Maine Stay Inn ~ An Insider's Guide to Kennebunkport

This evening marks the start of Kennebunkport's 25th Annual Christmas Prelude celebration.

Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport has come to be the most popular event of the year. Those hoping to attend and find accommodations typically reserve a room a year in advance. Many of the guests of The Maine Stay Inn have been attending Prelude for well over ten years. This year's celebration is expected to be the best yet.

The celebration began this evening with the Prelude Champagne Reception at The Nott House.

Labels: Christmas Prelude

Only 25 more shopping days 'til Christmas. The gift of hospitality for a stay at a fine Kennebunkport bed and breakfast makes a wonderful gift for that person that seems to have everything.

Whether it's a parent, boss, co-worker, son or daughter, the gift of a romantic getaway is always appreciated. It 's also a gift that will create memories for many years to come.

Call us at the Maine Stay Inn and we will take care of everything on the telephone. Your gift certificate will be in the mail that day or, if you truly are a last minute shopper (like me) we can email a Gift Certificate to you.

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, New England Inns, Shopping in Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport's 25th annual Christmas Prelude is celebrating with a one of a kind event. Dorothy (Doro) Bush Koch, daughter of President and Barbara Bush, will be wrapping up her book tour in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Doro authored, My Father, My President, A Personal Account of the Life of George H.W. Bush, a collection of stories about the personal side of the former President. To accomplish this daunting task, Doro called upon the President's personal and professional correspondence, as well as interviews with former Presidents, world leaders, several friends and acquaintances.

Not only has Doro chosen Kennebunkport to complete her book tour but, President Bush will be arriving to support her. The President and Doro are inviting you to attend "A Conversation With President George H.W. Bush and Doro Bush Koch."

This amazing event is sponsored by H.B. Provisions and the Nonantum Resort. The two day event will be held on Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3, at the Nonantum Resort from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. Sunday is already full and seating for Saturday is limited. Guests of The Maine Stay should call us if you are interested in attending, we'll reserve you a seat.

Books will be signed and personalized by Doro Bush Koch at the event. They are also available now at H.B. Provisions.

Another opportunity for a great Christmas Gift.

I also have heard that the President and Barbara will be attending the Christmas tree lighting in Dock Square on Friday evening.

The latest weather forecast is showing a possibility of snow flurries.

Kennebunkport sure knows how to throw a 25th anniversary celebration.

Labels: Christmas Prelude, Shopping in Kennebunkport, Things to do in Kennebunkport

Oh, what a romantic and exciting life an innkeeper leads.

Labels: Christmas Prelude

A New Year's weekend in Kennebunkport is a romantic way to usher in 2007.

This coming year, 2007, is going to be a fantastic one. Set the tone for you and your sweetheart with a delightful visit to a charming bed and breakfast inn located in the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport. Plan on a late evening dinner at one of Kennebunkport's exceptional restaurants.

After a sumptuous brunch, plan on a New Year's Day walk along a quiet Kennebunkport beach. Return to your room and warm up in front of your fireplace. Relax with a glass of wine while your double whirlpool tub is filling.

~Insert your own paragraph here~

How can 2007 be anything but spectacular with such a perfect prologue.

Give us a call at The Maine Stay. We have two-night and three-night package rates. Each package includes:

• your choice of luxurious rooms (call soon, the whirlpool tub rooms will go quickly),
• a "welcome the new year" afternoon tea on Friday and Saturday,
• a traditional New England breakfast on Saturday and Sunday,
• a New Year's Eve gathering with your innkeepers and fellow guests, and
• a festive New Year's Day holiday brunch and a late check-out.

Get ready for a wonderful 2007.

Labels: Specials at The Maine Stay

I know it's late notice but, Wallingford Farm is having a wonderful open house tomorrow, Saturday, November, 25th from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Seminars will be given...at 1:00 pm on Bow Making and another at 2:30 pm on Wreath Decorating.

Santa will be there (the real Santa, not one of those helpers) from 1:00 to 3:00.


Bring the family for some holiday fun and festivities. Try a sample of their fudge (the penuche is awesome).

We may see you there. If you are staying with us at The Maine Stay Inn, ask for directions at the front desk.

Labels: Things to do in Kennebunkport

There are only 7 days left to bid on some wonderful gifts at the Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce Holiday Auction.

Check out the mid-week getaway at The Maine Stay Inn. The values available in all the categories are exceptional.

Don't wait or you will forget. It doesn't hurt to check it out.

Labels: Shopping in Kennebunkport

The innkeepers and staff of The Maine Stay Inn hope that all your Thanksgiving Day wishes come true.

We hope your high school football team wins that big Thanksgiving Day game (unless your team is Belmont...Go Watertown).

If you eat plenty of turkey, you can take an afternoon snooze and blame it on the tryptophan. Don't tell anyone but, I load up on the stuffing with gravy and an hour or so later, I'm out like a light. I guess the tryptophan makes its way into the gravy.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns, New England Inns

Labels: Christmas Prelude, Things to do in Kennebunkport

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

For the Christmas Prelude regulars, an annual hat parade is long overdue. Each year as one strolls through Dock Square the collection of wild, festive, unique and interesting head gear gets more and more fascinating.

