B.E.A.C.H. – Best Escape Anyone Can Have.

May 27th, 2017 by Damien Callahan

Image of Parsons Beach

The 2017 countdown to summer has begun!  The Kennebunks have had a taste of summer already with some of our Spring days having reached temperatures in the 80’s and 90’s!  When we have a Spring like that, we know it is time to pull out the beach gear and dust off last year’s sand.  At The Inn at English Meadows, that is exactly what we’ve done!  Did you know that when you stay with us, all you need to pack is your swimsuit and your favorite sunscreen?  We can supply you with beach chairs, beach towels, beach umbrellas, a beach parking pass and beach directions!  All you have to do is decide which beach you want to explore and what form of transportation you will take. 

B.E.A.C.H. – Best Escape Anyone Can Have.

We’ve got a few to choose from, which would you like to explore?  To name some: Kennebunk Beach (there’s one in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport), Gooches Beach, Mother’s Beach and Parsons Beach.  Not bad for a small coastal town!  If you do not find that special seashell, starfish or sand dollar, don’t fret – step into one of our shops and find the perfect keepsake to remember your beach days with us.  

Kennebunk and Kennebunkport have scooters, bicycles, and kayaks for rent and they are all within walking distance from our Inn.   Scooters: Harbor Village Scooters, Coastal Maine Scooter.  Bicycles and Kayaks: Coastal Maine Kayak

The Kennebunks are bike and foot friendly New England Seacoast towns.  We are aware of the beauty that surrounds us and sometimes you miss taking it all in when breezing by in a car, so go ahead and take your time.  Our historic homes, quaint boutiques, and shops, rocky and beach-laden shorelines await you!

Let’s get our summer clothes out, dig down and find those flip flops and plan your beach getaway with us at The Inn at English Meadows.  

Your 2017 summer, New England Seacoast adventure is waiting for you…

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Getaway in May & Get your 3rd Night Free!

April 24th, 2017 by Damien Callahan

Put Some Spring In Your Step

Spring fever got you wanting to get out and start getting that heart rate up?  Come stay with us at The Inn at English Meadows in the beautiful Kennebunks of ME and we’ll get you started!  April 29th marks the 25th anniversary of the Kennebunks Rotary’s Seaside Presidential Duathlon through the beautiful historic towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.  It consists of a 5k run followed with a 16-mile bike ride along the beach and passing President Bush’s Walker Point estate ending with a 5k smooth trail run.  Don’t worry if you are not that ambitious, you can enjoy any one of the events!  Return to our historic inn to unwind with one of our martinis or our spa package.

Need more time to plan and wanting a relaxed and get away that is full of music?    We got you covered, have a romantic Maine getaway at The Inn at English Meadows and kick off the weekend for Cinco De Mayo (May 5th  it’s a Friday this yr. ;)) at Pedros.  Celebrate with $5 margaritas, $2 beers, and other specials while listening to Gorilla Finger Dub band playing 9 p.m. – midnight (they also offer a happy hour from 3-6), relax and enjoy your time, it’s a couple minutes’ walk back to our historical inn and your luxurious room!  Wake to partake in the freshly made 3-course breakfast, Kate and David will be serving up a Mexican style dish in honor of the holiday. 

We’re not done with the fun!  The 19th annual May Day Festival is on May 6th on Maine St. in downtown Kennebunk.  It offers a full day of festive activities including Shakespeare pop up mobs, Maypole dancing and a parade at 1:30 (don’t miss The Portland School of Ballet, Gym Dandies, Shoestring Theatre, Shriners, classic cars and Dunlap Highland Band pass by).  All day live music from the Kennebunk River Band, The Ketchfish Band, 207 BLUES Band and finish the day with the “My American Song Book” piano concert at 7:30 p.m.  But wait, there’s more!  Check out a full list of activities here.

There is much more to do in the Kennebunks so stay a third night on us!  We’ll include a glass of wine on arrival and tapas at neighboring Toroso restaurant, the fun never ends when you are here!

Spoiler Alert:  The Inn at English Meadows is planning another “Pop-Up Dinner” this coming May!  Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the date reveal.  Fun-filled evening with a private chef preparing you and guests a scrumptious 4-course meal.  There will be limited tickets so keep an eye out!

 

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Road Trip anyone?

March 27th, 2017 by Damien Callahan

Spring is here and we all know what that means, “ay-yuh”, it’s time to get out of the house – Waahoo!!  Pack a bag, jump in your car and hit the road, don’t look back just get here.  Let The Inn at English Meadows sooth away your winter woes with our complete spa package and begin the unwinding.

Then swing through the car wash to relieve your ride of the winter slush (while you do the same for your soul) and take a road trip.  Cruise along the coast (the summer Rte. 1 traffic excluded), take in the sites you’ve been waiting all winter to see again.  Then stop off to visit the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens and be among the first to see the early spring bulbs and ephemerals while strolling through their gardens which comprise 295 acres of tidal shoreland

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Irish Soda Bread , with a twist!

