Brewster House Bed & Breakfast
Innkeeper(s):
Scott and Ruth Thomas
Visiting Maine Lighthouses - Cape Elizabeth (Two Lights) 14 May 2013, 5:30 am
Not nearly as well-known as its nearby cousin, Portland Head Lighthouse, Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse (called Two Lights, as it consists of two light towers aligned so the two lights make a range, and mariners can easily identify their position as a result) sits at the end of a road, near a wonderful lobster shack (The Lobster Shack at Two Lights), and not far from Two Lights State Park (which affords a good view of the lighthouse towers).Aside from the view in the state park, if you go to the end of the road, there is a small, dirt parking lot, from which you can walk out on the rocks and get a good view of both towers. On a clear day, from the end of the rocks you can also see Portland Head Lighthouse, a few miles away.
Two Lights was depicted in artist Edward Hopper's painting, "The Lighthouse at Two Lights". The keepers house is not accessible, as it is now a private residence.
Stop by the lobster shack. It sits on a hill, and affords a great view of the lighthouse, as well as out to sea.
Two lights is only about 45 minutes from Brewster House, and we include it in our Lighthouse Tour.
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
Visiting Maine Lighthouses - Cape Neddick (The Nubble) 7 May 2013, 5:30 am
Not too surprisingly, Cape Neddick Lighthouse (nicknamed the "Nubble" or Nubble Light) is one of the most often photographed of Maine's 60-plus lighthouses. That is because it is so accessible (see our Maine Lighthouse Map).In the town of York Beach, less than half an hour from the New Hampshire border, the lighthouse stands on a small island known as the Nubble, less than 100 yards off shore.
Cape Neddick lighthouse is charming in its gingerbread Victorian keepers house, perched on the small island. It is decorated in white lights every year at Christmas time, and these photos abound on the internet.
Since many are not able (or willing) to visit Maine in December, the lighthouse is also lighted for the town of York's "Christmas in July" - which falls this year on July 28. If you'd like to see it decorated, but don't want to brave the New England winter, you may like to visit for Christmas in July.
Nubble Lighthouse is one of several lighthouses on our Lighthouse Tour special at Brewster House, as guests can easily visit it from our Freeport Maine Bed & Breakfast.
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
Has Spring Sprung? 2 May 2013, 6:33 am
Here in Freeport Maine we finally have cast off our long Winter and Spring is definitely underway!The tulips and hyacinth are out in force, and are showing their beauty.
Can the lupine be far behind??
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
Planning Your Trip to Maine - Part 3 23 Apr 2013, 5:30 am
In Part 1 of this series we talked about a strategy for visiting Maine - staying a few days in Freeport, and taking in Freeport shopping and L.L. Bean, lighthouses, beaches, and more. In Part 2, we discussed some ideas for a few days in and around the Bar Harbor area. In this concluding part we'll talk about some inland options, Moosehead Lake and Baxter State Park.Moosehead Lake
Located about 3 hours north and west of Brewster House, Moosehead Lake is the largest lake in the eastern United States that is entirely within one state. Claiming to have more moose than people, the area is truly a sportsman's paradise. From fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting to moose safaris and scenic tours by boat or by air, there is something for everyone.
Of course one of the primary activities is moose watching. The Moosehead Lake Chamber of Commerce has some tips for moose watching to get you started.
Baxter State Park area
North and east of Moosehead Lake is Baxter State Park and Mount Katahdin. Less than 60 miles away, the drive takes about two hours, because of the mountain roads. Baxter is filled with wonderful hiking trails, rock climbing, and magnificent views.
Hiking or climbing Mount Katahdin can be a great challenge, with elevation changes of about 4,000 feet, depending on the trail chosen. Be sure to review the warnings and hiking safety information provided by the Baxter State Park Authority website.
Enjoy your visit to Maine!
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
Planning Your Visit to Maine - Part 2 16 Apr 2013, 5:30 am
In Part 1 of this series, we talked about staying a few days in Freeport, and visiting lighthouses, lobster shacks, beaches, and more, then moving on to either the Bar Harbor area, or to either Moosehead Lake or Baxter State Park. In Part 2 we'll talk about things to do in the Bar Harbor area. In Part 3 we'll talk about the others.Visiting the Bar Harbor area
For those who have never been to Maine before, Bar Harbor is probably the best known town. No small reason for this is that the well-known vacation spot is home to Acadia National Park - one of America's most-visited National Parks. A visit to the park is well worth planning, as is a drive around beautiful Mount Desert Island - home to both Bar Harbor and Acadia.
If you're visiting this area, don't miss the Schoodic Peninsula - a part of Acadia that most visitors miss, as it is not on Mount Desert Island. The nearby villages of Winter Harbor and Gouldsboro are also very interesting. While on MDI (as the locals call Mount Desert Island), don't miss Bass Harbor Lighthouse, but be sure to see our instructions for getting the best views.
Of course, once you get to the Schoodic Peninsula, you can always meander up US-1 as far as you like. There are villages and lighthouses to be seen almost all the way. However, another favorite place is to go slightly south, to the Blue Hill Peninsula. In fact, you might even want to stay in Blue Hill, overlooking Blue Hill Bay, with its view of MDI. This quiet area provides great views and an excellent opportunity for some rest and relaxation.
