Barbara Hershey, Realtor Maine Real Estate

Yes...you read that correctly! It is once again time for the Great "Double Pecker" Challenge! And before you push that button to notify the blogging gods...or start typing an outraged e-mail...I want you to think of one word..."clams". Yes--we're talking about CLAMS! And if you're a fan of clams...steamed..stuffed...fried... then make sure you save your appetite for November 21st!

The Maine Clammers Association will host a steamed clam supper at the Freeport Masonic Lodge.

The Clammers Association is a non-profit group that works to maintain the quality of Maine's waters as well as protect Maine's shellfish resource. And they put on quite a spread!

A "Peck Plate Special"will be available for $20, and the first 5 people who eat an entire single order "Double Pecker Special" will eat for free and win a T-shirt! Come on.....I know you've got room for a "Double Pecker Special"!

And they say Mainers don't have a sense of humor....

For more information on this event visit www.maineclammersassociation.com

For information on Maine Real Estate, contact The Hershey Home Team!

Did You Know...

It never fails...as soon as I meet people "from away", one of the first things they ask me about are Maine Lobsters! It seems like the word "lobster" is synonymous with the Maine Coast! So for those of you interested, here are a few lobster facts:

1. It takes 5 to 7 years for a lobster to grow to legal size in the ocean! There is a special tool used to measure the carapace (back) of the shell. If it's not at least 3 1/4 inches long...throw it back! Lobsters get up to 45 pounds and (it is believed) that they can live as long as 70 years in unfarmed areas!

2. From every 50,000 eggs laid, only 2 lobsters are expected to survive to legal size. The eggs float near the surface and are a delicacy for many fish and birds. It's a tough life, being a lobster!

3. Lobster blood is colorless. When exposed to oxygen, it develops a bluish color. When you cook it, it turns white. It is tasteless and safe to eat! I always wipe mine off, but hey..that's just me.

4. Lobsters can regenerate legs, claws, and antennae. In fact they can amputate their own claws and legs when they're nervous or think they're in danger. I've had a lobster shoot off a claw as I tried to band it! It still wiggles...kinda creepy...but it WILL grow back!

5. Lobsters can be "left-handed" or "right-handed"...it depend on what side their "crusher" claw is on!

6. The lobster's stomach is located behind its eyes! Is that why it eats everything it sees?

7. Seventy percent of all lobsters harvested in New England are caught in Maine!

8. A lobster hatches from an egg no larger than the head of a pin. They are held on the underside of the female lobster. It is illegal to keep these females...they're known as "seeders" and must be returned to the water to protect the lobster population!

9. The largest lobster ever caught in Maine measured 36 in. from nose to tail. The largest ever caught weighed just over 44 pounds; it was caught in 1977, off Nova Scotia and had a total length of 3.5 feet.

10. A lobster's teeth are in its stomach!

So There You Go...10 things you never knew about lobsters!

So now you know!

If you'd like more information on where to find the freshest lobsters in Mid Coast Maine, call The Hershey Home Team!

If you'd like more information on where to find the freshest Real Estate Listings in Mid Coast Maine, Call The Hershey Home Team!

So you've spent the day walking around Bath, Me. You've marveled at the autumn foliage...explored the local shops...strolled along the Kennebec River, and watched BIW launch the latest destroyer....and now you're hungry! Well, you're in luck! Bath has a number of delicious choices for dining out...and since I've dined at all of them (I'm a big fan of food) I can confidently point you in the right direction! What are you in the mood for?

Pizza? Me too! Might I suggest:

1. The Cabin 522 Washington Street 443-6224

2. Pizza and More Washington Street 443-6631

3. Mario's Pizza 54 Centre Street 443-4126

You can't go wrong at any of these if you're looking for pizza, pasta, or subs!

Craving Barbecue? You will fall in love with Beale St Barbecue at 215 Water St. Visit them on the web at www.mainebbq.com to get a peek at the menu! The food is reeeaallly good!

How about soup and a sandwich? Visit The Sandwich Shop at 45 Vine St! I'm a regular..

Need Some Home Cookin'? You've got quite a few choices....all have home cooked meals, friendly people, and a relaxed atmosphere! This is where you'll find the locals...

Stop by The Galleyat 245 Centre St for burgers, meatloaf, lasagna, whatever you're craving!

Or swing by Southgate Family Restaurantat 510 Washington St for breakfast....they proudly display their award for the "Best Breakfast in Maine". Located across from the south gate of BIW....hence the name...this place fills up FAST! They don't take reservations so get there early!

And don't forget Teresa's TOGO at 528 Washington St. Visit www.Teresastogo.com to view their menu! Down home cooking, fabulous food, and did I mention they deliver? Be still my heart...

Need a burrito? Try Mateo's Hacienda at 443-3511. Need an egg roll? Try YUM-MEE at 5 School Street!

Feel like grabbing some fresh seafood and heading for home? Be sure you stop by Gilmore's Seafood at 129 Court Street

And finally...if you're looking for steak....seafood...the famous Maine Lobster Roll...a shore dinner....then I suggest -

1. J.R. Maxwell & Co 122 Front St Swing in here after a day of touring downtown Bath and enjoy prime rib, lobster, scallops...the works!

2. Kennebec Tavern 119 Commercial St This restaurant has a fabulous patio overlooking the Kennebec River! Enjoy steak, seafood, or sandwiches while you watch the boats!

Yes, all these wonderful places are within walking distance of downtown Bath. They're also within walking distance of my office....which means that my next blog will be about the various places to exercise in our fair city! Groan....

Notice that all these restaurants are locally owned....no franchises! I think it's more important than ever to dine and shop locally!

This list of Bath Restaurants should help meet your dining needs on your next trip to Maine! For all your Maine Real Estate needs, contact The Hershey Home Team!

New in town? Well, grab a name tag and mark your calendars for November 17th! If you've moved to the Bath area or a surrounding town (Phippsburg, West Bath, Arrowsic, Georgetown, and Woolwich) within the last year, then we would like to invite you to participate in the Bath Social! This is a fabulous opportunity where you can meet other new and long-time members of our community!

Come join us and enjoy mingling, networking, meeting new friends, sharing stories and experiences, and learning everyone's favorite restaurants, shops, and service providers!

The event is scheduled to take place on Monday, November 17th from 7-8 pm at the City Hall Auditorium. I encourage you to come and find out All MidCoast Maine has to offer!

See you there!

And if you're still planning your move to Maine, contact The Hershey Home Team!