Maine Stay Inn ~ An Insider's Guide to Kennebunkport

If you plan to travel this June check out this fantastic special ~The Kennebunkport Maine Stay Inn and the Inns at Blackberry Commons in Camden have teamed up to bring guests a wonderful experience and an attractive value.

The June special, known as the Passport to the Maine Coast is a 5- day, 4-night sampling of the best of the Coast of Maine.

The package includes two nights luxury accommodations at the Maine Stay Inn in Kennebunkport, Maine, and two nights of luxury at the Inns at Blackberry Commons in Camden, two of coastal Maine's finest inns! Lighthouse tours, schooner sails and more!

All this plus a delicious New England breakfast each morning for $640, plus tax. Of course this package is based upon availability and is valid Sunday through Thursday nights. This is quite a good value. So call now (800) 950-2117.

Labels: New England Inns, Specials at The Maine Stay

Dozens of guests walked from inn to inn sampling a variety of cookies and enjoying what turned out to be a perfect spring- time day.

Armed with their special "cookie bucket," guests of the Maine Stay Inn and the other Historic Inns of Kennebunkport walked or drove to each of the unique establishments and were treated to the inns' favorite chocolate chip cookie and a special signature cookie.

The event was a complete success and we expect it will be held again in April, 2007.

Labels: Things to do in Kennebunkport

In this, part two of Innkeeping, the first thing you might note is that I have not proceeded in chronological order with my discussions about innkeeping. It was my intention to do so, however, we just completed redecorating one of The Maine Stay Inn's romantic cottage suites, and I decided to fast forward and write about one of the great parts of innkeeping...the satisfaction of using your creativity and hard work to create something that is spectacular. In this case, as with most, it was Janice's creativity.

It was our intention to begin our restoration and redecorating projects with major work to the first floor of our main building, which we completed within the first year of buying the inn four years ago. Continually maintaining fresh paint and attending to minor repairs, small additions are made to each guest room throughout the year. However, we continue with our plan to upgrade the property by focusing on major changes to at least one guest room each year.

The first guestroom we redecorated was the Garden Room and the results were dramatic. Not only is this room beautiful and inviting, but it has become our most popular room. Talk about the power of the internet, it was about a month after we completed the Garden Room before we had a new photo posted on our website. Prior to posting the new photo it was business as usual. The day the new photo was posted, the telephone began ringing with requests for the Garden Room. In many cases guests have asked when it was available so they could tailor there plans accordingly. The results were very satisfying and exciting.

Our most recent project, Cottage Suite 7 already had many great features that are especially popular with honeymooners or couples looking for some time to relax together and reconnect. Beginning with a spacious bedroom complete with a gas fireplace, this private cottage suite boasts a spacious bathroom with luxurious double whirlpool tub and a breakfast room with a bistro table and chairs, sink, refrigerator, microwave and coffeemaker. We offer our full New England breakfast delivered to the door to guests staying in this suite, and this is a very popular option with couples who have come to Kennebunkport for a romantic getaway!

To update, enrich and enhance the look of this cottage suite, we started with a warm yellow wallpaper and combined it with romantic red fabrics dressing the windows and bedding. Furnished with a traditional cherry queen four poster bed and beautifully carved night stands with brass accents, the room comes alive with warmth and color. A black Bombe chest hand painted in gold accents is enhanced with a crackled finish. Two comfortable chairs upholstered in a gold scroll chenille fabric complement the rich red scrolled window coverings.

Hanging above the Bombe chest is an original European oil painting, chosen for its subject and artistic appeal. Creating a sense of place within this romantic suite, the artwork features an oceanside scene familiar to anyone who has ever spent a sunny day at the shore.

We replaced the TV/VCR with a flat panel LCD television with a built in DVD player. The television hangs over the fireplace and the newly fashioned fireplace mantel - the first one I ever built! Janice tells me that it looks great. I know that it is level, square and firmly attached to the wall.

