While today’s post on “Marathon Monday” was going to be about great running routes in Kennebunkport, the news of explosions at today’s Boston Marathon changed all that. As former residents of Beantown and avid watchers of the Marathon, we are extremely familiar with the sights and sounds around the finish line in Boston, but know that there was nothing familiar about this typically joyous event. We were relieved to hear messages of safety from friends in the Boston area, especially those who were running this morning or excitedly waiting for finishers to reach 26.2. However, we know that not everyone has connected with their loved ones, so all of us at the Maine Stay Inn are sending their thoughts and prayers to those affected by this tragedy. And whether you’ve been directly impacted by today’s events in Boston or not, in lights of this sad occurrence, we hope that you’ll take the opportunity to hold your loved ones just a little bit closer tonight – we certainly will.
Archive for the ‘Kennebunkport bed and breakfast’ Category
A Romantic Evening in Kennebunkport Maine
February 27th, 2013 by mainestayinn
On a blustery evening like tonight, there is nothing better than a cozy, romantic dinner before settling in for the night, and fortunately for everyone, Kennebunkport Maine has some great destinations that fit the bill perfectly! Now, I have to admit that sometimes on wintry nights like this one, visitors choose to bring their dinners in, to enjoy before the living room fire (yep, I’ve certainly been known to do this myself!), because it is just oh-so-tempting to hop into bed or slide into a hot bath without having to brave the elements. But when you’re hankering for a romantic dinner out, consider checking out one of these great nearby restaurants that score a perfect 10 for setting the mood.
- Just a moment’s drive from the Maine Stay Inn, you’ll find Grissini, an Italian restaurant with an upscale main floor and a more casual lower level, known as the Grotto. And on a snowy winter evening, there is
Enjoy a romantic dinner on a snowy winter night!
nothing more romantic than sipping a glass of your favorite wines in front of their roaring fireplace.
- Want a spot that sets the mood that’s close enough to walk to - even in the snow? The fireside lounge style dining and cozy bar area at One Dock is a great choice. Plus, with great gluten free options, it’s a personal fave.
- Just a few minutes down the road on the Wells border, you’ll find Joshua’s Restaurant. Set in a colonial farmhouse, you’ll find an intimate dining atmosphere (and yes, it has fireplaces – plural!) with positively incredible concoctions.
- But if you are looking for fine dining a little closer to home, On the Marsh Bistro is always a hit. There you’ll enjoy a stellar meal by candlelight with attentive, never oppressive service. And since it’s located about two minutes from your Kennebunkport Maine bed and breakfast, you’ll hardly have time to feel the winter chill before snuggling into bed!
So even though Valentine’s Day has passed, there are plenty of great ways to celebrate the ones you love, and enjoying a romantic dinner on a classic winter evening in Kennebunkport Maine seems tops the list.
Visiting Kennebunkport Maine In September
September 3rd, 2012 by mainestayinn
It’s hard to believe that Labor Day is already upon us, but fortunately September is a fabulous month in Kennebunkport Maine! Honestly, September is the forgotten month of summer up here, and while the evenings may be a tad cooler (and who doesn’t love throwing on a cardigan or sweatshirt for a post-dinner stroll?), the days are basically indistinguishable from those of August. So don’t pack away that swimsuit yet, because there is plenty of fun in the sun to be had this month! But the beauty of taking your
Check out this quiet beach in Kennebunkport!
“summer vacation” in September is that since most kiddos are back in school – or at least will be this week – the sand is much less populated and far more peaceful. Did I mention that the water is warmer now than ever? Yep, it’s true – September brings the warmest water temperatures of the year in Kennebunkport Maine. But if you’re like my mother, not even that fact will persuade her to take a dip, however, the solitude you’ll find along the shore is still ideal for resting, relaxing, or catching up on some great reading. Forgot your book? Take a peek at some of the titles in our miniature library of beach reading or hit up the never ending book sale at the Graves Memorial Library just down the street from the Maine Stay Inn. Plus with titles starting at just fifty cents, you can stock up on some new reads!
Fortunately for my prone-to-imitating-a-lobster skin, there are oodles of fun things to do in the area that don’t revolve around soaking up some rays. As always, the galleries have some incredible exhibits up that are just begging for perusing, and the restaurants are in full swing to keep you fueled for exploring the area. And after an August with lots of sunshine, you’ll find that more and more Kennebunkport restaurants will be featuring local produce on their menus. But as you know, Kennebunkport is full of fun activities, so stay tuned for updates and upcoming events.
A Maine Bed and Breakfast Gluten-Free Recipe
August 28th, 2012 by mainestayinn
For more than a decade, the owners of this Maine Bed and Breakfast have experienced gluten free cooking first-hand, as their daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. Sure, it was a challenge at first, learning about what foods are safe and what aren’t, what kinds of starches you can substitute and what just won’t work, and especially what kinds of things you can bake with. But there’s one “always safe” recipe that is a sure-fire home run: meringues. And since it contains ingredients most of us have on hand, it sure is easy to whip up a batch. But enjoy them quickly, because they won’t last long!
