Maine Stay Inn ~ An Insider's Guide to Kennebunkport

Ocean views from every window, a wonderful selection of great food, remarkably reasonable prices, excellent service, what else

Labels: Restaurants Near Kennebunkport

Brandy is the Wayfarer chef and owner.
I first reviewed The Wayfarer Restaurant after our very first meal there last October. After the fantastic meals we enjoyed last fall, we weren't about to wait too long after The Wayfarer opened for the 2007 season.

Janice started with the Lobster Stew. She described the Stew as awesome. It was the Stuffed Mushrooms for Mike. While I didn't see it, I think he licked the plate. For Peggy and me, we both had the salad with blue cheese dressing.
It was an excellent salad and the dressing was great They also had a dressing with Feta Cheese. I will try that next time.

The famous Wayfarer Pot Roast
As usual, Thursday night at The Wayfarer is Pot Roast night. Of the four of us, only Janice opted for the Pot Roast. I can personally report it was fantastic (I get Janice's leftovers).

Peggy and Mike both got Picattas. For Peggy it was a nightly special of Salmon Picatta and for Mike it was the Chicken Picatta. Two more members of the "clean plate club."

I selected one of the specials as well, The Blackened Swordfish. My fish was done just right. It was spicy and crispy on the outside and juicy in the middle. I love swordfish and this entree was excellent. The side of spaghetti with meat sauce satisfied my pasta craving (I always have a pasta craving).

A couple of reminders, The Wayfarer Restaurant is BYOB. Fortunately, Peggy remembered to bring the B, actually she brought the W, it was Pinot Grigio. Also, no credit cards so don't be caught short.

The Wayfarer is a great choice for a nice casual and relaxing dinner and it's just two miles from The Maine Stay Inn.

Labels: Kennebunkport Restaurants

May Day in Kennebunk begins with a pancake breakfast at Christ Church. The festivities continue throughout the day and include attractions for everyone in the family.

May Day marks opening day at the Farmers Market which will include the expected produce, baked goods and cheeses but also chickens, goats and much more.

There will be "plant your own flower" opportunities, maypole dancing, strolling magicians, and face painting. These and many more events will make this celebration chock full of fun.

This fun filled day wraps up with the Kennebunk Alumni Association's Chicken BBQ dinner at BBQBob's on Water Street at 5:00 pm.

Just think, all this and only 4 days until Cinco de Mayo.

Labels: Things to do in Kennebunkport

Located just a short drive from the Maine Stay Inn on Mile Road in Wells, Varano's Italian Restaurant is like an extension of Boston's North End. The food is awesome.

Many of our summer guests ask what we do in the winter in Kennebunkport, one answer...we go to Varano's.

I'm not a wine drinker but, I do know that Varano's has a fantastic wine list as well as a full bar, if you prefer something other than wine.

Dinner for us begins (every time) with a basket of their warmed up Italian bread and a plate of olive oil. I mix in some of their parmesan cheese with the oil. Already I feel obligated to tell you about the one negative comment I have for this otherwise fine restaurant. The problem is, the bread and oil (with the parmesan) is too good. You eat and eat and if your not careful, you'll fill up before the entree arrives. Only once have I made it to dessert (and those of you that have read these posts before know, I love dessert...just one spoon please).

After ordering the salad soon arrives. Hold the onions and the salad is very good with an Italian vinegarette dressing. When the salad arrives we're I'm usually ready for another basket of bread.

For Janice, the entree is most often the Chicken Marsala. This dish is a boneless breast of chicken sautéed with mushrooms and prosciutto in a butter and Marsala wine sauce. It comes with a side of Penne pasta which I usually get to eat. How is your meal Janice? No need to ask, she gets it just about every time.

For me, the entree is most often the Veal Bracciolettine (aka Veal Brac). This fantastic meal is veal rolled with prosciutto, spinach, and mozzarella cheese, sautéed with mushrooms in a butter and Marsala wine sauce. The same dish is made with chicken. I've had both and they are both really good. This meal also comes with a side of Penne pasta, I eat mine too.

I have also tried the Chicken and the Veal Parmesan. I have had each multiple times. They are both great.

