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

Where Can You Meditate With The Franciscan Brothers in Kennebunkport?

The Franciscan Monastery is located almost directly across the Kennebunk river from the Captain Lord Mansion.  Bev and I enjoy walking the expansive grounds which includes shaded, wooded paths along the river bank.  There are several shrines located throughout the grounds, including one from the New York World's Fair.  The large piece of statuary, which is dedicated to Lithuanian martyrs, was recently restored to its former beauty.  There is also a large grotto with seats for outdoor services.  One of the most thrilling times at this grotto is the candle-light caroling during the annual Christmas Prelude celebration, the first two weeks of December.  Bev and I always get a thrill seeing spreading out from the lawn to the grotto a sea of candle lights rendering some warmth to the cold night air.  Often there is a light sprinkling of snow which adds to the magical atmosphere.  On your next visit to Kennebunkport, we highly recommend you spend an afternoon wandering the beautiful grounds of the Franciscan Monastery.

Your Innkeeper, Rick Litchfield 

Where Can You Find Botanical Gardens Along Coastal Maine?

At Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, you’ll discover stunning ornamental gardens and exceptional natural beauty, waterfalls, and incomparable stonework and sculpture.  Miles of trails allow you to experience waterfront and woodlands that are quintessentially Maine. You’ll find events and programs for many interests, year-round; and the seasonal Kitchen Garden Café and Gift Shop offer delightful – and delicious – selections.

Bev and I have not visited these gardens yet; we have been too busy maintaining the gardens at the Captain Lord Mansion and the Captain's Garden House!  However, we do plan to make a visit to these gardens this summer; they sound wonderful. 

When you are visiting the Mansion this summer, please stop by the office for tickets to these gardens.  In addition to tickets, we can give you good driving directions. 

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

Where Can You Rent Scooters in Kennebunkport?

This is not Bermuda!

You now can rent scooters from Harbor Village Scooters which is located at Coopers Corner (the junction of Routes 9 & 35) in Kennebunk’s Lower Villageat the Sunoco Station.  The Kennebunkport area has miles of flat roads and lots of beautiful scenery.  Don’t struggle finding a parking space at the beaches; tour the Franciscan Monastery grounds, or scoot out to Cape Porpoise to see the lobster fishermen bring in their daily catch of lobsters. Doing this by scooter is so much more refreshing; you are in the open air and out of your car.    There is a per hour charge with a 2 hour minimum.  Also, you may rent by the day or by the week.  Whether your are an experienced rider or novice, Harbor Village Scooters will do all they can to make sure you're comfortable and confident before heading out for a fun time on your scooter. Our staff members at the Captain Lord Mansion are pleased to reserve your scooter for you. Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

The New ABCs of A Kennebunkport Summer Vacation! And New Links!

Summer Vacation in Kennebunkport offers you a plethora of activities to entertain, educate and expand your horizons!  And to just have fun and relax!

Activities include

• Art Galleries, Antiquing 
• Beaches, Bicycling
• Canoeing, Carriage Rides,
• Day Trips
• Engagements
• Fishing
• Golf
• History , Hiking
• Interesting & Joyful Sights
• Kyaking
• Lighthouses,  Lobsters,  Lobster Boat Tours 
• Museums
• Narrated Trolley Tours
• Other Stuff
• Picnic Spots 
• Running
• Sailing, Shopping, Spas, Summer White House (Bush 41)
• Theater
• Whale Watches
• XYZ There's lots more!

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.

 

 

4 Enjoyable Memorial Day Adventures 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.

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. 

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.

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.

Kennebunkport celebrates Memorial Day on Monday, May 31st with an old-fashioned parade of military veterans and the high school marching band.  You might see George H. W. Bush (#41) giving an address at the ceremonies.  Finish your weekend by viewing 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 in tip-top shape.  During April and May our housekeeping satff is completing a thorough "spring cleaning" of each guest room. Bev is planting the gardens; this process takes about two weks of hard labor.  Our maintenance man David Hutchins and I will help her complete the task by Memorial Day weekend.

Spring Arrived Early In Kennebunkport!

Welcome Early Spring!  The weather has been unusually warm, spring flowers are blooming early, robins are plump and plentiful around the inn's grounds and we have cleaned the gardens of the winter detritus!  We've pressure washed the lawn chairs and put them out on the lawn.  Also, the Memory Garden fountain has been cleaned and is now gurgling away matching the songs emanating from the garden waterfall.  Imagine sitting in the sun while on our delightful garden swing listening to the sounds of spring.  Bev and I look forward to welcoming you to the Captain Lord Mansion some time this spring.

Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

What is The Kennebunkport "Fine Living Festival" and When Is It Scheduled?

The 6th Annual Arts in the Inns Festival is scheduled for June 2 - 6, 2010 and it has been renamed The Kennebunkport Fine Living Festival!

For five days in June, chefs, artists, and wine makers from around the country will come together in Kennebunkport, Maine to celebrate and share their passions.  We'd like to invite you to join us as we celebrate a pairing of palates and palettes in our coastal village.  The 2010 Festival will feature chef/artists dinners in private homes, the Twilight Soiree, Artists in Residence at local inns, the Grand Tasting and many other culinary and fine art events.  If you enjoy fine food, fine wine, fine art and fine living, please join us this June in Kennebunkport.  Call today for Captain Lord Mansion or Captain's Garden House reservations for that weekend. Our toll-free number is 800-522-3141.  Our artist in residence will be the well-known and highly-regarded Don Stone.  He shows his work at Mast Cove Gallerywhich is located only three short blocks from the Mansion. You'll have a chance to view his work at the  inn; as well as having a chance to meet Don and his wife at breakfast. We look forward to having you with us this year!  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield