Tim O'Brien's Roadshow Guides

Tim O'Brien's Roadshow Guides Tim O'Brien chronicles America's roadside and produces books and exhibits to share with all.

We've been busy making deliveries of our Maine Roadshow book. I'd like to thank our newest retailer, Katherine Kollman, ...
06/02/2026

We've been busy making deliveries of our Maine Roadshow book. I'd like to thank our newest retailer, Katherine Kollman, owner of the Monkitree, a cool gift store at 263 Water Street in Gardiner for selling the "Roadshow." Also, thanks to the Kennebec Cabin Company, home of The Maine Cabin Masters, for restocking the book in their gift shop, the third year they've sold it for us! They are located at 915 Western Avenue in Manchester. And this marks the fifth season that all 10 of Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shop locations have the book in stock! Thanks to everyone and everybody who is helping us promote "The Maine Roadshow: A Roadside Tour of the State's History, Culture, Food, Funk and Oddities."

As you drive down a highway and the directional sign says “50 miles to Nashville,” have you wondered if it was 50 miles ...
05/12/2026

As you drive down a highway and the directional sign says “50 miles to Nashville,” have you wondered if it was 50 miles to the city limits, the state capitol, to the downtown area? Or just where? I have often been puzzled by that question.

Now, here is the answer. The nation, as well as many cities, once had a “zero milestone,” a marker from which all distances on state highways to that city are measured.

In Nashville, you’ll find that marker at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, it is Tennessee’s official reference point for measuring distances on state highways. So, when a highway sign says it is 50 miles to Nashville, that distance is measured from this marker.

The stone marker in the park was installed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation in 1996, replacing an earlier Nashville zero milestone placed by the Nashville automobile Club that dated back to 1924 and was eventually lost.

For a person who road trips literally thousands of miles a year, I can’t imagine why I never knew about this before. Pretty cool!

It’s officially Spring, my favorite time of the year to climb into my car and head off on a road trip, especially in Mai...
03/22/2026

It’s officially Spring, my favorite time of the year to climb into my car and head off on a road trip, especially in Maine. Some areas still have piles of snow, while others have Spring flowers abloom! To celebrate this year, I am offering a $10 discount on “The Maine Roadshow; A Roadside Tour of the State’s History, Culture, Food, Funk & Oddities.” With 450 original photos of 400 different locations throughout the state, the book celebrates five years of our road trips to all corners of the state. This book is not like any other guide book offering in the State of Maine! I invite you to learn more about it on my website and perhaps take advantage of my first-ever sale. www.casaflamingoliteraryarts.com The perfect coffee table book for every camp in the state! Hurry, as the sale is only going to last a couple weeks.

Our first-ever sale on Maine's most unique guidebook starts Monday, March 23. Hope you can stop by and take a look at th...
03/22/2026

Our first-ever sale on Maine's most unique guidebook starts Monday, March 23. Hope you can stop by and take a look at the book! www.casaflamingoliteraryarts.com

There's an amazing hidden gem in Vienna, Maine that presents everything from a summer concert series with really good mu...
08/31/2025

There's an amazing hidden gem in Vienna, Maine that presents everything from a summer concert series with really good music of all genres to a local variety show to locally written and performed plays, We spent a wonderful evening enjoying the Porch Party Mamas from Boston at the Vienna (pronounced vy-enna) Union Hall. The venue, was built in 1888 and has been beautifully restored. As you can see, the small, intimate setting is a great place for a concert or show, with several more planned for the rest of this year. The three lady musicians we enjoyed play throughout New England and they all have amazing credentials. And they play this great venue just about every year. It was a quality show with great performances, sound, lighting, and free cookies! Refreshments are brought in by the audience and displayed on a table for everyone to enjoy. (quite neighborly, huh?) You need to discover this amazing rural gem! Check them out at www.viennaunionhall.org.

08/27/2025

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I love a great big plate full of fried clam strips, and I love a family owned and operated business with a community con...
08/16/2025

I love a great big plate full of fried clam strips, and I love a family owned and operated business with a community conscience. The Red Barn seafood restaurant in Augusta, Maine has been serving up both since 1977. With both inside and outside dining, a summer concert series, and friendly and efficient service, you’ll find as many locals here as tourists. That’s always a great sign. It’s a big menu with a lot of choices that I haven’t gotten around to yet, but it’s great to know that you don’t always need to go to the coast for seafood! Keep an eye out for their numerous, community dinners that benefit local organizations and families in need. More than $1.6 million have been raised over the last six years! This is a fun and tasty eatery with great, non-coastal pricing and a local, classy vibe.

This is one of my most favorite weeks in the entire summer! The Skowhegan State Fair, one of the oldest agricultural fai...
08/11/2025

This is one of my most favorite weeks in the entire summer! The Skowhegan State Fair, one of the oldest agricultural fairs in the state, is now under way until August 16th! Since 1818 the fair has run without interruption, through the Great Depression, two world wars and a national pandemic. That's 207 years of agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, horse racing, tractor pulling, farm activities and live entertainment, and maybe most importantly - wondrous deep fried foods! Check out their web site for a full listing of events and activities. Skowheganstatefair.com.

One of the better lobster and seafood eateries on the coast of Maine is Claws, in Rockland! Love this place. Sit outsid...
07/26/2025

One of the better lobster and seafood eateries on the coast of Maine is Claws, in Rockland! Love this place. Sit outside with a view of the bay!

Another book talk on the beautiful coast of Maine this Friday, July 25. I’m heading back to the very cool Ogunquit Libra...
07/22/2025

Another book talk on the beautiful coast of Maine this Friday, July 25. I’m heading back to the very cool Ogunquit Library for a 10 am presentation. Located at 166 Shore Road, everyone is welcome to join us for a fun trip across the state as I highlight the 400-plus photos and attractions in The Maine Roadshow. Stop by and say hi if you are in the area.

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455 Riverside Dr
Augusta, ME
04330

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