Captain Jefferds Inn

The $100 Frog Ladder 11 Jun 2013, 5:00 pm

Here's the story of the $100 Frog Ladder . . . After witnessing the resident frog in our frog pond struggle to get up over the edge of the pond, Will, our handyman and jack of all trades, suggested we build a frog ladder to help the poor thing get out of the water more easily. Sarah, the inn's owner, thinking the suggestion was kind but a little out there declared "Will, go ahead and build the ladder but I bet you $100 that the frog will never use it."

Initially, Sarah got to bask in a sense of "I told you so." The frog was studiously avoiding the ladder. After three weeks, however, there he was, right smack in the middle of the ladder. Now the frog not only uses it as a means of exiting the water but also as a favorite spot to stay partially submerged while watching the world. This of course meant that Sarah had to pay Will the $100 she had bet. So now we have what is probably the world's most expensive frog ladder. Even our amphibian guests get star treatment.

Spring Blooms 30 Apr 2013, 5:00 pm

The gardens at the Captain Jefferds Inn have sprung to life, making it truly feel like spring is here. Maine gardeners, weary from months of cold and snow, look forward to springtime and a chance to work outside in a sunny garden. Bright, cheery flowers and the feeling of renewal that they bring is worth the wait. However, gardening in Maine can be a challenge since the growing season is short the winters can be harsh, making it tough for plants to survive. The best strategy for putting together a beautiful garden is to combine a variety of winter hardy perennials with flowering shrubs, rosebushes, spring flowering bulbs and annuals. Choosing the “right plant for the right place” is an important consideration for all types of landscaping. Even the best planting practices will not help a plant to thrive if it is poorly suited for a particular site. It is also important to know the mature height and width of selected plants so that they will not outgrow the space allotted to them.

Some site conditions to keep in mind when selecting landscape plants include:

• light availability, intensity and duration (full sun to deep shade)
• water availability, both quantity and quality
• exposure to wind and temperature extremes
• soil type, drainage, compaction
• hardiness zone

It is also important to remember that low-maintenance landscaping does not mean that no maintenance will be required, as all plants will require some routine care in order to succeed.

Speaking of gardens . . . how's that for a segue, the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport will be hosting their second annual Garden Party in conjunction with the Kennebunkport Festival. On Saturday, June 8th from 1:30pm - 5:30pm, each of the six member inns of the Historic Inns of Kennebunkport (HIK) will be serving wine, tea and hors d'oeuvres as guests peruse their gardens. It is an excellent way to see and experience the unique flavor of each historic inn. The Garden Parties are only open to guests staying at one of the HIK inns: 1802 House, Bufflehead Cove Inn, Captain Jefferds Inn, Captain Lord Mansion, the Inn at English Meadows, or the Maine Stay Inn. Transportation between the inns will be provided. There is a $5 suggested donation to support Share Our Strength. So book your stay to get your fill of lovely gardens as well as all of the other fantastic happenings hosted by the Kennebunkport festival.

You Know It's Spring in Kennebunkport When . . . 1 Apr 2013, 5:00 pm

The Schooner Eleanor sheds its shrink-wrap and the crocus muscle their way through the frozen ground. After a particularly snowy winter, we are very glad to see these harbingers. Soon, daffodils, tulips, and hyacinth will eclipse the crocus and water will be flowing in our water garden. Opening Day for the Red Sox has come and gone, which is another signal that spring is truly upon us. Our favorite sign, however, is the proliferation of ones that say "Open" hung cheerily in the windows of local restaurants and shops, many of which are awakening from their annual winter slumber. Hurricane, Mabel's Lobster Claw, Bandaloop, and On The Marsh have either opened or will open later this month, adding to the wonderful variety of places to grab a bite to eat in Kennebunkport and Kennebunk.

Spring is always a time of anticipation, renewal, and change. This spring is no different with a handful of area staples being reborn as new ventures. After sixteen years of serving delicious, northern Italian fare, Grissini Italian Bistro will soon reopen as Abbondante Italian Eatery under the steady hands of Local restaurateurs Merrilee Paul and David Ross, who also created 50 Local and Owen's Farmhouse. The venerable Cape Arundel Inn is reinventing its namesake restaurant as Ocean, helmed by Chef Pierre Gignac whose Ogunquit restaurant 98 Provence was an area favorite for 17 years. Another new restaurant set to open this summer is David's Kennebunkport which will be located in a brand new waterfront building that has risen on the spot that used to be the Landing Hotel and Restaurant. Acclaimed Portland chef, David Turin's latest venture will offer creative, contemporary cuisine in a prime spot overlooking the water.

