~ An Insider's Guide to Kennebunkport ~

A Thanksgiving Getaway

Before my parents became the owners and innkeepers of Maine Stay Inn, I had only visited Kennebunkport twice, both times for Thanksgiving.  While it may seem unconventional to take a vacation over Turkey Day, it is a

fantastic alternative for those of us with far-flung families.  A true Thanksgiving celebration requires far too much preparation to be practical for a family of three, or small groups in general.  And not celebrating is just not an option - my mom innocently proposed that once and it did not go over well.  Considering that the absence of my favorite carrot-sweet potato puree with creme fraiche is cause for revolt, that isn't unexpected.  

Maine in November is spectacular but incredibly unpredictable.  My first Kennebunkport Thanksgiving was snow covered, while the next was warm enough for a long walk on the beach.  No matter what, Turkey Day in the Kennebunks is unforgettable.  Dining options are phenomenal, and there is no clean-up!  And who can resist "Black Friday" shopping at Maine's renowned Kittery Outlets?So put down your "Joy of Cooking" or "Silver Palate," abandon your aprons and spatulas and enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving vacation this year at the Maine Stay Inn.  

Hidden Gem - Summer's Forgotten Month

So Labor Day has come and gone, and you never got to take that much needed (and deserved!) summer vacation.  Don't fret!  Here in Kennebunkport, Maine, it's not summer.... it's better!  Now that the kids are back in school, the beaches are desolate (well, not quite, but close) and the streets are quiet.  Even a few ice cream parlors have closed up for the season, but the water is at its warmest and the air lacks the humidity that seems to plague New England in July and August.  Granted, we have had a bit of wet weather - thanks, Hurricane Hanna.  Except for her saturating visit, we haven't had the afternoon downpours that doused the area during the peak of summer, and, despite cool early mornings and evenings, the days are truly spectacular.  The common conception of summer is June, July, and August, but here in Kennebunkport, September is our favorite (often overlooked) summer month!  Come experience this "hidden gem" in Kennebunkport with The Maine Stay Inn, where, "we have the nicest guests!"

Battle of the Bests: The White Barn Inn vs. The Cape Arundel Inn

While fine dining might not be your first thought about coastal Maine, Kennebunkport is home to several exquisite restaurants. The Kennebunks abound with excellent eateries, but two of the area's heavy-weights are The White Barn Inn and The Cape Arundel Inn.  A recent guest inquiring about the best dining experience forced me to compare the two greatest meals of my life.  First up - The White Barn.

While my evening at The White Barn dates back a few years, it remains a flashbulb memory - so vivid and rich it could have been yesterday.  I was fortunate enough to dine in a large party, and, when our meals were about to be served, waiters clad in identical uniforms of crisp white button-downs and sharp black slacks approached like birds of prey, encircling the table.  Then, precisely in unison, our dishes were set before us.  A single plate might as well have hit the table instead of seven.  The wait staff served beverages with towels over their forearms, just like in the movies!  Looking around, you will see no sneakers or flip flops and all men clad in jackets and most in ties (jackets are required - if you don't have one, they have one to lend you), something most of us rarely encounter in the 21st century. The human landscape fits perfectly with the restaurant's atmosphere.  Impeccable, with just the right amount candle light supplemented by modern halogen spotlights.  Rough-hewn floors and beamed ceilings are the only hints of the inn's age.  And the food!  The fact that The White Barn is New England's only five star (by Mobil Travel) and five diamond restaurant (by AAA Travel) pretty much says it all.  The food is the very definition of perfect - completely flawless.

