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Archive for the ‘Seasons in Kennebunkport’ Category

April Vacation Week in Kennebunkport Maine

April 16th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

beach in kennebunkport maine

A great day for the beach in Kennebunkport Maine!

While it’s only Patriot’s Day and April Vacation week, it feels like summertime has arrived in Kennebunkport Maine, with temps spiking into the 80s today.  And with more of the same expected tomorrow and incredible, but not quite so hot, weather continuing this week, it really feels more like summer vacation is upon us!  And looking around town and our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, only two things seem to give it away that it’s really only April – the water is still super cold and there aren’t any leaves on the trees yet.  So while not too many are going for a swim, there are lots of great summer-like things to do around town this week.  Don’t worry, though, because if the surf is calling your name, we’ve still got lots of beach towels to dry you off!

In addition to the shopping and dining opportunities that exist all year long in Kennebunkport Maine and surrounding communities, there are oodles of great outdoor activities to occupy your visit this week.  But without any foliage to block the sun’s strong rays, be sure to remember lots of sunblock – sunburns hurt just as much now as they might in a few more months!  (And yes, that lesson was learned the hard way…)  This week many visitors are enjoying walks and picnics along the Kennebunk beaches, which tops the charts for length and convenience.  Plus, it’s just a two minute drive from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast.  Others seem to be hankering to dust off the hiking boots and really get in touch with nature, so Wells Reserve/Laudholm Farm is attracting lots of attention.  And with its ever-popular beach trail, you can get your fill of sand, sun, and streams all in one place.  But many visitors to Kennebunkport Maine are just celebrating this glorious stretch by relaxing in our very own backyard, enjoying our just-power washed assortment of comfy lawn furniture.  So whether you’re on va-cay or just looking to play some hooky, Kennebunkport’s calling your name – come play!

Signs Spring Has Arrived in Kennebunkport Maine

March 27th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

It’s official – Spring has arrived in Kennebunkport Maine!  Yes, it has now been springtime for a whole week and life around our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfastis showing signs that the annual reawakening is well underway.  Admittedly, the summer-like temps we experienced last week certainly helped expedite the process, but summer is definitely a-comin’!  Over the last few days,

magnolia blossoms in kennebunkport maine

Soon we'll be seeing blossoms like these in Kennebunkport Maine!

though, I have really noticed a few things around town that scream “Spring is here!”

While Kennebunkport Maine might not be quite as far along in its foliage progression (no, the Magnolias are not quite ready for their splendorous display yet, but I’ll keep you posted!), we are definitely seeing buds on all the trees.  The bright yellows of the Forsythia is starting to poke out and breathe some much needed color into our landscapes.  Even the birdies are celebrating, and many more species have begun their trek north, meaning that there’s so much more to see at the wonderful reserves near Kennebunkport Maine.  Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge in particular is teeming with fauna (and the flora’s not far behind), so grab your specs and head out to catch sight of some favorites without many leaves blocking your view!  Of course, Wells Reserve and the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust lands are both great opportunities to do some bird watching or just to enjoy their wonderful songs during a brisk (or meandering) walk.  And while you’re out and about, you can take note that lots of our favorite spring flowers are beginning to poke through the ground, with daffodils and hyacinths making an early debut this year!

But for us, the biggest signal that springtime is here in Kennebunkport Maine, is the preparation for opening the four cottage suites closed for the winter.  Yes, we’ve even turned the water back on in Contemporary Cottage Suites 8 and 9, and while they’re not quite ready for visitors to enjoy, they are getting close.  So take advantage of this early spring to make sure you don’t miss out on a visit to a Kennebunkport Inn!

A Taste of Summer In Kennebunkport Maine

March 18th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

Kennebunkport Maine gets ready for summer

Summer, Spring, or Winter?

