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Lions, Lambs & Floral Notes – Brewster House looks toward Spring

March 7th, 2018 by Kelleigh Dulany

Seems odd to think about spring as we await the anticipated 12 inches of a snowy March lion. But here at the Brewster House we love when the babies arrive and get equally excited by the maple sap flowing and flowers in bloom.

Beat the rush to Freeport by visiting us in March, take advantage of the lower spring rates and enjoy myriad activities that surround us:

Welcome the babies at the Out Like a Lamb event at Wolfs Neck on March 17th from 9a-2pbaby lambs in Freeport

Take in the Beauty of the Maine Flower Show March 22-25th on Thompson’s Point in Portland.  The Maine Flower Show is one of the biggest gardening and horticultural shows in the region, and this year, more than ever, it is Rooted in Maine.

MaineMaine Maple Sunday Maple Sunday, March 25th, is celebrated all over the state. But you can enjoy amber gold right here when you with the deliciousness that Dave has cooked up…

•Maple Chocolate Chip cookies
•Maple-walnut brownies
•Baked Granola with yogurt and maple syrup
•Buttermilk Pancakes with Blueberry Butter and house-made maple syrup
•Belgian Waffles with Blueberry Butter and house-made maple syrup
•Old Fashion Doughnuts with nutmeg and Maple Syrup

Donuts with house made maple syrup

All our guests are invited to join us daily to check the buckets and sample the delicious sap.

maine maple sunday every week in Freeport

RESERVE your fireplace room today and check out the SPRING AHEAD special when you stay with us for 3 nights.

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SPA weekend 2018 Brewster House plays host

February 9th, 2018 by Kelleigh Dulany

SPA weekend at the Brewster House

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 23-25th, 2018.

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 in our parlour after a fun day at SPA weekend

Knit & Spin at the Brewster House

 

 

 

 

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Flavors of Freeport Twist & Stout: Pretzel Making & Beer Pairing Classes

January 30th, 2018 by Kelleigh Dulany

Pretzel making & beer pairing

Learn to make pretzels!

This year the Brewster House is proud to be part of the Flavors of Freeport, Feb 16-18, with a special presentation: Twist & Stout: Pretzel Making & Beer Pairing Class.  We’re offering two classes: one on Saturday night for overnight guests and the second on Sunday for our neighbors and community members that want to get in on the fun.

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, Bunker’s Cypher & Mason’s Liquid Rapture…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 “Happy Hour” class from 3:30p-5p 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.

Sunday’s class is from 4p-6p and a great way to top off this foodie weekend. Tickets are $35 per person or $60 a couple.  The class size is limited, so call now to reserve your spot.  207-865-4121.

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

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Craft Beer, Bed & Breakfast-Summer Travel in Freeport

June 5th, 2017 by Kelleigh Dulany

Do you carry a copy of the Maine Guild Beer Trail Map Passort on your person at all times?  Do you routinely find yourself debating the merits of IPAs versus Sours?  Your visit to Maine just got a whole lot easier & more fun – introducing Big Brewstah.  Craft Beers at the Brewster HouseOur newest family addition arrived a few short weeks ago and we can’t stop talking, tweeting and instagram’ing about it.  5 specially selected, Maine specific craft beers on tap here in Freeport Maine.  Call the Brewster House home as you venture to Portland (a myriad breweries), New Castle (Oxbow) or as far as Belfast (Marshal Wharf) by day and return every evening for a perfect Porch Pounder Craft Beer (thank you for the nickname, Colleen!)

Porch at the Brewster house

Porch Pounder Anyone?

Need more reason to come for a visit? How about the LL Bean Concert series?  The newly released schedule features blues great Matt Andersen on July 4th.  Langhorne Slim & The Law on July 8. A bluegrass festival on July 22 will feature four musical acts, including 2017 Grammy award winner for Best Bluegrass Album, the O’Connor Band with Mark O’Connor.  R&B artist Mayer Hawthorne on July 29, and multi-platinum country singer Sarah Evans on August 5, concluding with the legendary Bruce Hornsby on September 2.  Pre-game with us on our porch and then enjoy a leisurely stroll to the show.

Tell us about your favorite style beer when you book your stay and chances are we’ll have a great Maine-centric brew for you to compare to it.

craft beer flightStill craving more?  Sign up to receive our newsletter and you’ll be the first to learn about all the great classes and beer pairing events happening year round.  After recently concluding our 3rd “Twist & Stout” fresh soft pretzelsclass we’re excited to share our 90 minute class with all of you.  Learn how to mix, shape & bake these Bavarian delights and enjoy tasting them with 4 local brews & artisanal mustard.  Afternoons at your favorite B&B just got more sharable! See  you soon!