Other changes are afoot in Dock Square where a handful of shops and galleries are set to open for the season with new names and fresh offerings. Stay tuned for updates as the tides of time continue to pull us toward warm days filled with sun and surf.

Saint Valentine and The Origins of Valentine's Day 28 Jan 2013, 4:00 pm

A lot of conjecture and mystery surrounds the history of Valentine's Day--and the story of its patron saint. February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and St. Valentine's Day contains shades of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

At least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus are recognized by the Catholic Church, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served in Rome during the third century. Emperor Claudius II supposedly outlawed marriage for young men during his rule, feeling that single men made better soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. 

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. According to one legend, the imprisoned Valentine sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailor Asterius’ daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is speculative at best, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and--most importantly--romantic figure.

From A Pagan Festival in February to A Day for Romance

While some hold that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial--which probably occurred around A.D. 270--others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to "Christianize" the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. 

Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity but was eventually squashed by the church. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became irrevocably associated with love. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology and cheaper postage. 

In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap." Today, next to Christmas, Valentine’s Day is the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year.

Celebrate Valentine's Day Maine Style

During the month of February we are running a February is for Lovers promotion where folks who book a two night stay can request a complimentary reward of a fresh rose, a box of Harbor Candy Shop chocolates, and a half bottle of Prosecco. In addition, some local shops are offering special February discounts. At Nabos Apparel, any jewelry purchase comes with a 20% discount. At Carrots & Company, take 25 % off storewide and 30% off all jewelry. At Twigs, take 30% off all jewelry.

A Flexible Flyer Comes Home 8 Jan 2013, 4:00 pm

This is the story of how a No. 5C model Flexible Flyer sled came home to roost. In 1884 the Agnew family took ownership of the house at 5 Pearl Street that is now the Captain Jefferds Inn. Captain William Jefferds had passed away in 1851 and his wife Sarah had passed on in 1871. The Agnew family ended up owning the house from 1884 through 1944.

In 1903 Catherine Sanford Agnew married Edgar Stirling Auchincloss. After her marriage, Catherine had ties to the Maine property as well as property in Connecticut. Catherine and Edgar had four children between 1904 and 1909. Sometime between 1915 and 1921 they acquired a Flexible Flyer sled. When they were in Maine the sled would rest on the porch of the Pearl Street house when it was not being used to fly down local Kennebunkport hills.

In the 1930's the sled made its way to Connecticut where local lore holds that Catherine, known locally as “Balma” would gleefully ride it belly flop style from the Library at the Gunnery School in Washington Depot, CT down to the Mayflower Inn.

In 2012 the sled ended up in an estate sale in Connecticut where a friend of Erik’s son Jonathan came across the now antique Flexible Flyer. The friend got talking with Lee Auchincloss and realized that the sled had ties to the property now owned by Jonathan’s father. She scooped up the sled and gave it to Jonathan who presented it to Erik for Christmas. It is pretty amazing that this lovely sled managed to make its way back home to the porch where it used to rest in the early 1900s.

For folks interested in the history of Flexible Flyer sleds, the No. 5C model was produced between 1915 to about 1928. This series utilized an all steel front end initiated on the Tuxedo Racer a few years before. Part way through the series the logo on the center of the sled was modified. In 1921 the eagle in the logo started carrying a sled whereas before it was an American shield. We know that this particular sled was manufactured before 1921 because in the logo the eagle carries an American shield.

Maine Winter Activities 3 Dec 2012, 4:00 pm

You can't beat Maine for enjoyable ways to play in the snow. Regardless of whether you like the adrenaline rush of downhill skiing or prefer quietly exploring on cross country skis or snowshoes, there are countless places to get out and take in the wintertime beauty. Kennebunkport is a great spot to use as a base camp for your adventures. Just around the corner is Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm which has miles of trails that can be used to cross country ski or snowshoe. Just about half and hour away is Harris Farm which features forty kilometers of trails that ramble across the open fields and sheltered forests of their 500 acre dairy and vegetable farm. Trails range from gentle beginners' loops to rolling terrain for more advanced skiers. Thirty kilometers are groomed with wide skating lanes and thirty-five kilometers are track set. The warming hut houses a common room with wood stove, retail and rental shop, restrooms and kitchen serving homemade soups, chili, and baked goodies on weekends. They rent skis as well as snowshoes.

