Posts Tagged ‘Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts’
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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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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Monday, March 8th, 2010
Just steps from the Maine Stay Inn’s front door lies a funky restaurant with a name to match – Bandaloop. And while the atmosphere is rustic and Bohemian chic, the cuisine is anything but. Located about three very short blocks from the inn in a residential area adjacent to Dock Square’s shopping district, you might miss it, if not for the bright red door. Walking into this converted barn (that’s how I perceive it, at least), you will find a wide, modern bar and soft lighting, aided by twinkling white Christmas lights along the upper balcony. The upstairs houses a few small tables and a quiet, intimate atmosphere with great views of the roughly hewn rafters and ample opportunity to people watch. And while the downstairs is more tightly packed and bustling, you have a chance to watch the amazing skills of Chef Scott Lee, owner of Bandaloop. Personally, I love an open kitchen – you know the food is hot and fresh, because you see it come out of the pan, onto the plate and into your belly – no waiting under some heat lamp. That would be entirely counterintuitive here, as “fresh is best” clearly dominates this eatery. In the past they have offered a covered, heated patio during the warmer months and into foliage season, but a recent dinnertime visit revealed exterior construction for a more permanent addition of seating area.
The waitstaff at Bandaloop Restaurant is cheerful, but not overbearing, and very helpful to those of us plagued by indecision. But at Bandaloop, indecision must be incredibly common – the menu is just too good! A two-page menu and handful of specials shouldn’t be terribly troubling, but when you consider the option of pairing any protein source with any of their signature sauces (and there are around 7 of each), the menu seems to grow exponentially!
In all honesty, there is nothing that I wouldn’t like at Bandaloop. Their trend is toward organically raised products and interesting combinations, many with an Asian fusion flair. My personal favorite is their grilled salmon or fried tofu with caramelized chili-coconut sauce. But you certainly can’t go wrong with their spinach salad and Mac & Cheese! And the menu offers a host of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options.
No matter the season, we at the Maine Stay Inn recommend reservations – even on a Wednesday in March. So let us make on for you, because Bandaloop is certainly not to be missed!
Tags: Cuisine, dinner kennebunkport maine, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Dining, Kennebunkport Inn, Kennebunkport inns, Kennebunkport restaurants, maine bed and breakfast, maine cottages, restaurants kennebunkport, seafood
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Sunday, March 7th, 2010
Kennebunkport is the ideal place for your summer vacation – stunning beaches, fine shops and galleries, and incredible restaurants. And Kennebunkport’s location is ideal, as it is just 90 miles from Boston, 30 miles from Portland, ME, and Portsmouth, NH, both home 
to great cultural opportunities and more great dining (always my primary concern!), and of course, just 40 miles to famed Freeport – the home of L.L. Bean. I just can’t fathom what isn’t to like about Kennebunkport. I mean, I may be biased, but still. Really, though, you can reach Kennebunkport incredibly easily and even without a car. Once you are here, you don’t actually need a car – great sandy beaches are only about a mile away and excellent restaurants and activities are just a short stroll from the inn. The outdoor opportunities are innumerable – and incredible. And did I mention the food?
The Maine Stay Inn, of course, makes it our business to make your vacation better than you imagined. Kennebunkport is wonderful, but a stay at the Maine Stay Inn and Cottages it the key to making your Maine Summer Vacation perfect. So this summer, from June 1 through September 15, the Maine Stay Inn will offer complimentary passes to the Kennebunk Beaches with any two or more night stay. That means you can enjoy the glories of Southern Maine’s incredible beaches at no cost to you!
Tags: beach, Goose Rocks beach, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport Inn, maine cottages, maine inn, Maine Summer Vacation, summer in Kennebunkport, summer vacation
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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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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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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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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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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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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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