Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and that means it is time to start planning your romantic getaway, and a Maine Bed and Breakfast is a sure-fire way to score a home run with your other half.  You’ll score big points for planning a special weekend away.  If you upgrade to a room or suite with a

Snuggle up by the fire!

fireplace or jacuzzi tub, that special someone will surely be delighted.  And if she’s been working long hours or doing double duty at home, I’d venture to guess that the option of sleeping in and having breakfast delivered right to your door would sound really good.  If you think so too, consider choosing one of our Cottage Suites.  It’s a unique attribute of our Maine Bed and Breakfast, and ensures you more space, an added sense of privacy, and our version of room service.  So if you’re hesitant about the idea of staying at your first Maine Bed and Breakfast, don’t stress – the Cottage Suitesare the ideal way to test the waters!

If someone were taking me away for a romantic getaway, it would be even more special if it meant sneaking away for an extra day (yay for playing hookey from work!).  But it doesn’t have to break the bank, because we are offering a Third Night Free special, which means that you can enjoy a three night escape, but only pay the price of two!  And don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone about your bargain find!  Sometimes, though, you can only sneak away for a night, so consider celebrating on Valentine’s Day itself.  Sure, ducking out of work can be a challenge, but the revitalization you’ll feel is unimaginable! Just think – it’ll sure be a short week.

But sometimes, though, you’ve got to pull out a few extra surprises to make your romantic getaway especially memorable.  You could go the more traditional route with flowers, champagne, or lavish dinners.  Instead, you could surprise her by setting the mood with flameless candles, romantic music, and chocolately treats.  Or, you might know something that would mean the world to your partner.  But whatever the request, we’re here to help you make this Valentine’s getaway one for the record books!

Tonight as I headed out of our Maine Bed and Breakfast, on my way to see The Descendents, I realized how lucky we are to have so many movie theaters near Kennebunkport, ME.  Tonight, though, I decided to head south to the Wells Five Star Cinema.  Located in a shopping plaza with a favorite Maine institution, Reny’s (a small chain known for its unusual assortment of good, including outdoor staples, and unbeatable prices), the theater’s next door neighbor is more than convenient – the Dollar Tree.  In my book,

Sweet tooth satiated!

stopping there is a requirement – for sodas and snacks, you will feed the family’s munchies for less than a ticket of admission.  Thank goodness for oversized purses to carry this “contraband” into the theater.  But you really can’t beat the buttery goodness of movie theater popcorn, so with the cash we all save by bringing your own sweets, supersize that popcorn!  Plus, that way you won’t feel guilty about not following the “no outside food or drink allowed” policy.  But nutritional aficionados out there, don’t stress – there are plenty of excellent restaurants nearby that offer healthy options to fuel your furnace before or after the show.

If you can’t find the film you want in Wells, head north from Kennebunkport, ME to Smitty’s Cinema in Biddeford, where it is almost a requirement to enter hungry.  Unlike any other chain of movie theaters I have visited, Smitty’s features smaller venues dotted with long tables and oversized easy chairs.  And instead of ushers, they have servers, who bring menus to patrons and deliver lunch, dinner, or snacks throughout the film.  What’s better than a burger and a beer with your movie?  Salad and milkshakes, of course! (Well, certainly for someone with a gluten allergy!)  Surprisingly, though, it’s not a distraction, and the smaller theaters mean that there are fewer cell phones to interrupt or noisy commentators to annoy patrons.

While neither of these theaters offer the assortment and sparkle of a big cinema, it really contributes to their charm.  However, Cinemagic in Saco boasts the glitz and glam of modern theaters.  And it even offers IMAX shows!  Granted it’s a little farther from our Maine Bed and Breakfast, it is sometimes worth the trip – especially if you are headed to one of the area water parks and mother nature throws you a curve ball.  Yes, it has happened!  So the next time you find yourself hankering for some big screen fun near Kennebunkport, ME, don’t worry – there are lots of great options!

Upon my return to Kennebunkport, ME, after an innkeeping conference, I began to ponder why so many people have the wrong idea about a wintertime Maine vacation.  I can’t tell you how many times I was asked what I do in the winter, as though Kennebunkport is some kind of arctic tundra where all forms of life hibernate with the cold temperatures.  Granted, the conference was held in the South, where the definition of “cold” hovers around the mid 50s.  But honestly, there are just far too many

See, it's just as pretty in the snow!

misconceptions about Maine in the winter (namely that we actually require chains on our tires – definitely NOT true – and that life comes to a grinding halt once the mercury drops below freezing – umm… even less true), so I have decided to share with you a list of my five favorite things to do in the winter.

