1,500 pounds of art
To coincide with opening of  the Winter Wine Festival, on Monday, Jan. 31, a team of chefs from the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, the Samoset Resort in Camden, Maine, the Bar Harbor Club in Bar Harbor, Maine, and the Portland Marriott at Sable Oaks, will begin carving 50 blocks of ice, weighing 300 pounds each, into a finely detailed sculpture of a life-sized horse drawn sleigh carrying wine barrels. The finished sculpture will be lit at night for dramatic viewing on Friday, Feb. 3.

The Winter Wine Festival brings food, wine and art luminaries of national and international acclaim to the Seacoast for special dinners and tastings. For a full schedule, visit www.winterwinefestival.com.

look forward to Cabbage Island clams
Exeter Parks and Recreation Department encourages residents of Exeter and surrounding towns to plan ahead for the summer. They are already booking reservations for two clambakes—one on Saturday, June 24, and one on Wednesday, Aug. 23.  The events, which apparently sell out well in advance, include a scenic tour of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, aboard the Argo, enroute to Cabbage Island in Liniken Bay. Once there, trip organizers promise a “succulent feast of Maine lobsters and clams with all the fixins.” Cabbage Island has been the home of traditional clambakes since 1956. Price is $67 for Exeter residents, $72 for non-residents. Call 603-773-6151 for more information.

more than just ribs
Muddy River Smoke House, which recently underwent a change of ownership, has introduced a new lunch menu. Items include brand new entrees, sandwiches and wraps, including Meatloaf Parm on Grilled French Bread, a Grilled Salmon Caesar Wrap, and a BBQ Chicken Salad Melt, to name just a few.

cones for kids
Friendly’s Restaurants are teaming up with Easter Seals on Valentine’s Day for “Cones for Kids.” The 25th annual fundraiser will raise money for children and adults with disabilities.  To participate, visit a Friendly’s Restaurant on Tuesday, Feb. 14, and for a dollar donation to Easter Seals, you’ll receive child or adult coupon books that offer savings on various Friendly’s meals and ice cream.