May 21, 2013

Southern Maine Scenic Walks

Southern Maine and The Kennebunks are full of scenic strolls.

Captain Fairfield Inn guests on the Monastery Trails in Kennebunk.

We love meandering along Marginal Way, which is less than half an hour’s drive from our Kennebunkport boutique inn. You begin the journey by Perkins Cove shops and restaurants at one end of the cliff walk, then enjoy a mile of beautiful panorama on the way to Ogunquit Beach. The accessibility is a serious plus. People in wheelchairs frequent Marginal Way, and benches are situated only a stone’s throw apart.

Still, some of our favorite scenic walks in Southern Maine are even closer to Captain Fairfield Inn and not quite as well traveled. There’s something out there for serious hikers as well as those who just want a little fresh air and New England scenery.

Scenic Strolls Nearby

The Franciscan Monastery, just over the bridge in Kennebunk, contains interesting architecture as well as footpaths along the riverbank. These byways are perfect for viewing our beloved port town, boats and buildings alike.

Wells Reserve at Laudholm provides surprisingly varied sights, including historic farm land and structures, salt marsh, woods, and a quiet beach. Be sure to pause at each overlook! If you’ve seen it all and still want more, there is a great mile loop just down the road at The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge actually spans many miles of Maine’s coast and includes quality trails in several communities.

When we visited the East Point Sanctuary to the north of Kennebunkport, there was not another soul in sight. Vistas of Biddeford Pool and Saco Bay as well as Wood Island Lighthouse can be found in this tucked away spot.

Of course, you can’t beat a stroll down Ocean Avenue, starting at Captain Fairfield Inn and following the river and shore to Walker’s Point. It’s a perfect route for jogging. If we’re feeling less inclined to exertion, we drop in to Striper’s for a midwalk drink with an ocean view.

Comments (0)

May 13, 2013

Local Connections = Great Maine Vacations!

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: Kennebunkport B&B, Kennebunkport inn, Kennebunkport ME activities, Portland Maine activities — dawn @ 12:50 pm

Portland Head Light lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth.

Whether you have been visiting the Kennebunks for years or you are planning your first ever trip to our Maine boutique inn, the resident managers of Captain Fairfield Inn are happy to help create the perfect stay for you.

Because we live and work in town and have great connections to the local scene, we can point you to exactly what might interest you. Want activities within walking distance? Absolutely. Need the low down on the best places for gluten free guests to eat? No problem. Looking to make a quick trip up to Portland but don’t want to break the bank? We’ve got you covered.

Our personal take on “Portland on a Budget.”

The day trip starts after your three course creative breakfast at our Kennebunkport inn. For photo ops of lighthouses instead of tolls, we’ll give you turn by turn directions for the scenic route up the southern Maine coast. When you arrive in Portland just snag our favorite spot for free parking: on India Street right in front of Miccuci. This Italian grocer is the perfect place to grab a satisfying lunch. Dine there or take your Sicilian Slab pizza, cannoli, and maybe a bottle of wine to a nearby park. (you can not drink wine in the park) Portland is a very walkable city, so you can explore the waterfront and independent shops in the Old Port for the afternoon.

The amazing lox and potato pancakes at Shulte & Herr

The amazing lox and potato pancakes at Schulte & Herr

As a special treat, make your way to Maine Mead Works for a free tasting of the dry and sweet meads they create on site. While there are more great food options in Portland than we can possibly name, here are a couple of affordable options for dinner: try Little Tap House for casual, locally sourced fare or Schulte & Herr for a BYOB German feast.

Other Concierge Resources

If chatting with us and hearing our thoughts isn’t how you want to make the most of your trip, we’ve still got you covered. As with other Lark Hotels, Captain Fairfield Inn staff will be present when you want them and absent when you don’t. You can peruse area information and procure a local map while grabbing a complimentary soda or tea in our 24 Hour Guest Pantry. Or, stay snug in your room and fire up the iPad given to you at check-in. The iPad is curated by us and each alternative vetted, so you have top quality recommendations to explore on your own. Because of the electronic medium, the information never gets stale. You can easily browse attractions you may not have visited before and even see the menus of local restaurants who change their offerings daily.

Comments (0)

April 22, 2013

Rain or Shine — Spring in Kennebunkport offers plenty to do!

Filed under: Uncategorized — Tags: Kennbunkport B&B, kennebunk attractions, kennebunkport activities, rainy day activities in Maine, southern maine activities, Things to do Kennebunkport — dawn @ 2:05 pm

Spring flowers in Kennebunkport, Maine.

