Sherri DuPont’s Trip to Maine

President of Collins & DuPont, Sherri DuPont, went on her annual trip to Maine with her husband, Dave DuPont, and I caught up with her for the rundown. They spent a few days in Portland and Oquossac on Lake Oquossac, not far from the Canadian border.

Tell me about Portland, Maine:

Sherri: It was fun being in a city that used to be such a major seaport, that is so rich in American history, with historically preserved buildings. The historic waterfront district, lined with great shops and restaurants is young and vibrant, but with cobblestone streets and the smell of the sea air, is also very much a wharf, so it is a unique blend of musty vitality.  We ate at a few fantastic restaurants, a favorite being Fore Street Restaurant.

Any highlights?

Sherri: The Winslow Homer gallery and the historic McLellan House, which is attached to the Portland Museum of Art, was great.  I enjoyed Homer’s paintings from the front lines of the Civil War, of great American leaders, and especially his marinescapes.  The architectural detailing of the McLellan House was interesting as well.

What is Oquossoc like?

Sherri: It’s beautiful — hilly and green, sitting on the edge of Lake Oquossoc.  It is very picturesque with tall Pine and Spruce trees all around.

How was the weather?

Sherri: It was refreshingly cool: about 50 degrees and rainy through the nights and foggy in the mornings. It would clear and warm up around noon for 3-4 hours of glorious sunshine, and then it would get foggy again and start cooling down. So really, you’re going through 3 climate changes in one day — I felt like I never had the right clothes on! Building a fire and sitting around the fireplace was very welcome in the evenings!

Tell us what you like most about going up there.

Sherri: Really, it’s the people. I love spending time with my friends, Ed and Beth Brunswick. Their home is wonderful and they make you feel so comfortable. Beth’s family has been going to Oquossoc for generations, so she has lots of family and friends up there who by now consider me a friend too. All the people in town and the Brunswick’s neighbors are so friendly and warm. And I love hearing the old family stories and jokes. It is relaxing and good for the soul.

Did you go to any nice restaurants?

Sherri: My favorite place to dine up there is at the Brunswick’s house. It is a grand version of a log cabin; beautiful and outfitted with every convenience you could want. There are five bedrooms, which comfortably slept our group of friends that gets together up there every year.

The group of us would have fun cooking together in their large kitchen and sharing the duties. The food is very fresh, and of course, the seafood is great. One night I made lobster and shrimp corn chowder.

What I really like is that Beth sets her table with linens from the local shops, and that her art and accessories are all made by local artists. It creates a great sense of place which impacts you and makes your visit distinct. I think this is an important element in design and I just really like how all the town members support each other. I have to mention that we had a phenomenal meal of clams on the half shell, foie gras, elk chops and lobster tail at The Gingerbread House.

You are usually so active when you are in town, doing yoga and pilates. Somehow I don’t imagine that your trip was all play and relaxation.

Sherri: Well, Beth actually took me on several vigorous six to nine mile walks up and down the hilly trails. So believe me, I got my exercise! lol. It was fun because her neighbors and friends would all wave and shout hellos as we passed, so it felt like a social outing! Dave would hike up Bald Mountain, an intense hour long hike, just to escape the women’s chatter!