Maine Stay Inn ~ An Insider's Guide to 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

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

The Maine Stay Inn was built in 1860 by the great grandson of one of Kennebunkport's founding families, the Walkers.

In Kennebunkport, the Walker name is more commonly associated with Walker's Point, the property owned by President Bush (41) and previously by his ancestors. Of course, this is where President George H.W. Bush gets the "W" and it is where our current President gets his "Dubya."

The Walker that built the Maine Stay Inn was Melville Walker (what a great name for the owner of a stately seaside home). Melville was a merchant sea captain who travelled the oceans of the world. I wonder if he ever encountered the likes of Moby Dick?

Enough history, for now.

What do you do when an original lockset on one of the doors of your 1860 house breaks? Well, there are several solutions to this problem. Some solutions are not acceptable as they compromise the historical integrity of the home (like a brand new 21st century replacement). Some solutions are far too time consuming (for instance, rebuilding the broken parts).


Fortunately for me, here in Kennebunkport we have a hidden treasure. Well, it's not exactly hidden (we'll tell you how to get there) but, it is a treasure. It is The Old House Parts Company. How lucky is that?

Next time you visit Kennebunkport, ask someone where The Old House Parts Company is located and stop in. It really is a neat place to explore.
Photo from The Old House Parts Company website.

Labels: Shopping in Kennebunkport, Things to do in Kennebunkport

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

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

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

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

In autumn, Wallingford Farm in Kennebunk is a colorful reflection of the bounty of New England’s harvest. Visitors are sure to be drawn in by the beautiful setting of this historic farmhouse, farm store and flower barn. If the vibrant display of plants so beautifully arranged on the spacious front lawn isn’t enough… just step inside, you’ll find a host of yummy treats.

Located on Route One, in Kennebunk, Wallingford Farm has a majestic setting. From early Spring through late Autumn the grounds are chock full of colorful plants and garden items. At this time of year, it’s all about the harvest season in New England and that means plenty of pumpkins and gourds. The farm store carries a wonderful selection of specialty foods and produce, including fudge, cheese, fresh breads and more. Samples of cheese and fudge are just one of the reasons I look forward to our visits. Wallingford Farm's Flower Barn has a large selection of fresh, dried and silk flowers. Their garden center carries a wide variety of plants and gardening accessories and in the summer months, you can even pick your own bouquet from their garden!

Built in 1804, this property was once known as Wallingford Hall and was also referred to as George Washington Wallingford Hall. Owner Charles Godfrey purchased this stately property 9 years ago with a plan to restore it to its original splendor. His research has identified the original colors of the building and as you can see, the main house is now getting its facelift. With the body of the building being painted in what is best described as salmon with a cream color trim, the window sashes and the front door will be returned to their original color of a dark green. Wallingford Farm was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004.

Wallingford Farm is already looking fantastic. Charles is doing a wonderful service for our community by bringing this magnificent property back to its previous grandeur. If you are staying with us at the Maine Stay Inn, Wallingford Farm is a pleasant, 10 minute trip through the Historic District of Kennebunk. It is well worth the trip. And in case you are planning to visit around Halloween, you may want to be aware that...Wallingford Farm has a ghost! An honest to goodness (let's hope it's goodness) ghost!

Labels: Shopping in Kennebunkport

H.B. Provisions, photo taken one month after the purchase of the former Meserve's Market by Helen and Bonnie. Photo from H.B. Provisions website.

Guests of the Maine Stay Inn are often looking for a place to purchase a variety of items...no, make that provisions. Most often our guests are looking to purchase wine or cheese and crackers, but it could be almost anything.

The best spot in Kennebunkport for such items is H.B. Provisions, actually located in Lower Village Kennebunk. HB is a short walk from the Maine Stay and is a very pleasant surprise to those looking for an excellent selection of wines or even a delicious lunch from their grill.

In what during the "olden days" may have been best described as a General Store, owners Helen and Bonnie have created an atmosphere that is warm and welcoming. Whether you live in the area and make HB a daily stop, or you are a tourist that stumbles in for your first visit, you will feel a connection to HB that is warm and familiar.

