What is "Certified Maine Lobster"?

If it’s not certified, it just might not be authentic Maine Lobster.

The Maine Lobster Promotion Council developed the Certified Maine Lobster (TM) program so that customers can be sure they are getting the authentic Maine Lobster that they want. If customers don't see the Certified Maine Lobster(TM) brand on their lobster, they can't be sure of what they are receiving.

The criteria for a Certified Maine Lobster(TM) are:

• Harvested off the Maine coast by licensed Maine lobstermen who adhere to strict conservation methods
• Sold by licensed Maine lobster dealers
• Processed by Maine seafood companies and distributors

At the Captain Lord Mansion, we recommend several different types of restaurants that serve these succulent Maine lobsters. Whether dining elegant or casual, on your next visit, allow us to recommend one of Kennebunkport's great restaurants. We and our staff are pleased to share our favorites with you. Rick Litchfield, your innkeeper

Where Can You Rent Kayaks in Kennebunkport?

Captain Lord Mansion staff goes for a "Sunset Paddle" at Goose Rocks Beach!

Sunday evening, July 22, 2007 several of our staff together with Bev and I gathered on the beautiful white sands of Goose Rocks Beach. We felt excited and eagerly anticipated our "Sunset Paddle" with Seth Kenneway, the owner of a new business in Kennebunkport, "Port Paddle", which is associated with Cape Able Bike Shop.

Seth was accompanied by his wife Alison and their two young children. They were responsible for making the campfire we were to enjoy after our kayaking tour of the harbor.

Seth is a registered Maine Guide who has worked for the famous Maine outdoor outfitter, L.L. Bean. Seth brought us his brand new sea kayaks together with carbon fiber paddles, as in very light! There were seven of us sharing two double and three single craft. Bev and I do not paddle together, so she paddled with someone else, while I had a single kayak! Double kayaks are known as divorce boats!

Before dragging each of our kayaks into the water to begin our paddle, Seth spent time instructing us in the fine points of kayak paddling. Our actual 2 hour kayaking tour followed the curved lines of the beach about 200 to 300 yards off-shore. Before completing our trip, we paddled into the "Little" river which flows into the harbor on the north end of the beach. It was fun sort of surfing the swells into the river! As we headed back to our take-out point opposite the Tides Inn, we marveled at the beautiful sunset of pinks, roses and purples. The photos accompanying this blog are by Robert Dennis.

At the completion of our paddle tour, we dragged the kayaks up the beach and gathered around the campfire for fellowship, fruit shortcake, smores and sharing stories about our adventure. As darkness descended, we headed home feeling tired, but refreshed and grateful for having had the opportunity for such an enjoyable adventure.

If you are coming to Kennebunkport, we sincerely recommend taking this sunset tour with Seth.
Your Innkeeper,
Rick Litchfield

Fun for Foodies Vacations at The Captain Lord Mansion & Other Select Registry Inns

Select Registry Fun for Foodies Vacations; What Are They?

Are you looking for a food-related vacation?

One of the notable qualities you'll find at Select Registry inns is the innkeeper's passion for providing exceptional cuisine.

Therefore, the Select Registry is proud to introduce you to Fun for Foodies Vacations of New England.

The innkeepers of these fine properties share an appreciation for all things food & wine related, and they have put together unique, regional culinary experiences for your enjoyment.

These fun, educational, hands-on experiences promise a gastronomic good time!

Culinary enthusiasts can plan a Fun for Foodies Vacation at just one inn or all six.

Each participating inn will stamp your Fun for Foodies Trail Map along the way.

Visit at least three participating inns to receive a free insulated wine bag with the Fun for Foodies logo; visit all six and you'll receive a Select Registry Gift Certificate for $150 to use at the Select Registry inn of your choice!

Bev and I are proud to offer several Fun For Foodies Packages for your consideration while vacationing in Kennebunkport. Our Lobster Boat Cruise & Shore Dinner Package is a favorite during the summer months. Additionally, guests love to do the Lighthouse Tour and Deluxe Picnic. When coming to Kennebunkport to visit us at The Captain Lord Mansion, we are pleased to help you plan a Fun For Foodies experience. Just call us in advance of your arrival to schedule your package.
Your innkeeper,
Rick Litchfield

Fine Art at the Wells Reserve to benefit Laudholm Trust

A Painterly Day returns on July 15, 2007

Fine artists paint in open air around the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm capturing its magnificent scenery and structures. Their works are featured at a catered evening reception and auction. Proceeds are shared by the artists and Laudholm Trust.