Meet the Challenger - The Cape Arundel Inn

Like most of the area's other inns, the Cape Arundel has been through its share of owners, but few innkeepers anywhere can boast accolades like Jack Nahil.  You could say he is the man who made the White Barn Inn famous, shepherding it into the nation's top-tier restaurants.  Not so easy to do anywhere, let alone in Maine.  Jack, and his accompanying chef, Rich Lamoine, can take credit for many culinary achievements at the White Barn and the Salt Marsh Tavern.  And they have certainly not lost any of their momentum here at the Cape Arundel Inn. Like their former haunt (hi, White Barn) the cuisine is spectacular.  Here the plates don't come down simultaneously, but what's on them makes up for that.  My Grilled Romaine Salad with Wild Blueberry Dressing was to die for.  If I could eat just one thing for the rest of my life, it might just be that.  How they can whip out a warm, mildly charred, but not wilted salad is a mystery - but I guess that just means I will have to keep going back!  The rest of the meal was every bit as incredible, down to their margarita and creme brulee.  I knew ahead of time what culinary delights were in store for me, but I was not prepared for the truly breathtaking view from the dining room.  The Cape Arundel Inn is Kenebunkport's only seaside Inn and Restaurant - but that doesn't do it justice.  Offering panoramic views of the Atlantic, waves crashing on rocky bluffs, and unobstructed sights of Walker's Point, the Cape Arundel experience is unparalleled. 

So after all that, which is better?  Honestly, it is completely subjective and circumstantial.  I would rather go to the Cape Arundel Inn, because I love watching the ocean.  And the ability to ask for my date's jacket in the event that I got cold, instead of shivering so he would not be chastised by the maitre' d is always nice.  But a candle-lit dinner for two, surrounded by other sharply dressed couples appeals to the romantic in me.  All in all, The White Barn Inn is a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience not to be missed, albeit one that I have experienced and don't need to again, but the Cape Arundel, with its ethereal dining room, stellar hospitality, and heavenly food, is truly out of this world.  

Dinner anyone? 

 

Point by Point:

Cuisine: tie (either way, no other restaurant will compare - unless you eat at both!)

Service: White Barn Inn (totally unreal - you'll have to see it to believe it)

Hospitality: Cape Arundel Inn (much more laid back and catered to ensuring your dining pleasure)

Reputation: White Barn Inn (you can't beat those credentials!  but look out, Cape Arundel is on its way)

Dress Code: Cape Arundel Inn (much more relaxed, and some handsome gentleman could lend me his jacket...)

Views: Cape Arundel Inn (who wouldn't want to eat by the ocean?) 

Rainy Day Fun!

It may have been a rainy day in Kennebunkport, Maine, but the Maine Stay Inn was abound with fun and excitement!  In honor of our great friends and staff members, Charan and Stacy, who chose to spend six months with us, instead of at home in Jamaica, we celebrated Jamaican Independence Day on Wednesday, August 6, 2008. 

We decided to shake things up a bit, with Charan and Stacy taking charge in the kitchen. Traditional Jamaican ingredients, such as salted cod and ackee, were brought from New York, as they are nowhere to be found in our neck of the woods.  When we walked into the Maine Stay on Wednesday morning, delectable scents were already wafting through the air - but they were quite different from what we are accustomed to.  Both women were clearly anxious about the morning's meal, but all that dissipated once Judi expressed her sheer delight in their fried dumplings!  By 9 a.m. the dining room was decorated in bright greens and yellows, contrasted with black accents.  Unlike most mornings, children of all ages were invited into the dining room, where most of them stuck with patriotic (to Jamaica, of course!) muffins in a host of flavors.  We were all pleasantly surprised when most of our guests tried Jamaica's national dish of salt fish and ackee, as well as fried plantains and dumplings.  One couple, celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary, had honeymooned in Jamaica and the morning's themed breakfast just added to their special getaway! 

Former innkeepers, Janice and George Yankowski, also joined us for this unique breakfast celebration.  The sun didn't poke through Maine's dense cloud cover on Wednesday, but the Maine Stay saw nothing but smiles and sunshine on "Jamaican Day." 

We would like to thank Charan and Stacy for bringing us their culture and cuisine, and for all of our Maine Stay guests who joined us in this special celebration.  But here at the Maine Stay Inn, we would expect nothing less, because, "we have the nicest guests!"

