exploring, eating, and relaxing on Mount Desert Island, as well — http://www.ouracadia.com. Please, you need not publish this — I just want you to know I’m glad I found you and I love Maine, too! Thanks for writing about it. -L
A new edition of my Moon Acadia National Park book should hit bookstores this month. Check it out, and let me know what you think.
Your Somesville location is fabulous. You’ll have to let me know what moves into the old Port in a Storm location. Makes my eyes tear up just to think that it’s gone.
H (with one L).
Hi there,
Next time here, please treat your senses to a trip to my shop. Cheese, chocolate and wine with an emphasis on cheese. As many Maine made goods as I can comfortably fit in. It is a heavenly shop. The Cave, Brooklin
Your shop looks wonderful. Is it in the Naskeag building on the corner? From the links, you have a drool-worthy selection. I’ll definitely stop in the next time I come through. Sorry I missed you last spring, when I looped the peninsula researching a new edition of Coastal Maine.
Love the new site!
The books are wonderful. Continued success.
Lorraine
Hello!
Although I live a bit farther east, I very much enjoyed your Acadia guide.
If you’re ever traveling through the Milbridge area and are looking for things to do, check out VisitMilbridge.com (www.visitmilbridge.com).
Here you’ll find information about this lovely coastal village and its surrounding areas along with arts and cultural events listings plus much more.
Best wishes,
Mary Spence
Miss Hillary,
Our lovely shop was indeed at the Naskeag building in Brooklin. It was dismantled this past week(s) for a relocation. We are staying in Brooklin, but will be at 123 Reach Road. Same phone. Hope to throw open the doors in time for Thanksgiving.
Cheers