You know the expression, “Every cloud has a silver lining”?  I can confidently say that COVID 19’s lining was our deeper discovery of the great Maine outdoors and all the ways to appreciate it.   When home schooling was coupled with “shelter in place”, things got a little dicey around here… three kids, one chef and one innkeeper makes for quite a combo. But we have managed to turn the events into a positive and want to share what we’ve discovered with all our guests.  We finally understand why everyone wants to come to Maine to really relax. Our state is simply gorgeous. We enjoyed many activities, but here are our top five things to do in Maine during the shutdown.

Geo-cache crazy here with the kids

GEO-Caching has given us reason to discover lots of lesser-known and therefore more social-distanced hiking around our area.  Armed with a great App and a sense of adventure, this exploratory “sport” offers fun for all ages and a real sense of accomplishment, especially when you find the ‘micro’ ones!!!  Ruby’s got 21 finds in just the last couple months!

Dave loves his quiet time at a favorite spot near the Inn.

Fly Fishing has been a slightly elusive hobby for Dave in years past.  Usually an early morning cast is out of the question after mid May.  But well, he’s got COVID to thank for some unexpected time on the water. And you can benefit from all his intel on great spots, fly-tying and other skills he’s been honing.

Biking: For those of you who don’t know me, cycling has been a long time passion.  Frankly one of the big parts of enjoying our relocation to Maine (from New York City) has been the enjoyment of so many great roads with FAR less traffic.  Well, you can imagine the joy I felt when Ruby joined the two-wheeled ranks partially due to all the biking she and I did around town during quarantine.   Ruby can share more about the best roads in and around Freeport, and I’d be delighted to point you on a 10, 25, even 40 mile scenic routes right from our door. They can take you past beaches, farm stands, rolling fields and great coastal vistas for a ride that will long be remembered even after bike is put away.

Cooking – Dave has mastered his art of twisting challah, hand rolling bagels and the countless ways to enjoy sourdough during the pandemic and I’ve been the lucky taste tester! He’s always been a great chef, but the secret steps he’s developed for this are amazing. (In fact, we’ll be offering limited, small – of course appropriately socially-distanced – classes this summer.  If you want to get put on the mailing list when notices come out CLICK HERE.) The only thing better than the  joy of baking from scratch, enjoying fresh food is eating it.

Ask Ruby to show off her new riding skills!

Finally our fifth wonder of the quarantine is realizing all the Freeport things we love – and missed –  during the shut down. We were so excited to learn that

LL Bean has re-opened! The megastore may be operating a little differently – no 3 am shopping 🙁 but it’s so good to have this anchor neighbor up an running again. They always help everyone get outside with confidence, and are ready with all your gear needs.

The Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro has also expanded its outdoor dining seating and they have fantastic curbside pickup offerings that can be enjoyed at your own personalized table in our dining room.

Right now all these opportunities are available only for our fellow Mainers. Certainly it’s a great time to explore our state – crowds are small and opportunities wide. But when restrictions are lifted we look forward to again welcoming our out-of-state guests. It’s silly it’s taken a shut down for us to realize all the wonder right in our community, but our perspective has been refreshed and we’ll happily share all we’ve seen and explored locally when you stay with us at Brewster House.   Ask about a special picnic lunch prepared in advance by Dave so you can get up, get out and get active and avoid the added stress of where and how to fuel up!

RESERVE your deluxe accommodations today.  We’re hard at work to make your stay safe, healthy and relaxing: LEARN more and reach out if you have questions or concerns we can address.

Dave’s assistant showing off some delicious sourdough boules

Cleaning; Baking; Brewing, Homeschooling, Exercising and to be perfectly honest…Drinking are on a loop here at the Brewster House.

As we anxiously await good word from health authorities that travel restrictions can be lifted,  it can be hard to distinguish one day from the next.   Despite the uncertainty, we’re staying positive: cherishing the quality time with the kids (yes, between refereeing sibling quarrels and meltdowns over schoolwork we’ve managed to find fun!);  appreciating the extra time to make sure everything will be tip-top when the Brewster House reopens and especially marveling at the show of love & support we’ve seen among our friends, family, beloved guests, neighbors and our industry colleagues.

Life in Freeport differs so much from our former New York City, of course.  But there are daily examples of community pulling together to help families in need with food, shelter & emotional support.  These acts of kindness may have changed in size & scope but they are all truly uplifting.

Cherishing Time Outside with the Kids

Looking to the Future

The roller coaster of when we can get back to ‘normal’ is exhausting.  As soon as I get resigned to one date, another estimate leaves me gasping for air.   May 15th is tentatively slated for the travel restrictions to lift but like life today, always subject to change.

Although a few guests cancelled their reservations due to travel constraints, more have opted to shift their dates hoping to see Maine’s beauty in the late summer and fall.   Many guests have generously let us hold onto their deposits which we’ll apply when they reschedule, while others have seized the opportunity to enjoy the GIFT CARD incentive we’re pleased to extend to all our guests- current & future. We’re so appreciative for this support of our small business.

Simply put, we are staying the course here- applying for help from the SBA to weather this crisis but also using this time to deep clean every surface of the Inn’s common areas & guests rooms including furniture, fixtures and linens.  Dave even took his culinary & brewing talents one step further by making our new, house made hand sanitizer!