Within an hour's drive are Smiling Hill Farm and L.L. Bean's Outdoor Discovery Schools. Smiling Hill offers approximately 25 kilometers of machine-groomed trails around their picturesque and historic farm. Trails are groomed wide to allow both classical tracked and a generous skate lane.Rentals featuring Rossignol ski packages are available. L.L. Bean's Outdoor Discovery Schools offer inexpensive “Walk-On Adventures” in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing right from their retail store in Freeport.

Numerous downhill ski areas are close enough for a day trip. Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, Maine is the closest resort to us. The drive there takes you through the beautiful Sebago Lakes region and is only about 1 1/2 hours. Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry, Maine is a bit farther, but is still less than 2 1/2 hours away. The resort boasts 2,340 vertical feet and 743 acres of groomed trails, glades, and steeps. Numerous ski areas in the White Mountains of New Hampshire are also within 2 1/2 hours and are definitely well worth the trek. Some of the resorts include Cranmore Mountain, Bretton Woods, Black Mountain, Wildcat and Attitash.

If skiing isn't your thing, perhaps gliding is more your speed. Close by, the Park at Crow Hill in Kennebunkport offers a skating pond and a former gas station in downtown Kennebunk has been transformed into an outdoor community ice skating rink. West Brook Ice Rink in Biddeford is also a popular outdoor skating destination. When the conditions are right, the pond in the middle of the beautiful 52-acre Deering Oaks Park in Portland is considered by many to be one of the best ice skating spots in Maine. City crews make a special effort to keep the ice cleared and its surface well groomed for skating. Up for a bigger challenge? The ice goes on for miles at Sebago Lake and other lakes of the nearby Lakes Region.

If you are interested in getting out on the snow but want all the work to be done by a 2- or 4-Stroke engine then snowmobiling might be the perfect activity. Northeast Snowmobile Rentals, with locations in Gorham and Fryeburg can set you up with everything you need for an adrenaline-filled adventure over miles of snow-covered trails and open fields. (800) 458-1838 or www.northeastsnowmobile.com.

For a more tranquil way to get outdoors, go for a sleigh ride. Enjoy snow sprinkled pine trees and frost tipped fields while you glide leisurely in a horse-drawn sleigh. Rockin’ Horse Stables offers horse-drawn sleigh/carriage/wagon rides. 245 Arundel Road, Kennebunkport 207-967-4288.

The best thing about using the Captain Jefferds Inn as a jumping off point for your winter activities is returning to a roaring fire in the living room, hot mulled apple cider, and a spread of homemade treats to get your energy back up.

The Versatile Sugar Cookie 3 Dec 2012, 4:00 pm

Nothing spreads a little holiday cheer like delightfully buttery sugar cookies. These classic cookies can be used for gift tags on presents, as tree ornaments, or simply pile them high on a plate for you and your guests to devour. You’re only limited by your cookie cutter collection and imagination. If you plan to use the cookies as gift tags or ornaments, before baking, use a wide drinking straw to poke a hole through the dough. Included below is the recipe we use to make our sugar cookies and lots of ideas for decorating. Happy baking!

Classic Sugar Cookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 large egg
1 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
2 1/2 cups flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Granulated sugar

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar, butter, vanilla, almond extract and egg with an electric mixer or by hand. Stir in flour, baking soda and cream of tartar. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Pre-heat oven to 375°, line cookie sheet with parchment paper.

Divide dough in half, roll each half ¼ thick on lightly floured surface. Cut into desired shapes and place 2 inches apart on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake 7 to 8 mins. or until edges are light brown. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack

You can prevent cookie dough from sticking to the cookie cutter by dipping the cutter in flour between uses.

Rise to the occasion! If using self-rising flour, there is no need to add baking soda and cream of tartar.

To ensure recipe success, do not use vegetable oil spreads in place of butter.

Ideas for Decorating Before Baking

Materials that withstand the heat of baking can be used to decorate the cookies before baking. Some ideas include:

• - colored sugars or natural sugars such as pearl sugar
• - jimmies, non-pareils, silver and gold dragées, and other sprinkles
• - raisins and dried fruits such as cranberries
• - nuts

When placed on top of your cookies, any of these items dress things up and provide a more festive appearance.

