Maine Stay Inn ~ An Insider's Guide to Kennebunkport

After George and Janice handed over the reigns to new innkeepers, Judi and Walter Hauer, it took a little while for them to get the swing of things. But your favorite innkeepers' blog is up and running, but now at a new location. Get the latest scoop on things to do in Kennebunkport at blog.mainestayinn.com. Keep up with Southern Maine's happenings and your favorite Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, the Maine Stay Inn, where "we have the nicest guests!"

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns

Where do you go to celebrate a momentous occasion? A special occasion deserves the best...that's why, here in Kennebunkport, we gathered at The Cape Arundel Inn. With breath taking views of the Atlantic, superb service, the appetizing menu and creative dishes, this beautiful Kennebunkport restaurant is unsurpassed.

And the Celebration? Our celebration is of life changes, big life changes. As of just a few days ago, Janice and I welcomed Walt and Judi Hauer to Kennebunkport as the new owners and innkeepers of The Maine Stay Inn.

We first met Walt and Judi just a few short months ago when they visited The Maine Stay Inn with their daughter, Johanna. Back then we didn't realize that the Hauers would become the next innkeepers of The Maine Stay; however we did recognize immediately that they would make outstanding innkeepers when they found the right property for them.

While the Hauers speak of their good fortune of being the new innkeepers of this gracious and historic property, Janice and I are delighted that the thousands of guests that we have been priviledged to know, will continue to enjoy the exceptional hospitality and service for which The Maine Stay is so well known.

So you see, our celebration is one of new chapters. A new chapter in the lives of the Hauer family, a new chapter for Janice and me and, a new chapter in the rich history of The Maine Stay Inn which has been welcoming guests to Kennebunkport for more than 62 years.

The summer of 2008 is shaping up to be a great one. Make your reservations early; the Hauers are looking forward to welcoming you to this quaint and magical seaside village and to the beautiful Maine Stay Inn.

With just a short time behind them, the Hauers already agree, at The Maine Stay Inn, "We have the nicest guests!"

Labels: Innkeeping, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Restaurants

This Saturday, March 8th, the streets of Kennebunkport will come alive with guests of The Maine Stay and other Historic Inns anxiously moving from inn to inn sampling each of the inn's Signature Cookies. Cookie Madness is one of our most popular events in Kennebunkport.

The Maine Stay Inn will be offering our Mocha Chip Meringue Bites. This tasty selection will undoubtedly be the favorite (well, at least my favorite). They are delicious but are also very light.

Each inn will also prepare their own special chocolate chip cookie recipe. Guests are invited to taste each and, at the conclusion will be asked to vote for the best chocolate chip cookie.

Beware, other inns may attempt to influence your decision by offering milk or other libations. Don't be fooled, just vote for The Maine Stay's cookies.

We still have availability so give us a call.

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

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns, Things to do in Kennebunkport

At The Maine Stay Inn, we have just released a video tour of the Inn along with videos taken around Kennebunkport.

The project began last August (as you can tell from the video) and has gone through plenty of review and editing. Now that the writers' strike is over we were able to call it a wrap (just kidding).

Click here and you'll go to the video.

The goal of the video is to share with travelers considering a trip to Kennebunkport an idea of what The Maine Stay Inn and Kennebunkport have to offer. Of course, as those of you who are familiar with this fantastic seaside village know, any attempt to give a view of all that Kennebunkport has to offer, would require an extensive travelogue. Rather, we have tried to give a quick sampling.

One thing the video doesn't tell you, at The Maine Stay Inn, "We have the nicest guests!"

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns

Downeast magazine identified Kennebunkport as the perfect place to celebrate the romance of Valentine's Day. The article went on to proclaim, "The rooms inside the gracious Maine Stay provide a taste of the way life was back when the shipyards and sailors ruled the Kennebunks."

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, let us at The Maine Stay Inn craft the perfect romantic getaway for you and your sweetie.

The Maine Stay Inn has romantic Valentine Specials. With any two night stay, guests will enjoy:

~ Two nights luxurious lodging in your choice of rooms or suites,

~ A bottle of sparkling cider and two Maine Stay Inn signature champagne flutes in your room upon arrival,

~ Valentine "sweetheart" chocolates,

~ A horse-drawn sleighride (weather permitting),

~ Scrumptious New England breakfast for two each morning, and

~ Afternoon tea with chocolate desserts.

Surprise that special someone with a romantic getaway and see for yourself why Kennebunkport has the reputation of being "the perfect place to celebrate the romance of Valentine's Day"

Choose one of The Maine Stay's cottage suites with a fireplace and double whirlpool tub and you'll have a weekend to remember.

