Welcome to Maine Stay Inn, a Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast Inn and Cottages.

View our Blog · Purchase Gift Certificates Book Now

(800) 950-2117 · (207) 967-2117

Kennebunkport Maine Bed and Breakfast Accommodations and Cottages

Boats 2 copy dusk copy

Posts Tagged ‘Thanksgiving’

Celebrating Thanksgiving at a Maine Bed and Breakfast

November 26th, 2012 by Judi Hauer

The idea of celebrating Thanksgiving at a Maine bed and breakfastmight seem like an unconventional idea to some, but for many it’s a favorite tradition.  In fact, ten years ago my family had our very first introduction to Kennebunkport when we came to celebrate Thanksgiving.  With relatives scattered far and wide, making the traditional Turkey Day feast seemed a little excessive for our family of three, so we decided to kill two birds with one stone and pair a food-filled getaway with a college tour and ended up settling on a Maine bed and breakfast right here in Kennebunkport!  What a fortuitous choice!  But even before deciding to take up

Thanksgiving at a maine bed and breakfast

A gorgeous Thanksgiving Day in Kennebunkport!

residence in town, we made it an annual tradition.  And considering that no one in my family can ever agree on what we should cook, going out to eat is the ideal solution!  That way everyone can select what they want and none of us has to slave over a stove for hours – but heartfelt thanks go to those in area restaurants who take on that task for all of us!

Even now that we call Maine our home, going out for Thanksgiving dinner is a fantastic treat, and something that our visitors cherish as well.  Whether they’re visiting children in New England colleges, finding a fun location for spread-apart family members to come together, or just looking for a relaxing reprieve, folks really embrace the idea of not spending the day in the kitchen.  And this year there really was no clear “winner,” as they shared the love between all the restaurants in town, including On the Marsh Bistro, the White Barn, Grissini, Pier 77, and One Dock, among others.

But even after indulging in the afternoon or early evening, more than 25 people joined us in the dining room to enjoy some light refreshments just to take the edge off.  The festivities morphed into relaxed hands of cards and a few board games, but slowly “food coma” set in and set everyone packing for bed – myself included!  All in all, Thanksgiving was an incredible day filled with food, fun, and family – made even more fun since they weren’t my own!

 

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Holidays/Special Events in Kennebunkport | Comments Off

Kennebunkport Maine Celebrates Small Business Saturday

November 26th, 2011 by avadmin

Kennebunkport Maine Shopping in Dock Square

Dock Square - Perfect for holiday shopping in Kennebunkport Maine

The small boutiques, galleries, and antique shops that line the streets in Kennebunkport Maine are perfect for filling Christmas stockings and completing wish-lists, but they also make the ideal location for participating in Small Business Saturday.  Now, this charming New England village might not have any big box stores for your Black Friday sprees (although all your faves are at your fingertips just up the road in Biddeford), but it does have countless opportunities for one-of-a-kind gifts.  Next year, when planning your Thanksgiving getaway, don’t despair – you can still indulge in your Black Friday traditions when visiting Kennebunkport Maine. Every year at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast we have a visitor or two who head off (no matter the time or weather) in order to score big deals for their Christmas lists, but every year they return to stroll our scenic streets.  And with the innovation of Small Business Saturday, Kennebunkport can fulfill any shopper’s needs for the holiday season.  So here’s just a smattering of the incredible small businesses in town sure to have just the thing you’re looking for:

  • For classic women’s wear, check out Carla’s Boutique, known for their high and and even higher quality apparel. If you’re in need of something a little trendier, try Benoits – but be forewarned, their jewelry is so fabulous you might not be able to leave empty handed!  American Sailor will satisfy the whole family’s need for seaside prep, while Zen and Company caters to those looking for Bohemian chic.
  • Abacus and Complements both offer unique and hand-crafted options for jewelry and home accessories – no cookie cutter gifts here!
  • Port Shoes offers comfortable footwear ideal for exploring Kennebunkport Maine, but with personality and style.  Plus, it’s the only spot in town to find the North Face products (check that off your list!).
  • Living room need a boost?  Check out Minka Home or Spaces for modern accessories with spunk.
  • Unique gifts for kiddos and adults alike are easily found at DayTrip Jr. and DayTrip Society.
So next year when planning your holiday shopping adventures, Kennebunkport Maine should top your list!  Happy Holidays!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Holidays/Special Events | Comments Off

