Edition #52, 12 October 2009

Hello, my name is Cynthia, a mermaid from the cool waters of New England. Thank you for visiting my collection of articles on New England. Please tell your friends and family about this web site.

Look for other articles in this series on the home page.

The city of Bangor and the surrounding area are rich in history. Bangor began to call itself the "lumber capital of the world" in the 19th century. Major markets for Maine lumber were Boston, New York, the Caribbean, and even California. In the early 20th century, a transition from the lumber industry to the paper industry began to take place. Bangor was also a center for anti-slavery politics prior to the Civil War. It and surrounding towns played a major role in the war, and took part in the first battle of Bull Run.

Returning to the present, central Maine is currently seeing some of its best fall colors. Current foliage conditions are available at the state's web site. Give your camera a workout, and send me your favorite foliage photo!

The United Maine Craftmen's 21st Annual Bangor Arts & Crafts Show will be held November 7th and 8th at the Bangor Civic Center at 100 Dutton Street. Hours are 10am to 4pm, and admission is only $1.50.

Get in touch with nature with a visit to the Rolland F. Perry City Forest. Enjoy 680 acres of forest and wildlife habitat which includes four miles of access roads and nine miles of trails for hiking, bicycling, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.

Be sure to bring the kids to the Maine Discovery Museum at 74 Main Street. The museum features three floors of exhibits, activities and amusements. It is the largest children's museum north of Boston. Admission is $7.50 per person. Members and children 12 months and younger get in free. The museum is closed on Mondays. Remember your visit with a stop at the museum gift shop.

Bangor is home to the University of Maine, University College, and Husson University.

Thistles Restaurant offers fine dining at 175 Exchange Street in downtown Bangor. Their signature dishes include Gaucho Style Lamb, Salmon Portuguese, and Spanish Paella. A wine suggestion for each appetizer and entree on the menu is provided, and half-portions of most entrees are available.

Everyone is raving about Panda Garden Chinese restaurant at 123 Franklin Street. When folks say, "This is the best Chinese restaurant in the state", you have to pay attention. Panda Garden specializes in Szechuan and Hunan cuisine, and take out is available.

For great food in a casual setting, pay a visit to Central Street Cafe at 11 Central Street. Delicious food and a helpful staff make this the perfect place to enjoy breakfast or lunch. Be sure to try the homefries!

Read more about Bangor at bangorinfo.com, www.downtownbangor.com, and www.bangormaine.gov. If you see me in the water, be sure to wave!

Hi Cynthia,

Beluga Whales are amazing. This picture is Kela during feeding time - one of the Beluga whales that are at the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT. There are three whales that live there: Inuk, Kela and Naku. The whales come to the trainer based on a shape that gets put into the water. The whales have learned do to different tricks - like jumping up out of the water or spinning or making noises. They really are majestic animals. This aquarium is about as far south as they can go - they like the cold northern waters. The water is cooled to 55 degrees for them.

There are a lot of other exhibits of the aquarium - from stingrays to penguins to an octopus to a group of sea lions. There are people who are glad to explain all of the exhibits to you. You can also touch a stingray (oh, they're so sleek and soft). The whole aquarium was really fun to explore. If you ever have a chance to visit - the Mystic Aquarium is really wonderful.

- Fleur

Dear Fleur,

I am also a big fan of the Mystic Aquarium. Thank you for sharing your photo!

Cynthia

If your business would like to sponsor a past or future article, please visit my Resources page for information.

Help Keep Oceans Clean, for my world, and for yours!