Lighthouse Depot

While in Maine earlier this month, I stopped in at "Mecca" for lighthouse aficionados, the Lighthouse Depot store on Route 1 in Wells. I was thrilled to see our maps right up front (and even outside the entrance). Thanks Lois!

A Quick Visit to Maine

I was able to fit a few days in Maine around a family reunion in southern New England. Having lived in Maine for many years and cut my teeth in the map business there, it was exciting to see our new Maine Lighthouses map in so many places. The Maine Marketplace store at Portland Jetport rushed an order the day before I left that I delivered right off the plane! Here are the maps in some other dealers:

Kittery Trading Post is a great outdoor outfitter and has an excellent selection of Maine maps and books.

The Candle Shack in Cape Elizabeth is a great place to browse while you wait for your order at The Lobster Shack, a great setting adjacent to the Cape Elizabeth lighthouses, and with waves slapping against the rocks.

Sherman's Books in Boothbay Harbor. Locations also in Freeport, Camden and Bar Harbor.

Moody's Gift Shop in Waldoboro. Right across the parking lot from Moody's Diner, with their renowned pies.

I have warm spot for DeLorme's map store in Yarmouth, as I founded it some 25 years ago. But the store in those early days can't compare to it now. Fantastic selection of maps and guidebooks. While you're there, enjoy Eartha, the world's largest revolving and rotating globe.

Blue Willow, Perkins Cove, Ogunquit.

Gift shop at Foster's Clambake in York.

The Smiling Cow in Camden. There is another location is in Boothbay Harbor.

You'll find the map in more than fifty other gift and book shops along the coast, two of which will be featured in future posts, and if you need it before you visit Maine, it's available on amazon.

Cape Blanco Lighthouse, Oregon

Before we started Bella Terra, I think we both would say we liked lighthouses, but never thought much about them. Now that Our Publisher is deep into researching and writing about them, we've learned a lot already. I had never heard of a Fresnel lens. Now at Cape Blanco I was inches away from one, and it was fascinating!

Yes, that's me!

Coquille River Lighthouse, Oregon

The lighthouse, removed from service in the 1930s, is located within Bullard's Beach State Park, near the cute town of Bandon. Bandon is famous for its cranberries. There are great ocean views in the area, including stunning Face Rock (pics below). Lighthouse tours include a climb to the lantern room.

Face Rock at dusk

Face Rock in the morning

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Oregon

Yes, it was pretty windy that day. There are several great distance viewpoints for Heceta Head.

There is also a nice beach below it (last pic). From the beach parking lot ($3 fee payable at machine), it's a moderate 1/2 mile climb to the light. The keepers house is operated as a B&B

Umpqua River Lighthouse, Oregon

When visiting this lighthouse near Reedsport, be sure to also see the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. The Forest Service operates an information center in "downtown" Reedsport. We had time for only a short hike and got a great recommendation. If you're into it, there are dune buggy rentals in the area.

Cape Arago Lighthouse, Oregon

The viewpoint is a mile away, however there are trails that will get you closer.

Travels in Oregon

I was fortunate enough to spend a couple of days on the Oregon coast last week, and visited some of our dealers and five lighthouses. (I'll follow with posts on the lighthouses.) I always love stepping into a store a finding our maps on display!

By the Sea Treasures, Bandon, Oregon

Jerry's Rogue River Museum & Gift Shop, Gold Beach, Oregon

Other Oregon stores that have ordered the Northwest Lighthouses map this year:

Astoria: Columbia River Maritime Museum
Bandon: Big Wheel General Store
Depoe Bay: Lookout Gift Shop
Florence: Driftwood Shores Resort
Netarts: Cape Meares Lighthouse
Portland: Oregon Maritime Museum Store
Seaside: Camp 18 Restaurant
Tillamook: Tillamook Creamery