After a day like today, it’s hard to believe that summer isn’t already here and that spring is, in fact, just on its way to Kennebunkport Maine.  By the time we finished serving breakfast it was already well into the 50s, and more than a few guests of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast donned on shorts for a midday walk.  Granted, it was still a little too chilly for that in my book, but by lunchtime, I was definitely regretting the choice to wear corduroy pants today and had to shed layers all the way down to a tank top!  The bright sunshine and still air made it feel even warmer than it actually was, but Mother Nature was definitely giving us a taste of what’s to come, which inspired me to think back on what some of my favorite summer activities are in Kennebunkport Maine.  Now, it’s still a teeny bit to cool for a few of my faves – and by that I mean eating lobster on the beach (thanks to cold, wet sand), swimming in the ocean (ummm, it is still Maine in March), and taking a nap on the beach.  But it’s absolutely ideal for exploring the outdoors (while staying dry, of course!), so this afternoon I decided to wander down to Laudholm Farm.  While it is technically known as the Wells Reserve, that just sounds a little too formal for this incredible parcel of protected land.  Just a few minutes down the road from Kennebunkport Maine, Laudholm Farm offer trails through a variety of terrain and vistas like you can’t imagine.  Today, however, I explored some unfamiliar turf, but still ended up along the beach just as the sun was beginning to set.  Images like the one here just reminded me so much of summer in Kennebunkport Maine that I couldn’t help but share – enjoy and get inspired!

Spring into Savings in Kennebunkport Maine

March 15th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

Now that we’ve moved our clocks forward and the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to celebrate the spring season with deep discounts in Kennebunkport Maine!  It’s hard to believe that winter is really drawing to a close, and with it the “third night free” promotion running through the end of March.  But in celebration of the fantastic season that we believe everyone should be able to

Enjoy spring flowers in Kennebunkport Maine

It's time to stop and smell the roses (or daisies) in Kennebunkport Maine!

enjoy, we are rolling out our spring 2012 promotion – through the month of April, enjoy a two night stay at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast and receive your third night for just $20.12!  Now, as with any promotion, from shampoo and disposable razors to diamonds and luxury vehicles, your least expensive night will be the night you will enjoy for the steal-worthy price of $20.12.  So this spring, sneak away to Kennebunkport Maine for some rest and relaxation, especially since most people have a three day weekend coming up (hello there, Patriots’ Day)!

But steep savings in Kennebunkport Maine aren’t only to be found at the Maine Stay – restaurants and shops alike are dishing out the discounts left and right, because they want travelers to remember that springtime is a spectacular time to visit coastal Maine, even if the water is a tad bit too cold for swimming.  On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, the Cape Arundel Inn offers diners the chance to enjoy a special midweek menu in addition to or in place of their upscale menu, and while these special menu items carry price tags that come with your run-of-the-mill casual fare, the quality, flavor, and preparation is simply out of this world.  And did I mention the view?  Because that doesn’t change depending on the day of the week!  Shocker, I know.  Likewise, On the Marsh Bistro offers a three course prix fixe menu on Wednesday evenings (this midweek getaway is sounding better and better!), so this spring you can enjoy spectacular views and even better food with a visit to Kennebunkport!  I’d be remiss not to mention 50 Local and its Tapas Tuesdays, when prices are slashed, but quality is not!  And shoppers, don’t fret – there are plenty of steals and deals from Kittery to Freeport and everywhere in between.  So get crackin’ – spring and these great savings only last so long in Kennebunkport Maine!

Spring Skiing From Our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

March 11th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

Despite the unseasonably warm weather we’ve had lately, there’s still plentiful skiing to be had not far from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast.  Luckily for vistors to Kennebunkport Maine,  there are many wonderful mountain options located close enough for a day (or even half day) ski trip.  Although it may seem like spring is upon us, the New England ski season is far from over, with some of the best conditions yet to be seen during the spring months.

Enjoy spring skiing not far from Kennebunkport!

You're not too far to enjoy some great spring skiing!

With a variety of amenities for families, Cranmore Mountian Resort in nearby North Conway, NH is just an easy drdive away.  After enjoying a hearty breakfast at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, you’ll be on the slopes of Cranmore in under two hours (assuming you don’t stop for some outlet shopping, of course!).  Boasting 39 trails of varied terrain, multiple terrain parks, glades, and three lifts designed for beginners, it’s perfect for the whole family! 