For dessert...only once, not because it wasn't awesome but, because of all that darn bread. But that one time we did have dessert, we both had the cannoli. It really is just like being in the North End. They don't fill the pastry in advance like so many places. They fill them fresh just for you and therefore, the pastry is nice and crisp. The filling is wonderful. I really need to stop eating so much bread.

The service is great (hey, I told you they keep bringing me bread) and the prices are very good as well.

Ask us at The Maine Stay for directions to our favorite Italian Restaurant. It's not too far away.

Labels: Restaurants Near Kennebunkport

Earth Day first began in 1970 in an effort to start a movement against environmental abuse.

This year you can plan to celebrate with a program at The Wells Reserve. This year's theme is coastal fish. Several other "green" topics will be explored.

Master gardeners will give hands-on demonstrations on plant care (great timing as we finally appear to be having Spring).

The day will include live music, a family scavenger hunt, crafts, games and much more.

If your staying at The Maine Stay Inn, ask us for directions but, be certain to be back by 1:30 pm since that is when The Fudge Tour begins. Trust me, you really don't want to miss The Fudge Tour.

Labels: Things to do in Kennebunkport

The Maine Stay Inn has received top recognition as having the "Prettiest Mothers' Day Web Page" by American Historic Inns, the industry leader in publishing country inn and bed & breakfast guidebooks. American Historic Inns also owns and runs iLoveInns.com, a top bed & breakfast and country inns website. iLoveInns.com contains over 19,000 bed & breakfasts and also features unique stories on exceptional properties.

iLoveInns.com summarized The Maine Stay Inn's Mothers' Day page; "Afternoon Tea with Sweets, Scrumptious New England Breakfast each morning and complimentary concierge services, of course!"

The Maine Stay Inn is a great place to take that special "Mom" where she will enjoy a pampered bed and breakfast weekend getaway in Kennebunkport. Our popular Maine Stay Inn cookbook, filled with many of our signature recipes, is just one of the "little extras" included in our Mothers' Day package. Give your Mom that special gift that only you can give her...time together and a warm Maine Stay Inn memory that will last forever.

At The Maine Stay Inn, "We have the nicest guests!"

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

Are you planning a New England vacation and would you like to experience as much as possible during your visit?

Are you wondering where to start, where to end, and what to do in between?

New England has so much to offer and each of its various experiences is so different.

Passport to New England has just made your efforts much easier and your results much more satisfying. The New England traveler now has the opportunity to receive a custom designed excursion throughout New England.

Passport to New England is proud to introduce "personalized concierge services." The Passport Concierge is uniquely familiar with each of the Passport member inns that are strategically located throughout New England. Additionally, the Passport Concierge will share her knowledge of each destination including sites of interest, historical and cultural attractions and the beauty of the New England landscape. She will match this knowledge with your expectations to create a custom vacation that is sure to be most satisfying to you and your family.

The Passport Concierge can arrange your lodging, airfare, car rental, packages and events. For you, this all equals simplicity and satisfaction. Contact the Passport to New England Concierge at (866) 257-5439 so she can begin creating an experience just for you. Be sure to include a visit to Kennebunkport and a stay at The Maine Stay Inn. Kennebunkport has much to offer and this Presidential location truly is a "must see" for any New England visitor.

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

Janice and I just returned from a brief getaway to The Whalewalk Inn, located in the beautiful community of Eastham, Massachusetts (Cape Cod).

After a long but peaceful trip we arrived at this georgeous inn. We find ourselves wishing that we could take a similar trip to experience the busy summer season. The Whalewalk is a brief walk to the beaches of the "Bay" and a short drive to the pounding surf of the Cape's first "Ocean" beach.

Whether you spend your day at one of the beaches, kayaking in the bay or, a full day of shopping, you can return to this quiet oasis and and enjoy their new Spa.

The Whalewalk spa boasts a selection of cardio equipment, a wonderful sauna, a huge hot tub and a resistance pool. I saved the best for last, make an appointment for a relaxing and rejuvenating massage and your day is nearly complete.

The Whalewalk is in a reasonable driving distance to a terrific choice of excellent retaurants. Last evening we dined at the elegant, Captain Linnell House. After a terrific Filet Mignon and Key Lime pie (I love Key Lime pie) then, my day was complete.

