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

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 

What Is One of Rick's Kennebunk Area Restaurant Raves for 2010?

Bev and I recently ate at a new restaurant named "Local 50" located in downtown Kennebunk, Maine.  It is a refreshing change from the "dimly-lit, romantic, barn-type establishments throughout the Kennebunks.  It is bright and cheerily decorated in shades of grey and silver with chrome chairs and tables.  The food is as refreshing too.  Owners, Merrilee and her husband Chef David have created a menu that is filled with items from local farms.  In fact, they feature a chalk board listing the various items of produce used in the preparation of dinners each evening, as well as the name of supplying farm.  That certainly is taking "locally supplied ingredients" to the max. We were impressed with their commitment to their name "Local 50"!  A local restaurant will not succeed unless the local residents support it.  It is a long winter without many tourists!

We started our dinner with the fried calamari which was lightly breaded, very tender and quite delicious.  It was some of the best calamari we've ever had; we order it often, as it is one of Bev's favorite dishes. After freshly-prepared salads, we truly enjoyed our maine courses.  Bev had chicken and I had the pork chop. It was an inch thick chop that was grilled perfectly; it was tender and juicy and was placed neatly on a bed of mashed potatoes and that was topped with baby asparagus and balsamic grilled onions. Not only was my meal great tasting, but it was beautifully presented. It was served on a large white square dinner plate including a spiral bead of balsamic sauce.  I personally loved the balsamic flavoring.  Bev's half a chicken was properly roasted to be tender and flavorful and it was situated on a bed of field greens.  No dried out chicken here!  We skipped dessert because we enjoyed a bottle of wine.  Their wines are fairly- priced and there is a good selection of popular choices.   Actually, the restaurant is a good value with modestly priced entrees.  Our dinner including a bottle of wine, one appetizer, two salads and two entrees with tax was just over $80.00. 

Merrilee told us they plan to be open year round; that is excellent news for fall and winter when there is less dining selections in the Kennebunks for our guests.  Next time you are here at the Captain Lord Mansion as our guest, let us make you a reservation at Local 50, you won't be disappointed!  Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

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

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

When Are The Captain Lord Mansion Summer Garden Parties?

Come to Our Garden Party!

    This will be our second summer hosting complimentary wine and cheese "Garden Parties" by the waterfall in our beautiful garden.  Shaded by the ancient Chestnut Trees, we’ll sip wine and share our 32 years of innkeeping knowledge of the area and get to know our guests in a more relaxed setting.  Most Saturday evenings beginning at 5:00 pm stroll out to the gardens to find other couples engaged in animated conversations.  Join us for a relaxing getaway at the Captain Lord Mansion some weekend this summer and add a garden party to your escape.  If the weather doesn't permit fellowshipping in the garden, we'll gather in the Mansion's large "Gathering Room".  See you by the waterfall!  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

31 Years of Diamonds and Counting! And Still Upgrading!

Who wouldn't want Four Diamonds?  We love our Four Diamond Award!

Here at the Captain Lord Mansion, we believe it is an extraordinary accomplishment.  To travelers, Four Diamonds means AAA (the leader in travel standards with over 50 million members) considers us a lodging establishment that is "upscale in all areas."

What's more the the Four Diamond Award tells the world that our "accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish.  The physical attributes of the inn reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail."

Bev and I are exceptionally proud of this level of excellence and the fact that we've maintained those standards over the past 31 years.  Our inn is one of only a handful in Maine to receive the award. The 2010 AAA plaque hangs in our foyer, just inside the main entrance.

Just so you know, this is not an award that comes easily. It cannot be bought. It cannot be influenced by a free night's stay or an expensive dinner.  It takes hard work to get there.

The inspectors come without notice.  They conduct a white-glove inspection and are brutally particular.  They are not beholden to anyone except AAA's strict standards.  How you did the year prior does not matter.  They expect improvements every year in service, hospitality, cleanliness, decor, gardens, room enhancements.  AAA's 50 million members know they can rely on the gradings. 

Our maintenance and upgrades are never-ending!  This spring our contractor is painting another section of the exterior of the inn.  We can no longer afford to paint the whole inn at one time.  Also, we had masons repair the crumbling bulkhead at the rear of the inn, as well as build a new retaining wall of granite stones for the garden area at the CLM parking lot entrance and along the garden bordering Green Street that runs between the Mansion and The Captain's Garden House. Additionally, we are having the severely storm-damaged roof of the Mansion's Carriage House replaced. Then our propane supplier installed an underground 1,000 gallon propane tank by the Carriage House.  The old tanks which were up against the Mansion did not meet current Fire Codes. 

Meeting this standard of excellence is that important to us!  And, we hope, to you also.

Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

Who wouldn't want Four Diamonds?  We love our Four Diamond Award!

Here at the Captain Lord Mansion, we believe it is an extraordinary accomplishment.  To travelers, Four Diamonds means AAA (the leader in travel standards with over 50 million members) considers us a lodging establishment that is "upscale in all areas."

What's more the the Four Diamond Award tells the world that our "accommodations are progressively more refined and stylish.  The physical attributes of the inn reflect an obvious enhanced level of quality throughout. The fundamental hallmarks at this level include an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service, and attention to detail."

Bev and I are exceptionally proud of this level of excellence and the fact that we've maintained those standards over the past 31 years.  Our inn is one of only a handful in Maine to receive the award. The 2010 AAA plaque hangs in our foyer, just inside the main entrance.

Just so you know, this is not an award that comes easily. It cannot be bought. It cannot be influenced by a free night's stay or an expensive dinner.  It takes hard work to get there.

The inspectors come without notice.  They conduct a white-glove inspection and are brutally particular.  They are not beholden to anyone except AAA's strict standards.  How you did the year prior does not matter.  They expect improvements every year in service, hospitality, cleanliness, decor, gardens, room enhancements.  AAA's 50 million members know they can rely on the gradings. 

Our maintenance and upgrades are never-ending!  This spring our contractor is painting another section of the exterior of the inn.  We can no longer afford to paint the whole inn at one time.  Also, we had masons repair the crumbling bulkhead at the rear of the inn, as well as build a new retaining wall of granite stones for the garden area at the CLM parking lot entrance and along the garden bordering Green Street that runs between the Mansion and The Captain's Garden House. Additionally, we are having the severely storm-damaged roof of the Mansion's Carriage House replaced. Then our propane supplier installed an underground 1,000 gallon propane tank by the Carriage House.  The old tanks which were up against the Mansion did not meet current Fire Codes. 

Meeting this standard of excellence is that important to us!  And, we hope, to you also.

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.