Web Cam

The Giant Staircase is just a 20 minute walk from the Inn


You never know what people are interested in until it is gone. With that saying, Yes we know that the Web Cam is down. It isn't something that is an easy fix like cleaning the lens or unplugging it and plugging it back in. It seems the problem is with the Web Designer and we have to find a new one. After that they need to rebuild the web site along with the web cam link. It is going to be quite a process which unfortunately will not happen until after we close.
Our September has been phenomenal. Last week we had temps in the 80's. This week feels a little more like Fall with night temps dropping to the 40's but the days are still warm and people are still in the pool. I believe our room occupancy will just about surpass that of July! We do have some openings during the last week of September and here and there in October.  We are open almost a week later this year so you have until October 31 to book a room. Don't forget next year also. If you have your favorite room or time we do not want you to miss out.
Are you wondering what it is like on the Island in the Winter? You can also visit us at the Rental Home, water side in front of the Log Cabin. Skip all the hassle and spend the Holidays by the gas fireplace and the spectacular Winter Sunsets.    Check out www.vrbo.com and it is 56 West Shore House.

Community

Most people don't realize the Town of Harpswell is made up of 3 different Islands  Bailey, Orrs,Great Island, Cundys Harbor and  Main land Harpswell or as we refer to the "other side" .
It can take 30 minutes to get from one part of town to another. That being said this Town could not run without the many people who Volunteer their time to make the Community the fine place it is to live. The residents can really pull together to help each other out in times of trouble and times of celebration.
Take for example our Elementary School Swim Program run by Volunteers ( Aimee being one) that devote 2hrs every Wed during  the school year to give all kids K-5 eight weeks of swim lessons each year. Which living on an Island is important. This is not sponsored by the school for only $20 a child can be sponsored for all 8 weeks.
There are way to many organizations to list that are all Volunteer and Support this Town but I would like to touch base on 2  that stand out. There are 3 Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments spread around Town. Without the Volunteers and Ambulance Drivers critical minutes would be lost while we travel the 16 miles to the Hospital. Each August there is a Large Auction and Yard Sale on Orrs Island and that supports 
most of the budget throughout the year along with other generous donations. I hope not to need any of these services but know if I need them the volunteers of this Town will be there.
The Harpswell Heritage Land Trust has a Board of Directors as well as a very dedicated and experienced volunteer base. The Trust just received Accreditation by the National Land Trust Alliance. This is something they have been working on for years. The Land Trust along with Harpswell Recreation and many volunteers maintain the dozens of free public trails in Town. 
You can always look at the Town website www.Harpswell-Maine.gov and research  about our giving Community that makes Harpswell an amazing place to live.


We are closing in 2 months, October 31 almost a week later than last year. Fall is a spectacular time in Maine so if you are waiting to book do not wait to long we are filling up.

Blessings,
Alicia

HHH

Hazy, Hot and Humid that is what we have been experiencing this past week. I know I shouldn't be complaining because just take a look at the rest of the country. Plus we are working in an amazing location with a great group of guests but every time I look out at the Ocean I want to jump in, until I remember the temperature of it and decide that maybe the pool that is only 30ft away is a better choice. We could really use a couple days of rain ( at night only of course). I think the room guests are happy that all the rooms now have Air Conditioning.
The Dahlia's seem to have liked what ever magic was in the soil this year because they are just blooming like crazy. I think the stalks on these plants are the tallest and thickest we have ever had.We also have such a variety of colors and sizes. Some are 2" across and some are more than 12". It makes cutting fresh flowers for the tables an easy task.
I must mention what a great event last Saturday night at the Grand Opening for Cooks Lobster and Ale House. The new Owners had a day long bash with events for all ages. At night they had a big tent set up with a live band that was superb. You could get drinks and food out at the point and so many of the local people came out to support the new venture and dance the night away. It ended with some fantastic Fireworks on the  Bay. The addition of the new fire pits look quite inviting as well.
It is hard to believe that Terrence starts school next Thursday. Is Summer really almost over? I think it should be a Federal Law that school starts after Labor Day.
We do have some openings for the Fall which is my favorite time of year. Have you ever been to Maine apple picking, or to the Pumpkin Festival in Damriscotta? Come check it out this year.

I do have a challenge! I will give a Log Cabin coffee mug or etched wine glass to the first guest that comes back with a picture of them at the Thursday Night Live Music Event at the Mitchell Field Bandstand. They have concerts until the end of September.