 

Big Fish... A Restaurant Review

Nestled in the heart of Lower Village Kennebunk, just over the bridge from Dock Square, is an upscale steakhouse/sea shack hybrid.  As new owners of the Maine Stay, we are trying to sample all the local eateries in order to best advise our guests.  We would hardly know it was there, if not for the crowds outside and the hubub emanating from its small clapboard facade.  The ground level features an open kitchen (something I find often signals very fresh and hygenic cooking).  As Big Fish lacks a foyer, waiting guests practically invite themselves to parties seated closest to the entrance.  While I wouldn't be too keen on sitting there, I did enjoy getting a close look at their entrees.  We were seated upstairs, which felt entirely different - the rough hewn beams and exposed rafters, wide plank floors, and mismatched tables were reminiscent of Maine's humble fishing roots.  While our table seemed quite grimey, it matched the worn, mismatched napkins and rustic atmosphere.  Service was slow, but our very young waitress (not unusual at Big Fish) was very patient when it came to our indecisiveness.  Ice water served in glass beer steins and the Sunday Globe occupied us while we waited.  Walter had their burger, perfectly cooked, topped with crumbled blue cheese and fresh, baby mixed greens.  Accompanying this was a pile of thin, crispy fries that juxtaposed his fluffy hamburger bun.  Judi chose their half rack of ribs, sans espresso barbeque sauce.  These she devoured, but couldn't make enough room to finish up the truly excellent redskin and shallot potato salad they came with.  Johanna ventured to sample one of their three daily specials, a halibut-like fish over a beluga-lentil medley with shrimp cream sauce and garnished with salmon roe (always a favorite of hers, this sealed the deal).  This entree was absolutely fabulous, but the beluga caviar was nowhere to be found and the seven individual sacs of salmon roe proved rather disappointing.  The motto at Big Fish must surely be quality over quantity, because this $30 plate left her wanting more. 

Overall impressions - excellent food, great atmosphere for a younger crowd, but a little too pricey for the serving size and slow service. 

Head to Big Fish, where your tastebuds will be delighted, but your wallet will not. 

Maine Stay Inn Receives National Award

Maine Stay Inn & Cottages Receives 2008 Best of Kennebunkport Award

U.S. Local Business Association's Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., July 17, 2008 -- Maine Stay Inn & Cottages has been selected for the 2008 Best of Kennebunkport Award in the Bed & Breakfasts category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2008 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)

U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association

Maine Vacation, No Gas Required

Is it possible to take a vacation without filling up at the pump? 

Now it is!  Hop aboard Amtrak's Downeaster, a train serving coastal Maine.  In under two hours, you will find yourself at the station in Wells, Maine.  No tolls or traffic for you!  Amtrak makes travel to Maine a breeze!  From there, the Shoreline Trolley will bring you to downtown Kennebunkport, or Dock Square.  Stroll through town and into Kennebunkport's Historic district, where you will find your luxurious accomodations for the duration of your stay, The Maine Stay Inn.  After a gourmet breakfast enjoyed on our wraparound porch or delivered to your door in a wicker basket, explore Dock Square's many boutiques or walk into Kennebunk to sun yourself on Gooch's or Mother's Beach.  Downtown, just two short blocks from the Maine Stay, is also home to many dining establishments, satsifying everyone's desires with sandwiches and clam shacks to breweries and fine dining.  Bicycle and kayak rentals, lobstering tours and whale watches are just steps from your door at the Maine Stay.  But return for a relaxing sunset on the porch or in our gardens, as our sprawling acre and a half makes an excellent sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of Kennebunkport in summer.  And get to know your fellow vacationers, because at the Maine Stay Inn, "we have the nicest guests!"

