Travels with Linda - Recently Updated Pages

Why Stay INN Maine

wordsmith1956 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 18:25:09 CST

One of Maine’s greatest and often overlooked features is the Inns and B&B’s that exist everywhere. No matter what part of Maine you visit, you will find the Inn or B&B the best way to go. There are good, better and best Inns; poor Inns simply fail. Find an Inn that has been in business more than 5 years and you won’t be disappointed with your accommodations. Here, in no specific order, are some Inns worthy of a visit. Bluff House Inn in Gouldsboro offers several guest rooms that are delightful with their nautical themed rooms that overlook a beautiful westerly ocean view. It is rare to find a place to watch the sunset in what is known as Sunrise County, but the Bluff House offers incredible sunset views. The Bluff House offers a basic continental breakfast in their lovely common room. One of the best features of the Inn is access to the ocean. Although the Inn sits on a high bluff, there is a road that leads down to the water which is perfect for putting in a canoe or kayak and it is an easy paddle out to Stave Island; a lovely island with no inhabitants but wonderful beachcombing opportunities no matter what the tide. This Inn is not an old restored mansion, but was built as an Inn and is fairly new. It is a nice Inn, but does lack some of the charm of an older Inn. East Wind Inn in Tenant’s Harbor has a beautiful main building with flower gardens surrounding the porch that beckons you to sit a spell. The harbor is quiet and lovely and often the only sound you can hear is the tink-tink of the grommets on the American flag hitting the flag pole or a distant lobster boat out beyond sight of land. The meetinghouse building offers a huge porch with rocking chairs, antiques throughout, and a wonderful view and soft breezes from the bay. The restaurant here is an unexpected pleasure and reservations are advised even in this tiny town. It is understandable after eating there; the food, service and ambiance are exceptional, although a bit pricey. The Todd House is Eastport is basic accommodations, but certainly pleasant. At one time, it housed the original Masonic Hall and one of the rooms on the second floor is full of Masonic regalia. The stairways in this Inn are very narrow and steep, the furniture is entirely original antiques and the atmosphere is pure history. Some of the rooms offer views of the bay. Breakfast is served in a lovely dining room every morning after 8 a.m. A room for a single is $70, which is quite an inexpensive way to get a taste of Eastport history. The Milliken House in Eastport is truly a hidden jewel—you have to navigate to a side street in order to find the entrance to this beautiful B&B. Officially, the address is Washington Street, but the entrance is from the street behind the Inn. The entrance is through a lovely bright sunroom; I had to follow voices and maple syrup scents to find the innkeeper, Mary, in the kitchen. She showed me to my room, which has incredibly beautiful and well-kept antique furniture, a day bed plus my queen size bed. The bathroom is across the hall, but it is solely mine for the duration of my stay. It is large and bright; my room is smallish and a little dark, but it is lovely nonetheless. The house, like the Todd House, seems seeped in history, but the Milliken House seems that it once belonged to people who were well-to-do. The trimmings are ornate and large and pains have been taken to make sure that the Inn stays true to its past. As I look around, I can only imagine what this house might once have been and it is easy to imagine women in velvet gowns having tea in the sitting room, although it would have been horses and buggies going by the windows on Washington Street, not the cars and trucks of today. Small touches make guests feel very pampered and special. The towel in my bathroom has a monogrammed “B” on it, which I thought incredibly thoughtful; there is a plush white robe hanging in the bathroom for my use, and Mary is a whiz with names. She had no difficulty introducing all seven of her guests to each other over the sumptuous breakfast this morning and breaking the ice for conversation. I was surprised to learn that she has only been an innkeeper for eight years—she seems so at ease in her role as consummate hostess. There are so many lovely Inns in Maine and the prices are as varied as the locations.

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My Small Town Home

wordsmith1956 — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 09:34:43 CST

It has been said that you can never go home; I guess you would have to define home to know if that is true or not.

Twenty nine years ago I had to come "home". This home was my parent's home and I needed a place to hide from an abusive first husband. I felt very out of place and felt like I, or my children, were always in the way; it certainly didn't feel like home anymore. It was my parent's home, not mine, but it provided the safety and the support that we needed to get through that horrible time.

Within a year, I bought a home in my home town of Garland. It was about a mile from my parent's home and the space between us was necessary and comforting. I knew they were close by if I needed them but I wasn't underfoot and I didn't have to worry if my children's laughter was too loud. I'm sure that my perceived "in the way-ness" was only my perception; I was never made to feel that way from my parents.

