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Maine Brewery Tours

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Maine may be known for its bed and breakfasts, beaches, and beautiful antique shops, but it is also home to a plethora of breweries. In fact, there are about thirty different breweries throughout the state, with a high concentration in Southern Maine. Kennebunkport, or Lower Village Kennebunk, is home to one – Federal Jack’s/Kennebunkport Brewing Company. KBC, the original home of Shipyard Ale (with it’s own brewery in Portland), brews seven different blends, all of which get pumped directly to the bar at Federal Jack’s Brew Pub. Can’t get fresher than that! And while you’re in town, be sure not to miss a tour of the brewery. Tours require reservations – let the Maine Stay make them for you!

Kennebunkport and the Maine Stay Inn is the perfect place to begin your exploration of the Maine Beer Trail. Just a short drive from the Maine Stay is the Run of The Mill Public House and Brewery, located in Saco, Maine. Continue traveling up the coast along scenic Route 1 to Scarborough for your next stop at the Sebago Brewing Company. Next up – the breweries of Portland! While it is home to several small brewing companies, Allagash Brewing, DL Geary Brewing, Gritty McDuff’s, and Sebago Brewing, it is also the current home of Shipyard Ale – the Shipyard Brewing Company. And at just 30 miles from the Maine Stay, it’s not to be missed!

If you have any steam left, head north toward Freeport – home of the famous L.L.Bean, but also to two breweries! Leave the ladies (if they’re at all like me) in your life for an afternoon of shopping, and hit the pub – you can’t go wrong at Gritty McDuff’s (a microbewery and brew pub) or at stop at Freeport Brewing Company.

Of course, there are oodles more breweries to visit on the “Maine Beer Trail,” so book your reservation and ask the Maine Stay Innkeepers today to help plan your Maine Brewery Tour.

Tags: Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, maine bed and breakfast, maine beer trail, maine breweries, maine cottages, maine inn, Maine Summer Vacation
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Kennebunkport Restaurants: Dessert Digs

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

So you’ve had dinner and just need a little something before snuggling into your cozy bed at the Maine Stay Inn. Where do you turn? The Maine Stay has you covered!

Dessert dining can be a huge challenge for visitors, because they may have eaten on their way to Kennebunkport and may be uncomfortable going into a restaurant just for dessert. But an evening just isn’t complete without that sweet treat!

So here are some great options in the area for those needing just dessert:

Old Vines (This wine bar in Lower Village Kennebunk is a great stop for after dinner noshing – their selection of cheeses and cured meats are great for non-sweet eaters, their homemade desserts are top notch, and they offer a great assortment of after dinner drinks. The best part? They’re open late!)
Federal Jack’s (While we at the Maine Stay Inn recommend this eatery for Maine basics – fried fish, chowdah, and steamed lobster – their extensive dessert menu has options for all tastes (but pass on the bread pudding – they do other things much better). And like Old Vines, they serve late – in season their “Late Night” menu is available until midnight.)
Ben and Jerry’s (I wouldn’t be a true New Englander if I didn’t mention this area favorite. They’re located just steps from the Maine Stay, so they’re a perfect evening stop after exploring Dock Square. But they’re seasonal, so winter visitors, don’t be disappointed!)
Roly’s English Fudge (Also a short stroll from the Maine Stay Inn, this favorite on Ocean Avenue offers a huge selection of English style fudge – think a bit more crumbly with undertones of caramelized sugar – and gelato. This is a must-taste for chocolate lovers and those looking for something light and fruity. Keep in mind, though, that they operate on limited hours in the winter, so check with the innkeepers before venturing out!)
The Ramp at Pier77 (At the Maine Stay, this one of our personal favorites for a casual lunch or dinner, but their desserts are out of this world. You might be most comfortable digging in at the bar if you’re just ordering that after-dinner snack, but their staff will take great care of you no matter the size of your order!)

Even for that little bedtime snack, Kennebunkport offers ample options. But don’t forget that for just $20, the staff at the Maine Stay Inn will create a homemade dessert and deliver it to your room for the ultimate romantic experience. Kindly give us a few days notice if you think you’d like to indulge!

Tags: Cuisine, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, kennebunkport cottage, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, maine cottage, maine cottages
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March Getaway: 3rd Night Free!

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

For the entire month of March, enjoy three nights for the price of two at the Maine Stay Inn in Kennebunkport. It’s like two seasons for the price of one!

Is it Spring?

