Welcome, kind souls! Draw near the hearth and settle in for a while. Old tales bring comfort to the heart, while the best local finds are whispered throughout the air.
We’re glad you’re here.
From the pen of Mike Valletta.
The Art of the Pivot: A Winter Manifesto for 2026
The Christmas tree is finally dark and the bags are unpacked here in Biddeford, but the feeling of this past week lingers. Usually, the first week of January feels like a jarring snap back to reality, but this year feels decidedly different. Instead of chasing the sun or sticking to a rigid itinerary, we drove straight into the heart of a New England storm and discovered the "Art of the Pivot." What began as a plan for a traditional getaway quickly morphed into an exercise in adaptability as the weather rewrote our schedule daily. We traded a sleigh ride in Jackson for the quiet magic of snow-dusted cobblestones in Portland’s Old Port. When the roads worsened, we found ourselves embracing the silence of "Stephen King Country" in the deep woods of Lovell. A planned departure turned into a snowy "siege" at Twin Ponds, teaching us to treat a delay as a bonus level rather than a nuisance. Even our ski days required an audible, leading us away from wind-scoured resorts to the soulful, honest terrain of Black Mountain. Returning home to a simple pantry meal made me realize that the best memories often come from the moments we never planned for. This odyssey didn't just fill a photo album; it provided the blueprint for how I intend to navigate the next twelve months. We are leaving the rigid schedules behind to prioritize "Old School" values and the willingness to adapt to whatever comes next. Read on to discover the full story of our long way home and why 2026 is the year we stop fighting the elements and finally start learning to dance in the snow.
The Post Card Club.
Coming soon.
Driven by the desire to connect authentically.
From the Chronicler’s Desk
Nestled amid the rolling hills and whispering pines of rural New England, The Chronicler’s Desk is your window into the heart of Country Road Chronicles. From this quiet nook, I share the stories, inspirations, and strategies that shape our beloved blog and business. Here, you’ll find a candid glimpse behind the scenes—revelations on the local treasures we uncover, the timeless rhythms of small-town life, and the natural beauty that fuels our passion. Each column is a letter from the countryside, capturing the spirit and subtle charm of New England living. Welcome to the insider’s view, where every leaf turned and path taken reveals a new story waiting to be told.
We’re Mike & Mark.
We’re Mike and Mark, two New Englanders deeply rooted in the charm of small-town life. Our hearts beat for the simple pleasures of yesteryear—winding country roads, rustic farmstands, and morning mists rolling over quiet fields. Each journey we take down these forgotten lanes brings us closer to a slower, more meaningful way of living. We love capturing the essence of bucolic landscapes and sharing stories that celebrate the timeless beauty of rural life. Join us as we explore hidden corners where history and nature blend seamlessly beneath an endless sky.