Fall Foliage in Kennebunkport

Fall is My Favorite Time of Year in Maine

Although fall doesn't officially arrive until September 21, the crisp, cool evenings here in Southern Maine tell us that fall has arrived! Bev and I were driving some back roads this weekend and were slightly surprised that there are already a few trees showing some areas of bright reds and yellows. Wow; summer flew by!

In the fall, colorful country drives, clear blue skies, warm days and cool evenings draw travelers to the Captain Lord Mansion and Maine to view lots of beautiful foliage. In fact, we have several printed itineraries to help you maximize your foliage viewing. The photograph at right is from the Maine Department of Tourism website and was taken by Paul Strasenburgh. That website will keep you appraised of the color levels in each section of the state.

As I write this blog, I can almost taste the freshly-picked apples or apple cider. There are several delightful family orchards nearby where you can purchase fresh vegetables, different variates of apples and cider. This website gives you a list of nearby apple orchards.

Let us help plan your fall trip to Kennebunkport and southern Maine. Your innkeeper, Rick Litchfield

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

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

"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.

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

Captain Lord Mansion goes Green! What does that mean?

For some time we at The Captain Lord Mansion and our companion property, The Captain's Garden House, have been very concerned about the chemicals we use for cleaning. This month, after thoughtful research, we switched to "Green Cleaning". The term "Green Cleaning" is often misunderstood. Our effort is composed of environmentally-preferable or reduced risk products combined with our regular, exacting cleaning and maintenance schedule. We believe that we have implemented a properly designed "green" cleaning program and that it will have a positive impact on the health of the employees and guests. The "green" products we are using have the following characteristics:

• No persistent, bioaccummulative or toxic chemicals
• No ozone-depleting compounds
• No or low volatile organic compound content
• No hazardous waste characteristics
• No phosphate or phosphates
• No carcinogens, mutagens or antigens

The benefits of our "Green Cleaning" program using chemicals from the Spartan Chemical Company:

• Improved air quality
• Healthier inn for employees and guests
• Minimized exposure to adverse chemicals
• Reduced water and air pollution
• Reduced packaging waste

Also, we've had an extensive recycling program in effect at the inn for many years. There are small refrigerators in each guest room with complimentary bottled water, sodas and juices. Additionally, we sell wine and champagne. We encourage guests to recycle bottles and cans by placing small, blue recycling containers in each guest room. In addition to material from guest rooms, we collect plastic, glass, cardboard and newspapers from other inn operations for weekly disposal at our local recycling center in Kennebunk. We seem to grow cardboard and newspapers like they were grass! I am amazed at how much waste we produce and recycle each week and the effort required by staff to sort the various materials and haul them to the recycle center. Then, I think positively about how much waste we prevent from being dumped into landfill or being burned!

Additionally, we have converted to low energy use fluorescent light bulbs throughout the inn. However, low energy does not mean you don't have decent light to read by. Every room has plenty of lights and adequate wattage too!

What is Kennebunkport Arts in the Inns?

KENNEBUNKPORT, June 2007 - Artists from Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are partnering with seventeen local area Inns to present the 3nd Annual Art in the Inns, June 1-3, 2007. The Kennebunkport area is famous for its art community and Inns and the combination results in a unique venue for the artists in the beautiful setting of some the finest Inns in Maine.

The award winning artists' portfolios on display in the Inns include oil, watercolor, and acrylic paintings, relief sculptures as well as driftwood sculptures and multi media. The Inns are making a cash contribution to the Brick Store Museum and the Kennebunkport Historical Society and public donations are welcome during the event.

The weekend schedule at the Inns is as follows:

• Saturday June 1: 1-5pm with artist receptions from 3-5m
• Sunday June 2: 12-3pm

The public is invited anytime during the exhibition hours to see the art displays and enjoy the hospitality of the inns. To meet the artist, be sure to attend the receptions in each inn on Saturday afternoon. In most cases, the art is available for purchase. In addition, many of the Inns are offering special rates and packages for this event.

The participating Inns are: Captain Fairfield Inn, Captain Jefferds Inn, Captain Lord Mansion, English Meadows Inn, Kennebunkport Inn, Maine Stay Inn and Cottages, Nonantum Resort, Waldo Emerson Inn.

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28 Reasons to Trust Reservations at The Captain Lord Mansion

Thursday night, May 30, 2007, in a ceremony at The Ivy Manor Inn in Bar Harbor, my wife, Bev Davis and I were pleased and honored to accept our 28th consecutive AAA Four Diamond Award for The Captain Lord Mansion.

The AAA Diamond rating system was first adopted by the Auto Club in 1977. Maine held its first Four Diamond Award ceremony in 1987 at the Black Point Inn in Scarborough. The 1988 award winners were all lodging properties.

The property with the longest history of winning the prestigious Four Diamond Award is the Stage Neck Inn in York Harbor, being awarded the honor for 31 consecutive years. The 28 consecutive years for the Captain Lord Mansion is the second longest period for AAA establishments in Maine.

Also, only about 3% of lodging properties and restaurants in the United States rated by AAA receive the Four Diamond Award. As the rating criteria have strengthened over the years, we've made many many improvements to the inn which help maintain the Captain Lord Mansion in that top 3%.

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The Rooms At The Captain Lord Mansion