An Active Weekend in Kennebunkport

So shopping and sunbathing aren’t for you?  Don’t sweat it – or is sweating just what you want to do?  Kennebunkport abounds with activities for fitness lovers.  Start your morning off with a walk to the Franciscan monastery in Kennebunk and explore their many paths that meander through wooded areas and along the river, providing excellent views of the Kennebunkport harbor.  The Kennebunkport Historical Society offers narrated walking tours of area historic and architecturally significant homes.  For those who prefer to move a bit faster, The Maine Stay innkeepers’ daughter, Johanna, can provide ample suggestions for local scenic running routes. 

Cape-Able rents bicycles to visitors of all ages (yes, you can take your little ones on a tandem!) for half-, full-, or multi-day enjoyment.  If time allows, you can even venture out on a guided bike tour for riders of varied experience.  Get ready, though, they leave pretty early in the morning!

The area’s many waterways provide ample opportunity for outdoor adventures.  

Cape-Able also rents kayaks to our amphibious guests, and Kayak Excursions leads guided tours during the day, at sunset, and at night for unparalleled views of the full moon.

Spend the day at one of the Kennebunk area’s golf courses,and let the innkeepers at the Maine Stay Inn arrange your tee time. 

And if we have tuckered you out already, relax aboard the Schooner Eleanor, a sailboat hand-built in town by a family of ship builders, for incredible views of Kennebunkport, native wildlife, and Maine’s spectacular coastline.

We encourage you to finish up your day with a stroll through town and the historic district, and settle in for a relaxing evening at the Maine Stay Inn.  We do, of course,“have the nicest guests!”

The Cape Arundel Inn ~ A Great Place for a Great Celebration

 

Where do you go to celebrate a momentous occasion? A special occasion deserves the best...that's why, here in Kennebunkport, we gathered at The Cape Arundel Inn. With breath taking views of the Atlantic, superb service, the appetizing menu and creative dishes, this beautiful Kennebunkport restaurant is unsurpassed.

And the Celebration? Our celebration is of life changes, big life changes. As of just a few days ago, Janice and I welcomed Walt and Judi Hauer to Kennebunkport as the new owners and innkeepers of The Maine Stay Inn.

We first met Walt and Judi just a few short months ago when they visited The Maine Stay Inn with their daughter, Johanna. Back then we didn't realize that the Hauers would become the next innkeepers of The Maine Stay; however we did recognize immediately that they would make outstanding innkeepers when they found the right property for them.

While the Hauers speak of their good fortune of being the new innkeepers of this gracious and historic property, Janice and I are delighted that the thousands of guests that we have been priviledged to know, will continue to enjoy the exceptional hospitality and service for which The Maine Stay is so well known.

So you see, our celebration is one of new chapters. A new chapter in the lives of the Hauer family, a new chapter for Janice and me and, a new chapter in the rich history of The Maine Stay Inn which has been welcoming guests to Kennebunkport for more than 62 years.

The summer of 2008 is shaping up to be a great one. Make your reservations early; the Hauers are looking forward to welcoming you to this quaint and magical seaside village and to the beautiful Maine Stay Inn.

With just a short time behind them, the Hauers already agree, at The Maine Stay Inn, "We have the nicest guests!"

Paint The Port in Kennebunkport, Maine

Back by popular demand, Paint the Port is one of the best events Kennebunkport has to offer.

Over 60 well-known New England artists will disperse throughout our picturesque community. Each artist will set up his/her easel at the location of their choice and will spend the day capturing the beauty of each scene on canvas.

The public is encouraged to stop and observe the artists at work.

Choose from your favorite paintings and gather that evening, Sunday, June 22nd at The Nonantum, where the paintings will be auctioned off. The $15 admission price not only offers you the opportunity to bid on some wonderful art but, also attend the cocktail party with delicious hors d'oeuvres.

Proceeds of this event benefit both the Kennebunkport Historical Society and The Heartwood College of Art.

The Maine Stay Inn still has availability for that weekend but, call soon as this event is very popular and brings lots of art lovers to Kennebunkport.

At The Maine Stay Inn, "We have the nicest guests!"