Hi there, as most of you know we spent Memorial Day weekend in bucolic Maine. What a beautiful state, so good for the soul. We went as a family (minus my oldest son) and it was the first time in a long time we were together like that, and it felt GREAT! It was quality family time at it’s finest:)

We had plans to go first to Kennebunkport then onto Bar Harbor to visit a friend but as the weather the last day was not so great, (it dropped almost 25 degrees in 24 hours)! And with rain on the horizon in the Northeast, we decided that Bar Harbor wold have to to wait until next time. We were so thrilled with Hidden Pond in Kennebunkport that it was well worth highlighting in this post.

Maine is a state for lovers of the outdoors. There are wonderful hikes/walks along the rugged coast, great nature/wildlife refuges, terrific restaurants, a cute and quaint downtown and loads of very friendly eager to help people. So here is a pictorial play by play of our trip there, didn’t catch it all but you get the basic idea:)

(You know I like to take lots of pictures so take a seat, lol)

 

Hidden Pond-

This is a wonderful resort which includes 2 bedroom cottages and 1 bedroom bungalows. There is a spa, nature walks, two pools, an award winning restaurant. They go above and beyond and it was run like a well oiled machine. The house was spotless and beautifully done.

I would describe this place as Maine meets Napa, it has a definitive Napa vibe, with a rustic earthy elegance. Each cottage is decorated differently which makes it kind of fun….much like Twin Farms in Vermont. It was so beautiful, comfortable, spotless and well maintained. We rode bikes, and really enjoyed Earth, their award (many awards) winning restaurant, they have a wonderful little spa and you are only 5-6 minutes from the town, 2 min to the beach! Click here to learn more about Hidden Pond.

So here is a look at our cottage and out and about at Hidden Pond-

My sons loved this little sleeping nook off the living room, made a mental note of that to find a spot for one in for the house in PB

Every morning like clockwork at 8 am, fresh coffee, the NY Times and a delivery of fresh baked goods was delivered to our front door

There was an adorable little kitchen and I love how cleverly they made use of the space

This might have been my favorite spot…..the wonderful sun porch with it’s hanging bed, wonderful!

I even took ideas away for my Palmetto Bluff house…sisal carpet and beadboard-yes!

I love that they had this wonderful old fashioned phone…so great

And out and about in Hidden Pond-

Earth, just love the vibe/decor, there was also an enormous stone fireplace with a seating area…..really well done

These are from the main building where they have tea, refreshments, fresh baked goods all day long, there is a huge firepit where in the evening they have smores every night

And off the “lobby” of the main building is this darling bar, so charming-

And above is the event barn, such a pretty spot- right across from Earth there are all kinds of great things going on here from weddings to big parties

This wonderful spot is part of Earth, great outdoor bar and on a small pond

They put tiki torches all around the pool/bar area at night and it is such a wonderful atmosphere

These are all part of the beautiful garden and grounds….

This is so neat, there are two “potting sheds” they are each set up to seat 8-12 people for dinner, they are so cozy and charming…here is the inside of one-

This is the second pool by Earth and they serve dinner outside, the first night we sat there and it was magical

One of the areas where smores are served nightly

And here is out and about in Kennebunkport-

Favorite restaurants-

Earth- Hidden Ponds’ restaurant- in one word…excellent.  Everything we had was outstanding. Farm to table at it’s finest, using all kinds of great local resources and farms. Loved the atmosphere/decor almost as much a the food. Great for breakfast too (but open to only guests staying there) for dinner it’s open to everyone. If you go make a reservation well in advance, they book up fast!

The White Barn Inn- Excellent food and a beautiful atmosphere, again the Napa Valley vibe pervades….there is a huge window that looks out onto the garden and it is very special. Outstanding in every way, they have won many awards which is understandable. There is also a super charming inn (not so great for families and/or those with small kids, more of a couples getaway) Book ahead.

Ports of Italy- funny name didn’t sound too Italian, but we were willing to give it a shot since it was highly recommended and my kids were craving Italian. What a surprise this was! My sons and husband who eat LOTS of Italian claimed they had some of the pastas and pizza were one of the best they have ever eaten. The owner is from Italy was briefly in NY and settled in Maine. It is casual and lively, but let me tell you they serve VERY good food!

Mabel’s Lobster- We walked in and out as the prima donnas in my family didn’t “like the smell”, um…it is a lobster joint:) Plus there was a wait but by many accounts, this is a great place to go for a super casual lobster lunch, it’s been there too long for it to not be good

Davids KPT- A fun, lively pretty seafood restaurant right on the dock, a bustling place that served good, tasty food with a heavy accent on seafood.

Things to do-

This is a place to go and get away, it is not loaded with things to do but most of what there is centers around nature, relaxation and eating..works for me:)

Wildlife Refuge- If you love to walk among nature, this is your place!

Walking along Ocean Ave

There are lots of boating excursions, and kayaking

Great walk through Rachel Carlson Wildlife refuge

Driving by Walker Point (The Bush compound)- It’s commanding presence makes it a regular tourist attraction!

Strolling through the quaint downtown (especially after dinner where everyone it seems goes to town for ice cream)

So there is my recap of our fun weekend at Kennebunkport. It was wonderful and the prefect getaway…sometimes you need to get away to a quite. serene, beautiful place where is not a lot of pressure to do things, see things, attend things…Maine is one such  place.

It was the perfect escape after  a busy few months. Even my boys who went there begrudgingly  and not too happy, calmed down, used their tech gadgets less and less and by golly, had a great great time:) See, moms always know best.  Thank you for stopping in, wishing you a wonderful day, I am loving this short week:) Until next time…..

PS The fabulous flower promotion is one, click here to view (ends tomorrow)