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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.

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Posted in Cuisine, Events at the Inn, Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfasts, Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, Kennebunkport recreation, Maine Summer Vacation, Things to Do, maine inn, maine inns, maine stay happenings | No Comments »

Kennebunkport Restaurants: Bandaloop

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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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 HumanityHospitality for Habitat

Kennebunkport, ME – February 2010 – Kennebunkport’s Maine Stay Inn will offer guests 50% off weekend room rates Monday through Thursday between April 26th through May 28th 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 26th 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.

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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, Kennebunkport in Winterushering 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 Desserthomemade 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, Custom Floral Arrangementsfloral 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!

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Winter Dining In Kennebunkport

Wednesday, December 23rd, 2009

Winter doesn’t really start in the Kennebunks until after Christmas Prelude, so now it’s time to address where visitors (and locals alike!) can eat in the area. Our philosophy at the Maine Stay is that, generally speaking, if they stay open in the winter, they’re good.  Of course, that’s not to say that there aren’t excellent eateries in the area that close for the winter.  In fact, there are quite a few that we hate to see close their doors once the cold weather sets in.  Here are some of our favorites that brave Maine’s blustery winters:

Kennebunkport:

  • Alisson’s Restaurant (a good staple for American cuisine in a casual atmosphere)
  • Bandaloop (incredible modern food with a Bohemian chic vibe)
  • Cape Arundel Inn (fine dining overlooking the Atlantic)
  • Federal Jack’s (a local brew pub serving homemade beer on tap)
  • Hurricane (waterfront dining in the port) – but it closes January 3rd!
  • Kennebunkport Inn (now specializing in small plates)
  • Pier 77 and the Ramp (fine dining restaurant and local sports bar with great eats in Cape Porpoise)
  • Stripers (riverfront dining)

Kennebunk:

  • Grissini (oven fired pizza and Tuscan style Italian food)
  • Kennebunk Inn (great food in a casual but hip setting)
  • Mekong Thai (for those needing a change of pace)
  • Old Vines (classy new wine bar with small bites and desserts)
  • On the Marsh (fine dining in Lower Village)
  • Thai Rose (intimate Thai in downtown Kennebunk)
  • White Barn Inn (five star dining in an elegant converted barn)

Wells:

  • Joshua’s (incredible food with a local flair)

Ogunquit

  • Arrow’s Restaurant (five star cuisine off the beaten path)

Clearly Kennebunkport’s famous dining continues even in the winter.  Take advantage of the quiet streets and Peaceful Season Rates at the Maine Stay this winter to do some incredible eating.  Bon appetit!

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