Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast News and Blog

Winter Wonderland Activities in Kennebunkport Maine

January 17th, 2013 by mainestayinn

A light dusting of snow fell today in Kennebunkport Maine, which really got me thinking about all of the great winter activities to enjoy in the area. And while some people aren’t crazy about the white stuff, today’s coating was just right – the kind that makes the landscape look like a perfect winter wonderland, without causing any trouble on the roads or even much shoveling! All those big, fluffy snowflakes just made all of us anxious to head outside and enjoy the scenery, but with so many great options, what should you choose?! Here are some of our favorite winter activities in and around Kennebunkport:

Enjoy fun winter activities in Kennebunkport Maine!

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at Harris Farm in nearby Dayton. Outdoor enthusiasts should feel free to bring their own equipment and take advantage of the miles and miles of groomed tracks and trails. But they’ve even got oodles of rentals for those who are casual skiers or are just looking to test the waters. Plus, their warming hut (with snacks available) is a welcome treat after a day of fun in the snow!
Skating in downtown Kennebunk at their outdoor rink or on nearby Roger’s Pond! What could be better than some old-fashioned outdoor skating time? Plus, with lots of great restaurants offering fantastic lunch menus nearby, you’ve got excellent options for refueling before or after. Just remember to bring your own skates, because neither of these public arenas offer rentals, but never fear, if you’ve got the itch to go for a loop around the rink, you can head inside for rentals and refreshments at Biddeford Ice Arena.
Outdoor activities of all kinds about at nearby Laudholm Farm – visitors bring their own snowshoes, XC skis or even just some boots or warm sneakers to enjoy the 7 miles of trails and paths (plus beachfront, of course!) on the property. Aren’t up for a real wintertime trek? Head over to Kennebunk beach for a stroll along the paved (and plowed) paths for some scenery without any fuss!
Want to enjoy the great outdoors without breaking a sweat? Consider heading over to Rockin’ Horse Stables for a horse-drawn sleigh ride. And with cocoa and blankets to keep you warm, you can enjoy every second of a sleigh ride through the woods and fields just a moment’s drive from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast.

Winter is an incredible time in Kennebunkport and we can’t wait to share more great pictures of the area with you on Facebook, Pinterest and here on the blog, but that usually just isn’t enough, so we hope to share this beautiful time of year with you soon!

Tags: Kennebunkport winter, Things to do in Kennebunkport, winter getaway maine, winter getaways
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Kennebunkport Nominated for Happiest Seaside Town in America

January 14th, 2013 by mainestayinn

Vote for Kennebunkport as America’s Happiest Seaside Town!

Area natives, local residents (otherwise known as “transplants” like me!) and visitors alike have known for ages that Kennebunkport is a truly incredible place, one that really takes you back in time. Yes, this quaint little village is the kind of place where kids still play outside, ride bikes along the beach, and people leave their doors open and the keys in their cars. Strangers smile and wave as though you’re an old friend they encountered along tree lined streets and walking paths by the ocean. It’s such a happy place and that’s why we all love it (and the gorgeous beaches, the cute shops, the amazing restaurants, and the great galleries certainly don’t hurt either!). But this week, Coastal Living Magazine nominated Kennebunkport, Maine as one of the happiest seaside towns in America. It’s such an honor! The list of nominees from all around the nation is quite the collection, so even being nominated says a tremendous amount about this charming town. Now the fun begins – collecting enough votes to win, because we all know that Kennebunkport really is the happiest place in the country! So we need some help – between now and February 28 you can cast your vote here (and hopefully many of them) in support of Kennebunkport as America’s Happiest Seaside Town!

Tags: Kennebunkport activities, kennebunkport beaches
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A Look Back on Historic Inns of Kennebunkport Events in 2012

January 12th, 2013 by mainestayinn

It’s about that time of year when the innkeepers of the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport gather to look back on the joint events we held in the previous year and put together a plan for the coming year’s functions. And I can honestly say that there wasn’t a single gathering that wasn’t a blast! So that’s where you come in – we’d all love feedback on your favorites and what sounds like the most fun to you!

