South Bristol physical education teacher Liz Giles-Brown published her second book in May, “Insiders Guide to Visiting the Boothbay Harbor Region.”
Giles-Brown has lived in Boothbay Harbor area her entire life, and she shares with readers some of her most cherished spots on the Boothbay Harbor peninsula.
Chapter by chapter, Giles-Brown guides the reader to all the hot spots and little known treasures on the Boothbay peninsula. The book is the next best thing to having your own personal guide of the area.
She was inspired to write the book, after a family vacation with husband Tim and son Chase a few years ago. Every April for the past 16 years, the family has gone on vacation, to a different destination.
“I am an organizer. I do research ahead of time to figure out what we’re going to do,” Giles-Brown said. “With only a week to get the most we can out of our vacation days, I usually gather as much information as possible so we don’t waste a lot of time trying to figure out what we want to do when we get there.”
They were headed to St. Johns, Virgin Islands, so she went online and ordered the book, “St. John’s Feet, Fins, and 4-wheel drive.”
“It was written by a local resident with really specific directions,” Giles-Brown said. “It was priceless, absolutely priceless. After reading the book, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. It turned out to be the best book we’ve ever found on any of our vacations. Writing as if she were speaking directly to us, the author did an incredible job leading us to many places we would never have found had we not purchased the book. It was like having a local tour guide with us at all times.
“On the way home we were talking about how much we used that book and how we wished there had been one like it for all the places we visited. Then our conversation turned to the fact that it would be great if there were a book similarly written about the Boothbay Harbor area for people who are vacationing here, and then we thought, ‘who better to write it than a native who has lived here for the past 45 years?’ I decided to take a risk and start researching and writing.”
After three years of research, Giles-Brown published her guidebook “Insiders Guide to Visiting the Boothbay Harbor Region,” through Maine Authors & Publishing. The first printing of 200 books sold out quickly, and the second printing has been delivered.
The book consists of 11 chapters. Chapter one includes general information, including webcams, landmarks, Chamber of Commerce, special events, groceries and farm stands, pharmacy needs, laundry, worship, auto repair, taxi and emergency information.
Chapter 2 takes readers around town, giving parking tips, landmarks, public docks, trolley, public restrooms and more. Chapter 3 and 4 takes readers out on the water, including sight seeing tours, sailing, island trips, kayaking, cruises, boat rentals, fishing and lobstering excursions and fishing spots from shore.
Chapter 5 gives readers an insider look at favorite swimming spots, and tidal pools. Chapter 6 guides readers to local hiking spots, geo-caching adventures and botanical gardens.
Chapter 7 provides information on kid friendly adventures for the “Kids at Heart”. Chapter 8 expands on recreational opportunities in the area. Chapter 9 takes readers back in time to historical societies and museums and haunted tours. Chapter 10 informs readers of nighttime entertainment, including Thursday night Hallowell band performances, theatre, movies, concerts and other entertainment.
The final chapter lists area eating establishments. Throughout, the book gives detailed directions, physical addresses and contact information for every spot listed.
The book is available at Maine Coast Book Shop and Café in Damariscotta, Sherman’s Maine Book & Stationary in Boothbay Harbor, the East Boothbay General Store and the Village Store in Boothbay. It is also available at numerous other businesses and on line at www.maineauthorspublishing.com. For a complete list of where to purchase the book on the peninsula go to www.exploreboothbayharbor.com.
Giles-Brown’s first book, “Physical Education Assessment Toolkit,” was published in 2006 and has sold over 5000 copies. She got her undergraduate degree at Plymouth State College and received her Master’s Degree in Physical Education Curriculum and Instruction form the University of Maine Orono. She teaches physical education at South Bristol School and Southport Central School.
