What Are The Names of The Children In The New Captain Lord Mansion Garden Sculpture?

Thank all of you who submitted suggestions of names for the children depicted in our new garden sculpture.  We had 99 entries with many folks offering unusual and different names, as well as interesting reasons for each suggestion.  Names people suggested included names of their children, their grandchildren, names of Captain Lord’s family members and other thoughtful ideas such as commemorating famous citizens of K'port.  Of course we had several suggestions of Kenny, Bunky and Portia!  Just a little too cute!

 Originally, we had hoped to choose the names for the 4th of July weekend.   Bev and I apologize for the delay in making the decision; however, I was away in Oxford, UKfor a seminar from July 2nd until the 11th.  We just couldn’t make the decision until I returned because we were still receiving suggestion right up until the 4th.   

 

The winning names are Caleb, Lily and Molly.  We thought that these were sort of old-fashioned names which would be appropriate for the age of the inn, 1812!  Additionally, we had a suggestion of “Snickers” for the bird.  Although naming the bird was not part of our contest, we thought that was a splendid name!  There were 2 submissions for Caleb; 6 submissions for Lily and 5 submissions for Molly.  Each winner has been sent a $100 Gift Certificate to be used at a future stay at the Mansion. 

 

It was a fun contest and we certainly appreciate everyone who took the time to participate.

Sincerely, Rick & Bev, Your innkeepers

Wow! A Fodor's Choice Award to a Kennebunkport Bed & Breakfast Inn!

We are thrilled to announce that The Captain Lord Mansion has been named a Fodor's Choice establishment for 2010.  This is the second consecutive year we have been the recepient of this prestigeous award. 

Fodor's is a leading publisher of guidebooks for American travelers. 

Travelers love to share their favorite discoveries, and so does the Fodor's team. From hidden-away restaurants to can't-miss museums, Fodor's Choice selections recognize the top sights, properties, and experiences that we've found while traveling the world. These places are the "best of the best," providing remarkable experiences in their price range, destination, or category.

With the collective expertise of our Fodor's team, including travel editors, more than 700 professional writers, and opinionated travelers like you in our robust Fodors.com community, we are the globe-trotting friend you can always rely on for top-notch travel advice.

For an unforgettable experience every time you travel, look for the orange stars that indicate Fodor's Choice recommendations. You'll find them throughout Fodors.com and the entire range of Fodor's travel guides.

"Thank you" Fodor's editors and our guests for believing in us and giving us this award.  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

What is Playing at The Arundel Barn Playhouse This Summer ?

The Arundel Barn Playhouse offers live, professional, musical theater productions, each running  from June to Labor Day.  The Playhouse enjoys an enthusiastic and loyal audience of Maine year-round and summer residents.  Tourists visiting the southeastern Maine area find an evening of old time summer theater in a barn irresistible.  Adrienne Grant, Producing Artistic Director, describes the experience of the Arundel Barn Playhouse as ‘an evening in the Mickey Rooney / Judy Garland tradition providing the best professional entertainment in a beautiful New England environment with old-fashioned hospitality'.

Bev and I enjoy the plays and the atmosphere at the Arundel Barn Playhouse.  Adrienne Grant always secures young, talented and enthusiastic performers for the plays she produces.  Many summer evenings we come away from a play wondering where the performers get such energy and enthusiasm.  If you could bottle that energy, you could make millions!   Also, we totally enjoy the old-barn atmosphere; it really is like stepping back in time.

Playhouse Interior 

The next two shows (The Producers and then Annie) are sure to please any theater-goer.  Let us at the Captain Lord Mansion make your ticket reservations for you.  You might even see Bev and I in the audience! 

Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

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

Did You Know the Nutcracker will be in Portland this December?

The Victorian Nutcracker Join Portland Ballet, Portland's resident professional dance company, for a magical journey through Victorian Portland to the enchanted Kingdom of the Sweets!  This classical Nutcracker story is set in beautiful Victorian Portland, with sets and costumes inspired by the Victoria Mansion. PBC dancers bring this tale to life accompanied by the Portland Ballet Orchestra under the direction of Lawrence Golan and the Victorian Festival Singers under the direction of Mark Nordli. A grand holiday tradition for all ages! Portland Ballet Company is heralded for its talented dancers, exciting choreography and innovative collaborations. PBC is known for performances such as Carmina Burana, Giselle and Bolero. Bev and I believe the cultural offerings of Portland rival those of other much larger cities.  If you are visiting the Captain Lord Mansion this holiday season, we highly recommend the Porltand Ballet for an evening of wonderful entertainment. Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

When Does Kennebunkport's Christmas Prelude Begin?

