It’s no secret that our furry friends love a good beach romp. My own doodle Maverick’s eyes light up every time I un-hook the leash and he gets to run free through the waves and the sand before the prime summer time hours hit and off-leash rules change. Here’s some of my favorite beaches the doodle and I always have a good time going to, and the rules are super clear so you never have to deal with the confusion of summer hours.
Willard Beach
Right in South Portland, this one’s my go-to. I can easily say this is a favorite spot for tons of local dog parents which makes it almost a social hour for us too. Plus, there’s a designated off-leash area where pups can socialize and run free.
East End Beach
This one is sneaky yet so much fun when you find it over in the eastern end of the Portland peninsula. East End Beach is a hidden gem that allows dog romps year-round. This one can actually be pretty romantic around sunset time since it’s right on Casco bay where you can watch all the big boats come in and out of the area. While dogs must be leashed during the summer months, they’re free to roam off-leash during the rest of the year. I’ve actually met tons of friends on this little beach.
Higgins Beach
If I’m not at little Willard Beach in So-Po with my doodle, Higgins Beach in Scarborough is always the immediate second choice. The rocks are so fun to climb and typically end up making little tidal pools that doggos love to splash around in. This is also what my friends and I refer to as “the surfer’s beach” because we constantly see surfers running in and out of the waves over there all season round. Talk about people watching.
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Max McClung scored 12 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, and the Windy City Bulls went on a 15-2 run in the fourth quarter to pull away for a 121-106 win over the Maine Celtics in an NBA G League game Friday night at the Portland Expo.
Kevin Knox II added 30 points, 21 in the second half.
Amari Williams led the Celtics with 26 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Jalen Bridges made six 3-pointers and finished with 22 points, but the Celtics dropped to 2-8 in their last 10 games. Maine has lost four straight games at the Expo.
Press Herald sports writers nominate high school athletes from the prior week’s games.
Readers vote for their top choice and the winner will be announced in the newspapers the following Sunday all season long!
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A collective of environmental, arts and Indigenous-led organizations is collaborating to produce We Are the Watershed, a two-day event aimed at reconnecting humans with nature and revitalizing the health of waterways, estuaries, and the bay in Peskotomuhkatikuk (traditional Passamaquoddy territory). Events, including theatrical performances, music, culinary experiences and an exhibition of submitted artwork, will be held on May 1 and 2 at Eastport Arts Center (EAC). A publication of written and visual works will also be released with proceeds to support conservation efforts and spreading awareness of their impacts.
Submissions sought: Written and visual works are currently sought from artists and creatives on both sides of the border across Peskotomuhkatikuk for the publication, which will be sold by donation at the May event. Proceeds from the sale will be dedicated to related community-building efforts, public engagement, and continued restoration efforts. The deadline for digital submission for the publication is April 1.
Physical works can be dropped off at EAC Sunday, April 26 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to be a part of the exhibition, which will run May 1 through 15. Artists under 18 will receive 100% of the proceeds if they opt to put their pieces up for sale during the exhibit, which will run May 1 through May 15. Artists over 18 will receive 70% of the proceeds with the remainder going toward promoting awareness of and supporting conservation efforts for the Passamaquoddy Bay.
The Eastport Arts Center
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Every week through Apr 01, 2026. Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