Edible Food Paint

An edible food paint can be used to paint your cookies before baking them. Make the paint out of an egg yolk mixed with a few drops of food coloring and brush the pigment on the cookies using a clean paintbrush for each color. The paint will dry while baking, giving the cookie a lovely, glazed appearance.

Colored Cream Dough

The folks at Better Homes and Gardens have a creative recipe for Colored Cream Dough which is a dough of frosting consistency that can be piped onto cookies with a pastry bag fitted with a writing or star tip, and then baked. The result is a cookie that looks like it has been frosted but the frosting is baked on and durable.

Ideas for Decorating After Baking

Once the cookies have been baked, there are myriad ways to frost, ice, dip, or drizzle them to jazz them up.

Frosting vs. Icing

There is a big difference between frosting and icing. Frosting is thick and holds shapes like rosettes and shells like those you see piped around the edges of a birthday cake. It remains soft to the touch and has a creamy texture, and most people think it tastes better because of the creamy buttery flavor. Icing, on the other hand, is a thinner, more liquid substance, and as it dries it thins out, becomes very smooth across the surface of your cookie, and hardens. This is the icing to use for the most beautiful, professional results.

Working with frosting

You can use frosting in two ways. One way is to simply use a knife or rubber spatula to spread the frosting across the whole surface of your cookie. The other way is to place the frosting in a pastry or decorating bag fitted with a small tip and piping out thin lines or rosettes of icing onto the cookie. Either way, once the frosting has been applied to the cookie you can then further embellish it by using colored sugars, non-pareils, or any of the decorating items mentioned in the Decorating Before Baking section above.

Working with icing

Icing is a little more difficult to work with but its smooth surface produces the most beautiful results! Icing should always be piped onto a cookie because it will run off the edges if spread with a knife. Once iced you can apply silver dragées, or other sprinkles just as mentioned with the frosting above, before it hardens. Here is a recipe for Royal Icing. Below is a recipe for Powdered Sugar Icing that dries less hard than Royal Icing and has a shiny surface.

Powdered Sugar Icing

2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

2 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon butter, softened

1 tablespoon light corn syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract

food color, if desired

Combine powdered sugar, water, 1 tablespoon butter, corn syrup and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla in small mixer bowl; mix until powdered sugar is moistened. Beat at medium speed until smooth, adding additional water if necessary, to reach desired glazing consistency. Tint with food color, if desired.

Melted chocolate

Just about any cookie can be embellished simply by dipping it in chocolate or drizzling chocolate over it. You can even dress up the everyday chocolate chip cookie for gift-giving or serving at parties. Melting chocolate is a simple process, but a few rules must be followed in order to make it a success.

What you need

You can either use chocolate chips or baking chocolate (the kind that comes in 1-ounce squares) and the same process applies whether you use dark chocolate or white chocolate. A small amount of shortening should be added at the ratio of 2 tablespoons shortening for 1 cup of chocolate chips or chopped up baking chocolate.

Double boiler

Place chocolate and shortening in the top half of a double boiler or in a metal bowl that has been placed on top of a saucepan filled with hot water. The water must be very hot, but not boiling, because the steam generated by boiling water could get moisture into the melting chocolate which makes it curdle. Allow the chocolate to melt over the hot water and stir it occasionally until it has achieved a liquid consistency.

Microwave

Place your chocolate and shortening in a microwave safe bowl and microwave it on medium power for 1 minute. Stir. Continue microwaving 20 seconds, stir again. Keep doing this until the chocolate is almost melted. Remove it from the microwave and stir it until completely melted.

Dipping

Dip one end of your cookie, or half the cookie, or even the whole cookie into the melted chocolate. Set the cookie on a wire rack to let the chocolate harden. If you wish, you can sprinkle chopped nuts, coconut, or non-pareils over the melted chocolate before it hardens.

Drizzling

Scrape melted chocolate into a ziplock baggie. With sharp scissors, snip off a very small corner of the baggie. Drizzle top of cookies with zig-zags of melted chocolate. Cool until chocolate is set.

Historically Waving 15 Nov 2012, 4:00 pm

In a fun nod to historical accuracy, we recently began flying a version of the American flag that existed in 1804 when Captain Jefferds built the home that is now our Inn. We thought it might be interesting to share a brief history of early American flags and some facts about this unique 15 star, 15 stripe flag in particular.