Carriage Rides at Christmas Prelude  

History of Christmas Prelude, The 28th Celebration Of Which Begins This Weekend, December 4th, 2009

It was the early spring of 1982 when local giftshop owner Henry Pasco called a meeting of other business people for the purpose of discussing ways for the business community to give thanks to the residents of Kennebunkport and Kennebunk for supporting them. Henry suggested a Christmas Festival of some sort to create a sense of community spirit. At the time Nantucket and Marblehead were staging Christmas Festivals. The goal was not to duplicate these events but to stage our own unique festival. Committees were formed and the name Prelude was suggested.

The first Prelude included a tree lighting ceremony, a River Tree Arts concert, a chowder luncheon, candlelight caroling and an event unique to Kennebunkport, Santa’s arrival by lobster boat. We now have three tree-lighting ceremonies – Dock Square in Kennebunkport, Lower Village of Kennebunk and the lobster trap tree in Cape Porpoise; about a dozen Art and Craft Fairs; approximately 12 venues serving either breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner; programs sponsored by the Historical Society; and 12 programs of music celebrating the season. Santa still arrives by lobster boat escorted by two very special “lobster elves”. The Kennebunkport Business Association’s Christmas Prelude is now in its 28th year. For each of these years, business people have worked with the community to recreate the spirit and joy of the Christmas season.

Behind the scenes of Prelude is a cast of hundreds. Year after year, virtually every aspect of our community gets involved. Participating in Prelude activities are the churches, schools, civic and community groups, which make Prelude the centerpiece of their fund-raising activities. Many groups support their charity work from the fairs and feasts held on the two weekends. One of the biggest events is held by the Washington Hose Company that serves breakfast and dinner to hundreds of people. The firefighters turn the money they generate from these events into rescue equipment, which otherwise would have been purchased with tax dollars. The very purchase of their rescue boat, the outfitting of it and the upgrading to technical equipment is a direct result of monies raised over Prelude.

Prelude would not be the celebration that it is without the thousands of volunteer hours that go into the preparations. The KBA plans and pays for the decorations for Kennebunkport and Lower Village. In good weather or bad, you will find these hardworking volunteers devoting two days of their time in dressing the villages in their holiday finery with sparkling lighted Christmas trees, seashell decorated wreaths, and garlands of greenery and ribbon.

Carolers in the snow at the Captain Lord Mansion 

32 Years as Kennebunkport Innkeepers, Wow!

 

Thirty Years, and Still Going Strong!

by Janet Wolf of The B&B Team

What a great turnout at the PAII New England Innkeepering Conference & Trade Show held last month in Nashua, New Hampshire.  All of us at the B&B Team appreciated the opportunity to meet with some of the true veterans on Innkeeping.

Among those veterans are friends and colleagues, Marian Burns, Innkeeper from Mira Monte Inn in Bar Harbor, Maine and Rick Litchfield, Innkeeper from the Captain Lord Mansion in Kennebunkport, Maine.  Unfortunately Rick Litchfield's dynamic other half, Bev Davis, was not able to attend, as she was busy at the Mansion decorating.  What else!  What these innkeepers have in common is over 30 years of Innkeeping under their respective belts.  Not many out there can claim this number!  Besides their longevity, they are also terrific and successful innkeepers.  We believe part of their success can be attributed to never, never stopping the process of educating themselves at conferences.  We didn't ask them, but I am sure they have been to as many conferences (if  not more) than the years they have been innkeepers.

 
Pictured at The B&B Team's booth (from left to right) are Peggy and Peter Scherman, Jay Karen (President and CEO of PAII), Marian Burns, Rick Litchfield, and Janet and Rick Wolf.  

There is always something new and exciting going on at the Captain Lord Mansion, a recent renovation of a former conference space into a spa and lounge and a new state of the art kitchen are the latest.  Their guests also have a history of longevity.  Ten visits to the Mansion will earn a guest an engraved stone in their "Memory Garden". Needles to say, there are lots of pavers and more to come. 

