Whether you’re partial to rivers, mountains, coastline or farmlands, there’s a route for you.
Ray Routhier
Staff Writer
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of Maineโs people and places. Heโs written about why so many businesses use the made-up word โMainelyโ in their names, how you can trace Portlandโs history through its various smells and why Mainers lament the loss of Portland-made B&M baked beans. Heโs interviewed a wide variety of filmmakers, actors, musicians and authors, including Patrick Dempsey, Tony Shalhoub, Richard Russo, Tess Gerritsen, Tony Bennett, Anna Kendrick, and Stephen King. His passions, besides writing, include baseball history, old movies and โJeopardy!โ A native of Manchester, New Hampshire, he graduated with a degree in political science from the University of New Hampshire. He lives in South Portland with his wife and two children.
How Elizabeth Strout came to bring 3 beloved characters together in ‘Tell Me Everything’
When the author realized Olive Kitteridge, Lucy Barton and Bob Burgess from her previous books were all living in Crosby, Maine, she knew they had to meet.
Movie based on Maine author’s ‘Wild Robot’ hits theaters Friday
The DreamWorks animated film ‘The Wild Robot,’ based on the children’s novel by Midcoast author Peter Brown and starring Lupita Nyong’o, is opening nationwide.
A South Portland librarian gives a glimpse of life behind the circulation desk
During her nearly 10 years at the South Portland Public Library, Marie Plouffe has helped people decide what to read next, how to use computers and printers and looked up a huge variety of information.
Maine humorist Tim Sample is stepping off the stage
Sample, 73, is retiring from performing live after 50 years so he can spend more time on his art, a passion he’s pursued all his life. His last Maine show is scheduled for June in Boothbay Harbor.
Monica Wood takes ‘How to Read a Book’ on a tour of small-town Maine
After a delay in the novel’s release, the Portland author was looking for a way to reinvigorate her excitement about it. She’s been finding it in little libraries throughout the state.
Make the most of Maine’s fair season before it winds down
Fairs in Farmington, Cumberland, Unity and Fryeburg give you lots of choices for things to do. You might even try visiting two in one day.
Heading to Fryeburg for the fair? Take a fun-filled detour
There’s more to do in this scenic mountain town than its annual agricultural fair, including candlepin bowling, sampling tasty local brews, and seeking out a covered bridge.
Organic dairy farmer appreciates extraordinary everyday moments
Annie Watson of Sheepscot Valley Farm in Whitefield is a first-generation farmer, an MOFGA board member and an ‘artist at heart.’
How does an orchardist like them apples? In pie, with wine and cheese, and with smiles
Aaron Libby, the son of Libby & Son U-Picks in Limerick, answers a few questions about the business ahead of this weekend’s statewide Maine Apple Sunday.