White Cedar Inn Blog

Fall Foliage in Maine

2010-08-25T18:09:44Z

What day do the leaves turn? Here at White Cedar Inn, it's a question we are asked quite often as we get toward Fall Foliage season! 'Leaf peeping' as an event was started 1925 by Arthur Tauck, Sr who took paying guests to see the sights at Tuckerman's Ravine.

It's late August and already a couple of branches on the sugar maple outside are starting to look decidedly 'autumnal'. But, we still have weeks to go along the coast before the leaves are in full color. Fall color is solely dependent on the weather. We need just enough rain, cooler days and sunshine to bring about the glorious color guests come from as far away as Japan to witness.

So, what day DO the leaves turn? Let's just say that along the coast, you can still see brilliant displays after Columbus Day Weekend! But, you really want to be here in Maine from around the beginning of October to around October 20th or so for the best viewing.

If you have the time for a leisurely fall vacation, start way up North near Canada, in 'the County' around the end of September. Then, head west toward the mountains & lakes regions early in October. Swing over to Bar Harbor before Columbus Day Weekend (when many places close for the winter). After that, head south along the coast during the 2nd & 3rd weeks of October.

You won't be disappointed with the changing views, the leaves, the brilliant ocean blues and the excellent food along the way! To make a reservation for this year's foliage season, check our website calendar at your convenience!

Freeport, Maine through the ages

2010-05-26T19:41:28Z

Image via Wikipedia

Freeport, Maine has been a thriving community since before we were an independent nation. Many of the masts for the king's ships came from the surrounding forests. Yes, that means the colonies sent the lumber back to England that they used to build the ships they sent back to quell the 'uprising' with.
The streets of Freeport have been pictures on postcards since the late 1800's. This picture postcard of 'Main Street' was taken steps from the White Cedar Inn!

We have a 4-card collection of postcards from the Freeport area in our Casco Bay room. Some of them feature the Casco Castle, an amusement park built in the 1800's. The main part of the building burned down, but the castle part remains and can be seen from many vantage points like Wolfe Neck Woods Park and Winslow Park. For more information on the Casco Castle and the parks, please click here. The castle is not accessible as it presently sits on private property, but you can catch views of it along the coast!

Freeport has a varied history, with several former famous residents including Donald MacMillan, Arctic Explorer. By the old town hall is the Civil War monument dedicated by Joshua Chamberlain. Even the stores have history with many former homes, businesses and even the library now occupied by major brand name shops.

The Freeport Historic Society does tours every week along Main Street with docents leading the way and telling listeners of Freeport's past. And be sure to check in October for the 'Haunted Freeport' tours organized by the Historic Society!

This next photo is of the Jameson Tavern, still open and taking orders everyday for Gritty's beers and more local favorites!

Image via Wikipedia

Summer in Freeport, Maine

2010-05-26T19:14:31Z

Image via Wikipedia

Summer in Freeport, Maine means a lot of things to a lot of different people- lobster shacks, sailing, hanging out on the beach, lobster, hiking, shopping, LL Bean concerts, did I mention lobster?

The LL Bean summer concerts start on June 26, 2010 with Tift Merritt. The week before, June 19, 2010 is the LL Bean Green Expo.

Concerts and other events are going on every Saturday night thru Labor Day Weekend. And, as always, the concerts and events are free.

For all of the LL Bean concerts for 2010, click here for more info.

For more on the hiking, sailing, shopping, beaches and lobster shacks be sure to check our website- White Cedar Inn. We're just 2 blocks north of the shopping district and a quick, easy drive to the beaches. Lobster is available at just about every restaurant in town at every price point from $7 for a lobster roll to $35 for a full lobster dinner.

It's a dog's life

2010-05-25T19:55:25Z

Right now it's about eighty five degrees outside and I am wishing I was at the beach with my dog, Bre. She loves the beach! Her favorite one so far here in Maine is Popham Beach. When we head out at low tide we can walk all the way to the Fox Islands.

We generally use the 'Ultimate Guide to Dog Parks, Beaches and Trails in Maine' to find new places to hike with her. She's a bit of an old dog, so we try not to pick anything too strenuous.

Although Popham Beach is off limits to dogs in the summer, there are plenty of other beaches nearby where we can go. Below is a photo of the beach in the winter when even horses can be found wandering by.

Other great hiking places for dogs are Bradbury Mountain in Pownal, Wolfe Neck Woods in Freeport and Winslow Park in Freeport.

And Freeport is a pretty dog-friendly town, too! Most restaurants with outdoor seating will allow you to dine outside with your dog. (No indoor dog-seating, tho!) Most stores in town also welcome dogs and many put out a water bowl by the front door.

We have one room here where dogs are allowed. It's our largest room and has a private entrance to make those early mornings 'walkies' easy on you! Please check here for more information. Included in your stay is a copy of the dog guide mentioned above!

Weddings in Maine

2010-05-25T19:40:04Z

Any season in Maine is perfect for a wedding! Imagine a frosty winter wedding all in white with a blazing fire awaiting you at your reception. A glorious spring wedding with everything just starting to bloom, the perfect complement to your new life together. Or the traditional summer wedding complete with lobster bake for all of your guests. Fall is beautiful as well with the trees changing color against a stunning ocean backdrop.

Although we do not host weddings here at White Cedar Inn, we would be delighted to have your guests stay here with us.

To help you plan, please stop by for a complementary copy of 'Maine's Little Wedding Book' and a tour of the inn. (Book available while supplies last.)