• Play with the horses!  Okay, maybe not actually play with them, but certainly enjoy their presence.  Rockin’ Horse Stables conducts regular horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter, complete with warm blankets and cocoa.  If there’s not quite enough of the white stuff, though, you’ll likely see the carriage being pulled through the historic district surrounding our Kennebunkport Me Bed and Breakfast.  Don’t you worry, though, if it was actually dangerously cold, they wouldn’t risk the horses’ health.  (Or yours.  But I won’t venture to guess who they’re more worried about!)
• Eat.  One of the best things about a Maine Vacation (or, in my case, living here) is there there is always amazing food.  Whether you indulge in a five-star, five-diamond feast or just a delicious bowl of chowder, this town’s got you covered, no matter the season!
• Retail therapy – many people choose a wintertime getaway to Kennebunkport Maine because they’re in need of some serious relaxation.  And what better way is there to de-stress than with some shopping?  Although the shops do tend to keep less predictable (but not necessarily shorter) hours, they are ready and waiting for you and your plastic (or paper, they won’t discriminate!)
• Explore!  Kennebunkport is home to miles of trails and paths just begging for some love.  But I know there are plenty of folks who aren’t as apt to brave the chilly air, so area museums and art centers are a great substitution.
• Hit the beach!  Now, I don’t necessarily recommend donning your bikini or swim trunks, but the ocean is certainly no less beautiful now than it is during your Maine vacation in the summer.  The surf is even more striking, so grab your camera (and your mittens!) and head to the beach.

Hmmm… sounds strangely familiar, doesn’t it?  Last time I checked, those were some of my favorite things to do during the summer too!  So sneak away for a few days (or just a night) and see for yourself why Kennebunkport is a great place to visit in the winter!

Every year the Professional Association of Innkeeping International hosts a conference helping educated Innkeepers on how to be (and stay) the best they can possibly be, so this year we headed from Kennebunkport Maine to Little Rock, Arkansas for a week of schooling.  Yes, we are having fun, and yes, we are doing a little shopping (though it’s the wholesale variety), but the primary purpose is to educate ourselves on the changes facing the hospitality industry and how to stay on top of those changes.  It is our committment to our guests and to keeping our Kennebunkport Maine Bed and Breakfast positioned on the “cutting edge” that brings us away from the inn each and every year.

So the ladies have left Walter in charge (just wait for that update when we return!) back in Kennebunkport Maine and headed South, but aren’t hoping to work on our tans – not even for a second!  Honestly, today was jam-packed with courses ranging from food plating to internet marketing (and everything in between), as well as time dedicated to working with vendors on some of your favorite amenities found at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast.  As anticipated, there has been much talk about sophisticated and user-friendly website, as well as excellent (but not doctored) photography – check.  And facebook – check, check.  And even a little bit about Twitter.  Soon, though, the Maine Stay will join Google+, which will certainly be fun new exploration.    We’ve attended seminars on all sorts of topics and learned about the newest eco-friendly cleaning supplies.  Though my head is spinning with all the new information and great ideas to implement once we return to Kennebunkport Maine, I am so anxious for tomorrow and to learn even more - just you wait for us to bring these things back North!

One of the many things I take for granted is the amazing opportunities for antiquing in a community known for its Maine Bed and Breakfasts.  People ask all year long about the best places to shop for antiques, and while I have been to quite a few, I usually blow through, just picking up a particular item I know is just waiting for me.  For instance, we regularly use an all-natural beeswax based furniture polish on the wooden furniture at our Kennebunkport Maine Bed and Breakfast.  And I can get 16 ounces of this magical citrus-scented goo for just $8.50 at Arundel Antiques, located at the corner of Route 1 and Log Cabin Road, which

Antique weathervane from a local summertime antique show!

conveniently turns into Kennebunkport’s Maine Street just 6 miles from its front door.  So yes, that means it’s just six miles from our front door!  Plus, we’re talking six miles of straight-shot driving with just one stop sign – no city style driving here.  Or how about Antiques on Nine, which carries my favorite silver and brass sea animal statues and fantastic tote bags made from woven rugs?  Luckily for me, but not my wallet, that’s just a two minute drive from the Maine Stay – I couldn’t ask for closer if I tried!

But today, I was on a mission, and while I didn’t find exactly what I was looking for, I had the opportunity to explore at least six of our local antique shops.  Boy, are they fantastic!  While some offer truly incredible pieces of furniture in the finest condition, others feature immense collections of cups and saucers, books, or dolls.  Plus, many offer some of both and a little of everything in between!  So this afternoon, after all of our rooms were cleaned and breakfast prep squared away, my mother and I headed out to do some shopping.  Now I am not sure that we would have ordinarily ventured out on such a cold day when we had so much to do at the inn, but we had a tip from one of our wonderful guests that inspired our mission.  Unfortunately the piece she spotted was just a hair to narrow for the Keurig coffee maker.  Shucks!  Despite the disappointing outcome of the expedition, I realized what gems are located so close to the amazing Maine Bed and Breakfasts located in Kennebunkport Maine, and no matter the season, antiquing is a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon!