The public is welcome to view artists at work during The Painterly Day . The Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm is open from 7 am to sunset. July admission is $1 for those 6 to 16 and $2 for those over 16 (Laudholm Trust members get in free). To bid on an artist's work, you must attend the auction.

Bev and I enjoy touring the Reserve during the day of the event to see the many different views being painted by the artists. We are always amazed at how each of the different artists interprets the various landscapes. There are always beautiful paintings that you want to bid on and own!

We at The Captain Lord Mansion have been financial supporters of this exceptional preserve since its inception because we are grateful to have such an extensive natural area for the benefit of both locals and tourists. The preserve provides both hiking trails and cross-country ski trails in the winter. Often you can see deer grazing in the fields at Laudholm Farm.

Laudholm Trust was formed in 1982 as a grassroots effort to protect historic Laudholm Farm in Wells, Maine. Within a few years, the Trust's vision expanded and, with exceptional community support, the group spearheaded the establishment of the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. In the years following its initial success, the Trust has continued to support research, education, and management activities at the Wells Reserve. Laudholm Trust has about 2300 members.

Rick Litchfield,

your innkeeper.

"Wind Sculptures" come to the Maine Art Gallery in Kennebunkport

"Wind Sculptures" TM by Lyman Whitaker

"The undulating movements of theses sculptures reflect the mood of the wind. In groupings large or small, the sculptures dance to the rhythms of nature. Captivating and magical, these fine sculptures will be enjoyed for generations" Bev and I have to agree with this statement from the brochure accompanying the printed announcement of this show by Maine Art Gallery. We were captivated by the beautiful display of sculptures as we drove by the Maine Art Gallery which is located on Route 9 as you arrive into Kennebunkport. We are seriously considering adding a piece to our garden area at The Captain Lord Mansion. If you are visiting us this summer, we heartily encourage you to experience this wonderful display of visual art.

Continue reading ""Wind Sculptures" come to the Maine Art Gallery in Kennebunkport" »

Fourth of July Fireworks in Kennebunkport

Fireworks begin at dusk at Kennebunk Beach, Beach Avenue.

25 Things to Do in and around the Kennebunks

• Drive Ocean Ave - view the rock-bound coast, watch the waves crash into the blow holes, and see the impressive shingle-style "summer cottages" including Walkers Point - President George Bush's summer estate.
  
• Visit Kennebunk Beach, Goose Rocks Beach, Mothers' Beach and several other beautiful area beaches.
  
• Shop Dock Square and its vast array of fabulous boutiques and craft shops, located just three short blocks from the Mansion.
  
• Ride the In Town Trolley for a fabulous narrated Tour of the Kennebunks.
  
• Tour the Nott House and visit The Kennebunkport Historical Society.
  
• Walk the Kennebunkport Historic District and view the period architecture.
  
• Visit The Landing Boat School and see classic wooden boats being constructed.
  
• Visit Cape Porpoise, a classic Maine fishing village and view Goat Island Lighthouse from the Cape Porpoise Pier.
  
• Tour Federal Jack's Brew Pub and watch how micro-brew beer is crafted.
  
• Visit the Brick Store Museum in downtown Kennebunk.
  
• Tour Laudholm Farm, a 1600-acre research, education, and public recreation facility.
  
• Visit the Seaside Trolley Museum - Home to the National Collection of American Streetcars, it is the world's largest and oldest museum of mass transit vehicles. Ride the trolley's four-mile circuit and drive one of the 20-ton trolleys yourself.
  
• Go Horseback riding.
  
• Ride a bicycle around Maine's most famous town (your own or rent locally).
  
• Go Sailing on a Windjammer from the docks of the Kennebunk River.
  
• Go on a Scenic Lobster Boat Tour, view Walkers Point, see seals and pull lobster traps from the Atlantic.
  
• Go on a Whale-Watch Trip.
  
• Go on a Sea Kayaking Tour.
  
• Rent a Canoe and paddle the Kennebunk River, once the launching site of large ships and now home to an impressive fleet of personal yachts.
  
• Play Golf at Cape Arundel Golf Course or The Webhannet Golf Club, both celebrating over 100 years of golfing tradition.
  
• Play Tennis.
  
• Cross-country ski or snowshoe through Maine's beautiful fields, woods and snowscapes.
  
• Dine at one of dozens of fabulous area restaurants.
  
• Visit the Portland Museum of Art, an extensive collection of fine and decorative arts dating from the 18th century to the present.
  
• Shop at world-famous LL. Bean in Freeport or Kittery Outlets in Kittery.