The Ultimate Guide to Discovering Maine’s Natural Wonders, Through the Eyes of a Local

Edwin Cahill, a director and actor who grew up in the Portland area, enjoyed a successful career on Broadway and in Tony award-winning national tours before returning to his Maine roots. His homecoming has been described as a "magical transformation."

Together with his husband Matt Cahill, Edwin co-manages Hogfish, a regenerative arts production company located at the historic Beckett Castle in Cape Elizabeth. This year, their performances include a double feature at the Aura nightclub in Portland. The evening begins with Francis Poulenc and Guillaume Apollinaire’s Breasts of Tiresias, a unique blend of music and opera that explores themes of feminism, surrealism, and gender identity. The night culminates in an interactive electronica dance party called Teresa’s Tatas!, aimed at evoking love, transcendence, joy, and authenticity.

"Maine offers an abundance of experiences, including a lively performing arts and music scene across the state, alongside numerous museums and special exhibits," he remarks. Notably, the director emphasizes that the Abbe Museum at Sieur de Monts Spring in Acadia National Park "should not be overlooked," highlighting its commitment to sharing Indigenous narratives and history.

Cahill believes that the essence of Maine's environment rejuvenates creativity for artists like him. "I think part of that [inspiration] comes from a return to nature for those who have spent extended time in urban settings," Cahill reflects. "I had lost touch with my connection to the natural world."

Canoeing in Scarborough Marsh

Currently, Cahill spends as much time in nature as he can. One of his favorite spots is Scarborough Marsh, the largest salt marsh in Maine, along with the Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center. He highlights that this marsh was historically a gathering place for the Indigenous Wabanaki nations, who collected sweetgrass for basket-weaving and medicinal purposes.

"There’s something sacred about the places where land and water converge, where salt meets fresh, those transitional spaces where the veil is thin, allowing for a deeper understanding of our humanity," the director shares. "The marsh embodies this, whether you paddle your own canoe or rent one from the Audubon Society." He appreciates canoeing in Scarborough Marsh for the clarity and focus the tranquil waters provide.

"Time is one of the greatest colonizers of our world," Cahill reflects. "There’s beauty in being out on the water at a natural pace—not with a motor—where you must move with a paddle and remain attuned to the tides and wind. It’s an immediate invitation to achieve oneness."

Hiking at Robinson Woods Preserve

Just under half an hour away, Cahill delights in wandering the trails with his dog at Robinson Woods Preserve in Cape Elizabeth, featuring over four miles of paths for walking, biking, and snowshoeing through 145 acres of fields, ponds, and ancient woodlands. He describes the vernal pools as vibrant ecosystems filled with "a whole microcosm of creatures," and he feels a pull to this spot throughout the year.

"Summer is undeniably beautiful, but I believe the enchantment of winter and fall is just as remarkable," Cahill remarks. "Experiencing the forest in different seasons is truly magical. It transforms under the snow, revealing a different essence, even though the park primarily consists of conifers and evergreens."

Dine at Portland's finest restaurants

After a full day exploring southern Maine, Cahill enjoys dining at Portland’s Công Tử Bột, known for offering some of the finest phở and Vietnamese cuisine he’s ever tasted. Visit this James Beard Award nominee for a delicious round of chicken phở, shrimp-fried rice, and twice-fried pork riblets, but be sure to explore the surrounding area as well. Nearby, you’ll find diverse options, including the atmospheric Basque cider bar Anoche and the vibrant, dog-friendly Oxbow Blending & Bottling beer hall.