This year the First Annual Hat Parade will be held on Saturday, December 2, and begins at 3:00 pm. Hat wearers of all ages are welcome and should plan on gathering in the parking lot behind Alissons Restaurant at 2:45.

Participants will march to Jackie's in Lower Village where prizes will be awarded. Hot chocolate and cookies will be served courtesy of Jackie's and Downeast Magazine.

Start designing and assembling those hats. The crazier the better.

If you don't have a place to stay yet, The Maine Stay Inn has one room left. The Artist's Studio at Crosstrees is an ultra luxurious three-room suite that is ideal for a romantic getaway for this first Prelude weekend.

Labels: Christmas Prelude, Things to do in Kennebunkport

Photo of Kennebunk Book Port by Robert Dennis
Save some time on Saturday, December 2, for a very special and unique activity.

Plan to visit the Kennebunk Book Port between 12:00 and 2:00 or, if it is more convenient stop by H.B. Provisions that day between 3:00 and 5:00.

Both of these Dock Square businesses will welcome Dorothy (Doro) Bush Koch. The daughter of President Bush ('41) and Barbara Bush and youngest sister of President George W. Bush ('43) is signing copies of her book, My Father, My President: A Personal Account of the Life of George H. W. Bush.

Doro offers a truly unique perspective of the life of the former President. Not only through her own experiences but she also assembled the recollections of other family members, friends and associates of her father.

This is one opportunity that you shouldn't miss. It certainly won't be repeated in the coming years.

Labels: Christmas Prelude, Things to do in Kennebunkport

As you can see, Teddy is very patriotic and is happily celebrating Veterans Day at his favorite spot.

This one is easy, so we want you to be precise. Let's try a poem with a fill in the blanks:

There was a brown bear from the Maine Stay,
Who loves to celebrate Veterans Day,
He wears a red tag,
That matches his new flag,
And this year he was spotted at ___ ___.

Guess quickly and guess as often as you like.

This is too easy but, I'll give you a hint...Teddy came here because he heard great things about the Smorgasbord. Afterall, what else is there to do?

Read the Rules and send in your guess.

Teddy and all of us at The Maine Stay Inn thank our Veterans for their service to our country and for our freedom.

Veterans Day was originally known as Armistice Day. Its name was derived from the implementation of an armistice between Germany and the allies prior to the signing of the Treaty of Versailles ending World War I. The armistice was agreed to on the eleventh day of November and was reached at the eleventh hour in 1918.

Labels: Let's have some fun

The Shops, galleries, inns and restaurants have made some wonderful donations to the Kennebunk ~ Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce Holiday Auction.

Check out the site. There are wonderful ideas for Christmas presents and the opportunities for bargains can't be beat. There truly is something for everyone. All that and you are helping out our Chamber of Commerce.

There are B & B getaways, massages, restaurant gift certificates, fine art, sports memorabilia and so many more great items. There is even an opportunity to be a Motorman at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Now that is an experience that someone's child or grandchild will never forget.

Also, take a look at the Maine Stay Inn's mid-week getaway. A getaway to the Maine Stay Inn this winter or spring would make a nice gift for mom and dad.

Check it out. Bid early and bid often. You can get your holiday shopping done from the comfort of your own home. The auction ends on November 30, so don't put it off.

Labels: Shopping in Kennebunkport, Things to do in Kennebunkport

Labels: Things to do in Kennebunkport

With less than a month to go before one of the most celebrated events in Kennebunkport, those planning to attend this 25th annual Christmas Prelude should begin planning their agenda.

These weekends are chock full of wonderful holiday activities. While the saying goes, there is something for everyone, in this case there are many things for everyone.

A couple of ideas...

Consider arriving a day early. On Thursday, November 30, a Christmas Prelude Champagne Reception will be held at The Historic Nott House. The reception, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, is a festive gathering of Christmas Prelude devotees, both locals and those from away. All are welcome.

Christmas Prelude Historic Walking Tours are conducted during both Prelude weekends and are conducted by a docent, dressed in period costume. This is a wonderful time to learn about the history of this quaint village along with details you will not likely hear from anyone but your very knowledgeable guide, Barbara. Her family's roots trace back to the founding of Kennebunkport in 1653 but, Barbara insists she was not around back then.

One reminder, make your restaurant reservations early. We are looking forward to this 25th Prelude celebration being the best ever.

Labels: Christmas Prelude, Things to do in Kennebunkport

The Maine Stay Inn newsletter will be appearing in the inbox of your email shortly but, only if you have suscribed.

This month's issue contains articles about our attractive quiet season special packages. A follow up issue will be sent shortly that will contain an offer we hope you can't refuse.

Don't wait, sign up now at the Maine Stay Inn Home Page, just under the Top Ten Things To Do logo. With your free subscription you will receive a seasonal list of the top ten activities designed to make your getaway to Kennebunkport a memorable one.

Do not delay and you won't miss anything.

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, New England Inns, Specials at The Maine Stay