Within a year I met and married my second husband, and we became soulmates. He had two kids and I had two kids and they were so close in age that it was like having two sets of twins. Within two years we knew we needed a lot more space so we bought a larger home, still in my hometown of Garland. We agreed that we needed to stay in the same school district because of our children, or more aptly put to allow his kids to go to the same school regardless of which parent they were with. His ex-wife lived in the next town, but in the same school district. Our top priority was always the kids and making life easier for them. My children's father was deceased so he wasn't in the picture.

I love the small town of Garland, even though I don't know many of its residents. I am related to quite of few of the inhabitants because it seems like a lot of the family stayed put. Garland has one small store that makes great pizza, a small post office, an Historical museum, a stone library, a town office, a volunteer fire station, a church and a grange hall. A pond lies almost at the center of town and in the summer kids gather there for swimming. In the winter, it sees ice fishing, snowmobiles and cross-country skiers. Garland is a great place to raise children.

I still live in that house with my beloved husband, and although its layout isn't all that convenient for us now, we plan to remain here at least during Maine's beautiful spring, summer and fall. This house is the family gathering place at holidays and I love it when the house is full of our children and their families. Last week I was having lunch with my oldest granddaughter, Hannah, and I happened to mention that after Grampy retires in a few years we may spend our winters in a much warmer climate. He eyes got huge as she asked "You aren't going to move out of your house are you?" She told me that she loves our home and our big yard and that it would be awful if she couldn't come to "Nana and Grampy's" house. I liked how she said it, like Nana and Grampy's house was one big word.

Even though my mother still lives in the same home I grew up in and stayed at when I was hiding from my ex, I still feel an attachment to that house. It's been remodeled a dozen times and barely resembles my childhood home, but I still love to be there. I guess that even though you can never go home, home is always in your heart.

Please join me on my journey!

wordsmith1956 — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:50:25 CST

I am Linda Batey, writer, traveler,wife, mother, grandmother and a Christian. I am happily married to my soul mate of over 25 years and am now enjoying semi-retirement and 6 grandchildren.

If I could, I would travel constantly. I'm not even sure if I would even have a home base to come home to. I have always loved to travel, although I didn't start until I was well into adulthood, and I've always dreamed of writing--so I combined the two into a genuine love of travel writing.

I'd love to hear from you! Email me at: travelwithlinda2000@yahoo.com

This is the one spot where I will devote my writing solely to travel writing. If you would like to read my other writings, go to:
www.helium.com/users/399818, www.wordsmith1956.wordpress.com/, http://hubpages.com/profile/wordsmith1956

Other fun stuff:

Acadia National Park article

Historic Inns of Rockland, Maine

wordsmith1956 — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:02:09 CST

Tucked into various parts of the city of Rockland, Maine, are four outstanding Inns that make up the Historic Inns of Rockland. Each Inn is unique and has their own historical significance, but the innkeepers all share the same commitment to being green, and to the Interfaith Food Pantry and Fuel Assistance Program. For the past five years, the Historic Inns of Rockland have hosted an Inn-to-Inn Pie Tour to raise money for the Food Pantry and Fuel Assistance Program, and have raised over $12,000 to fund the project. The innkeepers have a deep sense of duty to help others by reducing their carbon footprints by going green (they are all certified “green”) and by participating in the annual drive to raise funds for locals who need assistance with food and fuel.

Entering The Captain Lindsey House, owned by Ken and Ellen Barnes, offers a unique entrance from Lindsey Street; visitors step up several stairs to what resembles a ticket office at a theater, but on a much more elegant level. Rich wood tones surround the large glass enclosure of the reception area and there are tufted seats if you have to wait. The sitting room opposite the reception area is large and welcoming with comfortable-looking furniture, a fire place and antiques. There is a library/office for the guests’ use which includes a computer port and telephone. The quests’ quarters are beautiful and welcoming and each of the nine rooms have computer modem ports and private bathrooms. For reservations online, go to: http://www.lindseyhouse.com

The Old Granite Inn, directly across from the ferry terminal, is a gray stone-fronted Federal Colonial, built in 1840, and offers eight beautifully appointed rooms. The minimalist sitting room offers the visitor an opportunity to enjoy a crackling fire in the fireplace, and the breakfast room offers a large room and the scent of coffee and maple syrup. The rooms at the front of the Inn offer lovely views of the harbor directly across the street. Visit their website at: http://www.oldgraniteinn.com