Marian at Mira Monte is very interested in solar energy and has installed panels on a portion of her buildings and hope sto install more in the future.  She is planning a solar workshop in the spring to bring guests in to enjoy Marian's 'Innspring' package plus some education.  Marian is a native of Bar harbor and is a wealth of information about her beautiful part of Maine Guests come back time and again to extract knowledge of Bar Harbor and Acadia Natinal Park from this thirty year veteran.

Marian, Rick and Bev have never put their inns on auto pilot and continue to renew their pilot licenses!  Are there any other thirty year veterans out there?  We woukld love to hear from you!

The B&B Team
Inn Consultants and Brokers Since 1993
With Offices in Virginia and Maine

PETER SCHERMAN ~ P.O. Box 399, Scottsville, VA 24590 

(434) 286-4600 ~ bbteam@bbteam.com Twitter PeterInVA

RICK WOLF ~ 35 Western Avenue,  Kennebunk, ME 04043 

(207) 967-1995 ~ rick@bbteam.com Twitter RWMaine

"The B&B Team" and the pineapple logo are registered trademarks of The B&B Team, Inc.

Reprinted by permission from the B&B Team Blog!  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

New Bookstore Opens In Kennebunk Near Kennebunkport!

 

Kennebooks is a brand new, year round, full service store designed to serve residents and tourists alike who are living and traveling in this area of Maine.  Located in Kennebunk’s Lower Village, it’s a quick stroll from downtown Kennebunkport, on the way to all the beaches, and provides plenty of parking.  With more than 11,000 books, Kennebooks also carries a variety of unique gifts for young and old — gifts that can be paired perfectly with a book, or stand alone.

I recently visited this new business and was thoroughly entranced by the coziness of the store and the wide selection of books.  I don't want to denigrate the big-box bookstores, they serve a purpose; however, this is the type of bookstore you would imagine being located in a town like Kennebunkport.  When you visit us at the Captain Lord Mansion, I heartily encourage you to visit Kennebooks!  This weekend they are having an open house and several authors will be there to sign their books.  Your Innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

 

 

21^st November

OPEN HOUSE at Kennebooks

 

10:30 AM Signings

 

Matt Tavares

Gingerbread Pirates

 

1:00 PM Signings

 

Carol Lambert

Sea Glass Chronicle and Passion for Sea Glass

 

Mimi Carpenter

Women and the Sea and What the Sea Left Behind

Giclée reproductions

Offset Lithograph Reproductions

 

Beth Alison Maloney

Saving Sammy

"Conde Nast Traveler" Readers Honor The Captain Lord Mansion!

On the Conde Nast Traveler website, Concierge.com, it says "The big news is that, undaunted by tough times, our readers are still way out in front, discovering the coolest experiences, electing the top performers for every kind of service—and reaffirming an enduring passion for travel. Look no further for the most stimulating global stimulus package you could hope for."   We are very proud that readers of Conde Nast Travelerchose the Captain Lord Mansion as one of the top small hotels in the United States.  Thank you to all our wonderful guests who voted for us.  Also, thank you to the lovely young lady who wrote a terrific review.  She and her family will be here at Thanksgiving; we'll have a special surprise for her!  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

Who Is The Maine Lobster Chef of The Year?

 

 

 

 

 

 

The audience at Portland's Harvest on The Harbor

crowns

Chef Mackenzie Arrington,

Maine Lobster Chef of the Year.

Harvest on the Harbor, presented by the Greater Portland Convention & Visitors Bureau, brings nationally recognized chefs using Maine products and blends them with our own award winning local chefs in celebrating Maine as a culinary travel destination. 

Chef Mackenzie Arrington, a recent graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, earned the title of Maine Lobster Chef of the Year on Friday with his dish of Roasted Lobster Tail on Braised Cabbage and Cornbread. Two hundred lucky attendees tasted dishes prepared by three chef competitors, watched each chef demonstrate their recipe, and then voted on their favorite. At the competition, Mackenzie was awarded $1,000 in prize money and a limited edition Maine Lobster jacket.

Are you a "Foodie"?  Why not plan to visit the Captain Lord Mansion next mid-October, stay at the inn and go to this fabulous festival?  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield