I think Portland is exactly what you're looking for. There is plenty going on in Portland. The music scene here is pretty good. There are adult rec leagues that are great fun and a great way to meet younger active folks. We have a good bar scene.

Drive 1 hour north, and you have great fishing, hunting, hiking activities. About 2 hours north and your in ski country.

Obviously, we sit right on the ocean, so you will be very close to some great beaches and coastal state parks.

Portland is unique in that it has a city vibe with a small town feel. The arts thrive here, along with being one of the top "foodie" destinations in the US.

You will love it. Like any place, it's all in what you make of it that will determine your experience here.

Don't forget the Aroma Joe's that's in the parking lot of the Dollar General

There isn't any group that is better at carelessly over spending and stuffing contractor's pockets than the federal and state governments. Especially where this project was essentially mandated by the Feds, that just give the contractor's even more leverage to burn money.

I agree that the project has taken way too long for what it is. The area they are currently digging is all backfill from the fire in the 1860s, so it's not like they are having to blast bedrock.

"Beatiful Litchfield Maine"

Based on your post, why do you want to come back? Maine is basically the same place you left it as 20 years ago. The things you mention are still prevalent. You could say high-speed internet has improved in rural areas since then, but otherwise, Maine is just how you left it. If anything, it has gotten worse.

You should look into hiring a guide for a day. They will have all tje gear you need, show you the basics, feed you lunch, and probably put you on some fish. Great way to get into the sport without having to invest in gear and not be totally in the dark. If you like it, you can go from there as far as investing in some equipment. Also there are several Maine specific ice fishing groups on Facebook, some people are more helpful than others, and I'm sure you could find someone or a group who will let you tag along for a day

I swear, I have never been cold in that coat. I have ice fished in -20 F and was snug as a bug!

LLBean Baxter State Parka.

Or if you have deep pockets, Canada Goose Parkas are the best

https://www.thecentersquare.com/kentucky/kentucky-counts-on-federal-tax-dollars-more-than-most-states/article_b779e6ce-874a-11eb-b32e-6f712e47acd5.html

Im 6'2" and weigh 160 lbs soaking wet (AKA: tall and skinny).It's the wind blowing against the legs that gets me. I typically wear long johns from mid-October to mid-April.

As someone else mentioned, wool is your best friend.

I think that's a fair assessment. Keep in mind this is small town Maine we're talking about. Of course they are going to be more friendly and welcoming to people who frequent the place. I grew up in OHills (moved away long ago), and now tha you mention it, I do recall that place being a hangout for the local biker crowd. I never had any issues there myself, but typically went for lunch and beers on the deck during the afternoon.

There is also Cindy's Dockside in Poland. I have heard the food isn't that great, and again it's mostly locals, but Cindy herself is a hoot. I have seen her leave the bar and actually drive drunk people home and come back. Never seen a bartender do that before....

The first thing that comes to mind would be Boomers in.Nowray on Norway Lake. They have a big deck out back and their dining room has big windows looking at the lake. I don't think of the place as a "foodie" type establishment though and certainly not fine dining by any means. That being said, the onion rings and bbq pulled pork are awesome.