Friday, June 27, 2025

Business Spotlight: Steamboat Landing Miniature Golf

Steamboat Landing Miniature Golf in Naples remains a cherished place where memories are made and friends and families can still enjoy quality time together outdoors in nature.

Steamboat Landing Miniature Golf is located one-quarter of
a mile from the Naples Causeway on Route 114 in Naples and
is owned and operated by Julie and Bill Onorato. A longtime
favorite of locals and visitors to the Lakes Region, the course
features 19 holes and serves Maine-favorite Gifford's ice cream.
COURTESY PHOTO  
Owned by Bill and Julie Onorato and located at 15 Steamboat Landing Road in Naples, just one-quarter of a mile from the Naples Causeway on Route 114, Steamboat Landing Miniature Golf is now in its 46th season and is a relaxing activity that both children and adults will find challenging. Featuring 19 holes and shaded by a sprawling canopy of oak and pine trees, the Steamboat Landing course is Maine-themed and filled with colorful buoys, lighthouses, bears and loop de loops.

The miniature golf course was designed to reflect the history of the Naples area and showcases many scenic landmarks from around Maine.

“Our course is very challenging yet offers a fun experience for even our youngest visitors,” Julie Onorato said. “Families will find our course a good spot for a family competition, or simply a leisurely stroll around the course as our trees provide relief from the summer’s heat. We have people who tell us they came here when they were kids, and now they’re bringing their kids and grandkids here too. The location in the woods is so beautiful, especially if you enjoy simplicity and nature.”

She said miniature golf holes at Steamboat Landing include a classic New England-covered bridge, Songo Locks, lobster traps, the Songo River Queen riverboat, a historic western fort, a scenic lighthouse and typical of the many that line Maine’s rocky coast, a windmill, and a Maine Black Bear, who sports a trout catch between his teeth.

As the course winds through the wooded gardens, visitors will find something to catch their eye at every turn. Its charming and lush flower gardens in a quiet and serene setting include the babbling sound of running water as it flows through Steamboat Landing’s Grist Mill.

Free of insects and bugs, the mini-golf course includes a large lot for free parking and tables to sit down and relax after your game. They also offer Maine-favorite Giffords Ice Cream and ice cream sundaes. Restrooms are available.

Open seasonally from May through mid-September, Steamboat Landing Miniature Golf is a great place for families and larger camps and for reunions and groups of co-workers.

Prices are highly affordable, with kids ages 4 to 12 at $8.50, anyone over 13 at $9.75 and seniors 65-plus and military just $8.50. Children under 3 can play for free.

“The course is interesting for adults but is fun for all ages and it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to play,” Julie Onorato said. “We are a 19-hole course, and the 19th hole gives people a chance to win a free game.”

There’s also a popular “Weekly Score to Beat” feature at Steamboat Landing with top scoring players each week earning a free game or a free T-shirt.

As the owners, Julie and Bill Onorato are committed to exceptional customer service excellence and dedicated to providing a genuine and fun mini-golfing experience for all ages.

Reviews posted online show that generations of residents and visitors to the Lakes Region have come to appreciate outings to Steamboat Landing Miniature Golf through the years.

“We stumbled upon Steamboat Landing while looking for kid friendly activities. What a gem! Wonderfully shaded for a hot day and so many creative designs. Fun for parents and 5-year-old.” Ellie R.

“A trip to Maine is never complete without a visit to Steamboat Landing for a round of miniature golf. My family's been coming here since I was a little kid and I'm now in my late 30s.” Colleen L.

A thoughtfully designed, affordable, shaded, and well-maintained course. Beautiful landscaping with ‘Maine’ course features like the Turnpike booths and a ski jump. We'll be back!” Maggie S.

Fantastic little course that had a great atmosphere and very charming with a lot of replicas of local landmarks. The hosts (Bill and Julie) were friendly and welcoming. We are going back whenever we visit the area. Highly recommend.” Jan S.