Kennebunkport Maine And Its Wacky Weather

November 20th, 2011 by avadmin

We all know that the weather in Kennebunkport Maine and all of New England is entirely unpredictable, but this year it seems especially fickle.  Today, it hit 60 degrees, but exactly one year ago today it was a paltry 26 degrees!  But on Halloween, New England was walloped with an unprecedented October snowstorm, requiring plowing of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast multiple times.  After that, who would have thought that you would need, or even want, your short-sleeved clothing and flip-flops out again?  Not us!

Fall in Kennebunkport Maine

Wreaths and Pumpkins!

But here in Kennebunkport Maine, we are clinging dearly to these lovely, mild days so characteristic of the early fall.  In fact, we haven’t even been able to part with our decorative pumpkins or flowering mums.  Even our newly blooming roses are really confused, but they certainly are beautiful.  With a colder stretch expected later in the week, we wonder how many more of the buds will actually bloom before winter sets in.  No matter what the roses might indicate, the reality is that Thanksgiving is just around the corner and our famous Christmas Prelude a mere 12 days away.  Despite clinging on to autumn, our Christmas decorations are going up – and looking slightly ridiculous surrounded by flowers and pumpkin.

Even still, plans for Thanksgiving evening refreshments and Christmas cookies are in the works.  And since these 60 degree days surely won’t last forever, we are eagerly awaiting the installation of our exterior winter mudroom – not only will it help keep the snow from being tracked inside the house, but those nor’easter winds will stay right where they belong – outside.  So when visitors return after the new “Walk to Bethlehem” or the “Pooch Parade” during the second weekend of Christmas Prelude, they can lounge in the living room, enjoying a glowing fire without being disturbed by a breeze through the front door! But no matter what time of year you decide to visit Kennebunkport Maine, make sure to prepare for whatever Mother Nature might throw our way.  No matter what the weather forecast has in store, though, the natural beauty of this area is irrepressible.

Tags: , ,
Posted in Holidays/Special Events | Comments Off

A Thanksgiving Escape to Kennebunkport Maine

November 18th, 2011 by avadmin

Thanksgiving in Kennebunkport Maine is a particularly lovely time, and that sentiment is always shared by our turkey day visitors. One of my favorite things about Thanksgiving is getting to watch Kennebunkport prepare itself for Christmas Prelude.  This year seems to be a bit of a hoot, as the lights go up in and around our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast while the pumpkins sit atop

fall foliage in Kennebunkport Maine

Not sure these leaves are really screaming "Happy Holidays" but they sure are fun!

stoops, mums stand strong in the gardens, and simultaneously wreaths and pine boughs decorate homes.  Many of the trees still have leaves!  In fact, the Lower Village Kennebunk Fire Station has two stately trees outside, and this week the staff struggled to adorn their branches while fighting the hearty foliage. Granted, the leaves are mostly brown now, but they have still yet to hit the pavement, making this scene a riot to watch!

As you may know, I am a bit partial to Kennebunkport Maine at Thanksgiving, because it marked my very first introduction to this amazing community.  But indulge me – while checking out colleges during high school, my parents chose this classic New England village as the ideal “home base” for exploring Maine colleges.  And while I didn’t end up attending any of those institutions, we enjoyed our first Thanksgiving here so much that we planned a repeat the very next year.  It was the perfect opportunity to relax!  We sat by a gently glowing fire, reading books and playing games, enjoyed scenic walks along the ocean (yes, it is beautiful even at this time of year!), and perused the incredible shopping opportunities in town.  And, I must admit, we even hit up the outlet shops to knock off much of our Christmas shopping.  The best part, though, was getting to reconnect with each other.  So this year, whether you’re joining us solo, sans family, or with the whole clan in tow, you’re sure to enjoy a true respite.