During the month of February, the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport, along with the restaurants, shops and galleries have created “February is For Lovers,” a month-long celebration of romance in the area. And while there are no specific dates or parties, all of

Historic Inns of Kennebunkport Garden Parties during the 2012 Kennebunkport Festival

us team up to inject romance into your stay all month long! And in March we had events up the wazoo. Despite warm winter weather, we held our annual maple syrup weekend with tours of a syrup farm and maple infused recipes. A few weeks later, we held our annual cookie tour – a traveling open house of all of the Historic Inns featuring each property’s signature cookies. At the Maine Stay Inn, we offered our incredible chocolate chip delights, as well as gluten-free dairy-free treats to cater to food-allergy afflicted visitors (but they were so delicious that everyone chose to indulge as well!). Several of the inns, the Maine Stay included, are also part of a group of select bed and breakfasts called Select Registry, and this group produced a progressive dinner. As guests from all the inns migrated from inn to inn, they enjoyed complimentary soups, salads, desserts, and and an assortment of beverages and small nibbles while socializing with other visitors. Such fun!

Later in the spring, we held a traveling Garden Party that coincided with the Kennebunkport Festival, a celebration of fine food, fine wine, and fine art. Guests enjoyed open houses at each property, hors d’oeuvres, sweet treats, an assortment of adult beverages, as well as specialty teas and refreshing drinks. But, because we wanted everyone to indulge without worry, we provided complimentary limousine services between all of the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport. And best of all, there was a live music performance being held on the town green that provided a great musical backdrop for many of the parties!

Fast forward a few months, and the group offered a great celebration during Veteran’s Day with food, drinks, and art displays available for all of our guests to enjoy. Then, during Christmas Prelude, the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport held their annual charity open house – a festive afternoon activity with tasty nibbles at each property and a chance to tour each inn and a few guest rooms! But this year, we brought back our new favorite event. ”A Walk to Bethlehem” reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn, featuring candle-lit caroling, selected readings, and, of course, a fun filled barn reception when the manger is finally found. Barnyard animals and costumes make the experience extra special.

Phew! The Historic Inns of Kennebunkport really have been busy in the past year, but now we need your help for suggestions for new events and whether we should make changes to any of our past favorites!

Tags: celebrations in Kennebunkport, Historic Inns of Kennebunkport, Kennebunkport events
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Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Kennebunkport

January 6th, 2013 by mainestayinn

As many of you know, New Year’s is a big deal at the Maine Stay Inn, and this year was no exception! It’s a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy a winter wonderland in Kennebunkport and have the option to be as relaxed or as social as they want. Plus, getting to celebrate with friends, both new and old, is always a great experience. Many of our regular New Year’s Eve guests

We lit up Kennebunkport with our fun New Year’s Eve celebration!

decided to forgo a fancy dinner out and chose to enjoy lunch around town, before returning to the inn for an evening of fun, food, and firework watching (on television, of course!). Because we know that dining out on New Year’s Eve can sometimes be more of a to-do than folks are in the mood for, at our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, we offer hearty foods throughout the evening. Finger foods, appetizers, munchies, and some heartier dishes mean that many people enjoyed their “dinner” at the inn, while others just popped in for a nibble before or after their evening reservations. And while we couldn’t wait until midnight to break out an assortment of delectable desserts, we certainly noshed on more as the clock hit 12! In fact, we almost missed the dropping of the ball, because we were all enjoying the hysterical old-school games we played throughout the evening.

On New Year’s Day, we served (and delivered to quite a few cottage suites) a four-course brunch. Yes, I do mean a real brunch! We started serving around 11 am, but many guests lingered into the early afternoon, enjoying a leisurely meal and a chance to socialize with other visitors. But for folks who prefer to enjoy an intimate meal with their partner, they can always choose breakfast delivered to the Cottage Suites or Deluxe Fireplace Suite 12 in the main house. All of us could not have asked for a more wonderful group of new and old friends to start the new year with in Kennebunkport, and hope that all of you had the opportunity to ring in a happy and healthy 2013 with special people in your lives.

Tags: celebrations in Kennebunkport, Holidays in Kennebunkport Maine, new year's eve
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A Snow-Covered Maine Bed and Breakfast

December 30th, 2012 by mainestayinn

A fresh blanketing of powder has fallen in Kennebunkport

A gentle snow fell throughout the afternoon and evening in Kennebunkport today, and on one of my many trips inside the house after shoveling, I caught a glimpse of the living room fire at our Maine bed and breakfast glowing. So I began to hum,” Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful” song - and I know you are glad that I chose to hum and not sing! Although the storm outside wasn’t exactly frightful, it certainly was beautiful, which means we are sure to wake up to a stunning sunrise with snow crystals reflecting the morning glow. As usual, I have digressed… Anyhow, I suddenly began to realize that Christmas is over and New Year’s is less than two days away. Where did the time go?! It guess I had better get cracking on that menu for our New Year’s Eve celebration and brunch on the first!