It’s been a beautiful spring so far in Kennebunkport, and our guests here at Captain Fairfield Inn are making the most of it. Some gather shells and sea glass while others visit Cabela’s for outdoor supplies. We love balmy days and the mild climate of the Southern Coast of Maine, but spring can be unpredictable — and we have our wet days, too.

Don’t let precipitation stop you from venturing out from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast and exploring the many rainy-day Maine attractions and activities!

We think there’s truly something spectacular about strolling a deserted beach as the rain softly falls or savoring seafood chowder while gazing out the window at the misty town and sea. Go ahead, grab one of our large, complimentary umbrellas and wander to a few of the fabulous local shops. Don a wetsuit and kayak on the Kennebunk River. Devour a double-scoop ice cream cone.

Still, sometimes you just want something warm and worthwhile when the sky goes grey. To help you enjoy The Kennebunks as we do no matter what the weather, we’ve compiled this list of things to do on a rainy day in Kennebunkport. All of these attractions and activities have our stamp of approval and are just a short distance from the Captain Fairfield Inn.

Top Ten Things To Do on a Rainy Day in Kennebunkport:

10. Indulge in some comfort food – as if we need to suggest this. Whether your favorite is fish and chips, a hearty burrito, or delivery pizza, you won’t have to go far in our foodie town.

9. Attend a live theater performance. The famous Ogunquit Playhouse is not alone. There are some great choices in Portland and Portsmouth, plus Biddeford’s City Theater, and the Arundel Barn Playhouse which is 10 minutes from the inn.

8. Hop on the Intown Trolley Tour. It’s a good way to learn a bit of history, stake out the area for future exploring, or get off (and back on later) in locations you’d like to traverse.

7. Stop by a gallery or an art venue, even if only a block or so away. Mast Cove has a wide collection of artists as well as the occasional jazz event. You can meet the painter at W. Robert Paine Gallery and see pictures of him and Norman Rockwell as young artists.

6. Go to the movies. The area has a few singular silver screen options: Cinemagic & IMAX, Saco Drive-in Theater, and Smitty’s, where you can enjoy a full meal in an oversized chair.

5. Hit the gym! Boost those endorphins with a workout. You can purchase a day pass from Quest Fitness and enjoy up to date machines, classes, and even a pool.

4. Shop the outlets in Kittery or Freeport. If you can’t treat yourself, think of Mother’s Day and Father’s Day! Antiques dealers and independent shops also abound.

3. Visit a museum. While we love the Portland Museum of Art, it’s also memorable to visit the niche transportation museums: Wells Auto Museum and Seashore Trolley Museum.

2. Tour a brewery like Allagash or Kennebunkport Brewing Co. We carry awesome local beers at Captain Fairfield Inn, but visit the source and you might learn a thing or two and sample something special.

1. Take a spa day. Cottage Breeze Day Spa is great for a Maine River Stone Massage or full body treatment, while Soakology in Portland earns the description “foot sanctuary”.

Comments (0)

April 4, 2013

History and Renewal – Springtime in Maine!

Filed under: Uncategorized — dawn @ 1:03 pm

One of the reasons Captain Fairfield Inn is open year-round is there is something to love about the southern coast of Maine during any season. Many guests of our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast specifically choose to visit during the Spring, saying they’ve discovered the best of both worlds. The town hovers between the peace of the quiet season and the bustle of the high season. Some highly regarded attractions open their doors, and the trip is a bargain with so much to do.

The rugged Maine coast in Spring

Our boutique inn’s building–once the home of ship captain James Fairfield–has reached its two hundredth year in 2013. As we celebrate our bicentennial, the Brick Store Museum will highlight the historic shipbuilding and seafaring nature of The Kennebunks with the Maritime Heritage Exhibit opening April 20th. The museum is ten minutes from the Captain Fairfield Inn and open to the public throughout the year. Self-guided tours focusing on the architecture of the historic district are always available, and guided walking tours of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport begin in May.

We are especially pleased that the Portland Museum of Art resumed tours of the Winslow Homer Studio on April 2nd, and will continue them until June 14th. As the restored historic site at Prouts Neck opened its doors only last year, it is new to even long-time visitors to the region. Call ahead for tickets (or have us do it) as soon as you know when you would like to go. Locals are among those interested in seeing the artist’s retreat, and the 10 spots per tour fill quickly. Of course, there is no need to plan ahead to see some of Homer’s paintings in the museum itself. Then you can meander back down the coast and contemplate your own seascape.

Because some things improve with age, we suggest a visit to Old Vines Wine Bar after a day of art and history. This week they return with a brand new menu. Whatever changes have been made to the food and wine list, we trust that their knowledgeable staff will be back along with the warm, low-lit setting perfect for a drink or a leisurely meal.