So the next time you are at a loss for how to spend your much needed vacation time, take a swing by some of our incredible antique shops.  And if you happen to find a circa 1860s piece that is no more than 36 inches wide and at least 13 inches deep with at least two drawers that could house our coffee and tea bar, give us a holler!  I am more than ready for my next antiquing trip in Southern Maine!

Whether you are ready or not, Valentine’s Day is on it’s way, and the Maine Stay has been busy brainstorming ideas for how to make your romantic getaway to Kennebunkport Maine extra special.  Frankly, you’re on the right track if you are planning a Maine Bed and Breakfastvacation, but sometimes you just need to take things to another level.  We’ve got you covered!  One of the most important things is selecting the right room or suite for your getaway.  If breakfast in bed sounds like something that will make

An epicurean delight for your romantic getaway to Kennebunkport Maine!

your special someone go ga-ga, then one of our Cottage Suites is up your alley, but if the romantic and luxurious details that come along with Victorian architecture is your thing, then you’re better suited for the main house.  You’ll be sure to earn bonus points with a cozy gas fireplace or a deep jacuzzi tub.

Sometimes, though, you need just a little something extra to surprise your partner.  A favorite bottle of wine or champagne is always a fave, and while we can’t sell you one, we’re more than happy to pick one up for you at the local wine store in Kennebunkport Maine (don’t forget to provide us with the security code on the back of your credit card or they won’t take it!).  A stunning floral arrangement or simply a single rose always make a meaningful statement.  Although, if you’re anything like me, the way to my heart is absolutely through my stomach, so a delicious treat is definitely a sure-fire winner.  A delectable spread of fruits and cheeses makes a great treat before heading out to dinner at one of the amazing restaurants in Kennebunkport Maine or as an alternative to sugary treats for those who lack my incredible sweet tooth.  But often dessert just calls, and a platter carefully crafter for you makes another special surprise.  Sometimes, though, you just need a little of both!  Our Romance Package lets guests of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast have the best of both worlds – a fruit, cheese, and dessert sampler or fruit and cheese with sparkling cider.  No matter what you choose, your romantic getaway to Kennebunkport is sure to provide lasting memories with your special someone!

Although January might be National Diet Month, at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, we would rather start the year off right with healthy (and delectable) gourmet breakfasts that will leave you begging for more.  Every morning we include some kind of fresh fruit starter, using as much local produce as possible.  Granted, the Maine winters are not exactly conducive to growing lots of fresh fruits, but the fall’s plentiful harvest of local apples is still filling the shelves and stockrooms of Kennebunkport Maine grocery stores and food suppliers.  Fortunately, several local growers also raise strawberries in greenhouses that, while smaller than their summer counterparts, are just as delightful!  So you’ll wake up in our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast to a wholesome serving (or more) of fresh fruit.

One of our favorite recipes that will be sure to keep your waistline in check is Sauteed Spinach and Grape Tomatoes with Poached Eggs.  To prepare for this hearty and healthy morning meal, mince a clove of fresh garlic as finely as possible.  Gently warm 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick frying pan.  When it gets hot, add the garlic, along with a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper.  Then add grape tomatoes, sliced lengthwise – usually allowing 4-5 whole tomatoes per person.  Cook just until the

Nutritious and Delicious!

garlic is fragrant and tomatoes are beginning to release their juices.  Remove from heat and transfer to a small bowl.  In the same pan, quickly and very lightly saute fresh baby spinach, until just barely wilted.  Allow at least 3 ounces of spinach per person.  If you can’t fit all of it in the pan, allow parts to cook before adding more, producing spinach with varying levels of doneness.  Meanwhile, bring a pan of water to a simmer.  Add a few generous glugs of colorless vinegar before sliding eggs into the water.  Cook until whites are set and yolks still liquid (Voile! A poached egg!).  On a plate, top spinach with warm tomatoes and a few shavings of parmesan cheese, followed by two eggs and a twist of ground black pepper.  Serve with lean ham, freshly baked whole grain bread and you’ve got a delicious, nutritious, and resolution-friendly breakfast!  It’s never the same as when it is served to you at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, but with this recipe you’re sure to come close!

Tonight’s weather forecast for Kennebunkport Maine shows that winter may actually be on its way, as we are expecting a dusting of snow tonight.  And here that means 3-6 inches of the white stuff.  That is enough to make lots of people run for cover or out to the grocery

Snow and ice is no match for us in Kennebunkport Maine!

store for ample supplies of milk and bread (french toast, anyone?), but not here.  It truly is remarkable – in Kennebunkport Maine a half of a foot of snow is just old hat.  But when we moved here to become innkeepers at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast I was skeptical.  I mean, when I was growing up, if six inches of snow fell at just the right time, school might be cancelled.  And that was still New England!  Honestly, though, traveling in Maine when it is snowy outside is no trouble at all.  No, you really don’t need chains on your tires or a truck with four wheel drive.  You don’t really even need snow tires! The plow drivers and road salters have got you covered.