We awoke to a breakfast at the Whalewalk that began with juice and coffee. Waiting for us at our table was a giant cinnamon muffin. The entree was a three cheese fiesta quiche and a chirizo taco. It was so fantastic, we almost felt like we were back in Texas.

While we always want you to come back and visit us at The Maine Stay Inn during your visits to Kennebunkport, take some time and plan a trip to The Whalewalk Inn on Cape Cod. The shoulder seasons at the Cape are very peaceful which allows for a relaxing getaway. Although our trip was only a day long, it felt like a little vacation.

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, New England Inns

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

Now that I have expanded my horizons and begun to review restaurants outside of Kennebunkport, I have lots of culinary experiences ahead (and I love to eat).

The Steakhouse just reopened 2 weeks ago. Can you guess how many times Janice and I have eaten there since it reopened? I'll give you a hint...it's not once, it's not twice.

The Steakhouse is a great restaurant and when they reopen for the season it becomes the talk of the area.

Of course the thing to order when one visits any steakhouse is steak. Janice always gets the Petite Filet. I have had the filet on several ocassions but, I certainly would never order the "Petite" anything. Their filet mignon is awesome.

Back to the beginning, they serve every table a basket of crusty rolls. They are excellent! Next, the salad. The salads are generous and fresh. I can't say I have tried anything but one flavor of dressing, for me it's blue cheese and, make it extra blue cheese please. So far everything is excellent.

Now for the entree. I have tried a variety. You already know about the filet, I have also had their Lobster Scampi, the Chicken Parmesan and lately, I have moved onto the Teriyaki Sirloin Tips. Each and every one of these has been exceptional.

Now let's move on to dessert. Only one choice...for me it's Strawberry Shortcake. Don't look at the dessert menu, just get the Strawberry Shortcake. It's a great finish to a great meal.

Now, onto the bad news...if you go to The Steakhouse on a weekend night or, you go on any night in the summer or fall, you better get their at opening time (4:00 pm in the summer) or, you will wait and wait and wait. No reservations are accepted and you'll be burning up some of your vacation time wondering if they skipped over your name.

You've been warned.

Come to the front desk at The Maine Stay, we have maps that will get you there.

Labels: Restaurants Near Kennebunkport

Of course, the reason we celebrate Patriot's Day is in honor of the battles of Lexington and Concord, which began the hostilities of the American Revolution. The battles took place on April 19, 1775 and were celebrated on that date until 1969, when it was changed to help satisfy our hunger for three-day weekends.

The young Patriot pictured here is undoubtedly celebrating a day off from school.

Also worthy of celebration on Patriot's Day is the running of the world famous Boston Marathon. This year will be the 111th running of the event and is expected to draw more than 20,000 participants. Approximately 500,000 spectators can be expected to line the route and cheer the runners along.

That's not all, on this same day since 1960 the Boston Red Sox have played a home game at Fenway which began at 11:00 am. Beginning this year, the first pitch will be thrown at 10:00 am. This change was made to coincide with the change of the start of this year's marathon. The start of the game is intended to coordinate the estimated completion of the 9 innings with the appearance of the marathon runners in Kenmore Square. The (hopefully) happy fans spill into the square to cheer on the marathon runners.

One more reason for celebration...procrastinators rejoice, Tax Day this year is not the usual April 15th. Because of the weekend, followed by Patriot's Day, Tax Day has been extended to April 17th.

With all these reasons to cheer, why not do your celebrating at The Maine Stay Inn here in Kennebunkport. We have some great two and three night packages.

Cheers!

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

Just up the road from Kennebunkport, on Route 1 in Wells, is one of the most popular eating experiences in Southern Maine. Drive by The Maine Diner on any summer day, at just about any time of the day and, the line at the Maine Diner spills into the parking lot.Those same waiting lines are seen year round, including the winter season, at each meal hour.

My sister, Judy will often drive up to Wells from Southern New Hampshire on a summertime weekend day, arrive in time for a late breakfast at the diner. After a day at the beach, she returns to the diner for an early dinner.

It's this kind of devotion by loyal customers that cause these waiting lines to expand each year.