In 1777 the Second Continental Congress was busy drafting a constitution known as the Articles of Confederation, seeking an alliance with France and supplying the war effort. But on June 14, 1777, it took time from its schedule to pass a resolution stating that “the flag of the United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white” and that “the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation.” To this day, no one knows who designed the flag or why that particular color combination and pattern were chosen. Although legend holds that Betsy Ross made the first American flag in 1776 after being asked to do so by Washington, primary sources backing up that assertion are scarce.

During the remainder of the Revolutionary War, the Stars and Stripes was mainly used for naval purposes, but afterwards it took on a national role. By 1794 two new states had been added to the Union, and Congress passed the Flag Act of January 13, 1794, declaring that the flag would henceforth contain 15 stripes and 15 stars. This flag was the only U.S. Flag to have more than 13 stripes. It was immortalized by Francis Scott Key during the bombardment of Fort McHenry on Sept 13, 1814. The five Presidents who served under this flag were: George Washington (1789-1797), John Adams (1797-1801), Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809), James Madison (1809-1817), and James Monroe (1817-1825).

More states kept joining, including Tennessee in 1796, Ohio in 1803, Louisiana in 1812, Indiana in 1816 and Mississippi in 1817. Nonetheless, the flag featured 15 stripes and 15 stars until 1818, when Congress passed a new act providing for 13 stripes in honor of the 13 original colonies and one star for each state.

Maine, The Pine Tree State, became the 23rd state in the Union in March, 1820. Maine's statehood came about as a result of the Missouri Compromise. The territory of Maine had formerly been part of Massachusetts.

Haunted Happenings 15 Oct 2012, 5:00 pm

Who doesn't like a good chill going up and down their spine? It is the time of year where spooky happenings abound. We have put together a collection of events that offer folks interesting ways to learn about local history and even take in musical, storytelling, and dance performances that tap into the macabre. Enjoy!

ALL SOULS' WALK

This narrated historical walk with costumed interpreters begins at the museum and covers a half-mile loop through Kennebunk’s Hope Cemetery. Not too spooky, it’s a perfect activity for the whole family. Each tour lasts about one hour, and they run continuously starting at 1 PM. The last tour departs at 4 PM.  Costumed interpreters cast from the local community will portray the historical figures at the gravesites. Participants will learn local history through the fascinating and often tragic tales of residents from bygone eras. There will be stories about ill-fated sea captains, a Civil War soldier killed in battle, children lost at sea, a Kennebunk girl’s calamity atop Mount Washington and other Kennebunk notables from the past 250 years. Tours conclude back at the museum, with cider and treats.

The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets are $10 per person or $30 per family; no advance reservations required except for large groups.

ALL SOULS' DINNER

In conjunction with the All Souls' Walk, the third annual All Souls' Dinner will be held at Duffy’s Tavern and Grill, 4 Main Street, Kennebunk. Cocktails will be available starting at 6:30 PM. Dinner (choice of four entrées) will be served at 7 PM. In the ancient All Souls’ tradition, an empty chair will be left at each table in honor of the dearly departed. The cost is $25 per person with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Brick Store Museum. Advance reservations are required by calling the museum at 207-985-4802.

The Brick Store Museum is located at 117 Main Street in Kennebunk’s historic district. For more than 70 years, the museum has been dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday Year-round. For more information visit www.brickstoremuseum.org or call 207-985-4802.

9th ANNUAL OGUNQUITFEST

Featuring the Bridge to Beach Bed Race, scarecrow contest, haunted house, classic car show, scavenger hunt, ghost stories and tours, wagon rides, marketplace, pumpkin and cookie decorating, costume parade, high heel race, crafts and more. October 19 through October 21. Sponsored by the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce. For more information: 207-646-2939 or www.visitogunquit.org.