Experience our charming winter one day and glorious springtime the next. Although this is how New England weather works year round, March is particularly prone to rapidly changing weather. We’re not even through the first week of March and we have already seen gentle snow with blustery winds and fifty degree days with ample sunshine! But take advantage of our incredible “Third Night Free” package and you’re sure to experience a little of everything.

...Or Still Winter?

If anything is certain, though, it is that you will want to curl up by our cozy fires at night with your special someone, relax in our jetted tubs, and dig into our hearty gourmet breakfasts each morning. So join us for three nights this winter (or is it Spring?) for the price of two, because two nights at the Maine Stay Inn just isn’t enough!

Tags: budget travel, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport winter, maine bed and breakfast, maine inn, maine stay happenings, packages, romantic weekend, specials, spring maine, spring weekend maine, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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Maine Restaurant Week 2010!

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

The much awaited Maine Restaurant Week is fast approaching and two excellent restaurants in the Kennebunks are participating this year! From March 1-10, 2010, the Kennebunk Inn’s Academe and Kennebunkport Inn’s One Dock are both serving 3 course dinners for just $30.10. These prices don’t include beverage or gratuity but pack an amazing value when considering their menu selections.

At the Kennebunk Inn, choose from their signature salad, incredible butternut squash soup, or lobster croquette to start. Follow with braised short rib, roast chicken (served with their smoked sweet potato souffle – my absolute favorite thing on their menu), or organic salmon. And if you can manage to make room for dessert, choose between peanut butter molten chocolate cake, cheesecake, and homemade reverse root beet float. Talk about value! They can certainly count on me to take advantage.

One Dock, just a short stroll from the Maine Stay Inn, boasts a similarly exquisite menu. For starters choose (if you can) among crab cakes, crispy risotto balls, or goat cheese and mesclun salad. Follow with grilled salmon, New York strip steak, or mushroom risotto and finish with your choice of apple brownie sundae, flourless chocolate torte, or carrot cake cheesecake. Talk about indulgence without the sticker shock (a mediocre three course dinner anywhere else will run you at least that much)!

And while there are only two participating locations in the Kennebunks, there are innumerable restaurants dishing out incredible values in Portland and surrounding communities, including famed Street and Company and Fore Street, both serving 3 course dinners for just $40.10. This means that early March is the perfect time to plan a short getaway to Maine! Take advantage of the Maine Stay Inn’s “Third Night Free” package and ring in the savings!

Tags: budget travel, Cuisine, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, maine cottages, restaurant, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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Kennebunkport as a “Designated Destination”

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Last weekend, the Maine Stay Inn and neighboring historic inns of Kennebunkport debuted a trial run of its restaurant shuttle service. Guests enjoyed a complimentary shuttle to area restaurants on the evening of Saturday, February 13th, allowing those enjoying a romantic Valentine’s celebration to wine and dine without the worry of navigating in the dark. Overall, it was a great success! Participating guests were thrilled with the service and didn’t mind waiting a few minutes for the shuttle to arrive at their destinations. Although this February has been warmer and decidedly less snowy than usual, our guests were delighted to step into a warm van and to avoid the worry of parking and navigating in unfamiliar territory.

Stay tuned for further updates on the future of the “Designated Destination” Shuttle!

Tags: Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, maine bed and breakfast, romantic weekend, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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Valentine’s Dining In Kennebunkport

Friday, February 5th, 2010

Valentine’s Day is one of the most romantic days of the year, so we at the Maine Stay Inn want to make sure that your intimate getaway goes absolutely perfectly. We can arrange for her favorite flowers to be in the room, or for a special bottle of wine. We can deliver a homemade dessert or fresh fruit and cheeses for the happy couple to enjoy. But you can’t get that romantic candle lit dinner here for Valentine’s. We can, however, help you pick that perfect dining experience. For a romantic winter weekend, here are some of our favorite digs:

Cape Arundel Inn Restaurant (This seaside restaurant overlooking the famous Bush compound and vast Atlantic offers fine dining in an airy, comfortable setting)
Grissini (Authentic Italian in Lower Village with an extensive wine selection)
Joshua’s (Slow-food fine dining featuring organic ingredients in a Colonial home)
On The Marsh (Intimate fine dining in a converted farmhouse overlooking a native marsh)
White Barn Inn (Five star dining with a fixed price, multi-course menu)

And this Valentine’s Weekend (February 13 and 14), we can even help you get there! The historic inns of Kennebunkport are debuting their trial run of “Designated Destination,” a shuttle service to local eateries leaving from the participating inns. The Maine Stay is proud to announce their involvement and look forward to helping provide guests the opportunity to savor their favorite wine or cocktails before and during dinner without having to worry about navigating our winter roads. We’ll be your designated driver!