On our latest trip to the diner, Janice ordered what she usually gets, breakfast (The Maine Diner serves wonderful breakfasts all day long). A three egg cheese omelet with homefries. I ate the homefries, they are great.

For me, on this trip it was the "Jim Nantz" meal. What's the Jim Nantz meal? It's the "Dale Arnold" lobster roll with a cup of The Maine Diner's famous seafood chowder. The seafood chowder was overflowing with scallops, clams and shrimp and it was delicious.

The Dale Arnold lobster roll is a toasted hot dog roll with warm lobster stuffed inside and piled high on top. It was the most lobster I have ever had in a lobster roll. A cup of warm butter is served on the side. You can dunk your lobster into the butter or pour it on your roll. Warning...don't pour too much on the roll, it will fall apart. It is a very different lobster roll than any I have ever had but, it certainly was delicious. I opted for the potato salad side dish. They have great potato salad. The other choices are potato chips or cole slaw. I'm not real big on cole slaw and hey, I can get potato chips anywhere.

Janice and I have been to The Maine Diner many times. All the food is good home cookin'. The service is always friendly and the prices are reasonable. Try it, you too may go back for more later that same day.

Stop by the front desk at The Maine Stay and we will give you a map to The Maine Diner.

Labels: Restaurants Near Kennebunkport

We wish you a Happy Easter and would like you to know about the big Easter Egg Hunt at the Village Baptist Church.

The big affair is tomorrow from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. The Village Baptist Church is located at 6 Maine Street, Kennebunkport. Tomorrow's activities include:

• The egg hunt,
• Egg decorating,
• Face painting,
• And more.

Bring the kids for this great Easter activity. Make it an Easter tradition.

Labels: Things to do in Kennebunkport

The White Barn is a dining experience. As the only Five Diamond, Five Star restaurant in Maine (in fact it is the only such restaurant northeast of New York City), The White Barn has a lot to live up to. The White Barn not only lives up to its reputation, it exceeds its reputation.

Set in a restored barn that dates back to the mid-1800's, The White Barn successfully combines this rustic decor with their crisp white linen table cloths and napkins to produce an unusual style of elegance. Add in the candlelight and views through their floor-to-ceiling picture window and you have the perfect spot for a very special occasion.

The White Barn offers a four-course prix fixe (I should have stayed awake in French class, sorry Madamoiselle O'Connor) menu that is changed weekly by Executive Chef, Jonathan Cartwright. The food at The White Barn is superb, the service is top-notch, everything you would expect from a Five Star restaurant and more.

Located a very short ride from The Maine Stay Inn, we are happy to make reservations and provide you with directions.

Gentlemen, a jacket is required.

One last thing, always save room for dessert, it's spectacular.

Labels: Kennebunkport Restaurants

Guests visit Kennebunkport and are delighted by our peaceful and quiet way of life (in the winter that is). They will often remark that Kenneunkport is just a short ride to Portland and only 90 minutes to Boston. In other words, if you want some cultural events, we are not far away.

Well hold on, the Kennebunk Coffeehouse is right here and they host some wonderful talent. Kennebunk Coffeehouse bills itself as "the premier venue for acoustic music in Southern Maine." If you have any doubts about this claim, visit their listing of coming events, your doubts will disappear.

On Saturday evening, April 14, Kennebunk Coffee House will host a fantastic talent, John Gorka. An acoustic based singer and songwriter, John describes himself as an "aspiring folksinger." Modesty is clearly one of John's attributes as you will understand if you visit his website and play some of the songs he has graciously allowed us to preview.


Those of you who know me understand that, like most people, I have my likes and dislikes. The difference with me is that I usually really like things or, I very much dislike them. I don't have much middle ground. This is certainly true with music and I can tell you that John Gorka's music falls into the "I really like it" category. According to The Boston Globe, John is "the quintessential urban folksinger."

Visit his website, sample his music. John's music truly is "coffeehouse" music.

The Kennebunk Coffee House is just a few minutes drive from The Maine Stay. We'll be happy to give you directions.

One last thing...John Gorka's shows always sell out, so get your tickets early.

Labels: Things to do in Kennebunkport