WHAT IS LINDA BEAN'S PERFECT MAINE™?
a little introduction, by Linda
Linda Bean's Perfect Maine™ is a special place -- within which there are more special places. As the brand name I have chosen to reflect my love of my native state, it covers a group of adventures I am living at a point in my life when that love can be compared to an interwoven circle of rope -- a Celtic circle that never ends and becomes more and more fascinating.
Notice the rope in my logo above. It is the trademark for a group of companies I have formed at the shore of Port Clyde village, and now goes beyond, to advance what I can of Maine's native lobster industry. Found along the way are what I consider some "perfect" discoveries, like the naturally bubbling water at Summit Spring in Harrison. A 1912 sporting camp near Katahdin. And our own
Port Clyde General Store Complex in the village from which you can explore our shores by kayak, or take the ferry to Monhegan Island that has for generations attracted artists and wildlife observers, or simply go bicycling or walking along the winding roadsides emanating out of the village.
Like the Celtic rope in this logo, Linda Bean's Perfect Maine ™ is a continuum -- of exploration and adventure -- where you may have fun checking back from time to time on this website for updates as we live and work in it.
PORT CLYDE LOBSTER COMPANY buys live lobsters at Maine wharves to supply the best Maine has to offer for quality lobster, wild Maine shrimp, and crab. I originated it in the beautiful village of Port Clyde where I live (midcoast, nearest Rockland & Thomaston) where I purchase the highest quality lobsters direct from fishermen to supply a growing number of grocery store chains and restaurants across America. This company has initiated the first national branding program for Maine lobster, somewhat akin to when Frank Purdue put his name on chicken -- to signify it has passed the test for the highest level of quality, texture and taste. Purdue grabbed America's attention when he proclaimed, "I hate skinny chickens." Well, I dislike lobsters being called Maine lobsters when they aren't! My brand lobsters carry a bracelet tag which says they are authentic Maine lobster, wild caught by Maine fishermen using sustainable practices. Moreover, they tell you exactly where in Maine they came from: a first achieved by Port Clyde Lobster Company. Not only have we springboarded an easily grasped concept, combining the three words Bean-Maine-Lobster to establish a national brand that can be trusted, but we're also the first in the nation with a tag of traceability to the exact Maine source. We care about our buyers who want to know where their seafood comes from and that it is safe and from a sustainable fishery.
Another example is LB Licensing, which deploys people to advance my own brand of seafood products under the label Linda Bean's Perfect Maine™. In 2007 I introduced LINDA BEAN'S MAINE LOBSTER STEW on QVC-TV, a rich creamy version of a Maine favorite comfort chowder. The following year locations were set up in Rockland and Freeport, Maine, to retail my lobster roll recipe and stew with all Maine beverages and a mini whoopee pie --a total Maine experience in take-out eating. The plan is to take LINDA BEAN'S PERFECT MAINE™ LOBSTER ROLL national with locations in places with lots of foot traffic, and franchises will become available for sale to people who wish to invest in such locations, using lobster, shrimp and crab that I buy direct from our Maine fishing boats. All of it is cooked and packaged here in Maine under stringent American FDA requirements for seafood; none is processed in foreign countries.
A "Perfect Maine" experience is finding yourself in authentic working and legacy environments. Maine's working waterfront. It's pristine fishing lakes and timberlands. Sporting CAMP WAPITI, established in 1912 in Patten, Maine, at the head of trout-rich Davis Pond that looks directly at stunning Mt. Katahdin, is one such place. This gorgeous piece of real estate is owned by Linda L Bean Camps, LLC, and the original cabins and lodge are run by my friends, Jennifer and Ryan Shepard, both Maine Guides. Jennifer got her training, in part, from working at LL Bean, Inc., in Freeport, Maine, and she has served in firefighting, security services, and is a great homemaker, cook, wife, mother, and hostess at Camp Wapiti (which means Elk). The trout fishing and hunting expeditions the Shepards guide are receiving rave reviews.
An authentic part of the Maine's experience for us natives and for our visitors is the old time general store that was the center of activity in most communities at one time -- before supermarkets and convenience stores. It is easy to see why the PORT CLYDE GENERAL STORE, located on the working waterfront at the tip of the Saint George Peninsula in midcoast Maine, is part of Linda Bean's Perfect Maine. It welcomes locals for coffee, meals and conversation, and supplies natives and visitors heading for the ferry to Monhegan Island. Port Clyde's harbor welcomes cruising boaters and there are 20 rental moorings available by calling the General Store at 207-372-6542, and here you can fuel up with gas or diesel, buy the freshest local lobsters and wild caught fish along with grocery staples, dry goods, wines, Maine microbrew beers, and a full line of spirits to brighten every adventure and celebration.
You can enjoy Linda Bean's Perfect Maine right at home by continuing your journey on this website.
Online orders for pleasurable gifts to yourself, family, friends, and valued business associate may be given to ship lobsters, shrimp, lobster stew, items from the general store, monogram clothing for the various companies in our Perfect Maine and gift cards for the holidays and all other special occasions. .