Hopefully this sheds some light on our often overwhelming dining scene, but we’re happy to talk with you to ensure you find the perfect dinner destination. Let the Maine Stay Inn be your personal concierge!

Tags: Cuisine, dining in Wells, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport restaurants, Kennebunkport winter, maine bed and breakfast, maine inn, maine stay happenings, romantic weekend, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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Kennebunkport Promotes Safe Driving

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Kennebunkport is your Valentine’s Weekend “Designated Destination”

Beginning Saturday night February 13th, guests arriving for a weekend stay at one of the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport have the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary ride to dinner and a worry-free return home afterwards as the group launches it “DesignatedDestination” shuttle service. This first of its kind guest service on the Maine seacoast gives visiting guests the opportunity to celebrate the Valentine’s weekend without the stress of driving after dark, in poor weather, or after enjoying a romantic bottle of wine or two.

Developing Kennebunkport as a “Designated Destination” is a much needed solution for both visiting guests and local inns and restaurants. Creating an opportunity for guests to plan – and enjoy – a wonderful evening out at one the excellent local restaurants without worrying about the dark, the weather, or their consumption was the motivation that drove Finn MacDonald of the Captain Fairfield Inn to propose the idea to the group. “This is a win, win, win,” MacDonald says, “This is a unique service that can help my guests enjoy their evening out here. If our guests appreciate this service, that will help my business. And this service really benefits the restaurants because guests can have a worry-free evening knowing the Designated Destination shuttle will take care of getting them back to one of the inns. The service is scheduled for the evenings of Saturday February 13^th and Sunday February 14^th. For more information, please contact a participating historic inn on the www.kportinns.com website.

The Maine Stay Inn is, of course, thrilled to be jointly debuting this program, as we continually strive for our guests to have the best experience possible. Winter driving on dark, unfamiliar streets can sometimes deter guests from enjoying certain culinary delights during their stay and the ability to offer this service to our guests is a tremendous step forward. So this Valentine’s Day, crack open your bottle of wine and let the Maine Stay take care of the rest!

Tags: dining in Wells, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, Kennebunkport winter, maine stay happenings, romantic weekend, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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The Maine Stay Helps Habitat for Humanity

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

The Maine Stay Inn and Cottages Supports ‘Hospitality for Habitat’ with Deeply Discounted Rates for Visiting Guests

Maine Stay Inn Teams up with Maine Innkeeper Association program to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity

Kennebunkport, ME – February 2010 – Kennebunkport’s Maine Stay Inn will offer guests 50% off weekend room rates Monday through Thursday between April 26^th through May 28^th 2010 in support of ‘Hospitality for Habitat’, a Maine Innkeepers Association program, originally designed to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity projects in Maine. This year, after the devastating earth quake in Haiti, part of the funds raised will also be distributed to help support Habitat for Humanity projects in Haiti.

Visitors to the Maine Stay Inn and Cottages will receive the deeply discounted room rates in exchange for a $35 donation check written out to Habitat for Humanity.

“With today’s challenging economy we are delighted to offer guests the opportunity to experience a wonderful Maine getaway at half the regular room rate,” said Judith Hauer, owner/innkeeper of the Maine Stay. We appreciate

this opportunity to partner with our guests in support of such a worthy cause.”

The Maine Stay Inn will join participating members of The Maine Innkeepers Association all across the state to help build homes for deserving families. In 2009 Hospitality for Habitat raised over $16,000 for Habitat for Humanity, and the Association has raised over $30,000 since the program began in 2004.

To enjoy a 50% reduction in room rates between April 26^th and May 28th 2010, and be part of Hospitality for Habitat, please make reservations in advance and acknowledge your intention to participate. Your tax deductible donation for $35 should be made out to Habitat for Humanity in the form of a check and given to the innkeeper. For more information, or to make a reservation in support of Habitat for Humanity please go to www.mainestayinn.com or call 207.967.2117.

