Do You Know Who Abbott Graves Was?

Abbott Graves was an American artist who lived and painted in Kennebunkport during the early 20th Century.  The Kennebunkport Historical Society just opened an exhibit of his paintings.  The show runs from early June through Aug 30th, 2010.  Graves was a prolific painter of buildings; he loved New England's old homes.  However, he also loved painting flowers and gardens.  This exhibit features examples of both types of his work.  Here is a link that will take you to a press release and descriptive write-up about the current exhibit; it is featured at Seascoastonline.com. 

Bev and I learned about Abbott Graves when we first came to Kennebunkport and The Captain Lord Mansion32 years ago.  We had a neighbor, Janet Gould, who lived in the 1799 home which is located next door to the Mansion's Carriage House.  Janet was a gracious, friendly neighbor; Bev used to take her fresh vegetables from our garden.  On several occasions Janet gave us a tour of her home where we saw a large (approximate 30" x 40") Abbott Graves painting of two women on a summer day in a small row boat.  The painting was rich in color and light.  You could almost believe you were there in the painting experiencing that long-ago day as you looked at the painting.  It was mesmerizing!  Such was the talent and God-given ability of Graves.  Janet claimed to know the women in the painting; Bev and I often wondered if one of the women was Janet herself!  I took this image off the Internet and believe this is a copy of Mrs Gould's painting.  It was sold at auction after her death. 

Bev and I know that you'll enjoy spending a couple of hours visiting the Historical Society and seeing this exhibit.  Rick Litchfield, your innkeeper

What is a "Shipbuilding Odyssey" in Kennebunk? And When Is It?

August 29th
Learn about the Kennebunks' storied shipbuilding past on Saturday, August 29 at 1PM.  "A Shipbuilding Odyssey" convenes at the Brick Store Museum at 117 Main Street in Kennebunk. The three-hour tour begins with a brief, illustrated look at what life was like in the Kennebunks' many 19th-century shipyards and all the types of tools and people it took to build the vessels that eventually sailed trade routes spanning the globe.
 
Guests then embark on a special, narrated trolley excursion, stopping at various historical locales associated with shipbuilding along the Kennebunk River in the 1800s, including the sites of the former Bourne & Kingsbury and Titcomb yards, the Landing, and the locks. The afternoon concludes back at the Museum for guests to enjoy refreshments, view related collections, and receive a commemorative gift. Advance reservations are required as space is limited for this signature event. To secure a spot on the tour, stop by or call the Museum at 207-985-4802.  The cost is $30/person and $25 for current Museum members.  Guests at the Captain Lord Mansion may call our office at 800-522-3141 to pre-order their tickets. 
 
"A Shipbuilding Odyssey" is among a series of outreach programs for 2009 made possible by a grant from The Virginia Hodgkins Somers Foundation and planned by the Brick Store Museum's Education Committee.

Nott in Kennebunkport!

Visit the 1853 Nott House - new evening hours!

 

"Beginning Thursday, July 2, the Richard A. Nott House will be opened for the 2009 season.  This Victorian-era historic house museum is a microcosm of life as it occurred in Kennebunkport over the last two centuries.  Women's fashions from the past will be on display in the rooms, featuring dresses from the 1850s through the 1920s.  The gardens have been refurbished for the summer and are thriving in the plentiful rain.

 

For the opening of our new evening hours, there will be a reception this Thursday, July 2, from 7 to 9 pm.   Guests are welcome for this reception at the special price of $5 per adult.  Children under 18 are welcome at no charge.

 

Regular hours for Nott House tours this year will be on Thursdays, from 10 am to 4 pm, Fridays from 1 to 4 pm, and Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm.  Additional evening hours during July and August will be Thursdays from 7 to 9 pm.  The cost for tours will remain at $7 for adults and no charge to members and children under 18.

 

Kennebunkport Village Walking tours resume on Thursdays, from July 2 through August 27, at 11 am, and on Saturdays, starting July 11 through October 10 at 11 am.  Walking tours will also be $7 for adults and no charge to members and children under 18.

 

Please make sure to stop by and visit this jewel of Kennebunkport history!" 