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Cycle Maine this May

May 3rd, 2017 by Kelleigh Dulany

Cycle Maine this May to get ready for your summer events!  As a former New York City cyclist, I was downright giddy on my maiden voyage here– hundreds of miles to explore and relatively light motorist traffic sharing the road. You’ll delight in all the options to explore our beautiful coast and build up your base.  Just ask for some of my favorite routes leaving right from our door. cycing; team; new york city; cycle freeport

Then come back this summer for these great events right here in Freeport:

JUNE 4th–The Maine Women’s Ride, departing from our neighbor LL Bean, offers a fun and supportive atmosphere geared toward women and girls of all ages and abilities.  Spend the day enjoying a 25, 50 or 62 mile route and return to our home to relax on on the porch and bask in your achievement.

AUGUST 26-27th — Farm to Fork Fondo highlights the symbiotic relationship between cyclists, farmers and beautiful landscapes.  Participants enjoy the locally sourced bounty at all rest stops as well as the “Meet the Farmers” Dinner on Saturday night.  The team at Wrenegade Sports has put together a terrific event and donates to the farmers it features.

SEPTEMBER 16th — Are you’re a tri-geek like me?  Then you owe it to yourself to put the Lobsterman Triathlon on your calendar this year.  This Olympic distance event uses beautiful Winslow Park for the swim and transitions.   Get another “PR” on Saturday and enjoy chef Dave’s “PB” when you delight in the delicious 3 course breakfast the next day.

And I haven’t forgotten one of the great joys of spring…shop for your new kit or the latest accessories at the The LL Bean Bike, Boat and Ski store open 24 hrs/ 7 days.

So why wait?  We’ve got all your bases covered- great accommodations, delicious food and training routes mapped out- book your May training with us now and pick your favorite room for your return trip this summer.  I’ll even accompany you if you’re in need of a tour guide.

Happy Cycling!#Cycle Maine this May

 

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Mothers Day Getaway

April 10th, 2017 by Kelleigh Dulany

Wine TastingShop, Sip & Snooze this Mother’s Day! Can it get any better?! May 14th is almost here and you haven’t made special plans?  Fear Not!  We’ve put together a great Mother’s Day getaway sure to please.  Treat the special  mom in your life to deluxe accommodations,  gourmet 3 course breakfasts PLUS a Cava (that’s Spanish sparkling wine) tasting, discounts to all your favorite shopping in town & a relaxing massage here on site.

All our Saturday evening guests are invited to enjoy a complimentary Cava tasting from 4-6 with our favorite wine aficionado, Colleen Callahan from SoPo Wines, on hand to walk you through the varietals while Dave pairs those with delicious Spanish meats & cheeses.

But how about a massage to indulge your mamasita?   We’ve secured a talented massage therapist to be onsite from 11-4 on Saturday.  Stay with us for 2 nights and moms can enjoy a complimentary 30 minute Deep Tissue, Reflexology or Thai massage or upgrade to a full hour for only $30 more.

Book now and we’ll sweeten the deal with homemade truffles awaiting your arrival.

Indulge yourself this May and be our guest at the Brewster House. This offer available via online or phone reservations only and can not be combined with other specials.

 

 

 

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Posted in Brewster House News, Champagne, Freeport, freeport shopping, getaway weekend, getway, Maine, massage, outlet shopping, romantic, wine | No Comments »

Brewster House B&B’s #1 recommended excursion: Harpswell, Maine

August 1st, 2016 by Kelleigh Dulany

Guests at the Brewster House B&B often ask for our recommendation on what to see near Freeport. We’re always thrilled to share our number one recommendation: a drive up the coast to Harpswell! This scenic drive is the best way to enjoy beautiful coastal views and quintessential Maine scenery.

Tourist map of Harpswell MaineHarpswell is an an easy hour’s drive from the Brewster House Bed and Breakfast. Follow Route 1 north and hang a right on to Highway 24, a two lane road on which you’ll pass plenty of farm stands and lobster shacks. Your drive takes you from Sebascodegan (or Great) Island, to Orr’s Island and across the Cribstone Bridge to Bailey Island. Take a break to look through the quaint towns, stop to watch the lobstermen in their boats, or buy some fresh seafood at the lobster pounds. Keep driving straight south and you’ll find yourself at the romantic-sounding Land’s End–literally, the end of the island–with its beautiful view south over Casco Bay. You can scramble over the rocks, hang out on the beach, or just sit and witness a gorgeous sunset.