We are very happy with the outcome. Our staff seems to approve and we've re-opened the suite and welcomed guests three times so far. Comments have been superlative! This is very rewarding on top of all the fun we've had planning, designing, building, wallpapering, painting, etc.) and seeing our idea become a reality!

Seen first at the top of this article, this redo is so new that we don't even have a new picture up on the website yet!

Labels: Innkeeping

Foliage season will be here before we know it. If your plans include a tour of the spectacular New England foliage, consider visits to one or more of the inns of Passport To New England.

While each of the inns is independently owned and operated, each offers exceptional hospitality and luxury. These charming and romantic inns are located throughout New England which allows the guests to personalize a tour for any season.

Passport To New England offers guests a generous Frequent Stay Program and a variety of Getaway Packages. Stay at three different Passport inns for a total of ten nights and receive your next night free (at any Passport inn of your choosing).

What a great way to sample the best of what New England has to offer.

Labels: Specials at The Maine Stay, Things to do in Kennebunkport

The Kennebunkport Maine Stay Inn continues its weekend special events calendar with a cookie tour on April 22.

The Maine Stay, along with the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport are providing each of our guests with a decorative cookie tin and directions to each of the inns. At each inn, guests will sample the inn's signature cookie and that inn's best chocolate cookie recipe. A brief tour of each inn and the opportunity to fill their cookie tin with their favorite cookies should provide an exciting and tasty Spring day for the guests.

At the end of the tour, each of the guests will be asked to vote for their favorite chocolate chip cookie after which the winner of the Kennebunkport's Best Chocolate Chip Cookie will be announced.

Labels: Specials at The Maine Stay

The Kennebunkport Maine Stay Inn will contribute a portion of all its April room sales to the Maine Children's Cancer Program.

The Maine Stay Inn is one of very few bed and breakfast inns that welcome children of all ages. Generally speaking, inns maintain a certain character and ambiance that often is not appropriate for young children. The Maine Stay in Kennebunkport is unique in that we not only have a very romantic Victorian inn that was once home to sea captain, Melville Walker but, we also have 5 cottage buildings that house eleven private and delightful cottage suites. It is in certain of these cottage suites that accomodations are perfect for parents travelling with children. These cottage suites have additional beds, TV and VCR's. We deliver a full New England breakfast to these suites in a delightful wicker basket. Young mothers really love this.

A fund raising campaign to provide funding to the Maine Children's Cancer Program is a natural fit for the Maine Stay.

The Maine Children's Cancer Program, located at the Maine Center for Cancer Care, offers outpatient consultation and treatment for children diagnosed with cancer. A staff of pediatric oncologists, pediatric nurses and specialists and social workers comprise the staff of the Maine Children's Cancer Program. The program participates in the national Pediatric Oncology Group Clinical Trials, and employs an on-site research team that manages the program's participation in the trials.

One of the great things about staying at many bed and breakfast inns is their willingness to help customize your trip around your interests. Many guests of Kennebunkport's Maine Stay Inn expect their experience to focus on the ocean and the beaches.

Fortunately, we have a wonderful variety of activities to fulfill their expectations.

For adults traveling alone or with children, Kennebunkport offers scenic lobstering cruises. In the words of the folks at Kylie's Chance, "relax as we take you down the Kennebunk River, and out onto the Atlantic Ocean along the coastline of the Kennebunks. The captain gives you a brief history lesson and highlights points of interest."

Another option for fun on the sea is a whale watching trip. As explained by the operators of Nick's Chance, "We typically travel approximately 20 miles off shore to Jeffery's Ledge, a feeding ground for minke, finback, white sided dolphins, humpbacks, and the very rare and highly endangered right whale. Yes, we really do see whales!

One of the more romantic options is a sail upon a classic Maine built sailing vessel. The Schooner Eleanor will take you along the scenic coastline from Cape Arundel to Cape Porpoise. you will see lobstermen at work and seabirds glide by. The Captain will share some of the fascinating local history. Yoy can choose to help work the sails or just sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh salt air. The peace and quiet of cruising under sail will put a smile on your face.

