SHIPYARD LAUNCHING

Mark your calendars for August 1, 2009 when Bath Iron Works will christen the AEGIS destroyer Jason Dunham (DDG109) at 10:00. These ceremonies occur about twice each year and are a wonderful opportunity to see the inside of the shipyard. The military participates in full dress white uniforms and the participants often include the governor, senators and Defense Department Secretaries. It is a patriotic and moving cermony and attended by thousands. More information can be obtained online at biwchristening@gdbiw.com.

HERITAGE DAYS IN BATH

Heritage Days in Bath, Maine is a four day festival that occurs each year over the first weekend in July (for 2010 July 2-5). The events are held throughout the city’s downtown area and include the following fun and exciting activities for the entire family:
• Rotary Barbecue - Held in the City Park with entertainment in the Gazebo
• Carnival with dozens of rides, games of skill and popular food vendors.
• Parade - Maine’s largest featuring over 100 entries in all categories
• Boat Parade - Featuring dozens of yachts on the Kennebec
• Fireworks - Fantastic display of pyrotechnics on the waterfront
Crafts Show - A two day juried event with over 50 vendors
• Art in the Park - Over 30 Artists from all over New England
• Kid’s Day - Fun activities for the younger crowd including face painting and games
• Chili Chowder Fest - A local competition between some of the area’s finest restaurants
• Fireman’s Muster - This event pits teams from 5 states with antique fire pump rigs.
• Strongman Competition - Trolley pulling is among the many tasks for this event
• Fun Run - Not nearly as grueling as the triathlon
• Front Street Shuffle - Over 125 antique cars line the streets
• Outdoor Concerts - including local and nationally known acts held
on two stages

BATH IRON WORKS TOURS

A trolley tour of General Dynamics' Bath Iron Works is not to be missed. The one-hour guided tour begins at the Maine Maritime Museum, which this year increased the schedule to five times per week. This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity, a behind-the-scenes tour. Participants view the old launching ways and BIW's Land Level Transfer Facility (this is where large vessels are constructred and moved into the dry-dock for launching). You also view the cutting edge Ultra Hall (which facilitates "mega section" construction). The tour is combined with a discounted one-hour boat cruise to view BIW from the water.

The schedule for tours are Tuesdays 12:30 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m. May 25-June 13; Monday-Wednesday, Friday 12:30, Saturdays 10 June 15-Oct. 12. Members $20, nonmembers $28, under 16 $15; two-day museum admission included. Last year most tours sold out so reservations strongly suggested. More information can be obtained at www.mainemaritimemuseum.org.

MAINE FISHING ADVENTURE

Maine is a world-class destination for fishing. Maine cannot be beat for variety and quality of fresh and saltwater fish. The Kennebec River drains from Moosehead lake and runs south through the central part of the state, past Bath, before meeting the ocean at Popham Beach. Brown trout running up to 20 inches are favorite catches along the river's midsection(around Augusta). The spot for fly casters is at the river's East Outlet where landlocked salmon, the freshwater form of the sea-run atlantic salmon, are on the move to spawn. May through July, and September are the best times to fish the river.. The section from Popham Beach to Bath, is a must-visit for striped bass fans. And from Cape Elizabeth to Harpswell the stripers, bluefish and mackerel are best bets. Plenty of charter operations are available in these areas.

WINTER IN BATH

WINTER IN BATH

It is interesting during the Winter when we have lots of snow. You can navigate the roads due to excellent plowing services (they even plow the sidewalks!). You don't need reservations at the numerous fine restaurants. There are lots of dinners and house parties along with ample entertainment at the Chocolate Church and Bowdoin College. And the shopping.....wow, the sales are especially sweet. We were at LLBean the other day and were amazed at the reasonable markdowns on quality goods. We really enjoy Bath in the Winter. Plus, you can take advantage of our $99 specials by calling 888 442 8771.