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Posts Tagged ‘spring in maine’

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Spring Beach Day in Kennebunkport

April 27th, 2013 by mainestayinn

April is one of those months in Kennebunkport, and in all of New England, that can bring weather characteristic of just about every season.  Yes, that means hot, sunny days or even those nasty cold snowy days that are reminiscent of January.  Fortunately, though, today was a gorgeous day that felt like the epitome of spring.  No, it wasn’t quite sundress and flip flop weather, but it was definitely warm enough to leave your jackets and fleeces in your room at the Maine Stay Inn.  And since I can’t imagine a better way to spend a perfect spring day in

A perfect day at Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport!

A perfect day at Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport!

Kennebunkport than at the beach, that’s just where I went!

Now, we all know that one of my go-to spots is the trails and fields and (of course) beaches of Laudholm Farm at the Wells Reserve, but I decided to mix things up and head out to Goose Rocks Beach.  Located at the northeastern end of Kennebunkport, Goose Rocks is named after the collection of rocks that sit just at the water’s surface a bit off shore and look strikingly like geese bobbing on the water.  While certainly not crowded, I did encounter a handful of others on my walk, but was startled to turn a corner and see a large group of people releasing two giant balloons into the air.  What on earth could they be doing?  As I got closer, it became perfectly clear – a wedding!  Boy, that lucky bride hit the weather jackpot!  Not only was this one of the most pristine spring days that I could imagine, but the water took on a stunning shade of aquamarine.  And as I got closer to the water’s edge and contemplated the idea of putting my feet in, I was reminded of just how clean the water is in Kennebunkport.  Now, if I hadn’t remembered that it is still April and that the last vestiges of snow melted about two weeks ago (yes, we sure had some big piles this year!), I totally would have!  Now that spring has officially arrived in Kennebunkport, it’s time to take advantage of the pristine, quiet beaches!

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Spring Vacation to a Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

April 17th, 2013 by mainestayinn

For many school districts throughout New England, this week marks April Vacation Week, which means that spring has really arrived at our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast.  Now that the vast majority of restaurant that close for portions of the winter have reopened and the shops are transitioning to their springtime window

The tulips are coming!

The tulips are coming!

displays, it really feels like winter is finally coming to an end.  For the first time last night, I heard the crickets on my way home from dinner, and a cacophony of bird calls can be heard each morning – and if I was at all experienced in birding, I would be able to tell you which critters have returned to Kennebunkport, but, alas, that is not one of my strengths.  Fortunately for those who are avid birders or those who are looking to expand their horizons, there are three great nature preserves just minutes from the Maine Stay Inn.  Both the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge and the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm sit just over the border in Wells, while the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust operates a variety of preserved parcels of land throughout town.  So whether you’re looking for birds that are partial to wooded areas or open ocean or anything in between, we’ve got you covered!  And with great walking trails, all three of these preserves are perfect for an active outdoor adventure or just a leisurely springtime stroll.

But while the leaves on the trees aren’t quite ready to pop, the tulips are beginning to poke their leaves through the soil and the paper whites are actually starting to bloom!  Now if only the grass in the backyard would turn green soon…  The teeny patch of snow that remains in a shaded corner of the yard tells of one of my favorite parts about spring – the fact that the days are warm and the nights are chilly.  So that means you and explore during the day without the layers we’ve become accustomed to wearing throughout the winter, but at night, a jacket is a welcome accessory.  Even better, though, is returning from dinner to a glowing fire or enjoying a relaxing soak in a whirlpool or soaker tub!  Plus, during the month of April you can stay for two nights and get a third for free, which means even more snuggling by the fire  Everyone at our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast is enjoying the start of spring and hope you are too!

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Maine Bed and Breakfasts Support Habitat for Humanity

April 25th, 2012 by mainestayinn

This week marks the beginning of an exciting and feel-good period for many Maine Bed and Breakfasts, including the Maine Stay – the Hospitality for Habitat promotion.  All around the state, inns are opening their doors and slashing rates to support local chapters of Habitat for Humanity.  So now until May 25, you can visit Kennebunkport Maine on Sundays through Thursday

Maine Bed and Breakfasts Support Habitat for Humanity

The Hospitality for Habitat program through Maine Innkeepers Association supports Habitat for Humanity

evenings and indulge in one of our most romantic suites for half off weekend rates!  Yes, that means you can test out our newest Cottage Suite 5 or a favorite staple like Captain Walker’s Suite 16, Deluxe Fireplace Suite 12, or Romantic Cottage Suite 7 and pay just half of the weekend rate.  As always, you’ll enjoy gourmet breakfast (whether you choose to stay one night or several), afternoon tea and freshly baked goodies, and as much help and guidance as you desire to make your May-cation absolutely perfect.

Now, as with any crazy good deal, there’s a catch, but this is a good one!  In exchange for getting such a dramatically reduced rate at Maine Bed and Breakfasts, you’ll need to make a donation to Habitat for Humanity.  While $35 is required, visitors are welcome to contribute as much as they’d like to local Maine chapters, especially because every last dollar goes directly toward building homes for needy families in the state of Maine.  So not only can you enjoy a budget-friendly getaway to any of the participating Maine Bed and Breakfasts (but, hopefully, we’ll get to see you at the Maine Stay!) in the next month, but you can feel great about helping out others in need!

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April Vacation Week in Kennebunkport Maine

April 16th, 2012 by mainestayinn

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!