If your interest is just in seeing the breathtaking views of Kennebunkport from the sea, you might consider taking a scenic trip aboard the Deep Water II.

If fishing is what makes your vacation, the Lady J Sportfishing Charter is a great option. Captain Adam Littell has over 23 years of local fishing experience to make for a safe, fun and exciting Maine Fishing Adventure. Whether drifting live bait for Striped Bass or Blues, Bouncing Jigs for tasty Cod and Haddock, trolling lures or casting jigs to schooling Tuna, or fishing for the wild Shark, Capt Adam will make your trip a most memorable one.

Kennebunkport is a great destination if your vacation includes some quality time on the ocean. Let us at the Maine Stay Inn plan and schedule the perfect vacation for you.

Labels: Things to do in Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport, perhaps best known as the summer home of President and Barbara Bush, is a very quaint seaside village. While its international awareness stems from our Presidential neighbor, this village has been welcoming summer tourists for more than 150 years.

In addition to beautiful beaches, wonderful art galleries and original boutiques, Kennebunkport has some of the finest restaurants in New England. Some of our favorites are grouped below from elegant to casual:

Elegant

~On the Marsh ~
Recipient of the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence. A converted barn and farmhouse, On the Marsh resides peacefully on three and a half acres of splendid plantings and a tidal salt marsh. View two floors of Art, Antiques, Furnishings, all available for purchase. A wonderfully elegant restaurant with a very creative menu.

~Cape Arundel Inn~
Location, location, location...
Many restaurants with such spectacular views of the bold ocean may rely on those views to attract customers. Well, the Cape Arundel Inn is different. For one thing, other restaurants do not have the unbelievable views like those here at Cape Arundel and, for another thing, the food and the service are fantastic.

~Pier 77~
Located on Cape Porpoise, Pier 77 boasts a contemporary American fine dining menu. Ideally located right on Kennebunkport's working lobstering harbor, this elegant restaurant has a very warm and comfortable atmosphere and excellent food.

Casual

~Bandaloop~
The philosophy of this restaurant...we believe that life can be lengthened and enriched by a diet free of pesticides and hormones, and through the consumption of animals not fed on a diet of cruelty. We take every opportunity to support this belief in serving organic, all natural and local Maine products whenever possible. Live long, laugh often, dance daily.
Well, philosophy aside, the food is excellent and its location in the heart of Dock Square is ideal. Their sauces are fantastic. They should offer a sampler variety.

~Alisson's~
Celebrating more than 30 years of casual excellence in Kennebunkport, Maine. Located in the heart of Kennebunkport's Dock Square, Alisson's Restaurant has become known to both locals and visitors as the place to experience casual excellence. If you are a nachos fan, don't pass them up.

~Federal Jack's~
This Kennebunkport landmark has a devotion to World Class Ales, inspired food, and the highest standards of guest service, all with one of the best views in Maine. Here you won't find the so-called big names in mass-produced food and beer. Instead, you'll discover a unique experience in the heart of Kennebunkport where the accent is on flavor and quality. Federal Jack's Restaurant & Brewpub is located on the grounds of a shipyard where numerous wooden boat builders
practiced their craft since the 1800's.

~Arundel Wharf~
Located on an historical landmark that once was a ships chandlery and general store where ships where repaired and fitted for voyages around the world. Arundel Wharf offers casual waterfront dining and cocktails on their wharf side deck or inside by their fireplace.

Very Casual

~Port Bistro~
Affordable Dining on Ocean Avenue. Eat In, Deck Dining, Meals to Go, Catering. Excellent spot in the middle of Dock Square to get a cup of soup and a sandwich. Buffalo chicken wrap is awesome.

~Cape Pier Chowder House~
Located at the very end of Cape Porpoise this is the ultimate in fresh seafood. I have never had anything that was less than excellent but, their deep-fried lobster keeps bringing me back time and time again.

Kennebunkport has many more wonderful restaurants but these are the favorites of the Maine Stay Inn.

Labels: Kennebunkport Restaurants