It’s spring! Do you have spring in your step? Spring fever? Does hope spring eternal? (OK, I’ll stop.)

This is the season of rebirth, awakening, renewal and regrowth. It’s been a long winter and now it’s time to spring into action and take a road trip. (I promise!)

Throughout Maine it seems people are gearing up for spring and beyond with activities for everyone, from a Chocolate Lovers Fling in Portland and eagles in Pownal, to Parrotheads at Sunday River. There’s an edible book festival in Portland — you read that right — and a free day at Acadia National Park. And that’s just in April! It’s time to take a road trip in Maine and leave winter behind! So dust off your shoes, spring for some gas and go! (Couldn’t help it. It’s spring!)

Acadia National Park

Mount Desert Island

April 22-26

http://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm

Take advantage of free days at Maine’s national park in April, Monday through Friday, April 22 to 26.

Spring Hill’s The Lodge Restaurant

117 Pond Road

South Berwick

384-2693

www.springhillmaine.com

First, it has “spring” in its name, so how can you lose? Second, this conference and event center located on 60 beautiful acres also has a first-class restaurant that offers panoramic views. Opens at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Great Maine Bike Swap – Portland

April 28

University of Southern Maine

623-4511

USM/Sullivan Recreation and Fitness Complex

http://www.bikemaine.org/events/great-maine-bike-swap

Are you looking for a new bike? Want to swap one? This is the place to go. Zillions of bikes on sale. Held at the Sullivan Gym at the USM Campus in Portland, the action is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Edible Book Festival

April 5

Portland Public Library

5 Monument Square

Portland

871-1700

Home

This is something you don’t see every day — a festival where all the entries are edible and must be based on a book or poem. Think of the possibilities. There will also be a book arts show at the Lewis Gallery by USM art students. For more information, check out the website.

Lewiston Auburn Film Festival

April 4-7

Lewiston

740-8800

http://lafilmfestival.org/

This is four days of films — and film celebration — that you won’t find in mainstream theaters. Films of all kind will be shown: professional, independent and student, short and full length. Check out the website for a full listing and choose the ones you’d like to see. Let the free shuttle take you from venue to venue, and either eat at a downtown restaurant or bring a lunch and picnic between films.

SARSSM Annual Chocolate Lovers’ Fling

April 7

Holiday Inn by the Bay

88 Spring St.

Portland

828-1035

http://www.chocolateloversfling.org/

For hardcore chocolate lovers. This is not a free event: Seating is reserved and tickets cost $50. But the payoff is chocolate and knowing the funds will go to the Sexual Response Services of Southern Maine.

Annual Central Maine Brew Fest

April 13

Augusta Armory

179 Western Ave.

Augusta

http://www.centralmainebrews.com/

(207) 948-2763

[email protected]

Micro-brews, food, music, prizes — what more could you want?

Maine Roller Derby

April 13 and 27

Happy Wheels Skate Center

331 Warren Ave.

Portland

797-8207

http://mainerollerderby.com/events/

Ready for some excitement? Nothing can do it better than watching these women compete in the roller derby events. Check out the website for ticket information.

Feathers over Freeport

* Saturday, April 27, at Bradbury Mountain State Park, 528 Hallowell Road, Pownal

* Sunday, April 28, at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park, 426 Wolf Neck Road, Freeport

287-5266 FMI

http://maine.gov/doc/parks/feathersoverfreeport.shtml

For anyone interested in birdwatching or learning more about birds, this is the event for you. There will be a live bird program and birdwatching, along with walks through Wolfe’s Neck Woods and Bradbury Mountain state parks. $1 for children, $3 for adults.

Annual Parrothead Festival

April 5-7

Sunday River

15 South Ridge Road

Newry

824-3000

http://www.sundayriver.com/EventsActivities/EventsCalendar/index.html

If you’re looking for a party, this is it: spring skiing, concerts, food, contests and prizes. Don’t miss the pond-skimming and Key lime eating contest.

Ogunquit Patriots Day celebration

April 12-14

Route 1

Ogunquit

646-2939

http://www.ogunquit.org/

If you are interested in Maine history, go! There will be re-enactments, food and a craft fair during the weekend. FMI: Contact the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce at 646-2939.

Fisherman’s Festival

April 26-28

Boothbay Harbor

633-6280

http://www.boothbayharbor.com/

A weekend of fun activities includes the Miss Shrimp Contest, codfish relay, lobster crate races and, on Sunday, the Blessing of the Fleet Memorial Service and boat parade. Visit the website for more information.

Chocolate Lovers’ Fling

Photo courtesy of Sexual Assault Response Services of Maine – One of the images from last years annual Chocolate Lovers Fling at the Holiday Inn in Portland.

Feathers over Freeport

Photo courtesy of Gary Best. – Hope Douglas of Wind over Wings does a presentation about Golden Eagles at Bradbury Mtn State Park.

Fisherman’s Festival

Photo courtesy of Fisherman’s Festival – Blessing of the fleet in Boothbay Harbor.

Edible Book Contest

Photo courtesy of Portland Public Library – Just one of the contest entries for the ‘Edible Book’ contest which will be held on the first Friday Art Walk of the season.