March 9th, 2017 by Damien Callahan

Irish Soda Bread with a Maine Twist

 

3 ½ cups flour

½ cup sugar

1 tsp salt

½ tsp baking soda

2 tsp baking powder

 

2 eggs

1 pint Greek yogurt

1 cup of dried Maine blueberries

2 tsp caraway seeds

 

Mix dry ingredients, then fold in wet, then stir in berries

And caraway.

Very lightly knead and form 2 round loaves.

Place on a baking sheet and score a cross on the top of the loaves.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes until well browned.

 

*a more traditional soda bread could be made with currants or raisins

Try it toasted with butter, Yum! 

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Skies, skates, sleds, skis, & snow-shoes.

February 22nd, 2017 by Damien Callahan

The “S’s” of Winter:  Clear skies, skates, sleds, skis and snow-shoes. 

Clear Skies:  Ay-yuh!  The snow is here, the sky is clear and the air is crisp.

Skates:  Lace up your skates and head over to the Waterhouse Center.  An open sided ice rink with skating until 9 pm 7 days a week.  Heat up your skate time on March 5th during the annual Chili cook off!  Click here for details.

Sleds:  Get your romance on and take a sleigh ride with “Rockin’ Horse Stables” or get the giggles going whilst sledding at the Consolidated School and the Sea Road Sledding Hill.

Skis (cross country) & Snow Shoes:  600 acres to explore at Harris Farm.  They rent all equipment and offer hot chocolate and other refreshments in their cozy barn – the warm fire is free.  Take an adventure, with your own equipment, at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge or Laudholm Farm.  Join Laudholm Farm on February 23rd for their Winter Wildlife Day & Snow Day.  Click here for details.

Are you famished now?  Add dinner, spirits and zzz’s

Maine’s “Restaurant Week” runs March 1st -12th.  Take a bite out of one of the Kennebunk’s many fine restaurants.  They will be offering 3+ course meals and special menus at discounted pricing for two.  We suggest trying our neighbor “Toroso” who are proud participants of Maine’s restaurant week.

The moon is up, it’s getting chilly, come reside by our fire at The Inn at English Meadows, enjoy some spirits before you get your, well-deserved, long winters nap in one of our luxurious accommodations!

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Culinary Occasions

January 31st, 2017 by Damien Callahan

English Meadows Culinary Occasions!

Congratulations, you made it through January!  For we New Englanders, it is the hardest winter month to plow through.  Now it is time to think of having some fun before it all melts away to Spring.  Meanwhile, enjoy something fresh, convenient, and mouthwatering to break the monotony.  Time to look forward to the weekends again! 

Hot Fresh Breakfast is Served! 

This Saturday or Sunday, sleep in a little, clear the driveway and head over to The Inn at English Meadows for a tantalizing 3-course breakfast.  Everything is homemade so go ahead and relax, have a Mimosa, Bellini or an Espresso.  Settle in, meet someone new, hobnob with a local you haven’t seen since the cold and snow trapped you indoors or enjoy a long overdue date while pleasing your pallet.  Had a fantastic time?  Do it again, Breakfast is now available every weekend morning from 8:30-11:00 through April 30th.  Don’t miss out, call and make a reservation as seating is limited!  

A POP-UP DINNER!

Not a morning person?  Many of us aren’t, no worries, we get it and have something for you too!  A “Pop-Up Dinner” February 11th starting at 7 p.m.  Take a pause with the ones you enjoy and romance your food senses together!  Allow yourselves to be pampered with a freshly prepared with local ingredients – 4-course dinner –  after sipping on your welcome cocktail fireside.  Make this Valentine’s Day date truly special, the nearby restaurants will be there every other day…  Seriously, let Chef Chris Groman and The Inn at English Meadows warm your senses and ease your winter tension with a well-deserved scrumptious meal!  Didn’t make your reservation in time?  No worries, subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on Facebook or visit our website to learn when our next “Pop-Up Dinner” will be.  Yes, there will be more!

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Welcome 2017!

December 28th, 2016 by englishmeadows

 

Stay up, Sleep Inn & Brunch with us this New Years’! 

New Year’s is all about clean slates so this year get out of town, ring in the New Year in a new place, The Inn at English Meadows, Sleep in and join us for brunch and take your time with a 1:00pm check out.  You’ll have plenty of time to rush in the New Year so start off on the right, rested, well-fed foot with us. 

Let’s Paint the Town Red!

Celebrate all things love in The Kennebunks this February with an array of events, romance-centric hotel packages, and lovely offerings from shops and restaurants. The month long event kicks off January 28th with “Frosted”, a festive party featuring ice bar, sculptures and creative nosh and cocktails! Each weekend in February, The Kennebunks offer cooking and mixology classes, activities and engaging events that center on love and romance. The towns also adorn themselves with beautiful red lights, giant hearts and red, red, red! Check lovethekennebunks.com for a full schedule and more information!

New Year, New Traditions! 

That’s right just steps from our front door is the brand new and highly anticipated Toroso Kitchen & Cocktails.  Owned by the famed Shannon Bard, Toroso is a local Neighborhood Restaurant Serving Small Plates Inspired By The Flavors of Spain.

