Kennebunkport Offers You Excellent Fishing!

Do You Like to Fish?

Fishing in the waters off the coast of Kennebunkport offers you terrific opportunities to catch striped bass, bluefish, cod, haddock, mackerel and even shark. Local fishing outfitters will give you customized four, six or eight hour guided trips. No license is required and all bait and tackle is provided. You just need to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, warm clothes (offshore breezes can quickly chill you), and a hearty desire to catch fish. There are three local fishing-charter companies that are represented by these pictures. Tidewater Fishing Charters, Cast-away Fishing Charters, and Lady J Sportfishing. Each captain is USCG licensed and each has his favorite fishing spot and great fish stories!

If you call the Captain Lord Mansion, we can assist you in scheduling a trip. We'll never forget the morning Bev was making breakfast and a guest came into the kitchen to apologize for putting his fish in the Mansion's refrigerator! He had caught several sizable bluefish and put the cleaned steaks in our refrigerator the previous night. That was the day we served bluefish for lunch to both staff and guests! We look forward to helping you catch some memories! Rick Litchfield, Your innkeeper

Kennebunkport Beaches Are Delightful!

Kennebunkport and Beaches are Synonymous!

Summer fun in Kennebunkport, Maine includes a trip to one of our local sandy beaches. Goose Rocks Beach is about 6 miles east of the village of Kennebunkport. It is a crescent shaped, white sandy beach that offers tolerable swimming in Maine's cold waters. The beach is fairly shallow so the water warms up quite nicely in the hot summer sun! Personally, Bev and I enjoy walking the beach; our grandson was recently here and we helped him search the beach for seashells. He filled a bucket with beautiful iridescent shells that he took home as Maine treasures. Occasionally, you can find beautiful sand dollars; however, the day we went to the beach, we found none.

At the Captain Lord Mansion, we'll help with your trip to the beach by providing beach towels and beach chairs. However, be sure to stop by the Kennebunkport Police Station to buy your parking pass! Parking tickets tend to spoil your day of fun. Rick Litchfield, your innkeeper

Art Guild of the Kennebunks "Salute to Summer" Art Show

Kennebunkport Art Show
This Weekend!

The Art Guild of The Kennebunks represents over 75 artists. It was founded in 1980 by a local group of artists led by Ron Goyette to foster camaraderie, mutual support and professional stimulation. In 1981 Barbara Bush cut the ribbon at the opening of the first annual summer membership exhibit held at the Chapel Gallery on Route 35. Each summer since then, the AGK has held exhibitions at various locations in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. The 2007 Art Guild of the Kennebunks summer exhibit opens tonight, Friday, August 10 at The Community House which is locate on Temple Street, across from the Kennebunkport Post Office. The show will run Friday, 2-7pm, Saturday, 10-7pm and Sunday, Noon-4pm. The public is invited and admission is free.

Bev and I enjoy visiting these shows to see the wonderful variety of pictures and terrific group of talented artists that reside in this area. Also, we have our personal collection of paintings from some of the artists on display at the Captain Lord Mansion. I look forward to seeing you at the show!

Your innkeeper,

Rick Litchfield

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.

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.

What is The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk, Maine?

The Brick Store Museum is a wonderful history museum located in downtown Kennebunk on Route 1. It is dedicated to preserving the cultural and artistic heritage of the Kennebunks. We at The Captain Lord Mansion invite you to visit their distinctive buildings at the heart of Kennebunk's National Register Historic District. The museum is accredited by the American Association of Museums. We have discount admission coupons for our guests.


Wild Things, the current exhibit at the museum reflects the personal collection of Kate Manko, a dealer and collector of American folk art in Moody, Maine, who has assembled the wildlife objects over a twenty-year period. The exhibition is a visual delight of nearly 100 objects of animal life folk art, including bears, moose, elk, deer, squirrels, snakes, turtles, fish, frogs, and a wide variety of birds. Bev and I attended the opening of this exhibit and had fun seeing these wonderfully creative objects. It was good to see so many young people in the Museum; obviously the exhibit appeals to all ages!

The Museum has another interesting exhibit set to open this summer:

Kennebunk's Big Leaguers

The Brick Store Museum hits a home run with this exhibition on the two major league baseball players who have called Kennebunk home: "Colby Jack" Coombs (1882-1957) and his nephew Bobby Coombs (1908-1991).

Bev and I enjoy these exhibits at the Brick Store Museum and encourage our guests to avail themselves of the offerings of this wonderful small local history museum. Rick Litchfield, your Innkeeper

4 Reasons to take a Scenic Sailing Trip on the Schooner Eleanor in Kennebunkport

1. The Schooner Eleanor, launched in May 1999, was built in Kennebunkport by Captain Rich Woodman and a crew of local craftsmen to the lines of L. F. Herreschoff's 1935 Mobjack design. You'll experience local craftsmanship!
   
2. Although her hull was constructed using modern techniques, Eleanor is in every other way a traditional gaff rigged schooner. Spruce spars, mahogany transom, locust rails and hand carved trail boards all contribute to the beauty of this vessel. Flying four sails, with a large teak cockpit and spacious cushioned cabin tops to stretch out on, Eleanor will give you the feel of yachting in the 1930's. You'll have an authentic "Maine Wind-Jammer" experience!
   
3. My trips on the Eleanor have been some of the most relaxing and enjoyable times spent on the waters off Kennebunkport. Fortunately, the trips leave from The Arundel Wharf Restaurant which is located only a block away from The Captain Lord Mansion. You'll experience relaxation and convenience!
   
4. This is one of my favorite summertime experiences. I know you will enjoy it also. Rick Litchfield

Five Ways to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Kennebunkport

Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional start to the tourist season and there are several activities that begin this weekend which offer you different experiences to enhance your enjoyment of Kennebunkport.

1. The Lobster Boat Rugosa begins giving scenic cruises along the beautiful and rugged coast. See lobster harvesting up close and personal! This weekend, the Captain Lord Mansion begins offering a special package whereby you may take this interesting cruise and then enjoy a "Lobster Shore Dinner" at Mabel's Lobster Claw restaurant.
2. The Whale Watch boat Nick's Chance offers you an opportunity to visit Jeffery's Ledge which is a feeding area for whales. It is located 20 miles from shore in the gulf of Maine. Several species of whales are resident throughout the summer, feeding primarily on herring. The twin, high output, diesel engines with a cruising speed in excess of 20 knots, allows the boat to reach the feeding grounds in about one hour.
3. Ride the Rails at The Seashore Trolley Museum. Just minutes from Dock Square, Kennebunkport's shopping district, the museum is a world apart, a place where history comes alive. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a bygone era as you ride restored historic electric railway vehicles and explore the world-famous international transportation collection and beautiful grounds.
4. Step aboard the Schooner Eleanor at the docks of the Arundel Wharf. Your trip begins with a short ride down the historic Kennebunk River, passing lobster boats and luxury yachts. Once clear of the harbor, the sails are set and the wind takes charge. A typical course will take you along the scenic coastline from Cape Arundel to Cape Porpoise. Watch lobstermen at work and seabirds glide by. Learn a little local history. Help work the sails or sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh salt air. The peace and quiet of cruising under sail will put a smile on your face.
5. Kennebunkport celebrates Memorial Day on Monday, May 28th with an old-fashioned parade of veterans and the high school marching band. You might see George H. W. Bush (#41) giving an address at the ceremonies. Finish your weekend with this solemn celebration of the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

We always look forward to Memorial Day as an unofficial start to the tourist season. Even though the real rush begins about mid-June, we want our gardens and rooms to be ready by the holiday. Rick Litchfield, your innkeeper