If it's a bottle of wine you're looking for, or just an afternoon cup of coffee, go into HB. It will not be your only visit, you'll be back for more. A quaint village like Dock Square would not be the same without a comfortable spot like HB.

Labels: Shopping in Kennebunkport

Visitors to Kennebunkport often congregate in Dock Square where there are many fine shops and galleries.

Those smart enough to make the trip just one mile out of Dock Square on Ocean Avenue are well rewarded. The shop known simply as Dannah, is truly a gem.

The shop is chock full of unique and attractive jewelry and fashion accessories. And, as you can see from the photo, they also carry home accessories that are one-of-a-kind and often whimsical.

When it came time to add the last few finishing touches to The Maine Stay Inn's recent renovation of our romantic Cottage Suite 7, where did we shop? At Dannah's, of course.

This distinctive shop is located at 123 Ocean Avenue. While only a short drive from The Maine Stay Inn or from Dock Square (on the way to Walker's Point), I would strongly suggest you consider walking to Dannah. There is plenty of parking at Dannah's, however this is such a pleasant stroll along the Kennebunk River, you will be glad you walked.

Next time you return to Kennebunkport, I guarantee you will look forward to your wonderful walk and the treat at the end of the walk known as Dannah.

Labels: Shopping in Kennebunkport

It was 230 years ago today that marked the adoption of America's Declaration of Independence from the Brits.

Well, if they had been as clever back then as Roly's English Fudge is today, the outcome may have been very different. Roly's has invaded Kennebunkport, not by land, not by sea, but by taste buds.

Located in a not so easy to find location of Dock Square, Roly's is definitely worth looking for, or better yet let us at the Maine Stay Inn give you precise directions.

The fudge itself is like no other you have tasted. Rather than the sticky, gooey fudge to which we have become accustomed, Roly's English Fudge is firm and crumbly. As described by shop owners, Mike and Peggy Bristow, "this fudge melts in your mouth, not in the bag." According to Mike, some who enter Roly's are not necessarily fans of traditional fudge. When they taste one of Roly's non-traditional flavors, they are pleasantly surprised. Mike called it, "fudge for adults." I think it is for kids too.

With flavors like, strawberry shortcake, lemon meringue, dark and stormy (Black Seal rum and ginger) and Bailey's Irish Cream, one can immediately tell that this isn't your grandma's fudge shop. Don't worry, their Cadbury chocolate fudge will satisfy you chocoholics and if you are like me, you penuche fans will fall in love with Roly's Original vanilla fudge. (of yeah!)

So far, I have only told you half the story...

Roly's English Fudge also serves Palazzolo's Artisan Gelato. Never heard of it? Well, you haven't been watching enough Oprah. She loved Palazzolo's so much she added it to her "O list."

Mike gave me a quick lesson about the difference between ice cream and gelato. While both have air whipped into them, the percentage of air whipped into gelato is far less than that in ice cream. Also, gelato is produced with much less butter fat. Since the butter fat content is less, the freezing temperature is higher. Why is that important? Well, if you are like me, when you have a bowl (that's right a bowl, not a cup) of ice cream, you let it melt, to bring out the flavor. That melting really doesn't bring out any flavor, it simply raises the temperature of the ice cream and prevents your taste buds from freezing. No frozen taste buds... more flavor. Gelato takes care of this step for you. With a higher freezing temperature your taste buds remain receptive to these delicious flavors.

That was the long way of telling you that this gelato stuff is fantasic. I tried the Madagascar Vanilla (remember, I like vanilla) and the flavor was unbelievable. A real food critic would be anxious to try the other wonderful flavors of gelato at Roly's. Not me, I'm going back for more Vanilla.

There you have it. Roly's English Fudge is a must in Kennebunkport.

Guests of the Maine Stay Inn on this 4th of July weekend, enjoyed their own sample box of Roly's. The comments were excellent.

Oh yeah, Happy Independence Day. Had those Brits come bearing Roly's, things may have ended differently.

Cheers!

Labels: Kennebunkport Restaurants, Shopping in Kennebunkport