Comments (0)

March 15, 2013

St. Patty’s Day at Captain Fairfield Inn

Filed under: Food and Drink,Seasonal Activities — dawn @ 7:45 pm

River Tree Arts, one of our favorite local fixtures, is less than five minutes from our Kennebunkport Bed & Breakfast. River Tree’s nonprofit mission enriches the cultural landscape and fosters creativity in our Maine coast community. The best part for Captain Fairfield Inn guests and other visitors to The Kennebunks are the unique, affordable events they host throughout the year.

There is an eclectic evening jazz performance next Saturday, March 23rd, for example, and River Tree will host an art reception for the Kennebunkport Festival in June. We had the good fortune to attend the Celtic Connections Concert this week. All the Irish music, dance, and poetry made us eager for St. Patrick’s Day.

Around this time last year at Captain Fairfield Inn we debuted our local craft beer selection. Being able to savor a nutty brew by the fire or sip a cold one on a warm summer day is as appealing now as it was then, but we also want to try something different in honor of the St. Patty’s holiday. This year we’ve decided to feature an Irish-inspired beer. Aged on vanilla beans, Maine Beer Company’s Old Mean Tom should be perfect in the morning as part of our new recipe: stout cinnamon buns. Guests on the night of the 17th will be the first to try this homemade pastry as part of a creative St. Patrick’s breakfast menu. In case this makes you green with envy, the sweet, sticky rolls will likely appear again at our boutique B&B.

Even if you don’t stay the night with us, St. Patrick’s Day seems like a great time to come to Kennebunkport. You can drop in one of Southern Maine’s many Irish pubs or just try some great seasonal items at any cherished local establishment. The truth is, all our area restaurants are getting geared up for Spring. We’re tempted by the house cured corned beef sandwiches at Eventide Oyster Co. in nearby Portland, but you’ll probably catch us at Pier 77 listening to live music and sampling Guinness Lamb Stew.

Comments (0)

March 3, 2013

Captain Fairfield Loves Harris Farm

Filed under: Kennebunkport,Seasonal Activities — admin @ 3:43 pm

There may not be lots of snow where you are but we’ve had our fair share this winter. Coastal Maine’s winter weather pattern has kept the snowfall “just right.” There’s no doubt that Jed has had his share of shoveling, but, in our view, our second winter in Maine has been just about perfect, with plenty of opportunity to sit by the fire, enjoy a glass of wine or a hot toddy and of course get out and explore the area.

Snowshoeing at Harris Farm in Kennebunk.

During this, one of the most beautiful times of year in our coastal village, many of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast guests are taking advantage by strolling quiet beaches or hopping on a sleigh ride. Still more visit one of our favorite locations supporting local, eco-friendly agriculture: Harris Farm.

Just a short scenic drive to the west, Harris Farm offers visitors the opportunity to explore the farm on snowshoes or cross-country skis. Novices to both winter sports are always welcome! We’ve heard stories of the great patience and competence of the farm’s staff during lessons, and especially the fun to be had exploring this corner of Maine. Of course, if you are accomplished in either sport there are many miles of beautiful trails to explore on your own.

Admittedly, we were introduced to our Southern Maine neighbors in a way that has nothing to do with winter sports. Harris Farm supplies several local restaurants, including our favorite new addition to downtown Kennebunk, Owen’s Farmhouse. Check out the “Harris” pizza, which includes ingredients sourced from its namesake farm. We’d suggest stopping in at Owen’s on your way back from a day of exploring – they have takeout and dine-in options. If you opt for take out, let us know and we’ll be sure to have the fire going so you can warm up after your day of winter trekking.

On a related note: It’s time to tap the Sugar Maples! If you’re visiting on March 22nd & 23rd be sure to check out Harris Farm’s annual Maple Weekend. Get an inside look at their operation and even sample maple syrup straight from the boiler.

Comments (0)

July 10, 2012

Designer Showhouse – Happening Now in Kennebunkport!

Filed under: Kennebunkport — Tags: custom lighting, Inspired Wire Studio, kennebunkport designer showhouse — dawn @ 2:21 pm

Have you visited the Designer Show House at the Kenneth Roberts Estate in Kennebunkport yet? It goes through this coming Saturday, July 14 not too far from the inn.

Our friends at Portland, Maine’s Inspired Wire Stdio (the folks who – at this very moment – are crafting a custom light for our new tasting room!) have one of their pieces featured in the guest bedroom by Fiore Studio.

Check out this news clip on the showhouse. Watch until the end and you’ll see the orb “solstice” chandelier.

Comments (0)

June 27, 2012

Style Loves Style!

Filed under: Uncategorized — dawn @ 1:38 pm

A vacation mentality. Coastal locations. Style. Fun. Focus on the good life. . .