At The (gracious) Maine Stay Inn, "we have the nicest guests!"

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns, Specials at The Maine Stay, Things to do in Kennebunkport

The serenity season in Kennebunkport means some irresistable weekend specials at The Maine Stay Inn.

Whether you are seeking a Romantic Getaway Package, a relaxing Spa Package or maybe a Girlfriends Getaway Package, Kennebunkport is the place to go and The Maine Stay has a special package and the perfect room or suite to fit your desires.

Make your two-night reservation and tell us you saw the specials on the BLOG, we'll include two tickets for a romantic, horse-drawn sleighride.

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

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns, Specials at The Maine Stay, Things to do in Kennebunkport

A visit to Kennebunkport is the perfect romantic winter getaway. The charm of our seaside community is further enhanced by our romantic winter activities.

Whether you take your sweetheart ice skating on our outdoor rink, on a horse-drawn sleigh ride or, for a romantic dinner at one of our excellent restaurants, you should plan to follow it up with a return to The Maine Stay Inn. Each of these activities is a wonderful prelude to a warm and cozy soak in a double whirlpool tub followed by cuddling up in front of your fireplace.

We are offering our Valentine's Weekend Package all month long. This romantic Package includes:

Two nights luxurious lodging in your choice of rooms or suites.

A bottle of sparkling cider and two Maine Stay Inn signature champagne flutes in your room upon arrival.

Valentine "Sweetheart" chocolates.

Horse drawn sleigh ride (weather permitting).

Scrumptious New England breakfast for two each morning.

Call early as the suites with the whirpool tubs and fireplaces are in demand during this romantic season in Kennebunkport.

As an added attraction, The Maine Stay Inn is holding its 3rd annual Chocolate Tasting event on Saturday, February 2nd. Last year's winner, The Grenada Chocolate Company Organic Dark, was an overwhelmingly popular selection beating out offerings from Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, France and the United States. It's fun, educational and very tasty.

Another February option is The Maine Stay Inn's 4th annual Cheese Tasting which will be held this year on February 23rd. Always a popular activity the cheese tasting will highlight a variety of cheeses paired with selections that will enhance their flavors. This relaxing way to begin your Saturday evening will be topped off with a tasting of the award winning chocolate from the annual chocolate tasting.

Call The Maine Stay and reserve your two-night stay and tell us you read it on the BLOG. We'll include tickets for two horse-drawn sleigh rides.


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

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns, Things to do in Kennebunkport

Welcome in 2008 in a most romantic way. New Year's Eve in Kennebunkport will assure 2008
is a year to be remembered.

Take your sweetheart to Kennebunkport's romantic Maine Stay Inn, select a room with a fireplace and you have the fixin's for a wonderful romantic getaway.

Some of the activities that will fill your getaway to Kennebunkport are its wonderful restaurants, the romantic horse-drawn sleighrides, cross-country skiing and beautiful beaches.

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,
• a "Welcome the New Year" afternoon tea on Saturday and Sunday,
• a traditional New England breakfast on Sunday and Monday,
• 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.

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

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns, Things to do in Kennebunkport

Horse-drawn wagon and sleigh rides continue through the winter months here in Kennebunkport.

These wonderful rides are considered by many as a romantic activity as you and your best girl meander through Kennebunkport's Historic District or, ride through the woods imagining what life was like back in a simpler time.

A horse-drawn wagon ride is a fantastic family activity as well. The novelty of the ride, the history shared by Vince, the owner of Rockin' Horse Stables and especially the opportunity to meet the stable of horses will make memories that will span generations.

After your ride, gather around the fireplace in the barn (it's a pretty nice barn) and enjoy a huge mug of Rockin' Horse Stables hot chocolate. The fireplace will warm you on the outside and the hot chocolate and wonderful memories will take care of the rest.

Let us know when you make your reservation at The Maine Stay Inn that you would like to arrange a ride. We'll take care of the rest.

And one other thing, if we get some snow, the sleigh rides are awesome.

At The Maine Stay Inn (as you can see in these photos), "we have the nicest guests!"

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Things to do in Kennebunkport

A girlfriends getaway to The Maine Stay Inn, located in the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport, makes a great bachelorette or bride-to-be gift.

We will design a package just for you and your girlfriends which will include a spa treatment for everyone. Each of you have your choice of a 50 minute relax massage, a 50 minute classic facial, a classic manicure and signature pedicure or, exclusively for guests of the Maine Stay Inn, a custom Maine Stay lavender and lemongrass salt scrub.