 

These notes are from a recent email from the Kennebunkport Historical Society.  Bev and I heartily agree that this house museum is worth a visit.  The gardens are quite beautiful; in fact we had our daughter Dana's wedding pictures taken in the gardens.  She was married at the Village Baptist Church next door to the Nott House.  The Nott House is only a 5 minute walk from the Captain Lord Mansion.  Hope to see you soon!  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

 

Dana's Wedding Picture

Looking for Art in all the Wrong Places? Try Looking in Kennebunkport!

Kennebunkport is home to some of the best artists in Maine.  Additionally, the Port has several exceptional group galleries that offer original works of art as well as fine reproductions.  Located just a few blocks from the Captain Lord Mansion, Mast Cove Gallery is celebrating its 29th Season. Twenty-nine years ago, gallery owner Jean Briggs began Mast Cove Galleries with only twelve artists. Today, representing over one hundred artists, it is Maine's largest privately owned group gallery.

Maine Art Gallery, which is owned and operated by John and Francesca Spain has two locations offering original art, prints and sculpture. 

 

Another large group gallery is owned and operated by Charlie Wright and  is on the way to Cape Porpoise Pier.  The Wright Gallery not only has exceptional art, but has a deck from which you can view Cape Porpoise Harbor.  Also, if you go to Charlie's website, he has a Webcam that perpetually views the harbor. 

What is "Paint the Port"?

Save the date – June 22, 2008! Over 55 well-known artists from Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire will gather in Kennebunkport for the fourth annual “Paint the Port” fresh paint day and art auction presented by Heartwood College of Art and the Kennebunkport Historical Society on Sunday, June 22, 2008.  The public is welcome to watch as participating artists paint at scenic locations throughout Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise.  The paintings will then be auctioned off live that evening, following a cocktail reception with delectable hors d’oeuvres, at the Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport.  Proceeds will benefit both the Kennebunkport Historical Society and Heartwood College of Art.  Local artist Dennis Rafferty is shown creating one of his beautiful paintings during last year's event.

Paint the Port" has become a much anticipated fresh paint event in southern Maine and presents "locals" and visitors to our area with an opportunity to watch well-known artists at work on location and purchase quality artwork depicting local Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise scenes.  The event is reasonably priced ($15/ticket) and includes a fabulous cocktail reception at the Nonantum Resort.  All proceeds (after the artists' percentage) benefit both the Kennebunkport Historical Society and Heartwood College of Art.

Bev and I are proud of the area's well-deserved reputation as an extremely active art colony.  If you are in Kennebunkport for this event, please stop by the Captain Lord Mansion to say hello!.  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

The ABCs of A Summer Vacation in Kennebunkport!

Summer Vacation in Kennebunkport offers you activities to entertain, educate and expand your horizons!

Activities include Art Galleries, Beaches, Bicycling, Canoeing, Carriage Rides, Day Trips, Fishing, Food, Golf, History, Kyaking, Lighthouses, Lobsters, Museums, Sailing, Shopping, Spas, Summer White House (Bush 41), Theater and Whale Watches.

Bev and I enjoy summer in Maine and especially Kennebunkport because there is so much to do.  There is hardly time to fit it all in!  Call the Captain Lord Mansion today to discuss your vacation plans and how we may assist you in planning the perfect vacation.  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield.

Three Reasons to Take A Southern Maine Coast Lighthouse Tour!

The Captain Lord Mansion of Kennebunkport, which is located on the southern coast of Maine has several itineraries to assist you with a self-guided tour of lighthouses located from Nubble Light  in York to Portland Head Light in Portland.  The first reason is that these historical buildings are situated along the coast only a short drive from our B&B.  Second, they offer you a great opportunity to tour the picturesque rocky southern coast of Maine for terrific sight-seeing and picture-taking.  Pictured here is the famous Nubble light located in York, ME.  Third, we offer a picnic lunch package to accompany your tour.  Bev and I enjoy visiting these lighthouses and their adjacent parks ourselves.  Last fall we had  delightful day exploring Fort Williams Park where Portland Head light is located.  There were many families enjoying picnicking, relaxing, and flying kites in the brisk breezes flowing off Casco Bay.  When you come to Maine, we encourage you to avail yourself of one of these tours.  Rick Litchfield, your innkeeper.