- 3 egg whites
What could be better than enjoying a delicious gluten-free snack while watching this sunset?!
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 dash of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- Separate your eggs, placing the whites in a mixing bowl and reserving the yolks for some other treat. Beat egg whites on medium-high until stiff white peaks form. Reduce mixing speed to low and add remaining ingredients. Spoon no more than 1/3 cup onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving plenty of space for expansion. Bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated oven or until surface is beginning to crisp. Reduce temperatures to 300 degrees and bake another 30 minutes.
- OR, for a fudge-y twist on an old favorite, add 1/4 cup cocoa powder and a handful of toffee crumbles and mix/bake as otherwise directed.
Fortunately for us and guests of our Maine bed and breakfast, we can pop these delectable treats into the oven almost whenever. But be forewarned, they won’t last long (or at least they don’t around here!). So next time you are searching for an easy and delicious gluten free cookie, look no further than this one for traditional meringue and one with a fun new twist!
Picking a Maine Bed and Breakfast
July 23rd, 2012 by mainestayinn
It sometimes seems like there are a gazillion inns in the great state of Maine, so selecting a Maine Bed and Breakfast for your vacation or quick getaway can be a daunting process. Sure there are lots of travel blogs, review websites, and B&B listing sites, but where’s a person to start the search? I decided to put on my traveler’s hat and figure out where to go!
There’s no denying our 1860 roots!
First, it’s important to decide on what kind of setting you are looking for. If you’re looking for mountains and cliffs, the Maine Stay Inn is probably not going to make the list for that particular visit. And if you’re looking for rustic, we’re probably not going to meet you this time. Beaches for fun in the sun? Or a quintessential New England village? We’ve got that covered!
Second, you’ve got to set the tone. Sometimes your traveling companion(s) set the mood. I mean, if you’re on a mother-daughter getaway, you’re probably not too concerned about having mood lighting or an oversized whirlpool tub. And having two beds is usually not on the top of the list when you’re planning a romantic weekend. Occasionally, though, there’s some overlap, and that’s when you’ve got to use you best judgement and dig a little deeper to find the perfect spot to meet everyone’s needs! I mean, at our Maine Bed and Breakfast, we are fortunate to have rooms that work great for families and some indulgently romantic suites, but we also have rooms that offer some additional flexibility to travelers seeking to check off more than one box.
Finally, though, you have to pick a style that works for you – and that doesn’t mean just decor. Yes, if you adore Victorian architecture and design, staying in a sleek modern place is probably not the best fit. Or, you might that traditional styles float your boat in the wintertime but that you need something a tad lighter during the summer months. So once you figure out what’s going to fit the bill for your next vacation, give us a call and we’ll help you determine if our Maine Bed and Breakfast is the right fit or if we’ll have to wait to catch you next time!
Celebrating Leap Day in a Maine Bed and Breakfast
February 27th, 2012 by mainestayinn
I just got so excited to realize that just a few days from now marks my very first Leap Day at our Maine Bed and Breakfast! Now that might not seem like a big deal to most people, but I think of it as a pretty exciting milestone, especially because not long after will
Grab the bar - take a leap! And enjoy Leap Day at a Maine Bed and Breakfast!
we celebrate our fourth anniversary. Can you believe it!?! Anyhow, from a very early age (think back to learning your times tables) I have been obsessed with Leap Day. Around that time I saw this great birthday card with an elderly woman on the front holding a glass of wine or other alcohol, and the inside explained that she had just turned 21. I thought it was the funniest thing ever. But ever since, I have looked at Leap Day as a day to enjoy that you might not for another four years. So this year, consider scooting off to a Maine Bed and Breakfast and treating yourself to a quick getaway. Plus, playing hookie from work might just be one of your “once every four year” special surprises! But if I were skipping out of the office, I would definitely add exploring the Eastern Trail to my list of activities. Reason number 1: I’ve never done it! And reason 2: It didn’t even really exist four years ago (at least not near Kennebunkport Maine). It’s supposed to be great and with the wonderful weather we’re expecting, the path should be clear and begging for exploring! Now one of the other things that visitors often enjoy is indulging in a late Valentine’s celebration with an opulent dinner at one of the amazing Kennebunkport restaurants. Now there are lots of excellent places for dining, but one that stands apart from the crowd for a special experience like Leap Day is the White Barn Inn, located less than a mile from our Maine Bed and Breakfast just over the bridge in Kennebunk. With a many course dinner experience, it’s one of those things you’re not likely to experience every day of the week. So this year make Leap Day something special with a Maine Bed and Breakfast vacation in Kennebunkport Maine!
Kennebunkport Maine Takes on Little Rock
January 25th, 2012 by avadmin
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!
A Winter Getaway to Kennebunkport Maine
January 7th, 2012 by avadmin
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!