Select one of The Maine Stay's English Country Cottage Suites (Cottage Suites 4, 5 and 6, or 8 through 11), each of which can accommodate up to 3 or 4 adults. Select two adjoining Cottage Suites and there's room for up to eight of you. Now you have enough for a great party.

You and your girlfriends can sleep late and arise to a scrumptious hot New England breakfast, which we can deliver right to your door in a delightful wicker basket. Revitalize with a relaxing spa treatment. Return to The Maine Stay in time to enjoy afternoon tea and sweets. For dinner select one of our wonderful area restaurants, we will be happy to make your reservations..

Don't forget to leave time for shopping as the Maine Stay is located nearly equidistant from the outlets of Kittery to the south and Freeport to the north. However, before you travel in either direction, be sure to visit the wonderful shops and galleries of Dock Square, a brief stroll from The Maine Stay.

You and your girlfriends will enjoy a weekend to remember and you will want to make it an annual event.

Remember, at The Maine Stay Inn, "we have the nicest guests!"

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns, Specials at The Maine Stay, Things to do in Kennebunkport

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

The Maine Stay Inn Blog ~ An Insider's Guide to Kennebunkport was selected by The American Historic Inns as their premier selection as "Innkeeper Blog of the Week"

In the review of the Maine Stay Inn blog, The American Historic Inns says, "I love this blog because every single week George gives me another reason to wish I were visitng Kennebunkport. It is consistant, has lots of links if I want all the details to the events, provides the eye candy to keep my attention, and there's an archived blog with dates. I also am convinced that I cannot get this experience anywhere but Kennebunkport and if I go to the Maine Stay they will make sure I have a good time. In case I'm thinking of going two months from now for my anniversary, I can research what happened about that time last year in the archive. The tone is friendly and welcoming and states on every page that the Maine Stay "has the nicest guests". The blog makes me happy even before I get there!"

We are pleased to receive this recognition and we remind our readers, if you are interested in visiting picturesque Kennebunkport and learning of upcoming events or special packages offered at The Maine Stay Inn, please consider signing up for our e-newsletter. Click on this link, enter your email address and click "Submit" and you'll receive the monthly newsletter.

And, of course, at The Maine Stay Inn, "we have the nicest guests!"

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Things to do in Kennebunkport

This sandwich is not from Henry VII's.
Their sandwiches look better.
Henry VIII's is the new guy in town. Janice and I stopped in for a cold drink during a hot August stroll downtown. We found this delicatessen/restaurant to be spacious and "ultra clean." We decided we would return.

Well, we didn't get to Henry VIII's all summer but, at breakfast this morning, two of our guests, Jeff and Sherry, recommended that we try a hand-carved sandwich from Henry VIII's as soon as possible. They suggested that we didn't know what we were missing.

As it turned out, Jeff and Sherry surprised us and brought us back sandwiches. Janice and I each had half of a "Henry VIII" and half of a "Squire" sandwich. To top it off, Jeff and Sherry included a side order of Homemade Coleslaw.

The Signature Henry VIII sandwich is hand-carved roast beef topped with their homemade horseradish sauce. The sauce is mild and delicious, the roast beef is cooked medium and is very lean. All this is served warm on a toasted herb-buttered bun.

The Squire sandwich is hand-carved turkey served warm with turkey gravy and cranberry sauce, all on one of those great toasted herb-buttered buns. This warm sandwich was fantastic.

Henry VIII's gets two thumbs up from this seasoned professional epicure. "I wouldn't have a Willie or a Sam." (Does anyone know what that means?)

Thanks Jeff and Sherry for the sandwiches and for proving that at The Maine Stay Inn, "we have the nicest guests!"

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Restaurants

Play Ball! The Brick Store Museum has an exhibit on display until December 29th, titled Kennebunk's Big Leaguers: The Baseball Legacies of Colby Jack and Bobby Coombs.

Baseball fans take note, enjoy this fun trip through the lives and the careers of two major league ballplayers that began their notable sports journeys at Kennebunk High School. "Colby Jack" Coombs (1882-1957) and his nephew Bobby Coombs (1908-1991) both remarkable local athletes went on to play in the big leagues.

An outstanding pitcher, Colby Jack's accomplishments include three World Series wins playing for Connie Mack's Philadelphia Athletics during the 1910 Series.

Bobby Coombs also pitched for the Philadelphia Athletics and later for the New York Giants. In his major league debut, Bobby pitched to the New York Yankees "Murderer's Row" with the likes of Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth. The "Babe" hit home run #664 courtesy of Bobby. Even back then we had a good reason to hate the Yankees.

Both major leaguers went on to coach and both have university baseball stadiums named in their honor.

Learn more as you "round the bases" and enjoy the history of baseball and these two Kennebunkers.