WALK AMONG THE SHADOWS IV: SOULS AT SEA

Hear tales of long-dead residents inside the oldest resting place in Portland.
WHEN: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. October 18-20 and October 25-27; tours leave every 15 minutes
WHERE: Eastern Cemetery, Congress Street, Portland
HOW MUCH: $10; $5 for kids under 12
INFO: spiritsalive.org

WICKED WALKING TOURS

Learn about Portland's dark legends and ghostly tales during a twisted tour through the Old Port.
WHEN: 8 p.m. October 19-20, October 23, 25-26, 29, and 31
WHERE: Meet at Bell Buoy Park near Casco Bay Lines, Portland
HOW MUCH: $15; reservations required
INFO: wickedwalkingtours.com

TALES OF TERROR AT VICTORIA MANSION

Victoria Mansion would like to invite you to the 6th annual Tales of Terror! Spine-tingling stories from nineteenth-century writers are read and performed as the Mansion's lights are dimmed to gaslight levels.

There are four performances:
Friday, October 19 at 6 & 8pm (general audiences).
Saturday, October 20 at 6pm (kids 10 & under) & 8pm (general audiences). 

On Friday night, storyteller/playwright Lynne Cullen will tell two frightening stories by great writers of Victorian horror fiction: The Family of the Vourdalak by Aleksey K. Tolstoy and Louella Miller by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman.
To learn more about Lynne, please visit her website HERE.

On Saturday night, storyteller and actress Brittany Cook will perform Poe’s Menagerie: A Radio Play featuring some of the Writer’s Best-Known Beasts. Saturday’s 6pm performance is especially for families with kids 10 & under and includes The Conqueror Worm followed by Hop-Frog, both by Edgar Allan Poe. Saturday’s 8pm performance is for general audiences and will include The Black Cat, followed by The Raven.

To register for a seating, please click the appropriate link below. Registration opens September 21, 2012

Admission:  Adults $20, Museum Members $15, 17 & under $10
Friday, October 19
6pm
8pm
Saturday, October 20
6pm (for children 10 & under) SOLD OUT
8pm

'PHANTOM OF THE OPERA' WITH THE KOTZSCHMAR

Watch the classic 1925 silent film accompanied by organist Scott Foppaino. The Portland Ballet performs "Danse Macabre" before the film.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28
WHERE: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland
HOW MUCH: $18
INFO: tickets.porttix.com

SYMPHONY SPOOKTACULAR

Hear some of the best-known spooky music under the direction of conductor Robert Moody. Portland Ballet will dance during a piece from "Twilight" and lead the audience in the zombie dance from Michael Jackson's "Thriller."
WHEN: 2:30 p.m. Oct. 30
WHERE: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland
HOW MUCH: $10
INFO: tickets.porttix.com

Fall Fairs, Festivals, and Fun 27 Aug 2012, 5:00 pm

With warm days and crisp nights, September is the perfect time to visit Kennebunkport. As a bonus, there are numerous fairs, festivals, and special events offering myriad ways to while away your time. Whether you are looking to be entertained, want to browse for hand-made gifts to get a jump start on your holiday shopping, or take part in events that celebrate fall, there is sure to be an enticing event. Below is a list of some of the wonderful happenings around town and throughout Southern and Mid-Coast Maine. Come celebrate autumn in style!

9-5 THE MUSICAL
This outrageously funny and heartfelt musical is based on the immensely popular movie about three female office workers who conspire to get even with their egotistical and hypocritical boss. When their plan spins wildly out of control the situation becomes hilarious and the laughter is non-stop. The show features the blockbuster title song plus a jubilant score that mixes Broadway and pop with Dolly's irresistible style. It’s the next best thing to a raise!

The Ogunquit Playhouse
10 Main Street Ogunquit 03907
August 22, 2012 - September 15, 2012
Contact the Box Office at 207-646-5511 or ogunquitplayhouse.org for tickets and showtimes.
$39-$74
www.ogunquitplayhouse.org
Contact: Kendall Hatch (207) 646-2402

THE SCHOOL AROUND US 37th ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR
School Around Us 37th Annual Summer Craft Fair is Saturday, September 1st, 2012 from 9am to 4pm, on the Green, Ocean Ave, Kennebunkport, Maine. Featuring 70 juried artists and artisans, live music and food. Rain date Sunday, September 2nd, Info: 967-3143, www.schoolaroundus.org, saucraftfairs@yahoo.com.

The Village Green
Ocean Ave Kennebunkport 04046
September 1, 2012
9am-4pm
Free
www.schoolaroundus.org
Contact: Brandy Brown(207) 967-3143

UNITED MAINE CRAFTSMEN'S FALL FESTIVAL OF ARTS & CRAFTS
A show and sale of unique handcrafted products, made by over 100 Maine Artisans, on the grounds of Smiling Hill Farm. Exhibitors will be selling, locally handcrafted Pottery, Fused & Stained Glass, Jewelry, Baskets, Folk & Fine Art, Wood Products, Specialty Foods, Fiber Arts, Soaps, Candles and much more. Ample Free Parking, Food Vendors, Rain or Shine. Admission $2.