This year, we were fortunate to have a slightly white Christmas – graced with a fresh dusting just to brighten scenery. But then a storm on the 27th dumped oodles of snow on our Maine bed and breakfast! A thick layer of snow finally blanketed the earth, but a powerful rain shower just prior to the snowfall meant that plows and shovelers alike struggled with the weight of precipitation. And just today we were graced with another several inches (including quite a few more than predicted) of snow. This time, however, it was the picture-perfect powder that skiers just dream of! And while the total count has yet to be determined, as the snow is still gently falling in Kennebunkport, the town looks like it has donned on its New Year’s finest, with a thick covering gently weighting the tree branches and ablaze with white Christmas lights. Thank you, Mother Nature – it was about time for a good snowstorm!

Tags: Holidays in Kennebunkport Maine, kennebunkport weather
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Wishing You a Merry Christmas from Kennebunkport Maine

December 24th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Merry Christmas from our family in Kennebunkport Maine!

It seems like just yesterday that we were clearing the table of Thanksgiving turkey, but looking around, it is clear that Christmas Eve really has arrived, with last minute-shoppers popping into shops all around Kennebunkport Maine. And the town is decked out in all of its holiday splendor – Christmas trees and garlands, lights, wreaths, and of course, our signature lighted lobster tree topper! Miraculously, it seems that I am not among the frenzied shoppers this year! But while my lists are crossed off, that down-to-the-wire shopping really is lots of fun, especially when you’re not fighting mall traffic and, instead, get to enjoy a view of the ocean and a chat with shop keepers who are cheerful and genuine, so I might just have to go on a non-shopping adventure to get my fill!

Regardless of whether you celebrate the Christmas holiday, most folks are fortunate to enjoy two days off from work this week, and we hope that you all have the opportunity to relax and reconnect with the loved ones in your life. Our family is looking forward to spending time (while enjoying some great meals, of course!) with one another and as many friends and family as possible. We’re even hoping for a white Christmas in Kennebunkport Maine – something that we’re very excited to see! From our family, to yours, we’re sending wishes for a happy, healthy, and restful holiday season filled with the joy and peace everyone needs and deserves. Merry Christmas!

Tags: Holidays in Kennebunkport Maine
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Giving the Gift of A Getaway

December 21st, 2012 by mainestayinn

For families around the globe, December can be a big gift-giving month – and not just for Christmas! Both of my parents celebrate birthdays this month, as well as an anniversary at the end of November, and that’s not so unusual, it seems, because we have three couples visiting the Maine Stay Inn tonightthat are also celebrating birthdays during their stay. I suppose if you think about it, there are probably just as many people born during December as during any other month (except February with its measly 28 – or

Kennebunkport is looking festive for Christmas – and great for a getaway!

29 – days), so chances are good that someone you know has a birthday right around Christmas (or Hanukkah). I think these visitors had a great idea – giving the gift of a getaway – because I for one know that it can really be tough to come up with a thoughtful and creative present for not one, but two special days. In fact, it was such a good idea that it inspired my mom and I to take a special mother-daughter getaway in honor of her birthday.

But remember, for the next few days you can take advantage of our annual Gift Certificate sale and cash in on some steep savings for your getaway to a Maine Bed and Breakfast. Plus, since you’re giving a gift certificate, that special someone in your life can use if for a winter weekend, a fun summer vacation, or just a night away from the kids. And best of all, there’s no wrapping involved, because our gift certificates come printed and customized just for you!

Tags: birthday getaway, birthdays, Holidays in Kennebunkport Maine, Maine Stay specials
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Ringing in 2013 at a Maine Bed and Breakfast

December 17th, 2012 by mainestayinn

So I may have spent a large part of this afternoon baking Christmas cookies and singing (off-key, of course) to some rather iconic songs, but I have been thinking about how excited I am to celebrate New Year’s at our Maine Bed and Breakfast! Every year we have had an amazing time ringing in the new year with visitors and friends spending the holiday in Kennebunkport, and we hope this year will be no exception. Every year we’ve tweaked our plan to make it the most fun night of the year. Last year we just loved

New Year's Eve at Maine Bed and Breakfast

Ring in 2013 with a Bed and Breakfast Getaway!

having great finger foods (both hot and cold) and other delicious nibbles available all evening long, so we’re going to continue that again this year. So get your appetite on, because whether you’re planning on going out to eat at one of the excellent Kennebunkport restaurants celebrating in style or have a late lunch and just want to nosh at the inn, they’ll be plenty of food for you! And in addition to watching the ball drop and the great New Year’s Eve coverage, we’ll have great group games and fun activities for those looking for something a little lower key.