We realized we had a lot in common with the clothier, vineyard vines, so we hooked up with them to be the official outfitter for Lark Hotels. From managers to housekeepers (and even friends and family!), you’ll see the crew at Captain Fairfield Inn decked out in stylish vineyard vines dresses, khakis, polo shirts, tunics and capris.

Our partnership with vineyard vines benefits you, our guest, as well. You’ll receive an exclusive discount deal from vineyard vines for each stay at a Lark Hotel this summer (until September 4, 2012).

Plus, when you purchase an item at vineyard vines stores in the Boston area, Connecticut and New Jersey, you’ll get a Lark Hotels promotional piece in your bag. Simply present that piece upon check-in and receive a free vineyard vines gift.

We’re excited to join with this great New England-based company to spread style and fun in iconic coastal destinations.

Comments (0)

February 2, 2012

Valentine’s Day and a Maine Getaway

Filed under: Seasonal Activities — Tags: Valentine's Day in Kennebunkport, Valentine's Day Packages — rob @ 6:39 pm

Perhaps the sneakiest of holidays, Valentine’s Day has crept up on us once again and is now less than 2 weeks away! What to do, what to do… It may be the fourth quarter, but this is when you bring your A game. Channel Tom Brady and come up with a hail-mary that will win her (or him) over.

We almost forgot ourselves, but were luckily reminded when Love and Lobster featured us on their blog post about Valentine’s Day getaways. Thanks guys! (BTW, if you are single or dating and your Valentine’s Day is so successful this year that it leads to something more, this blog about clever coastal New England wedding inspiration may come in handy…)

So what would make a getaway at Captain Fairfield, a Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, a game-winner for Valentine’s Day? Option 1 – a classic Valentine’s Day package with all the details taken care of. Option 2 – customize your stay with wine, small plates, or other items from our a la carte selections. Option 3 – dream up anything, then call or email us and we’ll see what we can do about making it happen!

Kennebunkport, Maine bed and breakfasts and inns are known for being romantic, but what makes Captain Fairfield an especially perfect choice for this holiday? The boutique experience we offer – which means your special requests will be greeted with a smile, but you’ll also get the privacy you desire. Help with your dinner plans? We can help you make the tough call of choosing among all of the fabulous Kennebunkport restaurants. Then we’ll take care of the reservations for you. Table for two for our gourmet breakfast? Done. Did you say breakfast in bed? Just ask for our breakfast basket option. Combine all of this with our boutique style, and you’ve got a game plan for an unforgettable getaway.

PS. Thanks for indulging the overdone football references. Must be Superbowl fever.

What was I talking about? Oh yes, Valentine’s Day…

Comments (0)

December 31, 2011

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude

Filed under: Seasonal Activities — Tags: Christmas Prelude, holidays in Kennebunkport, Kennebunkport events — rob @ 6:39 pm

Dock Square Christmas Tree

2011 marked the 30th anniversary of Christmas Prelude, and as always Kennebunkport’s holiday festival was brimming with cheer. To say Christmas Prelude is a big deal is no hyperbole; it helped K’port earn the #2 spot on HGTV’s list “Top 10 Christmas Towns.” During the first two weekends in December, residents and visitors mingle at tree lightings, caroling, open houses, craft fairs, public luncheons and suppers, and Santa’s arrival via lobster boat. Most of the events are inspired simply by the season and are offered for free or for a donation to a local charity. Set in this picturesque seaside village, Prelude is truly a Normal Rockwellian holiday festival.

Our Kennebunkport inn is located just a short walk to many Prelude events, and our guests soaked up the holiday spirit at many of them. Here are a few of their highlights:

Candlelit caroling at the Franciscan Monastery, where everyone received not only a candle but warm chestnuts as well
Firehouse lobster bake at the Washington Hose Fire Station
The Dock Square Christmas tree, decorated with lobster pots and topped with a red wooden lobster
Tour of the 1853 Nott House, elegantly decked to the nines
Historic trolley rides on an electric streetcar through the Maine woods
Fireworks over the cove, right in the center of Kennebunkport

Prelude Fireworks (photo by Robert Dennis)

At Captain Fairfield, we want our guests to have a Prelude weekend that is as full and festive as possible. Our halls are decked in a chic boutique take on traditional holiday decor. Guests are welcomed with a wine and cheese reception and a roaring fire in the Lounge fireplace. Before the tree lighting, a Prosecco pour is offered. Later on, a port pour and chocolate bite might encourage some conspiring.

Whenever you stay at Captain Fairfield, whether during the holidays or another time of year, we believe your stay should evoke a warm sense of nostalgia. While you’re here, we hope you’ll have the feeling that you’ll be looking back on this getaway for years to come.

Comments (0)

« Newer Posts