Smiling Hill Farm
781 County Rd
Westbrook, ME 04092
September 8th, 2012
10am - 4pm
$2.00 at the gate. Children under 12 free.
www.unitedmainecraftsmen.com/
Contact: Laurie Kelley (207) 621-2818

ANNUAL CAPRICCIO & FESTIVAL OF KITES
A celebration of the Arts! in Ogunquit. Festival of Kites to take place on September 8, 2012. Rain date: September 9, 2012. Directly on Ogunquit Beach. Sponsored by Ogunquit Rotary Club and Ogunquit Performing Arts. 207-646-2261.

THE GREAT GATSBY
On The Marsh Bistro presents "The Great Gatsby" to benefit The Food Pantries of York County on Saturday 15th September 2012 tented in the meadow. 6pm Cocktails and hearty Hors d'oeuvres, followed by 7pm Dinner and dancing to the ever popular "Straight Lace Band"! Dress for PROHIBITION times, and be prepared for an evening of SURPRISES! Limited seating. Reservations have begun!

On The Marsh Bistro
46 Western Ave. Kennebunk 04043
September 15, 2012
6pm-12pm
$110 per person all inclusive, Cash Bar.
www.onthemarsh.com
Contact: Alexandra Hennedy (207) 967-2299

BUDDY, THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY
Follow the incredible journey of Buddy's meteoric rise to fame to the top of the record charts during the golden days of rock ‘n’ roll, to his untimely death in 1959 in this popular tribute. You'll be cheering for more, with such rousing fifties favorites as "Peggy Sue," "Oh Boy," "Maybe Baby," "That'll Be the Day," "Raining In My Heart," Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba" and the Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace." This joyous celebration of a musical legend will have you dancing in the aisles!

The Ogunquit Playhouse
10 Main Street Ogunquit 03907
September 19, 2012 - October 21, 2012
Contact the Box Office at 207-646-5511 or ogunquitplayhouse.org for tickets and showtimes.
$39-$74
www.ogunquitplayhouse.org
Contact: Kendall Hatch (207) 646-2402

PUMPKIN PATCH TROLLEY
Free pumpkin for each admission. Ride a trolley to the Pumpkin Patch where you can pick and paint a pumpkin. Then like the days of shipping packages by trolley, send your pumpkin back to the Visitor Center by trolley where you can pick it up after your trolley ride to Talbott Park.

Seashore Trolley Museum
195 Log Cabin Rd Kennebunkport 04046
September 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th, 2012
Event Hours: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (Museum is open normal hours)
Regular admission rates apply
www.trolleymuseum.org
(207) 967-2800

SHAKER HILL APPLE FESTIVAL
A beautiful old Shaker village in Alfred, Maine, comes alive on Sat. Sept. 22, & Sun. Sept. 23, 2012, from 10-4. Juried arts & craft fair, Shaker Museum exhibits & demonstrations, book & yard sales, silent auction, apple & pumpkin picking, wagon rides of Shaker village, live music, children's activities, antique car rides, farm & food booths, Museum shop, continental breakfast, Giles Family Farm Store, pie sales, chili & chowder lunches, Bakery at Notre Dame, Brothers' Apple Store, apple crisp. Free Parking & Free Admission. Proceeds benefit homeless children of York County Shelter Programs, Friends of the Alfred Shaker Museum, and Giles Family Farm.

York County Shelter Programs
Shaker Hill Road
Alfred, ME 04002
September 22nd, 2012 — September 23rd, 2012
10 am- 4 pm
Free admission, free parking
www.shakerhillapplefestival.org/
Contact: Mary Doyle (207) 324-1137

CAMDEN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Located on the rugged coast of Maine, the Camden International Film Festival will return for its eighth season. Recognized as one of the top 25 film festivals in the world for documentary films and filmmakers, the festival highlights work that show dedication to craft and a unique and artistic approach to telling a darn good story. Films are selected because of their ability to arouse discussion on documentary film as an art form, a catalyst for change and as an outlet for the independent voice. For information on the festival, the purchase of passes, our film selection or the Points North Pitch forum, visit http://www.camdenfilmfest.org/

