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Posts Tagged ‘Kennebunkport winter’

A Walk in the Woods, Kennebunkport Style!

February 25th, 2013 by mainestayinn

While much of the state of Maine is heavily wooded and home to some big critters like moose and bears, those of us in Kennebunkport are fortunate to be able to easily enjoy an old-school “walk in the woods” without venturing from the perks of a delightful seaside village studded with awesome restaurants, art galleries, and great shopping.  And frankly, I just love that!  I mean, what could be better than exploring the great outdoors, cleaning up in a luxurious bathroom, and heading out to a great dinner?  But, as usual, I digress.  We already know about how much I love the

Enjoy a winter walk in the woods!

Enjoy a winter walk in the woods!

Kennebunkport restaurants, but the recent dusting of snow inspired me to get out and explore some of my other favorite places – the natural kind!

So if you are looking for a spot to reconnect with mother nature, you certainly don’t have to venture far from our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast.  After a fresh coat of powder, I love to admire the way bare tree limbs catch the snow, and the best place to do so is at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust‘s Smith Preserve.  Just a few minutes drive from the inn, it’s easy to zip past the parking lot, especially because it is usually empty.  Seriously, this is a hidden gem!  And with no charge to enjoy the winding loops of trails through the woods, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy some solace in the great outdoors.

Feel like you’d be missing out by not walking along the ocean?  The Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm is just over the town line, but with over 7 miles of trails (yes, some are wooded!) and a protected strip of coastline, it is a must-visit destination during every season.  But if you’re looking for a little elevation, head just a few miles to our south, where you can hike to your heart’s content at Mount Agamenticus.  Especially during the winter months, the terrain is stunning (and yes, you can see the ocean from the top), and your trip down Route 1 is easy peasy.  No matter what you choose, you’re sure to enjoy the amazing outdoor opportunities in Kennebunkport.

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Kennebunkport Maine Found Nemo!

February 10th, 2013 by mainestayinn

Now that snow storm Nemo has come and gone in Kennebunkport Maine, we are reflecting on one of the largest snowfalls ever and enjoying the beautiful scenery that comes with it!  Just 86 miles to our south, Boston received 24.9 inches of the white stuff, making it the 5th largest snowfall total from a single storm, and nearby Portland, ME broke all time records with their 31.9 inches of snow.

Sledding in Kennebunkport Maine

Sledding in Kennebunkport Maine

While we didn’t get quite that much, there is plenty of snow around!  Fortunately, Kennebunkport Maine does an astounding job at snow removal, so things are up and running smoothly in town.  Now, I may be a little biased, but I have never seen anything more beautiful!

Wintertime activities abound, so folks are out and about, taking advantage of the bright blue skies and sparkling snow (don’t forget your sunscreen!), with snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and sledding.  Even before the sun came out yesterday, adults and kids alike could be found taking advantage of the great sledding conditions, so you can be sure that the slopes are going to be well utilized today!  But even those who aren’t snow bunnies are enjoying the scenes, taking leisurely drives along the coast and Instagram-ing the heck out of it.  Back at the Maine Stay Inn, though, cocoa, coffee, and tea is flowing as visitors are enjoying cozying up by the fireplace in the living room and in the privacy of their rooms and suites.  We can’t imagine a more romantic and relaxing way to spend a few days, and with Valentine’s Day just days away it just seems so appropriate.  So if you haven’t planned your romantic getaway yet, make sure you take advantage of the idyllic scene set by Nemo!

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Snow Day fun at a Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

February 7th, 2013 by mainestayinn

Many folks around New England are going to enjoy an unexpected snow day tomorrow, but we think the best way to spend a day is at a Kennebunkport bed and breakfast!  Honestly, what could be better than playing in some fresh powder?  Yes, we’re forecasted to get all white stuff, unlike the southern coastlines of New England, and we’re excited and raring to go!  Fortunately for us, Kennebunkport is tops when it comes to snow removal, which means that even in some of the most challenging storms, driving around town is no sweat – or stress (but we always recommend exercising caution on the road!).  But the idea of celebrating a much needed snow day in town got me thinking about some of my favorite ways to enjoy a fresh coating of snow, so here are some of my

Snow meets the beach in Kennebunkport!

Snow meets the beach in Kennebunkport!

top picks!

  • Grab your snowshoes and go exploring one one of the great golf courses or amazing nature preserves in the area!  With thousands of acres of land to explore a stone’s throw from our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast.  Not to fret – if you forgotyours at home or have never given them a try, Harris Farm in Dayton has rentals of snowshoes and cross country skis to use on their miles of groomed trails.  Plus, you can warm up with hot cocoa in their warming hut afterwards!
  • Sometimes a snowstorm is the perfect excuse to catch up on your favorite films with a trip to the movie theater.  And at nearby Smitty’s Cinema, you can stay all day, because not only can you order real food (delivered to your table in the theater), but their oversized leather recliners mean that you’ll be comfortable flick after flick!  Not willing to change out of your jammies?  Borrow a movie or two from our collection and enjoy them in the privacy of your room or suite and you’ll have control over stop and start!
  • Lace up your boots and stroll along the coast, because there is absolutely nothing more stunning than the waves lashing the coastline, so enjoy it.  Or Instagram it.
  • Snuggle!  No seriously, I just love cozying up on a comfy couch with a good book, reveling in the heat of a glowing fire, and staring out the window as snow quietly falls around me.  And for a change of scenery, you can grab freshly baked cookies at teatime and hop in the tub for a leisurely soak.  No sore shoveling muscles for you, because the Maine Stay Inn is taking care of it!

So get ready for a snow day like no other, because spending it at a Kennebunkport bed and breakfast is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy wintertime in New England.  Let the snow begin, because once it’s over you can enjoy winter wonderland fun in the sun!

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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!

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!

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Spring Skiing From Our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

March 11th, 2012 by mainestayinn

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!

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Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast Digs Out From Wintry Blast

March 2nd, 2012 by mainestayinn

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.

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A Kennebunkport Maine Vacation in the Winter

January 28th, 2012 by mainestayinn

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!

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Planning a Worry Free Getaway to Kennebunkport Maine

January 11th, 2012 by avadmin

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 won't keep you away from Kennebunkport Maine

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!

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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

Winter getaway in Kennebunkport Maine

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!

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