But if you’re up for great skiing, but not putting the miles on your car, consider Shawnee Peak, just an hour and 15 minutes away.  It’s the hidden gem of Maine skiing and offers something for everyone, even the sightseer with the wonderful views Maine’s Lake Region.  Offering the most extensive night skiing in Maine (with  great prices!), you can spend the day relaxing at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, and the night cruising down the slopes!  Plus you can come back to snuggle by the fire with hot chocolate or warm cookies at the Maine Stay.

Any plug for New England skiing would be incomplete without a mention of Sugarloaf, which has arguably the best skiing in the East.  It can be a daunting trek, located  4.5 hours from Boston and 8.5 from New York City, but you’re part-way there once you’ve reached Kennebunkport Maine!  In under three hours you can enjoy 153 trails and glades, plus the only above treeline line lift-serviced skiing in the East at their Brackett Basin.  Even the most daring and skilled skier is sure to be challenged there!

But if you’re schedule’s packed until April, don’t stress! There’s plenty of skiing still to be had – it is Maine after all!  Plus, Sugarloaf is typically open until early May.  Even with spring knocking, it’s not too late to grab a ski trip during your visit to a Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, because even if there’s no snow on the ground at home, there’ll be plenty on the slopes!

Maine Bed and Breakfasts Prepare to “Spring Forward”

March 9th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

Signs of spring are definitely in the air around lots of Maine Bed and Breakfasts, as the snow has been melting, the birds chirping, and the occasional buds poking out of the earth.  And the recent temps have been nothing to sneer at!  Kennebunkport Maine topped out at just about 65 degrees yesterday, which made for absolutely delightful running and walking weather.  But along the coast you definitely needed a jacket, because while it was bright, sunny, and warm, the breeze was unexpectedly strong.  As I

Maine Bed and Breakfasts Prepare to "Spring Forward" the clocks

Don't forget to spring forward your clocks tomorrow!

rounded the corner by the Bush Family estate, I could clearly see the wind whipping the ever present American flag, but the spokes of their windmill were simply a blur from spinning so quickly.  Yep, it was definitely generating some clean power yesterday!

But while the days have slowly begun to lengthen, a marked change will be noted on Sunday, as we “spring forward” the clocks late Saturday night.  Selfishly, since I expect to be a little less alert during the 8:30 breakfast seating on Sunday morning, I am hoping that losing an hour will inspire guests at all Kennebunkport Maine Bed and Breakfasts this weekend to choose a later seating for their morning meal.  But all kidding aside, gaining an hour of daylight during non-sleeping hours is a win-win situation all around.  Just think – they’ll be that much more time to explore Kennebunkport, enjoy walks along the beach, hikes in a nature preserve, or just scenic excursions along coastal Maine!  So in just two days you can expect to get even more enjoyment our of your visit to Maine Bed and Breakfasts, because with an extra hour of sunshine you can do so much more, even if it means relaxing and doing much less!

Spring Weather Expected in Kennebunkport Maine

March 6th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

Despite seeing our largest snowfall of the season less than a week ago, Kennebunkport Maine is eagerly awaiting a sneak peek at Spring-like weather this week.  Yes, it may only be the beginning of March, and there might still be a decent amount of snow (or maybe just white ice at this point) on the ground, but we are expecting temps to reach into the fifties tomorrow and even the 60s

Early spring in kennebunkport maine

Enjoy a taste of spring in Kennebunkport Maine!

later in the week!  Usually at this time of year our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast writes about fun indoor activities or ideas for bringing romance to your getaway (though that’s kind of an all year thing I think!) or snow-dependent sports, but this week you’ll be able to leave the hats and gloves at home and frolic on our amazing beaches.  I won’t go quite so far as to suggest you dig your toes in the sand (that water is still pretty darn cold right about now), but strolling along the coastline with just a windbreaker or light fleece seems pretty good to me!

