A Shoulder-Season Babymoon in Maine

Everyone knows that person who spends weeks sniffing around travel blogs, going deep into Tripadvisor rabbit holes, collecting Google docs from friends of friends, and creating A Beautiful Mind–style spreadsheets to come up with the best vacations and itineraries possible. In this recurring series, we find those people who’ve done all the work for you and have them walk us through a particularly wonderful, especially well-thought-out vacation they took that you can actually steal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're planning a memorable babymoon during the shoulder season, look no further than the beautiful state of Maine. With its picturesque coastal towns, stunning natural landscapes, and charming accommodations, Maine offers the perfect destination for a relaxing and romantic getaway before your little one arrives.

During the shoulder season, when the crowds have thinned and the weather is mild, Maine showcases its unique beauty. Explore the quaint streets of Portland or Bar Harbor, indulge in fresh seafood, and take in the breathtaking views of the rugged coastline. Whether you prefer leisurely strolls on the beach or scenic hikes in Acadia National Park, Maine has something to offer every expectant couple.

When it comes to accommodations, Maine boasts a range of charming bed and breakfasts, cozy cottages, and luxurious resorts. Choose a waterfront retreat or a cozy inn nestled in the woods, and enjoy the tranquility and comfort that Maine has to offer.

While on your babymoon, take advantage of the local cuisine, which is known for its seafood delicacies and farm-to-table offerings. Treat yourselves to romantic dinners at waterfront restaurants or enjoy a picnic on one of Maine's scenic beaches.

With its serene ambiance, breathtaking landscapes, and endless opportunities for relaxation, Maine provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable babymoon experience. Take this time to unwind, connect as a couple, and cherish the precious moments before your baby's arrival.

Plan your shoulder-season babymoon in Maine and create memories that will last a lifetime. Embrace the tranquility and natural beauty of this picturesque state, and celebrate this special time in your lives.

Kitchen & Dining

The 9 Very Best Immersion Blenders

While many people think storing a blender in their kitchen is worth the space it takes up, I find the smaller (and overall less expensive) immersion blender can handle a lot of the same cooking tasks with less fuss. Sure, I keep a large machine on hand for big-batch drinks or crushing nuts into butter, but I actually prefer the several handheld blenders I’ve tested — all of which you’ll find on this list — for emulsifying soups, marinades, dressings, and aïolis. And I’m not alone in that: In addition to my own testing, I talked to 15 expert cooks for this story and learned that many own both a larger standing blender and an immersion blender — mainly because the immersion is often so much easier to pull out, use, and clean. “I use mine way more than my full-size blender and food processor,” Simply Recipes associate general manager Emma Christensen told me. “It stores in a drawer where you can pull it right out. There’s no transferring. It’s much easier to clean.”

August 19, 2024

Kitchen & Dining

The 7 Very Best French Presses

A large part of the appeal of a French press is its simplicity. No accessories to buy, no deftness needed to pour, no stressing about precise timing (as you would with an espresso shot). For a coffee enthusiast, there’s room for experimentation in the coarseness of the grind, the ratio of water to coffee, and the interpretation of “water just off the boil” that’s to your liking. But at its heart, it’s a simple device, inspiring the same simple pleasure as brewing a pot of tea (which it also does rather well).

August 16, 2024

Kitchen & Dining

The Best Induction Cookware, According to Chefs

Because induction burners rely on electromagnetism to work, induction-compatible cookware must be made of a ferromagnetic material, like cast iron or stainless steel. Placing a kitchen magnet on the bottom of a pan is a good way to test if it’s ferromagnetic: If the magnet sticks, your pan is good to go. Pans made of materials like glass, copper, and aluminum are not compatible with induction unless specifically outfitted with an induction-compatible metal.

August 14, 2024