The Berry Manor Inn is a delightful indulgence with its large parlors that flank the entry, ornate woodwork on the open staircase, beautiful wood floors and the wonderfully warm colors on the walls. The twelve rooms are large and beautifully appointed and the warmth of the Innkeepers makes this an Inn not to miss! The “Pie Moms” hold court here, making the pies that are always available to the guests. They are so good that Bobby Flay dropped by for a “showdown” a few years ago. The Berry Manor Inn also has a carriage house that has been remodeled and is perfect for couples traveling together, since it is away from the main building but offers a small kitchen (complete with pie, of course), lavish bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs and double showers. The Berry Manor Inn is Rockland’s only Four Diamond Inn, awarded by AAA for exceptional accommodations. Make your reservations at: www.berrymanorinn.com

The LimeRock Inn is as lovely as an Inn gets, and Innkeepers, PJ Walter and Frank Isganitis, are consummate hosts. I was welcomed by PJ, who gave me a tour and showed me to my room; although the Grand Manan room is touted to be the premier room, my vote goes to the Turret Room as the best of the best. A large bathroom, with white French doors, has an inviting claw foot bathtub as well as a shower, and the three curved windows of the turret are beautiful as well as fascinating. The Inn is elegant and homey at the same time; there is a guest pantry where guests can help themselves to chilled water and soft drinks, and a computer is always available for those who just have to check in. The breakfast room is lovely, and breakfast was sublime. Conversation flows freely between guests and innkeepers, as does the coffee. For a wonderful Inn experience, visit: www.limerockinn.com

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Inn-to-Inn Cookie Tour

wordsmith1956 — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:57:16 CST

Every December, the Inns in historical and scenic Mt. Washington Valley open their doors and welcome visitors in to sample cookies and view the Inns. Hundreds of attendees crowd Conway, NH and surrounding towns on a self-guided tour of the Inns and enjoy the refreshments, as well as judge a contest. In 2008, the contest was Gingerbread Houses from Around the World. The proceeds raised from this event goes to local charities. For more info, go to:

www.countryinnsinthewhitemountains.com

Mt. Washington Valley B&B’s
(Alphabetical Listing)
1785 Inn & Restaurant- Wine Spectator Restaurant said that the 1785 Inn & Restaurant has one of the finest wine lists in the world. I saw a quaint lounge with an incredibly unusual upside-down Christmas tree with “nip” bottles as ornaments and bunches of lighted grapes providing plenty of cheer. Hosts, Becky and Charlie Mallar, welcomed us into their spectacular Inn with lovely furnishings and attention to detail only slightly less spectacular than the views. They offer a lovely dining room with a menu that made me wish I wasn’t so full of cookies from the Inn-to-Inn Cookie Tour! Sitting on 6 acres of beautiful real estate, the Inn offers proximity to XC ski trails, lovely gardens, a swimming pool and did I mention the views? A large private room with a view runs from $119 midweek to $199 holiday nights. Visit their website at: www.the1785inn.com

Admiral Peary House-Although the Admiral Peary House is in Fryeburg, Maine, it is a member of the Mt. Washington Valley B&B and is therefore listed here. This Inn is the former home of Admiral Robert E. Peary, the arctic explorer. As you enter the informal sitting room (with fireplace and pool table) from the 3-season porch, which serves as the entrance to the Inn, you immediately feel the charm of this Inn. The hosts of the Inn, who speak with obvious Australian accents, Hilary Jones and Derrek Schlottman, welcome you inside their sunny kitchen, where they seem most at home. The Inn is warm and sunny, but I only saw pictures of the rooms, as they were not available for personal viewing. Rates range from $95 to $185. www.admiralpearyhouse.com

Bartlett Inn-located in Bartlett, this Inn is a work in progress; the sitting room floors are among the most perfectly refinished floors I have ever seen, yet most of the others need to be redone. A guest can hike, bike, snow shoe or XC ski from the back door of this interesting Inn. We viewed three of the rooms which all had interesting nooks, crannies and niches. Their prices are very reasonable, but the rooms are a bit small (but include a fireplace). www.bartlettinn.com

Covered Bridge House-if you’re looking for fancy, this isn’t the place for you; if you’re looking for cozy and homey, it is. This Inn, originally built in 1850 offers small but cozy rooms and very friendly hosts who want to please their guests. They offer reasonable rates, an outdoor hot tub but only 6 rooms. Visit them online at: www.coveredbridgehouse.com

Darby Field Restaurant & Inn- The Darby Field Inn offers outstanding accommodations as well as a full service bar and restaurant. Just driving here for dinner is well worth the trip. This Inn is lovely and as romantic as an Inn can be. How about a horse-drawn carriage or sleigh ride under the moon? I wish I had dressed warmer (I was there for dinner) so I could have taken the offered ride. There is a seasonal heated in-ground pool, hiking trails and spa services available. Room rates range from $140-$279.
www.darbyfield.com