For a complete, and constantly updated list of participating properties, visit The Maine Innkeeper Association’s web site at www.maineinns.com and click on the “Hospitality for Humanity” logo. Direct Links to each property will provide information on specific room rates, availability, and restrictions.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Ga., is an ecumenical Christian ministry dedicated to eliminating poverty housing. Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses around the world, providing more than 1.5 million people in more than 3,000 communities with safe, decent, affordable shelter, they helped build and had bought with the assistance of no-profit, zero-interest mortgages. More information can be found online at www.habitat.org.

About the Maine Innkeepers Association

The Maine Innkeepers Association, a leading provider of tourism information to both Maine’s lodging industry and its visitors, represents nearly 700 B&Bs, camps, cottages, hotels, inns, motels and resorts across Maine, and their suppliers. Through communication, education, promotion and government affairs, the Association helps its members achieve prosperity and deliver a quality product to the consumer. Maine Innkeepers Association is located in Freeport, ME and can also be found at www.maineinns.com.

Tags: budget travel, habitat for humanity, inn discounts, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, maine bed and breakfast, maine stay happenings, spring in maine, updates
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February for Lovers in Kennebunkport

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

January 24th, 2010 welcomed the return of Kennebunkport’s Annual Wedding Show, ushering in a month dedicated to lovers in February. Intimate, romantic restaurants open for the winter to wine and dine couples on romantic getaways, and inns like the Maine Stay offer enticing packages for cozy retreats. Throughout the month (with the exception of February 12-14), the Maine Stay Inn is offering a two night, third night free special on all rooms, suites, and cottage suites, making February the perfect month to visit – especially for your wallet!

Consider one of our February for Lovers Packages, designed for your relaxation.

Romance Package: This winter cozy up with your special someone for a romantic weekend. Enjoy our luxurious accommodations and gourmet breakfast, as well as homemade dessert and a fruit and cheese plate delivered to your door OR choose fruit and cheese plate plus sparkling cider and flutes. Add $28 to your room rate (normally a $40 value).

Indulgence Package: Make this getaway one to remember! Pair our exceptional hospitality, elegant accommodations, and gourmet breakfast, with 60 minute companion massages, a gift set of Champagne body amenities to help bring the intimacy of your retreat back home, and homemade dessert delivered to your room. (Add $256 to your room rate, including massage therapist gratuity).
Create Your Own: Whether you require reservations at the finest restaurants, floral arrangements, or a private sleigh ride, we’re happy to arrange for anything to make your getaway absolutely perfect. The staff of the Maine Stay Inn is devoted to ensuring you have the best experience possible in Kennebunkport and wants to make your dreams reality.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Maine Stay for this incredible winter season and are excited to usher in a season of romance and intimacy in Kennebunkport!

Tags: Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Inn, maine bed and breakfast, maine inn and spa, romantic weekend, Valentine's Day Maine, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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Ringing in 2010 at the Maine Stay

Tuesday, January 5th, 2010

2009 has been a year of great experimentation in Kennebunkport at the Maine Stay Inn – from testing out new recipes and lobster dinners to moving furniture and laying dark hardwood floors – and everything in between. Our approach to New Year’s Eve was no exception! Instead of our usual appetizers by the living room fire, we decided to mix things up by serving a full dinner. The menu was inspired by Julia – Child, that is. To start, guests enjoyed a variety of cheeses, fresh from Maine farms. The unanimous favorite was Bleu Brie – an unheard of indulgence that more than prepared me for my 2010 resolution! We followed that with copious amounts of shrimp cocktail and blue cheese stuffed endive garnished with spiced nuts and Maine clover honey. Somehow we all managed to make room for a delectable canberry-citrus salad over organic butter lettuce and two entrees. Our plates were barely large enough to hold Julia’s sauteed (and dry marinated) bone-in pork chops, homemade mashed potatoes, poached salmon with a winter vegetable medley, wild brown rice, and braised red cabbage. Just when we thought that our bodies couldn’t hold another bite, we brought out traditional creme brulee, chocolates, and pizzelle cookies. Yum!

Best of all, however, was the company. Dinner began at 7, and when the ball dropped, no one was ready to go home. With a little extra caffeine, conversations could have lasted all night. One surprise discovery was that two guests were pastel painters, who were Facebook friends! What a small world!

It was an incredible evening, and we at the Maine Stay certainly left the table feeling particularly close to those we shared it with. We can’t wait until next year - for the food and the friends.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2010!

Tags: Cuisine, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport winter, maine inn, maine stay happenings, new year's eve, romantic weekend
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