Theatres in Camden, Rockport and Rockland
September 27th, 2012 — September 30th, 2012
www.camdenfilmfest.org/
Contact: Lara Sitruk
(617) 817-5376

CELLARDOOR WINERY VINFEST 2012
Vinfest 2012, our annual fall harvest celebration takes place Saturday, September 29th and includes a full day of family-friendly fun! Grape-stomping, food and wine pairings, BBQ, music, winery tours, demonstrations and much more. $10 per person. Check out our website for many more events, classes and tours. http://mainewine.com/events/special-events/

Cellardoor Winery
367 Youngtown Rd
Lincolnville, ME 04849
September 29th, 2012
10:00 am-5:00 pm
$10 per person
www.mainewine.com/
Contact: Jasie Costigan (207) 763-4478

FRYEBURG FAIR SEPTEMBER 30 - OCT. 7, 2012
Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic! The largest agriculture fair in Maine! Eight days of entertainment and education for the whole family - A variety of livestock, draft show horses and ponies, pulling horses and oxen, a forestry research center, an agricultural exhibition center, crafts, a flower show, educational exhibitions and demonstrations, sheep dog trials and a huge parade on Saturday. A thrilling midway with amusement rides and delicious food. Live music all day, and nightly entertainment. The Fair attracts upwards of 300,000 visitors each year.

1154 Main St
Fryeburg, ME 04037
September 30th, 2012 — October 7th, 2012
Gates open at 7 - Buildings open 9-9
General Admission - $10 every day; Includes Night Shows; Children under 12 always free; 65 & over - Senior Citizen Tuesday - No Charge
www.fryeburgfair.org/
Contact: Jane Lounsbury (207) 935-3268

TRANSIT DAY
This is a rare opportunity to see vehicles that are not usually on display as well as enjoy new experiences only possible during events like this one. See our bus collection out and on the move, take a ride on our newly reactivated trackless trolley line, or enjoy a ride on our New York and Boston subway cars.

Seashore Trolley Museum
195 Log Cabin Rd Kennebunkport 04046
October 6, 2012
10 am to 5 pm
Regular fees apply
www.trolleymuseum.org
(207) 967-2800

YORK HARVEST FEST
Date: October 13 & 14, 2012
Location: York Village and York Beach
Just 25 minutes south of Kennebunkport is the town of York, hosting the Annual Harvestfest & Kidfest. The festivities start with the Annual Sidewalk Sales at Short Sands York Beach on October 13 – 14, where the stores display their end of seasons sale merchandise on the sidewalks.

One of the most popular attractions of the Harvestfest Celebration is the food! The variety of foods available at Harvestfest is endless and is available all weekend. From the delicious to the unique there are foods to suit everybody’s taste from festival favorites like Kettle Korn, bloomin’ onions and fried dough, to traditional fall treats like apple crisp and fresh pies.

Of course the famous ox roast will take place near the village green. The fires for roasting are lit the night before under an ox split and the beans are lowered into the ground in giant pots for a traditional taste.

This year the Kidsfest will also take place both days during Harvestfest and will include kids games, crafts, special entertainment and Pumpkin Stroll on Saturday night.

9th ANNUAL OGUNQUITFEST
We welcome you to our 9th annual OgunquitFest, a fun-filled weekend of fall-themed events. Activities include pumpkin and cookie decorating, costume parade, classic car show, craft bazaar, haunted house, high heel race, bed race, ghost tours, wagon rides, storytelling, and a scarecrow contest.

Ogunquit, ME 03907
October 19th, 2012 — October 21st, 2012
Admission to some events
visitogunquit.org/
Contact: Frances Reed
(207) 646-2939

THE SCHOOL AROUND US 37th ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR - NOVEMBER
School Around Us 37th Annual November Craft Fair is Saturday, November 17th, 2012 from 9am-4pm located at the Kennebunk High School, Rt. 35 Kennebunk, Maine. Featuring 70 juried artists and artisans, live music, delicious homemade food, and a silent auction. Info: 967-3143, www.schoolaroundus.org, saucraftfairs@yahoo.com.

Kennebunk High School
89 Fletcher St Kennebunk 04043
November 17, 2012
9am-4pm
$3 suggested donation
www.schoolaroundus.org
Contact: Brandy Brown (207) 967-3143