Now, if you’re anxious for some quiet time with your special someone, that’s a-okay with us! But, that shouldn’t deter you from popping in to the main house for some great “grub”. If you’ve been following us on Pinterest, you might be able to guess about some of the things on the menu for this New Year’s Eve, but I am certainly not going to spill the beans on all aspects. Plus, on New Year’s Day, forgo breakfast in lieu of a multi-course brunch. And if you’re staying in one of the cottage suites can certainly be delivered to your door – brunch in bed? Yes, please! And if you just have to leave, you’ll enjoy late check-out too. So take a break from your Christmas shopping and wrapping (or Hanukkah thank-you note writing) and plan a relaxing New Year’s escape to a Maine Bed and Breakfast to ring in 2013!

Tags: Holidays in Kennebunkport Maine, new year's eve
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Christmas Prelude One of World’s Best Christmas Festivals

December 13th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Now, all of us in Kennebunkport have known for ages that Christmas Prelude is incredible, but just yesterday, AOL SKYE released their list of the Best Christmas Festivals in the World- and guess who was on the list?!!? You guessed it! Although I suppose that the title gave that away, but how cool is that? It’s kind of hard to believe how any Christmas celebration could top ours, but when

Bob Dennis Christmas Prelude fireworks photograph

Check out this incredible shot of the Christmas Prelude fireworks by Bob Dennis of Port Images!

you see that historic cities like London and Nuremberg hold several of the spots, Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude (just celebrating it’s 31st anniversary) is a mere baby by comparison. What an honor!

A couple of years ago, reporters announced that over nine thousand people gathered in Dock Square, just steps from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, to watch the ceremonial lighting of the Christmas tree, but somehow this festival has maintained a charming, and intimate feeling. It’s hard to believe that just over thirty years ago, Christmas Prelude was conceived as a fun event for local shopkeepers to say thank you to the community for their patronage throughout the year and it now finds itself among the top 14 Christmas Festivals in the entire world. Now it’s our turn to say “thank you” to those very store owners for their continued efforts to keep this great event locally run (not to mention the fact that they are a pleasure to work with). It has stretched to encompass two weekends of holiday cheer, and this year’s celebration was no exception – not even when the second weekend was graced with a little bit of rain. And with fireworks over the Kennebunk River inlet, who would miss it? We’re getting ready to fill you in on the details of the second annual Walk to Bethlehem – a reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn, complete with livestock, wise men, and, of course, innkeepers. While you’ll have to wait a touch longer for the cute pics, we just couldn’t wait one second longer to share the exciting news about Christmas Prelude as one of the world’s best Christmas Festivals!

Tags: celebrations in Kennebunkport, Christmas Prelude, Holidays in Kennebunkport Maine
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Holiday Shopping in Kennebunkport Maine

December 6th, 2012 by mainestayinn

The fall seems to have flown by and the holiday season is fully upon us, but fortunately for visitors to and residents of Kennebunkport Maine, you can conquer your entire shopping list in and around town! Most people know of the incredible art galleries sprinkled throughout this quaint little village – which is great for the serious art lovers in your family – but the charming shops and boutiques are also ideal for finding unique gifts for the whole family. And at this time of year, most of the stores are

kennebunkport maine bed and breakfast deal

Our Holiday gift certificate sale is back!

offering door-buster deals that are not to be missed.

As much as I hate to admit it, there are more than a few times that you just can’t check off your list at a small local business, and that’s when nearby shopping centers come in very handy! Just up the road from our Kennebunkport Maine bed and breakfast, you’ll find some big box stores to satisfy your electronics needs. But if you’re looking to save even more, you could venture about 30 miles to our south and accomplish those big ticket purchases in tax-free Portsmouth, New Hampshire. On your way, make sure not to miss the Kittery Outlets, which are home to 120 shops! Or head north and hit the Freeport Outlets and the famous L.L. Bean – it really is open 24 hours a day. While a little smaller in scale than its southern counterpart, the Freeport shopping experience feels a little more town-like, but still offers great prices from big name retailers.

But you can also satisfy some tough-to-please family members and friends with gifts straight from the Maine Stay Inn – think gift certificates, luxury bath products, or even a set of our luxurious linens. No matter who or what you’re shopping for this season, you’re sure to be able to finish it all right from Kennebunkport Maine and enjoy a little pampering in the process!

Tags: Christmas Prelude, Maine Stay specials
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Welcome to Maine Stay Inn, a Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast Inn and Cottages.