In anticipation, we’ve put a few new programs in place for your safety, but also thinking creatively as we adjust to the new norm.   Do know your business is always appreciated.

Here’s a sneak peek….with more to come:

• Reservations made from now until May 31st will enjoy free cancellations (waiving our standard, credit card $25 processing fee) with a 7-day notice*
• Special “No Breaky” Rates designed to encourage you to rest, relax and get out to enjoy the great Maine outdoors
• Stays of 3 nights or more (during the months of June & July) will enjoy a complimentary room upgrade, when available

Ben getting some air courtesy of Dad-made bike jump

• Extended hours & Staggered breakfast service to offer guests greater space while dining
• Rent the entire Brewster House, grab your friends & family and invite them to “Meet INNperson.” You’ve been toasting via FaceTime and Zoom for too long- do it in person and with the comfort of a smaller gathering of just your friends & family for 30% off!   Ask us about private group dinners, hands on cooking classes, a complimentary bottle of Prosecco upon arrival and more exclusive fun with only your closest pals all under one roof.

Reach out today to discuss your upcoming reservation, reserve your summer stay and/or consider supporting our small business with our GIFT CARD offer.  We’ll be here …anxious to reacquaint all with BigBrewstah, Dave’s gourmet breakfast, and fresh baked cookies in the comfort of our home.

Now excuse me as I need to rescue a younger sibling from her brother….

Learn to make pretzels!

The Brewster House is once again proud to be part of the Flavors of Freeport, Feb 15-17, 2019 with a special presentation: Twist & Stout: Pretzel Making & Beer Pairing Class.  Our “Happy Hour” from 4-5:30pm is open to both overnight guests and the public.

You and your classmates will roll, shape and bake our favorite savory treat.  Plus you’ll enjoy artisanal mustard & cheese dip while pairing it with 4 Maine Craft Beers on tap. Yes!…that means the likes of Maine Beer Company’s Lunch, Bissel Brothers’ Umbra Oatmeal Stout, Definitive Brewing’s Distant Garden…thristy yet?

You’ll learn all you knead to make delicious twists of your own and impress your friends and family at home.

Saturday’s class is the perfect pre-game for the Motor Booty Affair’s performance at the Hilton Garden and free for guests staying with us for 2 nights or more.  If you’d like to join the class but can’t spend the night with us, $40pp ($75 for a couple) will cover your enrollment or $30pp ($55 per couple) if you opt to spend one night.

The class size is limited, so call now to reserve your spot.  207-865-4121.

Flavors of Freeport Stay Packages also include a tickets to Friday & Saturday nights’ events.  You just get here….we’ll take care of the rest!

Comfort awaits

SPA weekend fast approaches and we are so pleased to play host to the many spinners, knitters, crocheters, and talented crafts people that descend on Freeport February 22-24th, 2019.

Our cozy parlour is the perfect way to relax after a day of visiting the vendors and chatting with fellow SPA goers down the street from us.  The fireplace along with our 5 tap kegerator and wine selection make for a perfect backdrop to relax, unwind- perhaps set up a spinning wheel – and truly enjoy the weekend away.

Dave’s delicious 3 course breakfast will get you started for the day, the only downside is you might be distracted with thoughts of the next day’s scrupulous menu.

Reserve one of our luxury rooms with a fireplace, private bath, keurig coffee maker, and robes with slippers!   Mention this post and we’ll kick off the fun with a complimentary bottle of Prosecco or flight of craft beers when you spend 2 nights.

Knit & Spin at the Brewster House

No one is more excited about the warming temps than us here at the Brewster House.  The Adirondack chairs are on the porch, a fresh line up of “Porch Pounder” craft beers are on tap and the fan favorite- Pizza from Scratch cooking class is back: Sun, Fun, Great Food & Craft Beer Await.

June traditionally ushers in stretches of sunny days here on our slice of the Maine Coast.  So Freeport plays host to some great special events and we delight in hosting new and familiar faces here at the Inn.

First Up….Girlfriends Getaway Weekend (June 1-3).

Shop, Stay & Play

Stores will be teeming with sales, style tips, custom fittings and more.  Plan your weekend away to shop, dine, play and stay at the Brewster House.  We’re hosting a special “PRO night” Cooking Class specially created for this weekend.  Check out the Pizza, Rose & OverNIGHT special.

Then comes Maine Womens Ride (June 10th).  The Maine’s Women’s Ride is a celebration of women and bicycling. The event offers a friendly, supportive atmosphere geared toward girls and women of all ages and abilities. The routes follow quiet roads, offering beautiful views of the Maine coast and countryside. Fuel up with Dave’s delicious warm granola and then come home and toast your accomplishment with a glass of Channing Daughters Rose or a cold, craft beer on tap from Maine Beer Company.

Join the Maine Women’s Ride

Enjoy our rotating selection

Don’t Worry Guys! …we haven’t forgotten about you.  Fathers Day is a great excuse to get away from it all and come to shop LL Beans Hunting and Fishing store; it offers all the gear you need to visit one of over a hundred local fishing spots.  Dave will let you in on a few of his faves and then you can return home to a cold beer on the porch.  Chef Dave has been laboring over all the summer Craft Beer selections for #BigBrewstah and needs your input.

RESERVE your luxury room with our delicious 3 course breakfast every morning.