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
Lobster Time is Almost Here! 9 Apr 2013, 5:30 am
Just a reminder - it won't be long now, that this...will turn into this...
and this...
Need a map to find a lobster shack near you? Try this one...
See you soon!
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
Planning Your Visit to Maine 2 Apr 2013, 5:30 am
| Freeport outlet shopping |
We're well aware that other people don't always travel the way we do, but we can give some recommendations based on the way we like to do it.
We tend to find a place like Freeport, and plan to stay a few days. Perhaps just two nights (giving only one full day to explore), but more likely 3-5 nights. We use that as a base of operations, from which we can shop or explore the area with day trips, and we don't have to pack up and move too often. After our several days are up, we move on to another location and repeat the process.
So, what do we suggest?
About two thirds of our visitors come into Maine from the south, so Freeport is likely to be their first stop. We suggest staying here 3-5 nights and visiting things within an easy drive of Freeport. Then, depending on the interests of the guests, and the overall length of their vacation, we suggest they visit the Bar Harbor area (or some of the nearby areas), or one of the inland regions like Moosehead Lake, or the Baxter State Park area. If they have time and interest, perhaps both.
What is there to do in these areas?
The Freeport area
Freeport is widely known as the home of L.L. Bean, and in fact L.L. Bean has five stores in town. All that retail has attracted even more retail, so there are over 160 other shops and restaurants all within a short walk from Brewster House. For most people, that provides a day or so of shopping, in itself.
| Wolfes Neck Woods State Park |
Then, of course, there are lighthouses - are there ever lighthouses! Maine has over sixty lighthouses, and many are within an hour or so drive of Freeport. We regularly send guests out with our maps, or more information if they are on our Lighthouse Tour package, to see some of the lighthouses north or south of us. Typically they can visit about six lighthouses to the south in a day, or between 3 and 6 to the north, depending on interests and endurance. Along the way, guests often want to visit some of the many lobster shacks we've identified on our map of Maine lobster shacks.
In two weeks, we'll talk about Bar Harbor and the surrounding area
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
From Horses to Horsepower: Owls Head Transportation Museum 26 Mar 2013, 5:30 am
Every year we try to make it to Owls Head, Maine (about an hour north of Brewster House on US-1) to visit Owls Head Transportation Museum.Why would we do that? How good can a transportation museum be in a sleepy coastal Maine town of about 1,600 souls? Wonder no further - it is that good!
Even the museum's website may fool you - it has plenty of information, but it bears the look of a site that has gone through changes - and not all the changes made it to all the pages. Some parts look newer than others, but, in general, you wouldn't accuse it of being a cutting-edge site. Do not let that fool you!
The collections at OHTM include aircraft, automobiles, motorcycles, carriages, bicycles and engines. In addition, there are current exhibitions of MG's (a dozen or more), microcars (you have to see them), and even a 1954 Chevrolet Corvette!
The collection of aircraft is exceptional, with examples of all sorts of pre-WW2 aircraft, including a full-size replica of the Wright brothers' plane. All but that one can and do actually fly, using the adjacent airstrip.
The collection of antique automobiles is truly amazing. In addition to the MG's, there are beautifully restored examples from Stanley, Cadillac, Mercedes, Oldsmobile, Ford, Rolls Royce, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, and more!
As if the exhibits and collections weren't enough, there are special events almost every weekend, from the March 23 & 24 Midcoast Model Festival, the May 25 & 26 Owls Head Spring Antique Auto & Aeroplane Show, through the season-ending (though the museum remains open all year) Nov. 2 & 3 The Great Fall Auction & Flea Market.
Maybe you'd like to join us there...
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
If it's Spring, Can Lobster be Far Away? 12 Mar 2013, 5:30 am
It's March, and that means that Spring is almost here (and our Spring Serenity Special - 3 for 2 - IS here, but we digress!), and that means it won't be long before Maine's wonderful lobster shacks will begin to open their doors for the 2013 season!Most open in mid- to late-May, and remain open until mid- to late-October. Here in Freeport, our own Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster (pictured) opens May 1 and stays open until about mid-October each year.
Many of our guests make sure they stop at Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster at least once while they're in town to enjoy the famous Freeport shopping. However, since most of our guests also visit many of the other coastal attractions, from beaches, state parks and lighthouses, to museums and botanical gardens, they like to know about the other lobster shacks throughout the areas where they are exploring.
For that purpose, we also created our Secret Lobster Shacks of Maine guide, with map and photos of some of our favorites. Wherever you are traveling in Maine, this guide will show you the nearest lobster shack!
It's good eatin'!
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
Recipe: Early Morning Roasted New Potatoes 5 Mar 2013, 5:30 am
This wonderful, delicious, and easy side dish is a favorite at breakfast, or at any meal!Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds new potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C)
In a hot skillet, melt the butter with the olive oil. Stir in rosemary, salt and pepper. Coat potatoes evenly with the melted butter mixture.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer on a baking pan.
Bake in preheated oven until potatoes are golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes. Toss them occasionally to ensure that they brown on all sides. If you like a darker brown color, bake them a bit longer.
Servings: 4
Ruth & Scott
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast, Freeport, Maine
