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

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

Martin Luther King Day is January 15th and this year we celebrate the 79th birthday of this remarkable civil rights leader. April 4th this year also marks the 40th anniversary of Dr. King's assasination. Just one day before his assasination Dr. King delivered one of his most memorable speeches which included the words, "...I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land."

Like so many other holidays, MLK Day has been changed to be celebrated on a Monday creating a three-day weekend. This year we celebrate on Monday, January 21.

In a poll conducted by The Discovery Channel and AOL, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was selected by the American Public as the third Greatest American.

If you're looking for a weekend getaway for this long weekend, call us at The Maine Stay Inn located in the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport, Maine.

Labels: Kennebunkport Inns

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

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

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

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

Smirkus Troupers are selected by audition and work hand-in-hand with professional circus artists. Troupers become completely immersed in circus life. They undergo rigorous training and participate in all aspects including setting up and packing up the big top and all related chores (perhaps this will make some think twice about running away with the circus). A Circus Smirkus Trouper can expect to participate in over 70 shows, presented in 14 towns over the 7 week schedule.

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

Are you considering biking around Kennebunkport? Great idea! It is a fantastic way to get around and see the wonderful sites of this quaint seaside village and the rugged Maine coast.

Don't go to the effort of strapping on your bike racks to the car. You don't have to drive through all sorts of weather with your bicycle exposed to the elements. Simply contact Cape Able Bike Shop right here in Kennebunkport.

Cape Able offers road, hybrid, mountain and specialty bikes from many of the finest bicycle manufacturers.

In business for more than 30 years in Kennebunkport, Cape Able has evolved every bit as much as the biking styles and fads over that same period. Cape Able Bike Shop offers suggested routes for nature lovers as well as for those interested in observing the popular tourist sites. They also offer group ride opportunities through the Maine Coastal Cycling Club.

If you are staying at The Maine Stay Inn, you're in luck. We have a covered bicycle rack for your Cape Able bicycle rental or, for you own bicycle.

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

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

This is not Wood Island Lighthouse
Wood Island Lighthouse was authorized by President Thomas Jefferson and built in 1808.

Wood Island is a 35-acre island off the coast of Biddeford, Maine at the mouth of the Saco River. The lighthouse, which is coming up on its bicentennial anniversary, has been cared for and restored by The Friends of the Wood Island Lighthouse.

Tours of the lighthouse, along with some tidbits of its interesting history, are available now through September 1st.

Call the reservation line at (207) 286-3229 on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Other days can be iffy inconsistent.

The boat leaves from Vine's Landing in Biddeford Pool (weather permitting) and the guided tour takes about 1.5 hours. The Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse ask for a $10.00 per person donation.

If you are staying at The Maine Stay Inn, we'll make your reservation and give you directions so you won't miss this great island and lighthouse tour.

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

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

How about a unique and memorable way to enjoy this year's fireworks in Kennebunkport.

First Chance Whalewatch is loading up both of their boats and heading out to sea for a terrific perspective on the fireworks. Beverages will be served and it will be a fun and a memorable time for all.

Tickets for this cruise are $25.00 per person (cash only) and they are going fast. Both boats are departing at 7:45 pm on Wednesday, the Fourth.

Act now. Give us a call or, call First Chance directly at (800) 767-2628 to make your reservations.

Not planning to visit Kennebunkport over the Fourth of July? You should and luckily it's not too late, call The Maine Stay Inn at (800) 950-2117.

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

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

...and they're staying at Walker's Point, Kennebunkport, Maine.

There is excitement in the air, as well as the sounds of military helicopters, Coast Guard vessels and the Air Force jets.

President Bush ("W") arrives tomorrow and President Putin arrives on Sunday.

With President Bush celebrating his 61st birthday next week (July 6th), perhaps President Putin will come bearing gifts. (President Putin, if you are looking for gift ideas...get anything cowboy. He'll love it.)

This weekend should be very exciting. I promise to get some pictures to post next week. Better yet, call us at The Maine Stay. We have rooms and you can take your own pictures of this historic event.

Labels: Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, Kennebunkport Inns

Photo courtesy of Robert Dennis
Wow, today was a long day. In fact, today was the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

If you live at the equator you had 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. At the North Pole you experienced 24 hours of daylight and at the South Pole you had 24 hours of darkness (am I glad I don't live at the South Pole).

This first day of summer is known in the astronomical world as the summer solstice. The summer solstice is when the tilt of the earth with respect to the sun reaches its northern most position. This point on the earth is known as the Tropic of Cancer. This year that event occurred today, June 21, 2007 at approximately 2:11 pm, eastern daylight savings time.

What's the point of all this? It's summertime in Kennebunkport and it's time you started thinking about a great beach vacation.

In Kennebunkport, you will not only enjoy wonderful Maine beaches, you also can enjoy the beauty of the rocky Maine coast. After an enjoyable day taking in the Atlantic Ocean, you can also rest assured that we will make you a reservation at one of Kennebunkport's exceptional restaurants.

Call us at The Maine Stay Inn, we still have summer availability for you and your family.

Don't forget, at The Maine Stay "we have the nicest guests!"

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

Cottage Breeze Day Spa & Boutique has just opened in Kennebunkport's Lower Village. Offering a full array of spa services, Cottage Breeze states its goal as follows, "...to provide you with the best beauty, health and wellness services available in a calming and soothing environment."

Here is another option for enhancing your relaxing experience in Kennebunkport.

If you are looking for a memorable and relaxing getaway, let us at The Maine Stay Inn customize an itinerary just for you.

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

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

Kennebunkport is bustling with art this weekend. Artists are displaying their works in several of Kennebunkport finest inns and bed & breakfasts. If you are interested you can purchase tickets from any of the participating inns for $5.00 which entitles you to visit all of the display locations.

At The Maine Stay Inn, we are fortunate to have the works of the award winning artist, Joan Cope Sutter on display. Joan's works are bringing the walls of The Maine Stay Inn to life with wonderful seascapes and local Kennebunkport scenes.


Joan began her art career as a sculptor in 1980. She took a 20 year hiatus from art and became an innkeeper during which time she painted beautiful murals on the walls of her inn. Joan returned to art just 7 years ago but chose painting as her medium. Joan now works with both oils and watercolors.

If you're staying in Kennebunkport this weekend, we hope you will stop by The Maine Stay Inn and enjoy Joan's works. Bring your checkbook, her paintings are fantastic.

And, don't forget, at The Maine Stay Inn, "we have the nicest guests."

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

Are you planning a summer vacation in Kennebunkport? Are you wondering the conditions of the beaches after the Patriot's Day storm?

You should plan to make the beaches a big part of a wonderful Kennebunkport vacation. According to the Kennebunk Post, in describing the status of the rebuilding of the hardest hit beach, Kennebunk Beach (more specifically, Gooch's Beach), "The Beach Avenue sidewalk and wall on Gooch's Beach near completion."

Since the storm, the town of Kennebunk has worked diligently and the promised repairs are already nearly finished. Governor Baldacci's assurance that the town would bounce back from this storm in time for the upcoming tourist season, was right on the money.

So, plan your summer vacation in Kennebunkport and you will have a wonderful time at the beaches.

At The Maine Stay Inn, we provide our guests beach chairs, beach towels and umbrellas. All you need to pack is your bathing suit.

"We have the nicest guests!"

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