Steamboat Landing Miniature Golf is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

For more details, call 207-303-7023 or visit www.steamboatlandingminigolf.com Find them on Facebook, Instagram and Yelp under Steamboat Landing Miniature Golf. <

Friday, June 20, 2025

Business Spotlight: Maine Power Wash Pros

Cleaning the exterior of a home or building is an effective solution to restoring a home’s value while protecting it from long-term damage and the team at Maine Power Wash Pros does that and more to earn the continued support of its customers.

Maine Power Wash Pros proven results are clear in this
before and after photo of a home's roof wash.
COURTESY PHOTO 
Maine Power Wash Pros offers low-pressure house washing, roof cleaning, composite deck cleaning, condo/apartment building washing and commercial building washing in the Lakes Region and throughout Southern, Central and Midcoast Maine.

“The best thing about our business is our customers. We have hundreds of repeat customers that come back time and time again. We relate that to clear expectations and incredible results,” said Brian Condon, Maine Power Wash Pros co-owner. “We think the world of the people that we have working with us. They take real pride in what they do and work very hard to deliver a great service to our customers. We are very careful of the resident’s home, and we leave the property in better shape than when we arrive.”

Condon says that each Maine Power Wash Pros employee is dedicated to setting and exceeding expectations.

“We have two employees that have been with us for 11 years and another five years combined,” he said. “We’re grateful for Stacie Friedman in the office, Eric Pomerleau who runs a rig and does all the mechanical work for the rigs for us, and Tom Ames who also runs a rig for us. These people all take pride in their work and do an excellent job year in and year out. Having key people like that is important for our future success.”

Maine Power Wash Pros was formed when owners Mike Morin and Brian Condon found that a need for this type of business existed in Maine and they set out to become the best company providing this type of service locally. They continuously take classes and attend seminars to be sure they are up to date with the latest skills so they can offer the best results for their customers.

“We put in a lot of time and energy before every wash.” Condon said. “We stand behind our work and don’t just take our word for it. Look at the hundreds of testimonials from our customers we’ve posted on our website from the last 10 years. We have thousands of customers that come back year in and year out and our customer list is approaching 7,000.”

Using highly effective low-pressure house washing and biodegradable products, Maine Power Wash Pros thrives on delivering quality and overall service to each job it undertakes. Its washing methods don’t just clean exterior surfaces but also disinfect them. It transforms the curb appeal of residential or commercial property with safe, effective and affordable workmanship.

“You can change your home’s appearance in a single day,” he said. “Power washing is an effective option for a wide variety of surfaces, including concrete, brick, roofs, wood decking, painted and all types of siding. It removes mold and mildew, dirt and grime for a truly clean wash that’s hard to accomplish through other means.”

Condon said the company guarantees its roof cleaning for three years and offers free estimates. Their roof cleaning treatments are effective for removing streaks, lichen, and mold.

“Our no-pressure roof cleaning is a great option,” he said “Your satisfaction is guaranteed, and senior discounts are available. We are fully insured and professionally trained and certified. Power washing can help prolong the life of a home’s exterior surface and a power wash completed by Maine Power Wash Pros can keep all home surfaces in great shape. Our soft wash method allows us to wash with low pressure, which will make your home free of mold, mildew, bugs, and dirt. Once the process is complete, your home will be spotless. As always, we provide a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.”

He said Maine Power Wash Pros’ main service is cleaning vinyl siding, with the remainder being cleaning painted houses.

Online reviews for Maine Power Wash Pros are outstanding.

“Our experience with Maine Power Wash Pros was great. The workers arrived on time, were efficient, and answered a few questions I had when they were done. Best of all our house looks great!"  Cheryl M.

“Polite, thorough, fast, attentive, professional, communicative!! Can’t say enough!!" 
Maureen D.

“I am very pleased with the results. The team that was here was very friendly and did an excellent job. Even more than we expected. I would recommend your company to all my friends and family.” Rosemarie M.