Harpswell is much beloved by both artists and tourists because of its scenic beauty. There’s plenty to stop, see and do along the way:

Marvel at the Bailey Island or “Cribstone” Bridge

One of the most famous sites in Harpswell is The Cribstone Bridge, which connects Orr’s Island to Bailey Island. “Cribstone” refers to the way granite stones were laidCribstone Bridge in Harpswell Maine over each other in what looks like an open lattice pattern. Granite slabs from Yarmouth, the same length and width, are laid lengthwise then crosswise, and it’s all held together through weight and gravity with no mortar or cement. The pattern allows the tides and currents to flow through freely. Sound kind of boring? Trust us, you’ll be more excited when you lay eyes on it, because it’s an engineering marvel and pretty cool looking. This bridge has held strong since 1928 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sail on Casco Bay

Want to get out on the water? Brewster House always recommends a Schooner Alert Windjammer Cruise. They offer a great two hour sail in the morning and at sunset.

Stroll along Giant’s Stairs

The Giant’s Stairs trail on Bailey Island is another popular destination that allows visitors to view dramatic coastal Maine scenery. Named in homage to its rock formations, the trail wends along the rocky coastline. Wildlife such as waterfowl and seal poke ride the crashing waves.

Enjoy fine dining

Hey, we’re not knocking lobster shacks, because Maine is ALL about the lobster shacks. But here are a couple of Brewster House recommendations for a nice sit down:

  • Dolphin Marina & Restaurant: family owned and operated since 1966, the Dolphin features Maine coastal fare, including Maine lobster dinners, fresh, local seafood, and hand-cut steaks. Their waterfront location offers unrivaled views of Casco Bay and its many islands.
  • Morris’s Cribstone: owned by life-long foodies whose families have fished for generations. Specializing in Harpswell lobsters . . . or, try something new like their famous Seafood Nachos.
  • Check out this list for other dining recommendations.

 Lobster boats in Harpswell Maine

Think you’re done? Not even!

Orr’s Island and Bailey Island have plenty of other boating opportunities, including seal sighting cruises and kayaking. Here’s great list of other points of interest, including how to get outdoors a million different ways (well, almost) in Harpswell.

Yup, at the Brewster House B&B, we’re pretty enthusiastic about visiting Harpswell and Land’s End. If you want to continue your drive even further up the coast, ask us about Poppham Beach and Reid State Park!

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Enjoy Fourth of July at the Brewster House B&B

June 29th, 2016 by Kelleigh Dulany

Have a hankering for a real small-town America Fourth of July? Well, we have limited availability, but if you hustle you might still snag a reservation at the Brewster House B&B. The day starts with the Freeport town parade rolling right down Main Street outside our door–watch it from the comfort of our front porch–and ends with a bang on the L.L. Bean Campus. . . literally!

Here’s the roundup of Freeport Fourth of July activities:

 

fireworks-freeport-maine

Walk from the Brewster House B&B down to the L.L. Bean campus and enjoy the local fireworks.

 

 

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5 MAINE MARITIME LIGHTHOUSE EXCURSIONS

April 22nd, 2016 by Kelleigh Dulany

I’m sharing these amazing five Maine Maritime Museum lighthouseexcursion boat heading upriver with shipyard in the background excursions with you, because they are so fun and interesting that they book up well in advance! If you wait until just before you come to Brewster House, you probably either won’t get on the trip you most want, or may not get to go when you want. Not only is the Museum a fascinating depiction of the history of wooden (and modern) ship manufacturing as practiced on the Kennebec River and Bath, Maine, but also offers these dynamic river and coastal boat adventures, and Bath Iron Works & Town trolly tours. Share my passion and jump on one of these trips!

Bath has been a shipbuilding center in Maine since 1607, when the Popham settlement decided one Winter was enough in Sagadahoc (Maine at the time) at the mouth of the Kennebec River, and built their escape ship onsite. The Bath Iron Works continues that tradition, now with contracts for guided missile destroyers, and hopefully in the near future for the new generation of US Coast Guard cutters. The Trolley Tours are centered on sharing the history of the Town and BIW’s history from the building of the “Ranger” Americas Cup winner in 1937, through todays generation of stealth destroyers based on the Zumwalt (DDG-1000) & Arleigh Burke classes. Although the schedule is not in place as I write this, it will be daily (except Sundays), $32 for Museum non-members. See Maine Maritime Museum Tours for details. For the best view of the yard from the River, combine this tour with the Shipyards & Lighthouse Cruise! Again, daily @ noon, one hour, $32.

white lighthouse with red house on green grass with sea to rearAll the Lighthouse and River Cruises run from 6/13 – 9/5 Maine Maritime Museum boat cruises. There is a 6 Lighthouse Cruise and a 7 Lighthouse Cruise, the first being mostly confined to the Kennebec River lighthouses (but does go out to Sequin Island Light beyond the mouth of the Kennebec), and the second is a slightly longer river tour that includes a full river circle, including the Sasanoa and Sheepscot Rivers. The first is 2 hours in duration, and is offered on Sunday and Tuesdays @ 3:30PM for $39. The 7 Lighthouse Cruise is 3 hours long, and takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays, for $44 for non-members.