So during your visit to Kennebunkport Maine this week, make sure to add lots of outdoor activities to your list.  In addition to the beaches, considering a trip to nearby Laudholm Farm or the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge might be a great idea.  Or try strolling

Ogunquit’s Marginal Way and pop into one of several great restaurants in Perkins Cove for a bite to eat – plus, your inner shopper will adore the cute boutiques in town.  Don’t blow the budget there though, because the truly unique shops in downtown Kennebunkport Maine are sure to be open as the shop-keepers get in the springtime spirit.  But even though the next few days will be unseasonably warm, the evenings are sure to be brisk, so don’t forget about enjoying some quality fireside snuggling with your special someone!

Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast Digs Out From Wintry Blast

March 2nd, 2012 by Judi Hauer

A mild February lured us into believing that springtime was just around the corner (and it may indeed be!), but a surprise winter storm has left this Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast digging out from under nearly a foot of snow!  It started slowly, with a few lonely flakes falling throughout the day on Wednesday, and even by dinnertime, the accumulation was hardly noticeable.  But by

Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast Digs Out From Wintry Blast

That's one mountain of snow!

the time breakfast rolled around, shovels were definitely needed, so Walter spent the morning dusting off cars and making sure that our visitors could get to their vehicles with ease.  Instead of tapering off in the afternoon as we typically see in Kennebunkport Maine, the snowfall grew steadier and the wind picked up steam.  It was one blustery day, which made afternoon teatime around the living room fire at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast especially welcome.  Even at nightfall, the snow had yet to let up.

But this morning, skies were clearing (though not yet blue – something achieved this afternoon) and we all woke up to nearly 12 inches of fresh powder!  It was such a treat! We really haven’t seen too much of the white stuff this winter, and as happy as that makes some people, it really hasn’t seemed like winter yet.  All the shoveling and clearing and sweeping today certainly made it really feel like a Maine winter, though.  It took most of the day, but this Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast is finally cleaned up – shuffling the cars, waiting for the plow, cleaning off the cars, snow-blowing the walkways, and shoveling the steps of the main house and the cottages.  Any amount of snow can be a challenge to get under control so that staff and visitors can safely and easily come and go, but a foot – that takes diligence!  Finally, though, we can sit back and enjoy the beauty of the fresh snow.

Ideas for February Vacation Week in Kennebunkport

February 20th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

Since the weather in New England has been uncharacteristically nice for this time of year, it’s natural to second-guess your beachy getaway to the tropics and consider spending February Vacation Week in Kennebunkport.  Okay, that might be a stretch.  But because it’s been so warm, you’ve probably spent a lot less time thinking about vacation than you normally would (at least I have!),

kennebunkport maine beach scene

There's no time like the present to go hike Mount Agamenticus, the little bump on the horizon!

and now it’s Presidents’ Day.  Vacation week is here!  And even if school vacation week isn’t something you get off from work, the weather we’re expecting this week warrants playing hooky.  Honestly, though, who would expect it to reach into the 50s on three consecutive days in February?  So pack your bags and head to our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast!

But since I promised to include some ideas for how to spend your time this week, here goes:

  • Take a walk on one of the amazing beaches that dot the coastline in and around Kennebunkport Maine.
  • Hike Mt. Agamenticus in York – there’s no snow, so the trails should be clear and quiet.
  • Peek into one of the galleries in town or the community arts center, River Tree Arts.
  • Enjoy a long lunch in town and watch the boats slowly meander up the river.  Or try an afternoon in Cape Porpoise, and you’ll surely catch more than just a glimpse of the lobsterers bringing in their hauls.
  • Shop ’til you drop – there are crazy deals to be had at both the Kittery and Freeport Outlet stores.  But don’t forget to “shop local” in Kennebunkport, because not only is it great for the American economy, but they have some of the best deals around!
  • Just relax!  Visiting our Maine Bed and Breakfast might be just what you need – quiet time to read or nap, watch movies or play board games.  Take a soak in one of our jacuzzi tubs or just lounge in front of a fire – not that you’ll need it much this week!

So when considering what to do with your time off this week, think twice about flying south and head to Kennebunkport for a February Vacation Week that is just what the doctor ordered!

A Kennebunkport Maine Vacation in the Winter

January 28th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

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

Kennebunkport Maine Vacation in the winter

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!