Frankly, though, one of the best things about Kennebunkport Maine is the food, and Thanksgiving is no exception.  As usual, there are a plethora of incredible restaurants waiting to dish up an old fashioned turkey dinner with all the fixins or something Maine inspired (lobster, anyone?).  So here are some favorites that are still accepting Turkey Day reservations:

  • Pier 77 Restaurant – perfect for waterfront dining in Cape Porpoise
  • Grissini Restaurant – for Italian inspired fare in Lower Village Kennebunk
  • On the Marsh Bistro – intimate dining on the marsh, enough said.
  • One Dock – just steps from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast
So here’s to a Happy Turkey Day, everyone – we all hope you enjoy a restful day wherever you might be!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Holidays/Special Events | Comments Off

Top 10: November in Kennebunkport Maine

November 12th, 2011 by avadmin

The leaves are finally falling here in Kennebunkport Maine (although many are remarkably still near their peak), and the town is settling in to its even more relaxed rhythm.  But an evening run along the beach a few nights ago got me thinking about why November in Maine is so spectacular.  Granted, I am a little partial – my very first visit to Kennebunkport was at Thanksgiving, so this season brings back so many wonderful memories.  That said, the late fall is incredible!  So here are my top ten reasons to visit town this month:

November Sunset in Kennebunkport Maine

A November Sunset in Kennebunkport Maine

10.  Decorations – whether you choose to visit near the beginning and witness spooky Halloween decor or fun celebrations of the autumn harvest (think houses decked out with pumpkins, gourds, hay bales, and cornstalks) or instead arrive as Kennebunkport Maine prepares for its annual Christmas Prelude festival, it is sure to be beautiful.  Honestly, I am astounded each day as I drive through the community by the lengths locals go to “get in the spirit” this time of year.  Strolls through the historic districts of Kennebunkport and Kennebunk alike are sure to amaze you.  Plus, at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, we’ve got self-guided tours to steer you in the right direction!

9.  The beaches – yes, at this time of year they’re quiet.  Perfect for drinking in unobstructed views of the sea.  With no sand castle obstacles at your feet, you could walk for hours without any interruption.  Leave your cell in the car and you’re certain to enjoy a true escape!

8.  Snuggling by a roaring fire!  Honestly, what could be better than cuddling with your special someone on a chilly night?  One you don’t have to stoke yourself!  So pour yourself a mug of cocoa, slip into a cozy robe, and let the relaxation begin.

7.  Thanksgiving – okay, I’ve got to put in a plug for one of my favorite holidays.  No only is everyone getting into the holiday spirit, their visits are drama free – yep, no family squabbles here!  Not in the mood for cooking a turkey with all the fixings? Let one of our Kennebunkport restaurants do it for you, or just join us for light refreshments (and fabulous company) in the evening.

6.  Fall foods – everyone seems to have hopped aboard the local food train, and we’re simply stoked!  So in addition to Maine staples gracing your plates, you’re sure to find some delectable fall faves – pumpkin, cranberry, yams and more.  And breakfast at the Maine Stay is no exception – seasonal recipes, here we come!

5.  Dinner when you want it.  This quieter season means tables are to be had (with and even without reservations) at the choicest of dining times.  So what’s for dinner?

4.  Crunching through the fallen leaves.  Enough said.

3.  Early sunrises – that means plenty of time for a sunrise hike or a brisk morning run before tucking into one of our hearty morning meals.  And what could beat a sunrise over the Atlantic?

2.  Shopping -  bargains, deals, and steals, oh my!  There are savings to be had at all the boutiques in Dock Square and Lower Village, as well as at the famous Kittery and Freeport Outlets, so get all of your holiday shopping done during one trip and at unbeatable prices.

1.  The deals!  November 1 marked the start of our “Peaceful Season,” which means you’ll get the same great accommodations, wonderful food, and special treatment you’ve come to expect at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, but at low, low prices – don’t miss out!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Things to do in Kennebunkport Maine | Comments Off