But once you’re here at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, there’s no need to test the roads unless you want to.  You can walk to countless shops and restaurants, and even a few will deliver.  So when the mood strikes to hunker down and curl up in front of a glowing fire, just go with it!  Don’t stress, however, when the need for fine dining in a luxe atmosphere wins out – you won’t have any trouble.  If you are still worried about the weather in Kennebunkport Maine or at home or find yourself worrying about your babysitter or aging pets (or parents) left behind, we’ve got a solution for you!  Several years ago, we started investigating reasonable trip insurance companies and stumbled upon iTravelInsured, which offers a wide range of policies, from comprehensive we’re-headed-to-a-remote-nation plans to simple cancellation insurance.  We encourage all guests to protect themselves with their trip cancellation plan, because, with options starting at just over $13, you can protect against the unexpected.  Plus, your peace of mind is certainly worth more than that!  So this winter when planning your winter getaway to Kennebunkport Maine, you can rest easy – we’ve got you covered!

When most people think of a winter getaway to Kennebunkport Maine, they envision snowy scenes, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and outdoor skating.  And that is usually very typical of this New England Village starting around the holidays.  But this year, things

A scene from last January in Kennebunkport Maine

have been unseasonably warm!  In fact, the first few flakes of the winter (not counting this fall’s freak Halloween storm) fell just yesterday, but today’s temps soaring into the fifties wiped away nearly all traces of white.  Normally at this time of year, we encourage guests to try their hand a snowshoeing or cross country skiing.  Or to take a spin on skates – at the Westbrook or downtown Kennebunk rinks.  For some old fashioned fun, sleigh rides followed by steaming mugs of cocoa have beckoned visitors looking for a taste of days gone by.  So while old man winter will certainly arrive in Kennebunkport Maine, he is taking his sweet time (honestly, no complaints here – I don’t mind not shoveling!), residents and guests of our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast alike are taking to activities not usually enjoyed at this time of year.  Frolicking on the beaches have been a favorite past time, and instead of trekking through snow drifts, people have relished the idea of a stroll along the cliffs of the Marginal Way – with no risk of slipping now!  Since the streets have been so inviting, more shops than ever have kept their doors open (both literally and figuratively), welcoming shoppers for their post-holiday bargains.  But some guests find themselves itching for stronger tastes of winter, heading to Biddeford or Portland for indoor skating sessions.  Occasionally, though, guests find themselves on a hunt for the white stuff and venture out for some downhill skiing or scenic drives to the mountains to get their “fix.”  But no matter the weather, Kennebunkport Maine makes the ideal location for a relaxing winter getaway!

We have a lot of fun at our Maine Bed and Breakfast, but one of the most fun times (at least for me) is New Year’s Eve, and this year was no exception.  It has taken us a while to work out a menu plan that works well, but this year we seemed to hit the bulls eye!  That said, we’ve got oodles of ideas as to how to make next year even better!  Steaming soup was definitely a welcome addition, especially for those venturing in from the cold, and fun munchy mixes were all gobbled up – a sure sign of a big hit. Though we don’t call our spread a “dinner” there was certainly more than enough food, both in quantity and variety, that many guests chose to stay in instead of heading out to dine at a restaurant.  Honestly, though, our leftovers have kept me full and happy for the last two days!  Quite a few visitors to our Maine Bed and Breakfast did choose to patronize one of the many incredible Kennebunkport restaurants to ring in the New Year.  Some selected establishments with fun and boisterous events, while others went the relaxing, upscale route, but all reported that they had wonderful experiences – and who wouldn’t?  Whether you choose to go out or stay inn (haha, pun fully intended), New Year’s in Kennebunkport Maine is really an event not to be missed.

While only nine of us remained when the ball finally dropped on our little party, a round of “Auld Lang Syne” was sung and glasses clinked, as guests popped the corks on their own bottles of Champagne (don’t forget, the Maine Stay is BYOB).  By that point everyone seemed like long lost friends, after an evening of munching, stories, and great silly games.  But the merriment certainly didn’t stop there, because our New Year’s Day four course brunch lasted into the early afternoon, as guests lingered, enjoying full bellies and the wonderful company.  And a few guests staying in our Cottage Suites opted to have an even more leisurely morning, and chose to have brunch delivered to their door – what a treat!  Needless to say, ringing in 2012 at our Maine Bed and Breakfast certainly lived up to my high expectations, and all of us are already looking forward to next year – happy 2012, everyone!