Virginia Shaffer of Lady Oyster joins the Maine Famous podcast to talk about her upcoming book Oyster Society, her path from corporate travel to culinary entrepreneurship, and the Maine oyster experiences she’s built around story, taste, and place. From rooftop tastings to boat tours on working farms, Virginia is creating thoughtful ways for people to connect with Maine’s coastal food culture and the people behind it.

Brady and Jessica Brim-DeForest share the story behind Camp DeForest, a summer camp–inspired boutique motel in Lincolnville built around experience, design, and storytelling. Drawing from backgrounds in marketing, hospitality, and immersive events, they’ve created a place that feels intentional at every turn. This conversation explores what it takes to build something memorable, why details matter, and how thoughtful design can shape the way people feel, connect, and return.

Gretchen Ostherr, CEO of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, joins the Maine Famous podcast to talk about the mission behind one of Maine’s most beloved attractions. From the gardens’ community-rooted origin story to the troll installation, plant science work, accessibility efforts, and changing beauty of each season, Gretchen shares why this Boothbay destination is about far more than flowers. It’s a place designed to connect people more deeply with nature.

Chef Sara Jenkins of Nina June shares how a childhood between Maine and Italy shaped her approach to food, simplicity, and hospitality. From making olive oil in Tuscany to building one of the Midcoast’s most respected restaurants, she talks about seasonality, sourcing, and the realities of running a restaurant in Maine. This conversation explores why less is often more, and what it takes to create a dining experience people don’t want to leave.

Nick Krunkkala, owner and chef of Oysterhead Pizza in Damariscotta, joins the Maine Famous podcast to talk about wood-fired cooking, scratch-made food, and building a restaurant that feels both high quality and approachable. Trained in fine dining kitchens, Nick shares why he chose to create a neighborhood spot people can return to again and again, and how Oysterhead has become a local favorite for pizza, wings, desserts, live music, and community.

Dominic and Liz Gioia of Camden Harbor Cruises share how they built one of the Midcoast’s most engaging on-the-water experiences. From hauling lobster traps to spotting seals and lighthouses, their tours blend education, storytelling, and fun for all ages. This conversation explores how their business has grown, what keeps people coming back year after year, and why getting out on Penobscot Bay remains one of the most memorable ways to experience Maine.

Greg Soutiea, co-owner of Craignair Inn and the Causeway Restaurant, shares how he and his wife Lauren left corporate careers behind to build a hospitality business rooted in comfort, quality, and community. Set beside Clark Island Preserve on the St. George Peninsula, Craignair has become more than a place to stay or dine. It is a gathering place shaped by thoughtful renovation, strong local partnerships, staff housing, and a deep sense of home.

Ryan Edwards and Matt Partridge, owners of Five Gables Inn in East Boothbay, share how two longtime friends with backgrounds in software and real estate found themselves running a historic Maine inn. Since taking over the property, they’ve focused on creating memorable guest experiences, strengthening connections within the Boothbay community, and building a hospitality business that balances tradition with new ideas — from cottage stays and lobster dinners to thoughtful staff support.

Bruce White of the Windjammer Days executive board joins the Maine Famous podcast to talk about one of Boothbay Harbor’s most beloved annual traditions. From schooner arrivals and fireworks to family activities, community events, and the volunteer effort behind it all, Bruce shares what makes this weeklong festival so special. He also talks about his own connection to Boothbay and why seeing Maine from the water remains one of the best ways to experience it.