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Summer Vacation in Kennebunkport

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Before moving to Kennebunkport to pursue innkeeping at the Maine Stay Inn, I had visited Kennebunkport Maine only twice before. Neither was during the summer. In fact, it snowed both times. But after two summers I fully understand what makes Kennebunkport the perfect spot for a summer vacation (okay, I realized it a long time ago, but now I finally feel ready to share).

First off, it’s easy to get to. Kennebunkport is just 86 miles from Boston and 35 miles from Portland. That mean’s it’s accessible to everyone. There’s no worrying about ferry schedules (hello, Martha’s Vineyard!) or twisting mountainous roads (can you say “White Mountains?”). You can leave Boston after work and get to the Maine Stay before dinner. Or fly into Portland (possibly the world’s most navigable airport) and bite into our famous chocolate chip cookies in under 40 minutes.

Second, dining options abound. If you’re a regular Maine Stay Inn blog reader, you know how much I love good food! Kennebunkport offers amazing options for all kinds of eaters of all ages, and most within easy walking distance of the Maine Stay. That means that you don’t have to venture far from the inn or beach for a wonderful meal.

Which brings me to reason number three – the beaches. The beaches of the Kennebunks are fantastic. I mean truly spectacular. And there are so many options! If you visit with kids, head to the Kennebunk beaches for easy access and minimal schlepping of beach toys. For avid runners and walkers, the small beaches and coves along Ocean Avenue are not to be missed. Those bringing or renting bicycles should head to Parson’s beach, a treasure with impossible parking. And couples looking for peace and quiet along the shore should hit up Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport.

An explanation of the appeal of Kennebunkport would not be complete without mentioning the incredible shops of Dock Square, the spectacular galleries dotted throughout town, or the plethora of outdoor activities, like kayaking and canoeing, running and biking, whale watching and sailing, and golf. But the part I have most trouble explaining is Kennebunkport’s charm. This town is so quaint and endearing, with just the right amount of history and architectural appeal, but also the pop of spectacular sands and edible creations.

My words just don’t do Kennebunkport justice, so come to the Maine Stay Inn to see all that Kennebunkport has to offer and find out why Kennebunkport is the perfect summer vacation destination.

Tags: beach, beach weather, family vacation maine, Goose Rocks beach, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, maine cottages, Maine Summer Vacation, summer in Kennebunkport
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Kennebunkport Bars: Federal Jack’s vs. The Ramp

Monday, March 1st, 2010

While Federal Jack’s Brewpub and The Ramp at Pier 77 both bill themselves as pubs catering to sports fanatics, the similarities stop there. Read on to see how they stack up.

Federal Jack’s Brew Pub sits on prime real estate in Lower Village Kennebunk, right on the river overlooking a marina. It’s second floor location could be a deterrent to some, but an elevator distinguishes it from most places in town. And it is huge. I mean huge. Their dish slide is larger than the entire kitchen at the Maine Stay. During the summertime Federal Jack’s operates five separate serving areas – the main dining room, the bar, the pool room, the outdoor decks, and a smaller dining room.

In contrast, The Ramp barely has five tables! Okay, that may be an exaggeration, but it is much smaller and is actually one of the smallest eateries in town. Granted, it’s big sister, Pier 77 (upstairs and closed for the winter) compensates for its small size. The low ceilings and water level location in Cape Porpoise make it a much more intimate spot, and little space between tables ensures you’ll be friendly with your neighbors by the end of the night. And for its small size, the Ramp offers a surprisingly diverse menu, especially during the warmer months when patrons can choose to dine off Pier 77′s menu.

Just like it’s floor plan, the menu at Fed’s is astoundingly large. But your best bets are standard American pub fare – burgers and fried food. Their chowder is good, as are their salads, desserts, and daily $10 special, but skip the fancy stuff – Fed’s is best for basics.

The Ramp, however, has a phenomenal chef, so don’t hesitate to order the unusual here – it’s all (and always) good. For the chowdah connoisseurs out there – their’s is of the potato-y variety.

Federal Jack’s beckons sports fans because of its plethora of widescreen TVs, long hours (they’re open until 12:30 a.m. daily), and beer brewed on site, while The Ramp brings out the fan in all of us with its vintage athletic memorabilia and the soft glow of two small TVs.

So here’s the final breakdown:

Late-night service: Fed’s
Cuisine: The Ramp
Prime sports viewing: Fed’s
Atmosphere for the non-sport viewer: The Ramp
Location: Fed’s
Ocean Views: The Ramp

These two eateries are staples for the Maine Stay and all of Kennebunkport, but serve entirely different needs. So come to Kennebunkport and the Maine Stay Inn to decide for yourself!