The Lighthouse Lovers Cruise is a 4 hour cruise that takes in some coastal beacons further east along the coast. So, not only do you enjoy the River lighthouses and Sequin, but it also takes in The Cuckolds (off Boothbay), & Ram and Burnt Island lights. This is a much more relaxing way to enjoy these from the water, than driving out to end of all of these peninsulas – $50. These are only on Saturdays @ 3:30PM.

Last, but not least, the Wildlife of Merrymeeting Bay takes you upriver to this unique huge natural sanctuary of fresh water, formed by the junction of 6 rivers, that is home to scores of bald eagles, ospreys, and migratory birds and fish of all sorts. Sturgeon and striped bass spawn in this beautiful bay! This trip is 3 hours long and is only run on Thursdays at 3:30PM. Of course, a naturalist will be on board to guide and inform you.

Freeport is right at the hard glacial turn east of the Maine coast, and so an amazingly well centered point to tour the coast, mountains or City of Portland from. Brewster House is perfectly located just a couple of quiet blocks from the busy LL Bean shopping mecca of Freeport, and the most luxurious spot to rest your tired body and renew your metro seared spirit! Call and we can help plan your time here, or book directly @ Brewster House B & B!

Posted in activities near freeport, adventure, bath, boating, Brewster House News, Coastal Maine Attractions, lighthouse, lighthouse tour, lighthouses, maine lighthouses, maine maritime museum, sightseeing | No Comments »

THREE MAGICAL SUMMER SEA PACKAGES

April 11th, 2016 by Kelleigh Dulany

April is a great time to review the three magical summer sea packages we offer at Brewster House to make your Maine vacation uniquely special! Since most folks come to Maine with our great and magnificent oceanfront at the fore of their imaginations, let’s start with lighthouses, boats and beaches.

red & white horizontally stripped lighthouse w/ blue sea & sky as background

West Quoddy Light

Lighthouses have to be the #1 draw for non-local visitors to Maine! Their lonely, rugged visages, and history of drama and life-saving must be the basis for their powerful draw. Our Lighthouse Tour Special offers a book and maps for the basis of your exploration, a lighthouse themed gift basket, $50 gas gift card and a $50 gift certificate to Freeport’s award winning Azure Cafe Restaurant. Be forewarned, although these beacons may be close by sea, many are a good distance apart by car! Lighthouse Tour Special

Our Maine Seafarer Adventure brings our guests into more intimate contact with Casco Bay, featuring an amazing sailing experience on a traditional schooner and a visit to the expansive and magnificent Maine Maritime Museum, on the mighty Kennebec River. The Museum includes the entire grounds of the Percy & Small boatyard, including the museum, blacksmith shop, boat shop, construction-ways, docks and even the owners personal residence. This is the only surviving 19th century wooden boatyard that has survived into the 20th century! I’m saving this for another blog, but in season the Museum also offers tours the Bath Iron Works shipyard (building stealth destroyers now) and all kinds of fascinating boat tours of the River and Coast. Of course, our special also includes a welcome backed and gift certificate to the Azure Cafe. Maine Seafarer AdventureWhite schooner under sail near sunset with land in background

The Perfect Maine Adventure, Land & Sea, is our latest novel idea, and all of the guests we’ve discussed it with thought it an awesome offering!! Having sailed most of my adult life, some family members and I signed on the schooner Heritage for a 6 day voyage from the East Coast of Penobscot Bay, to Mt. Desert (Acadia National Park) & back. Gorgeous, powerful (145’), elegant, comfortable cabins and great food! Bring a good book or two, binoculars, and relax on deck, or jump in with the crew, raise the sails, play with their amazing sailing and rowing dinghies, wash off the anchor or discuss navigation with the Captains, YOUR CHOICE! Throw in your own case of wine for seem evening stargazing, and you’ll have on of the finest adventures of your life! Call me to discuss if you’re interested, but the idea here is to combine time on the schooner, with some soft time and legendary breakfasts and cookies at Brewster House, reveling in the pleasures of the Casco Bay area, Portland distractions, local beaches and other “mid-coast” pleasantries. IN OUR BOOK, THAT IS PERFECT!! Perfect Maine Adventure, Land & Sea

For the beaches, you’ll have to book a stay, let us spoil you, and be schooled on the best local secrets, while basking in the glow of your 3 course gourmet breakfast!! See us at Brewster House

Posted in B & B, beaches near Freeport, bed and breakfast, boats, Brewster House News, Coastal Maine Attractions, lighthouse, lighthouse tour, lighthouses, maine adventure, maine coast, maine sandy beach, maine vacation, package, sailing, schooner | No Comments »

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