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There is something really charming about Kennebunkport in the fall. Something about the lay of the land, alternating fingers of brightly colored foliage and bright blue coastal waters and rivers. It really is a glorious little town! I had the pleasure of staying at the Breakwater Inn & Spa for a recent business trip.
Built in the 1880's and completely refurbished to a contemporary chic , the Breakwater is unique in both history and design. Neutral colors in the spa guest rooms are accented by rich white fluffy towels and robes. Views of the river (with that lovely foliage all around) are a focal point. More traditional, nautically themed Inn rooms are also available. My suite was just down the ship-shaped hall from the spa and fitness center. It had everything I desired; a big bed adorned with many pillows. A big TV, an amazing view, and a specialized vanity area with separate bath. The suite was well-sized with a comfortable sitting area with a large window overlooking the river activities and the ocean beyond. A bottle of wine and welcome note from the hotel manager were purposefully placed for our enjoyment.
While at the Breakwater Inn & Spa, be prepared to be pampered! Start off enjoying the large screen TV and salt water fish tank in the ultra swanky lounge. A guest pantry is well stocked with beverages, snacks, and sherry. The fitness center is a great place to burn some energy, knowing that a generous menu of spa treatments is waiting for you at the other end.
Spa treatments include specialty manicures, pedicures, massage and aromatic baths. My favorite; "Thai on the Table" massage! Follow up with a stroll through the Port's magical shops and galleries and dinner at Stripers, the Breakwater Inn's sister restaurant.
You will not be disappointed with the atmosphere, simple and casually elegant with more amazing water views. I suggest the Tuna Carpaccio for starters, pair it with a Tanqueray and tonic! Follow soon with the clam chowder. After my seafood fix, I enjoyed the half-roasted chicken served with fingerling potatoes and carrots. Delightful! Although Stripers boasts some of the finest seafood dishes in the area, I really enjoyed the chicken complimented by the Belleruche Cotes du Rhone. Menu choices change regularly, but I am certain that any visit to Stripers will deliver.
This was a weekend getaway for me, and I can assure you that I enjoyed every moment. From breakfast until I watched the sun set from Kennebunk Beach. Winding down with a glass of tawny port en suite. If you are looking for a special fall weekend, you must consider the Breakwater Inn & Spa, Kennebunkport.
I love going to bed at night when the temps start to cool. It's still warm enough to have a window cracked open in my bedroom, but cool enough to snuggle up under the down comforter. Recently, I had the pleasure of family company from P.A. As I snuggled in for the night, moonshine outside my window, I was drifting off with thoughts of the glorious day ahead.
I knew the weather would be fine, and I was truly looking forward to taking my family to lunch...and then to the Camden Windjammer Festival. Centered around the Camden Harbor waterfront, the town is bustling with just enough visitors to keep things exciting, but we still found a place to park (within a few blocks of the harbor). As we wound our way down to the waterfront, sounds of sea shanties filled the air, and the tall masts decorated with colorful sails and flags came into view.
It couldn't have been a more stellar backdrop. Clear blue skies, hot sun, and a cool seabreeze beckoned us to climb aboard these magnificent ships. The Nathanial Bowditch, the Appledor, Olad, and a host of other beauties welcomed travelers aboard for an in-depth look around. Up and down we went, in and out of bunks, galleys, decks, one boat to the next. The smell of the coal and wood stoves lingers in the galleys, one can just imagine a brisk night to see up top and coming down for a nightcap and a warm-up by the stove. LUXURY! I was like a kid in a candy store! I vowed, again, to one day set sail aboard one of these fine sailing ships to experience bedtime at sea. I am certain that I will return a changed woman.
On land, we enjoyed demonstrations of the maritime trade, old and new. After we got our feel for the history of it all, we meandered up the quaint streets of town to browse the shops and galleries. A perfect day in Maine. A luxury rich in history and strength is found on these fine boats. If you have a chance to enjoy them someday, I strongly suggest that you not miss the opportunity.
In just a few days, I will begin my Fall / Winter Travel Reviews! Autumn in Maine is a spectacular time of year to visit. Crisp days, fireside nights, and the amazing foliage make this time of year a personal favorite. Join me in savoring the Flavor of Fall this year in Maine as I present you with some of my favorite haunts this harvest season!
From the mountains to the sea, winding roads, antiques, and the excellent restaurants that feature Maine's fall flavors, I can show you some of Maine's best fall travel opportunities.
After an abnormally cold and rainy start to the season, we welcome Summer in Maine. And it's hot! And humid! But that doesn't stop us, does it? Summer is so short and precious already, we must make every moment count. In fact, it's dark by 8 so get moving!
Here are some of my favorite mid-summer activities that even the most pampered traveler can enjoy:
1. Visit one of Maine's many fine wineries:
http://www.catchwine.com/wineries/maine/
Yes, Maine has an excellent climate for wine grapes and many fruit varieties. Nothing beats the heat like a wine tasting in a beautiful setting.
2. Visit a Farmer's Market, or PYO (pick-your-own)One of Maine's finest luxuries is the abundance of produce, much of which you can experience right off the farm! Enjoy picking strawberries, corn, lots of veges, blueberries, raspberries, and soon, apples. Take your catch home and grill up the veges. My recipe:
Broccoli, zukes, cauliflower, summer squash, red pepper, green beans and thinly sliced carrots. Chop to medium-size to bite-size pieces. Coat in oil and season with garlic powder, oregano, and sea salt. Use a
vege-griller (it looks like a wok with holes)
over medium heat until tender but still firm. Some charring will occur, but it enhances the flavor tremendously! Serve hot off the grill with your steaks, burgers, or salmon and enjoy! Pour some of your Maine wine and finish with strawberry shortcakes using your freshly picked strawberries and you have a fine summer grill dinner. If you can, dress up a table outside with linens, candles, and lanterns and enjoy the evening alfresco.
For a good guide to finding local markets and PYO visit
http://www.getrealmaine.com/buy/farmers_markets.html
3. Go get some ice cream at a local ice cream stand (they're all over, ask a local for a good one)
4. Cook out at the beach (see Items #1 and #2)
5. Sail on a schoonerhttp://www.sailmainecoast.com/
Talk about beating the heat! Not only will you be treated to some amazing scenery, camaraderie, and sometimes food and drink, you will be cooled by the refreshing Atlantic breezes. Almost every major harbor has sailing cruises, but the above link will get you started. As always, you can contact me directly at melanie@midcoasthome.com for help in planning your days in Maine.
There is something really charming about Kennebunkport in the fall. Something about the lay of the land, alternating fingers of brightly colored foliage and bright blue coastal waters and rivers. It really is a glorious little town! I had the pleasure of staying at the Breakwater Inn & Spa for a recent business trip.