Art Guild of the Kennebunks "Salute to Summer" Art Show

Kennebunkport Art Show This Weekend!

The Art Guild of The Kennebunks represents over 75 artists.  It was founded in 1980 by a local group of artists led by Ron Goyette to foster camaraderie, mutual support and professional stimulation.  In 1981 Barbara Bush cut the ribbon at the opening of the first annual summer membership exhibit held at the Chapel Gallery on Route 35.  Each summer since then, the AGK has held exhibitions at various locations in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.  The 2007 Art Guild of the Kennebunks summer exhibit opens tonight, Friday, August 10 at The Community House which is locate on Temple Street, across from the Kennebunkport Post Office.  The show will run Friday, 2-7pm, Saturday, 10-7pm and Sunday, Noon-4pm.  The public is invited and admission is free.

Bev and I enjoy visiting these shows to see the wonderful variety of pictures and terrific group of talented artists that reside in this area.  Also, we have our personal collection of paintings from some of the artists on display at the Captain Lord Mansion. I look forward to seeing you at the show!  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

Fun for Foodies Vacations at The Captain Lord Mansion & Other Select Registry Inns

Select Registry Fun for Foodies Vacations; What Are They?

Are you looking for a food-related vacation? 

One of the notable qualities you'll find at Select Registry inns is the innkeeper's passion for providing exceptional cuisine.

Therefore, the Select Registry is proud to introduce you to
Fun for Foodies Vacations of New England.

The innkeepers of these fine properties share an appreciation for all things food & wine related, and they have put together unique, regional culinary experiences for your enjoyment.

These fun, educational, hands-on experiences promise a gastronomic good time!

Culinary enthusiasts can plan a Fun for Foodies Vacation at just one inn or all six.

Each participating inn will stamp your Fun for Foodies Trail Map along the way.

Visit at least three participating inns to receive a free insulated wine bag with the Fun for Foodies logo; visit all six and you'll receive a Select Registry Gift Certificate for $150 to use at the Select Registry inn of your choice!

Bev and I are proud to offer several Fun For Foodies Packages for your consideration while vacationing in Kennebunkport.  Our Lobster Boat Cruise & Shore Dinner Package is a favorite during the summer months. Additionally, guests love to do the Lighthouse Tour and Deluxe Picnic.  When coming to Kennebunkport to visit us at The Captain Lord Mansion, we are pleased to help you plan a Fun For Foodies experience.  Just call us in advance of your arrival to schedule your package.  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

Fine Art at the Wells Reserve to benefit Laudholm Trust

A Painterly Day returns on July 15, 2007

Fine artists paint in open air around the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm capturing its magnificent scenery and structures. Their works are featured at a catered evening reception and auction. Proceeds are shared by the artists and Laudholm Trust.

The public is welcome to view artists at work during The Painterly Day . The Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm is open from 7 am to sunset. July admission is $1 for those 6 to 16 and $2 for those over 16 (Laudholm Trust members get in free). To bid on an artist's work, you must attend the auction.

Bev and I enjoy touring the Reserve during the day of the event to see the many different views being painted by the artists.  We are always amazed at how each of the different artists interprets the various landscapes.  There are always beautiful paintings that you want to bid on and own!

We at The Captain Lord Mansion have been financial supporters of this exceptional preserve since its inception because we are grateful to have such an extensive natural area for the benefit of both locals and tourists.  The preserve provides both hiking trails and cross-country ski trails in the winter. Often you can see deer grazing in the fields at Laudholm Farm.

Laudholm Trust was formed in 1982 as a grassroots effort to protect historic Laudholm Farm in Wells, Maine. Within a few years, the Trust's vision expanded and, with exceptional community support, the group spearheaded the establishment of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. In the years following its initial success, the Trust has continued to support research, education, and management activities at the Wells Reserve. Laudholm Trust has about 2300 members.  Rick Litchfield, your innkeeper.