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Maine Local Secrets 2010

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Credit: Erick Ingraham

Best Cheese Selection
THE CHEESE IRON, Scarborough
Gorgeous presentation, rare varieties, a ripening room, and a knowledgeable staff add up to a treat for cheeseheads. Add wine and gourmet goodies, and you've got a first-class picnic. 200 Route 1. 207-883-4057; thecheeseiron.com

Best Damn Swimming Hole
BRISTOL DAM, Bristol Mills
Mosey down the Pemaquid Peninsula to find this small, roadside pool, created by a dam in the river. A favorite with locals, it's perfect for a quick heat-relief plunge. Launch your canoe nearby for a pleasant paddle upriver to Pemaquid Pond. Route 130. bristolparks.org/dam.htm

Best Fishcakes
THE SURFSIDE, Vinalhaven
Ask islanders about breakfast at this diner-type establishment, and inevitably they'll rave about the homemade fishcakes served on Sundays (other mornings by chance). Try to snag one of the outdoor tables. Harbor Wharf. 207-863-2767

Best Don't-Judge-a-Restaurant-by-its-Exterior
NANA'S KITCHEN, Northport
Doesn't look like much outside, but it's pure tastebud heaven inside, with fresh breads, biscuits, muffins, and doughnuts. Fan favorite: the crabmeat omelet. Breakfast all day; most choices are less than $6. Route 1. 207-338-1524

Best Slice of Heaven
FRIARS' BAKEHOUSE, Bangor
Brother Kenneth Leo and Brother Donald Paul bake divine breads along with sinful whoopie pies and other treats, plus a limited (just two, say) selection of soups and sandwiches. Tables are communal; prayers are free. 21 Central St. 207-947-3770

Best Souvenir Shopping
HAYSTACK MOUNTAIN SCHOOL OF CRAFT, Deer Isle
Some of the nation's top artisans attend classes here. At the end of each one- or two-week summer session, the public can take a self-guided studio tour from 4 to 6 p.m., returning for the 7:30 preview followed by an auction. Sunshine Road. 207-348-2306; haystack-mtn.org

Best Sweet Deal
WEST END DRUG CO., Bar Harbor
In a town of $4 ice cream cones and $7 sandwiches, this old-fashioned soda fountain offers a grilled cheese for less than $2 and a one-scoop cone for $1.49. 105 Main St. 207-288-3318

Best Home Hobby
MAINE CENTRAL MODEL RAILROAD, Jonesport
More than 400 train cars navigate 3,000 feet of track in Buz and Helen Beal's 900-square-foot Maine Central Railroad model. The detailed landscape includes bridges, trestles, and real Maine towns. Call before visiting; donations appreciated. 207-497-2255

Best Pub for What Ales You
EBENEZER'S PUB, Lovell
Jen and Chris Lively's establishment, hidden in the folds of western Maine's mountains, has 35 Belgian beers on tap, 700 bottled brews, and a beer cellar that holds their 1,000-bottle collection. 44 Allen Road. 207-925-3200

Best Seinfeld Imitation
SOUP FOR YOU, Farmington
Every day this little order-at-the-counter spot turns out six hearty homemade soups in interesting flavors, with options for vegetarians, vegans, and the gluten-sensitive. 222 Broadway. 207-779-0799