On a recent road trip in Maine, I had the chance to try 3 inns that each offers a unique experience, catering to different needs that you might have to get away from the big city before coming back stronger than ever. The beach? The spa? The cottage? Read on.
The Colonial Inn in Ogonquit
My first stop was in Ogunquit. When you go to a destination so much associated with the beach, it is because you want to spend a lot of time dipping your toes in the ocean. Your choice of lodging might not be so important, but you want to make sure your room will be clean and that your hotel is close to the beach and other activities. This is exactly what the Colonial inn can offers you, and more.
The first thing I noticed when I got in was the fresh smell of paint. The Colonial Inn just went into major renovation. As I was working on my laptop in the lobby, many time I heard guests checking in saying "Oh my God! This place changed so much!". That tells me guests are coming back because they loved their stay.
My Internet was lightening fast. I video chatted with my significant other and watched a movie on Netflix without any problem. The room was clean and the powerful AC was very conveniant after a long day under the summer heat.
The Colonial Inn offers a nice continental breakfast, but you need to look somewhere else for lunch and diner. The property is however located on Shore Road, the main street of the little city. A great selection of restaurant is available within walking distance and I particularly liked the Bandito's Mexican Grill who offers healthy meals for less than 10$. The strip offers also a variety of nice little stores.
Unless of course you absolutely want to drive and pay $20 for a full day of parking at the beach, the inn is half a mile from the beach and this means that a short 10 minutes walk will bring you to your sandy paradise. Another option is the trolley as a station is just in front of the hotel and will bring you to the beach for $1.50.
The 125 years old hotel is also yards away from the Marginal Way Walk, a pedestrian path that follows the rockier part of Ogunquit where you will enjoy your stroll, either as the sun rises or sets, holding hands with your significant other.
The Inn at Ocean's edge in Lincolnville near Camden
You like the ocean, but sitting on the sand for 12 hours to get a tan is not your definition of pleasure? In Lincolnville, just a short drive from the amazing little town of Camden, the Inn at Ocean's Edge might be a good suit for you.
Located literally on the edge of a cliff where the waves of Penobscot Bay come crashing, you can sit on a chair and enjoy the view of the small fishing vessels passing by, or you can relax in the vanishing edge swimming pool or in the hot tub.
My room was impressively big, probably more so because a huge bath was there, just by my bed. What a nice way to finish the day!
The inn works as a bed and breakfast. The chef Joseph Corrado will make you a very nice plate that you can complete with a buffet of fruits, bread, cereal, etc. My omelette filled with goat cheese and herb was particularly impressive and I had the chance to tell Chef Corrado in person since he makes a point to go meet every guests in person. A nice touch.
Since they only offers breakfasts, you will have to looks at the cute little town of Camden for your other meals. Squeezed between Mount Batties (don't forget to hike or drive up!) and the ocean, Camden is a city that you can walk to shop or eat.
For you dinner, I highly recommend Atlantica, where the patio is so close to the water that to be closer, you would need to actually rent a boat. They focuses on sea food, but I decided to try the flat iron steak with onions rings. It looks so tasty that the couple behind me, when they saw the waiter bringing my plate, they ask what it was and both ordered the same. You know you are at a good restaurant when they can take something as simple as onion rings and push it forward to make something special out of it.
As other things to do in the area, the Acadia National Park is a nice option. The park is an hour and a half drive from the Inn. You could leave in the morning, drive to the National Park and then take the loop road that circles around the park, stop here and there, and even have a meal in Bar Harbor before driving back to the Inn in the evening.
The Migis Lodge at Sebago Lake
Are you more of a cottage person? If you are not, you WILL be after your stay at the Migis Lodge. This might be the most peaceful lodging place I ever been.
They offer 35 cottages nestled by Sebago Lake, the second largest in Maine. All of them are in the shade of the 125 acres of pine forest. By a lake? In a forest? No, you will not be bitten by the mosquitoes. It looks like they have a magic spell to make them disappear since I was not bitten once during my stay.
It is an high end resort and might not be available to everyone's budget, but think twice before going because if you do, you WILL want to come back.
The cabins are all made of wood, with you own (real) fireplace that you can use as you wish. The cabin boys will help you with that if needed. You have your private patio where you will enjoy the early morning sun rise or the late evening sun set. Since all the cabins are covered by huge trees, the shade will bring a nice cooling effect; Better than air conditioning, guaranteed.
All water activities are included: kayak sail boat, motor boat, water ski (they give lessons), or even little guided cruises in the owner's vintage 1939 boat without additional cost.
The meal are also all included. They have a no cellphone policy and the kids must eat in a private dinning room, making the place nicely quiet. Dinners are more formal and gentlemen need to wear a jacket.
Speaking of dinner, my first meal started with a chilled spinach, followed by a roasted tenderloin of beef. My apple pie a la mode might be the best apple pie I have ever had.
My second dinner was even better with an opening of baked brie, pear and cherry tart, followed by a chicken amaretto soup, then a caesar salad that had a nice taste of citrus. The main course was a roasted vegetable and four cheese strudel served with a side of orzo with basil and olive oil. Amazing.
As the cabin boys where putting my luggages back in the car, they asked me: "So? Are you ready to leave?". To that I promptly answered: "No, I'm not. I don't want to leave."