To receive a fast, no-obligation estimate or for more details about Maine Power Wash Pros, call 207-320-1801 or visit their website at www.mainepowerwashpros.com. <

Friday, June 13, 2025

Business Spotlight: Comfort 365 LLC

Highly efficient and offering substantial energy savings, more and more Mainers are turning to heat pumps as a practical heating and cooling solution and Comfort 365 in Windham is a leading provider of heat pumps in the Lakes Region.

Lex Popov owns and operates Comfort 365,
based out of Windham. He is a Mitsubishi
Diamond Elite Contractor but cleans and
repairs all models. SUBMITTED PHOTO  
Owned and operated by Lex Popov and based in Windham, Comfort 365 offers heat pump installation, service, and cleaning. Popov is a Mitsubishi Diamond Elite Contractor and has invested the time to professionally develop skills at one of Mitsubishi Electric's approved training centers located throughout the United States.

“Only approved contractors that have attended Mitsubishi Electric's training classes and demonstrated advanced product knowledge are awarded the coveted status of Elite Diamond Contractor,” he said. “The status is evaluated every year and Elite Diamond Contractors must demonstrate their continued commitment to serving customers in order to renew their status.”

Popov says that Mitsubishi Electric provides an industry leading 12-year factory warranty protection to back-up their unmatched performance and product quality. And the only way to get a full 12-year warranty is purchasing and installing your Mitsubishi Electric product from a Diamond Contractor.

“I’m an Efficiency Maine Registered vendor,” Popov said. “I go through their requirements and offer rebates for my installations. Heat pumps are great to heat and cool your home and space. Very economical. Rebates are making it even more affordable, and I offer instant rebates in some cases.”

Mitsubishi Electric heat pump systems provide modular zone-by-zone comfort using ductless mini-split systems that can handle up to eight zones at a time, he said.

“Heat or cool only the rooms you need, improving efficiency and reducing energy costs,” Popov said. “I’m happy to see people start saving money on heating bills and air conditioning in the summer.”

He created Comfort 365 five years ago and has been helping customers choose quality products and systems ever since.

“I finished the Southern Maine Community College course for HVAC back in 2009 and worked in different areas after that,” Popov said. “I started installing heat pumps for my friends and family. When the job load rose up, I decided to trust God, quit my full-time job and open my own company in 2020 during the pandemic. We’re capable of servicing all your heating and cooling needs. We are dedicated to providing superior HVAC services and offering fast, affordable, quality HVAC repairs, installations, and maintenance.”

He said that the name "COMFORT 365" reflects his inspiration from Psalm 36:5, which speaks to the enduring love and faithfulness of the Lord – a reminder that comfort can be a constant presence in every season and will exist eternally through the love of Jesus Christ.”

Comfort 365 is all about achieving customer satisfaction and installing quality equipment at a fair price.

“My customers are always talking about the neatness of the installations and keeping the work area clean,” he said. “I try to match my line-hide enclosures with the color of the siding. Some folks are running everything white, because it’s easier to just stock up one color, but I don't mind going the extra mile to get the job done neat and right.

Reviews for Comfort 365 are exceptional.

“Lex was great! He gave a fair complete quote and charged what he quoted. He was professional, friendly and considerate. Would highly recommend him and use him again in a heartbeat.” Steve L.

“I hired Comfort 365 for heat pump installation and I’m very pleased with the performed work. Lex was very prompt and did an excellent job with the installation. Provided a lot of information and tips for efficient usage of the unit. I definitely recommend Comfort 365 and will hire them for future projects.” Vlad M.

“On time, on price. Did exactly what he said he would do. Zero hassle. An ideal contractor.” Cameron B.

“Lex and his team did an outstanding job explaining the pros and cons of a ductless heat pump for our particular house. He listened to our requirements and developed a plan to solve our specific challenges. The installation was completed quickly and very professionally. Additionally, he helped us navigate the rebate process thru Efficiency Maine.” Chad B.