Eastman Inn offers a lovely and welcoming entryway and a beautiful sitting room that just beckons the guests to just sit a spell. Although only the “overflow” room was available for viewing, it was a nicer rooms than other Inns I have stayed in, only slightly smaller. Lovely forest view. www.eastmaninn.com

Inn at Ellis River brings a new meaning to the word WOW. The atrium with hot tub made me want to move right in, especially after I saw the gameroom and pub. The entire Inn is bright and sunny and offers a huge breakfast room, seasonal swimming pool, lovely gazebo with the Ellis River in the background,and beautiful guest rooms. Frank and Lyn Baker were wonderful and gracious hosts who seemed very proud of what they have created here, and rightly so. www.innatellisriver.com

Glen Oaks Inn is a lovely down-to-earth Inn with down-to-earth hosts, Mitchell and Linda. Linda is the baker, Mitchell is the chef, but both are wonderful and gracious hosts, even though Linda wouldn’t share her cinnamon bun recipe. The 8-room Inn also offers 3 cottages with queen beds, private baths and some rooms with gas fireplaces. The Inn sits on 24 night snacks and unbelievable Cinnamon Buns. Just so you’re prepared, Linda insists that you sing a song on your way out the door, at least at Christmastime! Check them out online at: www.glenoaksinn.com

Inn at Crystal Lake-While I would describe one of the sitting areas and the Palmer Pub “funky”, they are two of the great features of this beautiful Inn. There is a unique sense of old and new here, yet it all blends together to form a wonderful Inn. Located in Eaton, this Inn is close to all the activities you could hope to cram into a vacation: skiing, biking, swimming, ice fishing, sleigh rides and it is close to the tax-free shopping mecca of Conway. Visit them at: www.InnatCrystalLake.com for rates and availability.

Inn at Jackson-Hosts Don and Joyce Bilger have made this Inn so welcoming and lovely! The guest room I toured was done in blue and had a gas fireplace, that was lit on that cold day, and a huge bathroom. The Inn offers free WIFI, an outdoor hot tub, in-room TV’s with DVD players (DVD library available) and you could literally cross country ski from the back door. Rates range from $109-$249. www.innatjackson.com

Lakeview B&B and Cottages- This lovely Inn overlooks beautiful Silver Lake and offers a peaceful retreat in the Victorian Inn. There is a beach nearby and canoes and kayaks in the summer, and in the winter the Lake offers skating. The Inn is directly on the NH Snowmobile Corridor, making it a logical choice for a winter overnight stay. You can check their website for availability: www.lakeviewcottage.com

The Notchland Inn was the first stop on our Inn-to-Inn tour. Hosts Ed Butler and Les Schoof were gracious and welcoming, as were their Burmese Mountain Dogs who greeted us. The Inn was charming, but in a LARGE way; charming usually brings to mind small cozy places, but the Notchland Inn was large and cozy. The dining area was so welcoming, as were the many sitting rooms and porches. All 12 guest rooms have wood burning fireplaces. Rates range from $195-$365. You may opt to include dinner at the restaurant in the nightly fee. There are minimum stays during some parts of the year; check online at www.Notchland.com

The Old Red Inn and Cottages-This pet friendly Inn offers 7 rooms with private baths in the main Inn and 10 cottages. There is a seasonal swimming pool, in-room TV/DVD and refrigerators. www.OldRedInn.com

Riverbend Inn-Located in Chocorua, this Inn offers spectacular solitude with the sound of the river forever as background noise. I happened to see one of the upstairs bathrooms that must have the best view from the “throne” as any bathroom in the world. Yankee magazine says the Riverbend Inn is “a Hollywood-perfect inn, elegantly mixing art and antiques without sacrificing comfort”, which is an understatment in my view. There is a lovely deck and outdoor sitting areas to enjoy the peacefull environment here, as well as hiking trails to enjoy. Hosts Craig Cox and Jerry Weiss welcome quests into their beautiful Inn year ‘round. Visit their website at: www.riverbendbedandbreakfast.com

Wildflowers Inn B&B is a spectacular B&B offering spectacular views of the Presidential Range and Mt. Washington. The common area offers a bright room with Asian accents, a pool table, a large (huge) screen TV and all the reading material a person could possibly long for. The rooms are beautiful, offering free WIFI and private baths; suites with jacuzzis are available as are the lovely gazebo and gardens. The goal of hosts Bob & Emily Koch, is to make each guest feel like their Inn is a home away from home for them. I was just there for the cookies, but I didn’t want to leave! Check them out online at : www.wildflowersinn.com