Blessings,

Alicia

Lots to do

So much goes on in the Summer you can barely blink and what you wanted to do is over because you were doing some other fantastic event. It would be next to impossible to list every activity but some of the Highlights of my Summer have been most recently the 77th Annual BI Tuna Tournament. This was a stellar year for Tuna. They landed 13 Tuna and the largest being 751 lbs. This is also when the Boys have their tournament as well. They all got quite a few mackerel and all got new rods and lures for their efforts. They were on the Hunt for a Big Striper but none to be found before the buzzer rang. In Maine you are allowed 1 striper a day and it has to measure 28".

There was a Quilt Show on Orrs Island, the Art Shows on Orrs and Great Island. We went to the Music Man at Maine State Theater, Bowdoin College. It was amazing, if you are here in the Summer it is well worth seeing this Professional Theater. The Bean Hole Supper is this Sat at Mitchell Field which is hosted by the Boy Scouts and is really an adventure to watch. Another great thing at Mitchell Field is the Thursday Night Concerts in the new Bandstand.

Maine Maritime Museum  has opened a new Lobster Exhibit. It is the largest exhibit in the State and covers such a variety of topics on lobstering and lobsters. This is a must see along with the Boat ride from the Museum on the Kennebec River.
The sunset sails on the Alert have been postcard perfect. Last night the Sun was bright red as the boat was sailing by. Another note worthy event is that Cooks Lobster House was bought after 60 years in the same family. The new owners are young and  have young children. Nick and Jen are very nice and have already made some great changes, along with the name Cooks Lobster and Ale House. Next time you visit head down and say Hello.
With temps in the high 80's the AC in the rooms will be getting a work out today. We still have some availability for August so if you are in one of those States where it is 110deg head to Maine for some cool fresh air.


Blessings,

Alicia

Wicked Joe

 Did you know that we serve Wicked Joe Coffee in the Dining Room? This company is owned by
Harpswell Residents and is roasted locally in Topsham. Wicked Joe is committed to sustainability,organic and free trade beans. As of July 1, 100 of percent of their beans are either organic, Fair Trade or both. Their new coffee roaster uses 80% less fossil fuel and and puts out 80% fewer emissions. The Garvers make several trips a year to check on the beans. They look for beans that are "bird Friendly" these beans are grown under a three layer level of canopy composed of a dozen or so variety of trees. Even their vans that they use for delivery are all electric, including their forklift. Next time you take a sip of your coffee while you are enjoying our lovely breakfast think about all that went into that cup of Joe.  You can buy Wicked Joe locally at the Vegetable Corner or Hannaford Grocery Store.

It was super Hot today, 90. Between my shifts  I took a ride around the Island on a small boat, something I haven't done in a very long time. I urge everyone staying here to get out on the water while you are here. There are many choices and so much to see. It is not to late we still have rooms open this Summer.

Blessings,

Alicia

Happy 4th of July!

This is George Bailey, our dining room Moose. One of our guests named him, because "It's a wonderful life" here on Bailey Island. He replaced our original moose that came with the building when we purchased it in 1979......he was tired.
Hard to believe it's the 4th of July.....time is speeding by. We are very busy.....yard is looking great.....weather is perfect for the holiday. As we can see so many miles in so many directions, our yard is a great place to watch fireworks.....there were many last night, will be more tonight, and tomorrow Cooks does them on their point.
Hope you all have a great holiday! Sue

Vegetables

Many of you may think that cooking Dinner is a bother to us. That actually isn't so. We stay until 8:00pm every night. It is nice to visit with you while you enjoy our very local and very fresh food. As you know you must reserve by 3:00pm if you want to eat Dinner with us. That is mainly in part because we ( Sue mostly) shop every day for our food. We also get the lobster every afternoon fresh out of the local waters, caught by local lobstermen. In keeping with our ranking as an Environmental Leader we also grow our own vegetables. On the side of the building close to the dining room we have a vegetable garden. At the moment we have several kinds of lettuce, radishes, carrots, chive, herbs, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, and I know I must be missing something that we planted and didn't mark. Along with our own garden we have belonged to the local CSA. We pick up once a week at the Farm in Brunswick. It is a surprise to what we may get every week so being creative is something I am challenged with. If you are here on a Saturday I urge you to visit the Farmers Market at Crystal Springs Farm. Not only are there some fabulous food items and crafts they usually have music as well. Brunswick also has a Farmers Market on Tuesday and Thursdays Downtown on the Green Space. With all this Fresh Food how can you not be enticed! Not to mention our homemade desserts, like the rhubarb item that I just finished making with rhubarb from our garden of course.

The pool is open for the Season and the heat is on. We have been real busy this week, No Vacancy all week.  Victoria is doing magic out there in the gardens the Iris' are blooming and look amazing. One of the Poppy's just "popped" out today.

Terrence gets out of School tomorrow so it looks like my Summer has just started as well. I better start looking for some projects.

Blessings,

Alicia