Tags: Cuisine, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, maine bed and breakfast, maine inns
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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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Early Booking – A Traveler’s Best Friend

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

With the advent online reservations, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, it has gotten easier and easier for travelers to book last-minute vacations and weekend getaways. And while it may be getting easier, it certainly isn’t getting better. Yes, you can sometimes find “deals,” but most often this is to the detriment of the traveler. Hands down, the best values can be had by booking early, often, and over the phone. Here’s why:

The best rooms go first (how many innkeepers have their best booking room available for Valentine’s Weekend on the Saturday before?). And “best” can mean most expensive, but always means the room that packs the best value (maybe it’s the only room with its own porch in the summer, but the smallest room with a jacuzzi and fireplace in the winter; or maybe it just got renovated and the new pictures aren’t online yet). And at a time when everyone is traveling smarter, those best value rooms are a must!
When you book early and over the phone, innkeepers have the opportunity to get to know you and your needs. That’s because when you’re booking a summer reservation in March, they have the time to talk to you and figure out which room or suite is going to suit you perfectly. Not to mention that that “perfect” room is probably available. Booking early means you won’t have to compromise on the amenities that are essential to giving you the best vacation possible. Not to mention, they may feel more inclined to throw in something special for that anniversary, birthday, or honeymoon celebration.
Booking repeatedly at one place makes you special. You become a guest that we look forward to sharing our renovations with, that we think about when telling stories about favorite guests, and a guest that we check in with throughout the year. But as a repeat guest, you get the inside scoop on special packages, promotions, and steep discounts throughout the year. Don’t delete our newsletter now, you hear?

So while it may seem passe, pick up the phone for your next reservation, talk to the innkeepers, and let us make sure that your next getaway is absolutely perfect. And call early to make sure that you get the best bang for your buck and best experience imaginable in Kennebunkport. Because at the Maine Stay Inn we strive to make your getaway exceed all your expectations!

Tags: budget travel, Goose Rocks beach, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, maine bed and breakfast, maine inns, summer in Kennebunkport
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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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Top 10: Kennebunkport in the Winter

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Kennebunkport is known as a fantastic New England summertime and fall foliage destination, but it is a fantastic wintertime getaway. At the Maine Stay Inn and Cottages,

Snowy Path at Laudholm Trust

we love all that Kennebunkport and Southern Maine has to offer during the winter months. Here are our top 10 reasons to visit Kennebunkport in the winter!

10 – Cozy, romantic rooms at the Maine Stay Inn with gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and unlimited cups of steaming tea and coffee for chilly nights

9 – Walks through snowy, tree-lined, quintessential New England streets and Kennebunkport beaches, and the peaceful solitude they offer

8 – Indulgent spa services at our on-site spa (now you can get pampered without ever leaving the Maine Stay property)

7 – Charming horse-drawn sleigh rides

6 – Steep discounts at Kennebunkport’s fine shops and desolate antique shops

5 – Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing opportunities at Laudholm farm and other scenic venues

4 – Deserted beaches and incredible photo opportunities of winter surf

3 – Shorter or non-existent waits at the best restaurants (and only the best stay open in the wintertime)

2 – Great prices and special promotions (check out the Maine Stay’s current specials!)

1 – Even more attention from the Maine Stay Innkeepers and staff to make sure that your getaway is absolutely perfect!

We hope you’ll enjoy the restful environment that only a winter visit to Kennebunkport and the Maine Stay Inn can provide. We hope to welcome you soon!

Tags: beach weather, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport winter, romantic weekend, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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Winter Lunch Spots

Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

While Kennebunkport and its surrounding communities are known for incredible dining, great lunchtime eateries seem a little harder to come by, particularly in the winter. The Maine Stay can help you figure out how to get the best soup, salad, and sandwiches to get you through to dinner at our many fine dining establishments. Since some of our summertime faves are closed up tight, here are some great wintertime options:

Henry VIII Carvery (known for their hand-carved meats, fresh salads, and homemade soups)
Alisson’s Restaurant (a Dock Square staple since 1973 – great for simple American cuisine and Maine staples like lobstah rolls and chowdah)
Federal Jack’s Brew Pub (a great brewpub with home brewed beer on tap and excellent daily specials)
The Ramp at Pier 77 (a fantastic local spot with views of the Atlantic that makes top notch hand cut fries and a potato-y clam chowder)
Lucas On Nine (family run American food restaurant with great personality)
Jackie’s Too (waterfront dining on the Marginal Way in Ogunquit)
Squaretoes Restaurant (hip diner-esque eatery in Kennebunk)
Mekhong Thai (great Thai for those needing something a little different)
Atlantic Pizza (awesome pizza and a great Greek food menu)

Clearly the Kennebunkport area is alive and kickin’ (well, certainly, eatin’) during the winter months. Guests of the Maine Stay will certainly not be left hungry at lunch time! Not that they’ll need much after our hearty gourmet breakfasts! But now midday options are easier than ever to find. Bon Appetite!

Tags: dining in Wells, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport restaurants, lunch dining, seafood, winter getaway maine
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