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Easter Dinner in Kennebunkport

April 8th, 2012 by mainestayinn

While the streets of Kennebunkport were pretty quiet today, the dining room of many local restaurants were buzzing with activity.  Many visitors expressed their concern about finding the right spot their family’s Easter dinner, but also for just a burger or some

easter hyacinth

A hyacinth blooms just in time for Easter!

clam chowdah, so we did our best to quell their fears – Kennebunkport restaurants are open for business!  Yes, even on Easter Sunday!  Around the breakfast table this morning, guests and staff shared their plans for today, so I decided to share those plans with you.  And while some were indeed gearing up to hit the road and whip up their own Easter feast, others were letting someone else do the cooking, whether another family member or a restaurant chef.

Some of the “big winners” were the Cape Arundel Inn, Pier 77, and One Dock at the Kennebunkport Inn, but much to everyone’s surprise, Federal Jack’s Brew Pub also popped up on quite a few itineraries.  As usual, a fair number opted to indulge in an exquisite meal while drinking in an unspoiled view of the crashing surf at the Cape Arundel.  Perched atop a rocky slope, their airy dining room makes sure that every table has a view of the sea.  Others chose to go for a more peaceful view from the dining room at Pier 77, where the sheltered waters of Cape Porpoise Harbor reflect the sky (although cloudy today) and the picturesque lobster boats gently bobbing on the surface.  And quite a few more, myself included, decided to forgo the views in lieu of testing out the waters at the newly redesigned One Dock.  After the magnificent meal in the fresh, nautical dining room, a short stroll through Dock Square and up Ocean Avenue was all that I needed!  Its laid-back atmosphere was much needed after a busy morning to make sure all the staff of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast could get home for dinner with their families, and the delightful (and indulgent) meal was just what the doctor ordered.

The surprise of the day, however, was that quite a few visitors decided that an elegant Easter dinner was not in their cards, and headed to Federal Jack’s for a burger and fries or fish n’ chips!  But that just goes to show you that Kennebunkport has something for everyone – even on Easter!

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Celebrating Easter at a Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

April 6th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Easter is a joyous time of year, whether for religious reasons or for the rebirth and reawakening of nature during the springtime, but one of the most exciting parts is getting to share the day with people spending their first holiday away from home at a

Kennebunkport's iconic South Church is just around the corner!

Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast.  I think of it as especially exciting, because my first experience in Kennebunkport was also for a holiday (although mine was Thanksgiving), so it seems natural that they too might fall in love with this community and its spectacular location in coastal Southern Maine.  Maybe they’ll become our neighbors!  But as excited as I get for Easter weekend, visitors are just as nervous about finding place to worship.  Don’t worry, though, we’ve got it covered!

No matter your denomination, you’re sure to find the right place for you to worship on Easter Sunday.  Several congregations sit just around the corner from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast.  Village Baptist Church lies about half a dozen houses away on Maine Street, and if you walk a few doors further, you’ll hit United Church of Christ’s South Church (rather ironically located on North Street).  Continuing on a little further, you’ll find the First Congregational Church.  Presbyterian visitors might find a home at St. Andrew’s on Route 1 in Kennebunk.  Nearby, you’ll find St. Martha’s, a Catholic congregation.  And offering a spiritual contrast, it’s nearest neighbor is the Unitarian Universalist congregation.  Sometimes, though, guests of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast choose to worship slightly differently than they typically would, with a visit to the Franciscan Monastery.  Though traditional Catholic mass is given, the atmosphere is notably different than many churches, as the facility is run by Lithuanian monks.  However, the grounds are spectacular and especially on a religious holiday when many desire a connection to the blossoming natural world, the 7o riverside acres often call.  But this list is hardly exhaustive, so if I’ve left something out (and you can be sure I have!), anyone at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast is happy to help you find the perfect spot for you to celebrate Easter in the area.

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The Reawakening of Kennebunkport Restaurants

April 4th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Early April is a very exciting time in Kennebunkport, with the weather warming, the days lengthening, and restaurants reopening.  And while a good many are open all year long, a few are indeed seasonal – some because their proprietors need a good long rest after a busy season, and others because they are situated in “charming” buildings that just can’t handle a rough Maine winter (not

Kennebunkport restaurants opening in the spring

Kennebunkport restaurants all around the harbor are opening their doors!

that we had one this year!).  Yes, believe it or not, quite a few of these old structures weren’t erected in a way that would allow for efficient heating or for water pipes not to freeze and burst.  Now, though, we are nearing the end of frost danger and certainly  (knock on wood) long stretches of arctic blasts, and these Kennebunkport Restaurants are coming back to life!  And a few more always take their vacation time in March, just in time to avoid the mud season (and maple syruping – their loss!).

Just around the corner from the Maine Stay, One Dock (located at the Kennebunkport Inn) opened last weekend.  And while I have yet to venture over (hello there, renovations that are right down to the wire), I am confident that their menu will be as good as ever.  Plus with a redecorated dining room, the dining experience is sure to be enhanced.  Always a favorite, Mabel’s Lobster Claw is reopening tomorrow – no doubt that the Bush family won’t be too far behind.  And Hurricane Restaurant in the heart of Dock Square (with unquestionably the best location of any Kennebunkport Restaurant) will round out the week with their reopening on Friday.  More favorites will follow suit shortly, so stay tuned for updates!

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Signs Spring Has Arrived in Kennebunkport Maine

March 27th, 2012 by mainestayinn

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!

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Spring into Savings in Kennebunkport Maine

March 15th, 2012 by mainestayinn

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!

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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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