Where Can You Find The Books in Kennebunkport?

Bev and I are pleased to announce the arrival of Kennebooks, a brand new bookstore which is located on Route 35 on the approach to Kennebunkport.  It was not delivered by the seagull sitting on the roof, but rather by a swarm of construction workers who transformed the building which formerly housed Greg Alexander Gifts.  After Greg closed his business and sold the building, it went through a series of owners, each deepening the gloom of that part of town!  Now the Kennebunk area has a completely renovated and restored building which is brightly painted and offers a welcoming entree to Kennebunkport.  I love the atmosphere of this new bookstore.  It is warm, welcoming, cheerful and well-stocked.  I also love the fact that they have been aggressively promoting different authors with many personal appearances.  There is an event this Thursday, July 22nd for The Fairy Houses of the Maine Coast.  Bev and I need to attend; maybe we could get some ideas about adding a fairy house to one of our many gardens here at the Captain Lord Mansion!  When you are visiting us, please pick up a discount coupon to help with your shopping at this welcome addition to the shops in the Kennebunks.  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

Where Can You Find The Captain Lord Mansion in Miniature?

Hestia Creations of Marblehead, MA has been making miniature copies of the Captain Lord Mansion for many years.  The miniatures come as both Christmas ornaments and magnets.  The Christmas ornaments look very beautiful with the oval foliage surrounding the depiction of the inn building.  Over the many years selling these lovely keepsakes, we've offered several limited editions which have completely sold out.  Additionally, in the past, we offered Christmas Prelude Ornaments depicting Dock Square.  Those too have sold out.  However, we currently have a good selection of the Christmas collectible ornament pictured here.  If you would like to order one, they are $24.95 plus $4.95 for shipping.  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

Cabelas Comes To Maine!

Cabelas, that legendary store which is famous for outdoor clothes and equipment is currently celebrating the "Grand Opening" of their new store which is located at Exit 42 of I-95 (Maine Turnpike)in Scarborough. The store is just 25 minutes north of the Captain Lord Mansion. 

Bev and I visited the new store last night and were absolutely taken aback by the size, scope and extensive merchandising.  We were also impressed with the affordable prices.  One funny thing happened while we were walking around checking things out; we passed several large safes and wondered why they would be selling safes.  Then it dawned on us; they were gun safes!

Just visiting the store is an adventure, even if you don't purchase anything!  There are over 350 trophy mounts on display throughout the store.  There is a "Conservation Mountain" located in the center of the store with mounted bears, elk, moose, wolves, deer and other wild animals.  Also, we were amazed at the large wall aquarium with representative live sport fish.  Also, a full size float plane is hanging from the ceiling inside the store.  Wow!  Rick Litchfield, Innkeeper

 

Antiquing In and Around the Kennebunks

Where Can You Find the Best Antiques at a 10% Saving?

If antiquing is your idea of a great way to spend a balmy Spring day, then our special "April Is For Antique Lovers" promotion is perfect for you! Bev and I have personally selected the best antique dealers in this area to participate, and they are offering our guests a 10% discount from their listed prices, providing you pay by cash or check (the cost of processing credit cards is so high!).

We have tried to offer you a wide selection — from group shops, collectable dealers and fine period dealers, to one of the largest antique dealerships in New England. You'll find furniture, lighting, glass, china, paintings, toys, tools, and so much more. Whether you're interested in country Colonial, fine French, Victorian, or other periods, you're sure to find plenty to interest you in these establishments.

All of these dealers are either right on Rte. 1, or just off the highway in one of the nearby towns. And all are within a 1/2 - 3/4 hour drive from the Mansion, making this a perfect way to spend a leisurely day. Don't forget to complete the experience by stopping along the way to enjoy a genuine Maine lobster roll and perhaps a glass of one of our delicious, locally-brewed Maine beers.

Over the years, as Bev and I have continually upgraded and redecorated the Mansion's rooms, we have relied on several of these dealers to supply us with many of the handsome antiques you find in your room, and throughout the inn. The photo you see here is Excelsior, just one of our beautifully-appointed rooms. Call for our special April antiquing rates, and — happy hunting!

Rick Litchfield, Your Innkeeper

What is The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk, Maine?

The Brick Store Museum is a wonderful history museum located in downtown Kennebunk on Route 1.  It is dedicated to preserving the cultural and artistic heritage of the Kennebunks. We at The Captain Lord Mansion invite you to visit their distinctive buildings at the heart of Kennebunk's National Register Historic District. The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums.  We have discount admission coupons for our guests. 

Wild Things, the current exhibit at the museum reflects the personal collection of Kate Manko, a dealer and collector of American folk art in Moody, Maine, who has assembled the wildlife objects over a twenty-year period.  The exhibition is a visual delight of nearly 100 objects of animal life folk art, including bears, moose, elk, deer, squirrels, snakes, turtles, fish, frogs, and a wide variety of birds.  Bev and I attended the opening of this exhibit and had fun seeing these wonderfully creative objects.  It was good to see so many young people in the Museum; obviously the exhibit appeals to all ages!

The Museum has another interesting exhibit set to open this summer:

Kennebunk's Big Leaguers
The Brick Store Museum hits a home run with this exhibition on the two major league baseball players who have called Kennebunk home: "Colby Jack" Coombs (1882-1957) and his nephew Bobby Coombs (1908-1991).

Bev and I enjoy these exhibits at the Brick Store Museum and encourage our guests to avail themselves of the offerings of this wonderful small local history museum.  Rick Litchfield, your Innkeeper

Five Ways to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Kennebunkport

Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional start to the tourist season and there are several activities that begin this weekend which offer you different experiences to enhance your enjoyment of Kennebunkport.

1. The Lobster Boat Rugosa begins giving scenic cruises along the beautiful and rugged coast.  See lobster harvesting up close and personal!  This weekend, the Captain Lord Mansion begins offering a special package whereby you may take this interesting cruise and then enjoy a "Lobster Shore Dinner" at Mabel's Lobster Claw restaurant. 
2. The Whale Watch boat Nick's Chance offers you an opportunity to visit Jeffery's Ledge which is a feeding area for whales.  It is located 20 miles from shore in the gulf of Maine.  Several species of whales are resident throughout the summer, feeding primarily on herring.  The twin, high output, diesel engines with a cruising speed in excess of 20 knots, allows the boat to reach the feeding grounds in about one hour.
3. Ride the Rails at The Seashore Trolley Museum.  Just minutes from Dock Square, Kennebunkport's shopping district, the museum is a world apart, a place where history comes alive.  Enjoy the sights and sounds of a bygone era as you ride restored historic electric railway vehicles and explore the world-famous international transportation collection and beautiful grounds.
4. Step aboard the Schooner Eleanor at the docks of the Arundel Wharf. Your trip begins with a short ride down the historic Kennebunk River, passing lobster boats and luxury yachts. Once clear of the harbor, the sails are set and the wind takes charge. A typical course will take you along the scenic coastline from Cape Arundel to Cape Porpoise. Watch lobstermen at work and seabirds glide by. Learn a little local history. Help work the sails or sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh salt air. The peace and quiet of cruising under sail will put a smile on your face.
5. Kennebunkport celebrates Memorial Day on Monday, May 28th with an old-fashioned parade of veterans and the high school marching band.  You might see George H. W. Bush (#41) giving an address at the ceremonies.  Finish your weekend with this solemn celebration of the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

We always look forward to Memorial Day as an unofficial start to the tourist season.  Even though the real rush begins about mid-June, we want our gardens and rooms to be ready by the holiday.  Rick Litchfield, your innkeeper