For more details about Comfort 365 and how you can start saving on energy bills, visit comfort365.me or call 207-409-8340. Find them on Facebook and Instagram under comfort365me <

Friday, June 6, 2025

Business Spotlight: Causeway Commons LLC

Make sure to circle Friday, June 20th on your calendar! That morning at 10 a.m. there will be a celebration of the ribbon cutting for Causeway Commons, an exciting new business in Naples. The ribbon-cutting will kick off a three-day grand opening celebration you won’t want to miss!

Causeway Commons is located at 978
Roosevelt Trail in Naples and is a one-stop
shop for grab-and-go food, beverages, candy,
snacks, gifts, home décor, jewelry, Maine
merchandise, art, pottery, souvenirs and
much more. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Located at 978 Roosevelt Trail in Naples, Causeway Commons is a one-stop shop for grab-and-go food, beverages, candy, snacks, gifts, home décor, jewelry, Maine merchandise, art, pottery, souvenirs and much more. The shop will be open year-round and feature a curated blend of Maine crafters, artists and makers.

Owned and created by Sunny Lovejoy Quintal, she says that Causeway Commons will be a unique destination for shopping and gathering with friends in the Lakes Region.

“We are a ‘vendor mall’ mixed with a blend of curated souvenirs, gifts, home decor, jewelry, and more by Maine crafters, makers, authors, bakers, and artists,” Quintal said. “We will also have grab-and-go food focusing on sandwiches and salads in the summer and heat-and-eat comfort foods which can be purchased by our locals on their commute home from work for dinner with their families.”

Quintal said that Causeway Commons will have seating set up for people in nice weather to enjoy their grab-and-go food there on site if they would like along with a space for relaxation year-round inside.

“We are going to have Cornhole boards, a cozy fire pit, and Adirondack chairs set up where people can gather, relax and enjoy their food – or simply unwind while others in their group explore all of the great offerings inside,” she said. “This summer we will be hosting a couple of pop-up markets for farmers and makers, and we hope to make arrangements to host a farmers’ market in “The Clearing,” the backyard of Causeway Commons, regularly next summer.”

Along with that, Quintal said Causeway Commons will be employing four to five people and will also have a “classroom” available for people to rent out for hosting classes such as wreath making, floral arranging, and paint-and-sips.

“I'll also be renting the attached single-family home for the 2026 season as a short-term rental called Lakeside Retreat,” Quintal said. “It’s a 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath house that is across the street from the public beach. It will sleep six to eight adults with plenty of room for kids as well.”

According to Quintal, what will distinguish Causeway Commons from other local businesses will be an emphasis on Maine-made products as well as the fact that the intent is to stay open year-round to be a place not only for tourists, but also for residents of the Lakes Region. The shop will feature over 30 Maine based vendors and counting and the store has been recognized as a “Maine Made Certified Retailer,” a designation which is recognized worldwide for quality and integrity.

Quintal grew up in Windham and says that she has always loved the Naples Causeway. She graduated from Windham High School and Saint Joseph's College of Maine where she met her late husband, Dave (“Q”) when he was a baseball player there. Dave unfortunately passed away in September 2020 from a massive heart attack. Losing Dave was obviously life-changing for Sunny. With the support of their community, she continued to raise their daughter, Makayla, in Gorham. Makayla graduated from Gorham High School in 2024 and recently completed her freshman year at Saint Joseph's College, proudly following in her father’s footsteps – both academically and as a member of the Monks’ softball team.

“I was in the commercial insurance industry for 16-plus years and mortgages for five years prior to that,” Quintal said. “Now is my time to pursue my creative side and fulfill my entrepreneurial spirit.”

She said excitement for the opening of Causeway Commons is evident by the rising number of vendors joining to connect, collaborate and grow while offering the finest handmade, creative and unique products. Some of those vendors include Purple Mango Jewelry; SnowFire Hollow Orchard; artist Margaret Ford; handmade home décor by AS&G Studios; Woodworks by Wendy; Campfire Club; and By-B arts and crafts, among many others.

Summer house hours will be from 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily and after Labor Day they will be open 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily.

For more details about Causeway Commons, visit www.causewaycommons.com or find them on Facebook. <