Make a two-night reservation at The Maine Stay Inn and tell us you are visiting this outstanding exhibit and we will give you two free passes.

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

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Things to do in Kennebunkport

What could be more romantic?

Take a horse-drawn carriage through the historic district of Kennebunkport or better yet, have the carriage take you for your romantic dinner at one of Kennebunkport's many fine restaurants.

If it's more than the two of you for the weekend, invite your entire group for a horse-drawn wagon ride. These wagon rides can accomodate up to 20 adults.

And lest we forget, we are only a short time from having another romantic option. Before you know it, Rockin' Horse Stables will be offering horse-drawn sleigh rides. Brrrrr!

Yes, Tiny (pictured above) has his work cut out for him.

Give us a call at The Maine Stay Inn, we'll not only provide you with a warm and cozy room (with a fireplace and double whirlpool tub if you wish), but we'll also arrange for your romantic ride from Rockin' Horse Stables.

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

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns, Shopping in Kennebunkport, Things to do in Kennebunkport

This Sunday, October 7, 2007 the Second Annual Historic Road Rally of the Kennebunks will give participants the opportunity to enjoy much of the history of the Kennebunks while experiencing some spirited competition.

Whether you are breaking out your vintage automobile, your sports car or the family wagon, you can expect an afternoon packed with fun and interesting facts about the area. If you are visiting from afar or you are a local resident, you are certain to learn some fascinating tidbits that will be fun to share with others.

Teams (drivers and navigators) will be given clues designed to take you to many historical sites throughout the Kennebunks. The challenge is to decipher the clues, slove some problems and drive from destination to destination within the allotted time periods.

The event begins at Leyland English Auto which located at 114 River Road, Arundel. You are welcome to arrive as early as 8:00 am. Those arriving early can enjoy coffee, donuts and bagels, as well as the opportunity to view some terrific vintage autos and make some new friends. Even if you aren't planning to participate in the rally, you are welcome to come see the cars.

Plan for a day of challenges and fun and this year's Rally should be as popular as the Road Rally of 2006.

If you are staying at The Maine Stay Inn, ask at the front desk for directions to Leyland English Auto.

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Things to do in Kennebunkport

Mix together a fall harvest festival and an entertaining celebration of the environment (more specifically our estuaries) and, you have Punkinfiddle.

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Things to do in Kennebunkport

Janice and I took "The Foliage Tour" yesterday. Clearly, we were one week early but we wanted to test our directions.

If you are coming to The Maine Stay next weekend, plan to spend your entire Sunday afternoon on a leisurely drive through the hills of western Maine. Our Tour will take you to some of the best viewing sites coupled with great diversions along the way.

For instance, when you arrive in Cornish, you should definately take a quick side trip to Apple Acres. When you get there, you will find fantastic views of the color laden hills for as far as you can see. You will also be able to get some super fresh apples, delicious apple cider (also, hot mulled apple cider), homemade fudge and apple pies but, best of all, (Say it with me) fresh and hot, homemade apple doughnuts. Yummee! We had some yesterday.


Continue "The Tour" and about 45 minutes later you need to "keep your eyes peeled" for a home and barn that is the worldwide headquarters of Naturally Wood. Naturally Wood makes awesome Birdhouses. The Master birdhouse craftsman, Sol, makes both custom and spec birdhouses. The birdhouse pictured to the right is one of my favorites. All that's needed is an "old woman" bird to live in this shoe. Naturally Wood is another "don't miss" stop along the Tour. Bring some cash, Naturally Wood doesn't take credit cards

Stop at the front desk of The Maine Stay for our direction and enjoy a wonderful fall afternoon. You may decide to make this an annual event.

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

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Things to do in Kennebunkport

It might seem a little early to talk about fall foliage here in Maine but, foliage season is right around the corner.

You should consider utilizing the Maine Department of Conservation's Daily Foliage Report. The first update will be issued on September 12th, and this resource will provide you with (nearly) realtime information so you can plan exactly when to visit Kennebunkport and stay at The Maine Stay Inn.

Plan your time in Kennebunkport this fall to include a day to take a leisurely drive through the best foliage in Maine.

At the Maine Stay Inn, we will provide you driving directions that will include the spectacular fall colors and a special stop at a hilltop apple orchard. When you get there, among many other apple treats, be certain to try a few (yes, I said a few) of their freshly baked apple donuts. They are like those potato chips, you can't eat just one. How can you tell if they are freshly baked? If they have them for sale, they are fresh. They don't last long enough to be anything but fresh.

I can't wait for the trees to turn...I love the donuts (and the foliage of course).

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

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns, Things to do in Kennebunkport