A highlight of Culinary communities Kennebunkport is your New Years Eve’ destination.  Leave the car and take a stroll to over 25 superb eateries in and around Dock Square or skip the walk altogether and sample local offerings from all new Toroso (right next door) 

Go Outside & Play! 

 

Go outside and play!  You know you’ve heard it a million times and you probably just read it in your Mother or Fathers’ voice.  It’s still great advice today and especially important for you grown ups!  
 
Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy the season:

Never underestimate the romance of a Sleigh Ride.

Take a walk on the snow: Snow Shoeing

Explore Nature:  Kennebunk Land Trust

 

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Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude!

November 23rd, 2016 by englishmeadows

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude tree lighting-bob-dennis

Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude tree lighting

Once again it’s the most wonderful time of year!  Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude is in its’ 35th year and shows no sign of slowing down.  Known for its beautiful seaside setting, winter is a highly anticipated time of year for Kennebunkport residents and visitors alike.   Christmas Prelude has been a “must do” holiday experience for thousands over the years and it’s clear why.  Like something out of a story book, Kennebunkport is a picturesque backdrop for such an occasion. Steeped in small town charm and an unparalleled commitment to community Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude was a recipe destined for the history books.  Since its inception in 1981, the tradition of Christmas Prelude has been the signature event celebrating the holidays in the Kennebunks for the past three and a half decades.  

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With such signature events as the tree lighting in Dock Square, to Sants arriving in what else, but a Lobster boat, Kennebunkport Christmas Prelude has something for everyone.  

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Still not convinced?  Just ask yourself; “when was the last time I went to a really good Hat Parade”?  That’s right, a Hat Parade.  Now in it’s 11th year this unique parade of holiday hats for children and adults led by the Patriot Fife and Drum Duo is one of a kind.  Show off your handmade or store bought creations. All hat wearers welcome!  We know we know, you only have one question; “where can you get more information?”  Have no fear, click here  

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So come wander the streets, join in the festivities, discover new flavors and make some new memories with us at this years’ 35th annual Christmas Prelude.  Just once, and you’ll be hooked.  

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Once you’ve satisfied your need for Holiday cheer, kick back, relax, and stare at the fire… We hope to see you soon. 

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Best Lobster in Kennebunkport

August 13th, 2016 by englishmeadows

When Sarah and I decided to move to Maine, a family friend told us that Mainers eat lobster more often than they eat ground beef. While I’m still not convinced that this is entirely accurate, does anyone have time to not eat a lobster when they’re in Maine? Not I. Not here. Not now. So buckle up, we’re going on a Lobster Expedition!

Note: this list is not exhaustive, apologies to the other wonderful chefs and restaurants who prepare delicious crustaceans for the people of  Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.

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1. Our very first stop is David’s KPT. If you’re looking for dinner with a view, this is your place. It’s right on the water, with a lovely view of all the neighboring ships and river traffic.

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They serve a lovely lobster roll with an option for DOUBLE LOBSTER, as well as David’s Lobster Dinner, which include a chowder, blackened shrimp cocktail, and a steamed Maine lobster.

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2. Next up, we’re heading to Mabel’s Lobster Claw! They’ve got every kind of lobster on the menu: a Lobster roll, Lobster Scampi pasta, Lobster Salad, as well as an entire section of Every Lobster Thing. Lobster stew, baked and stuffed, steamed, and Mabel’s Famous Lobster! YEAHHHH

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3. Alright lobster friends. Our third Lobster destination is Stripers at the Breakwater Inn and Spa. They have a lovely restaurant, with outdoor seating looking over the river and lawn. They serve whole steamed lobsters and lobster raviolo with oyster mushrooms and portobellos. But the star of the show is their outdoor Lobster bake on Monday evenings, complete with Lobster, Steamers, Corn on the Cob, Potatoes, and Blueberry Cobbler! You couldn’t ask for a more Maine-ish evening!

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Remember; these are only a few of the amazing restaurants in the area, and if you have any questions we’d be happy to offer recommendations and make reservations for you at any time! If you need us, we’ll be out researching more restaurants. It’s a tough life.

The summer is going fast, so don’t forget to book your stay at the Inn at English Meadows! You can call us at (207) 967-5766, or check our availability online right here! We can’t wait to meet you!

Love,

The Inn at English Meadows

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Rhubarb Scone Extravaganza

July 4th, 2016 by englishmeadows

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We’re deep into rhubarb season here in Maine! We’ve been using it in our cocktails, on our bread, and now in our rhubarb scones! We used Kate’s recipe for Dreamy Blueberry Cream Scones, and adapted it to make use of our abundance of fresh produce! And now you can make them yourself! Here’s how:

Ingredients:

2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

3 tablespoons sugar

½ teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt

5 tablespoons chilled, unsalted butter, cut into ¼ inch cubes.

½ cup finely chopped rhubarb

1 cup heavy cream

Heat oven to 425 degrees

Directions:

Slice your rhubarb stalks into narrow lengthwise strips. Chop into 1/4 inch cubes.

Slice your rhubarb stalks

Place flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in large bowl or work bowl of food processor fitted with steel blade. Pulse six times.

measure dry ingredients

Chop butter into 1/4 inch cubes. Using food processor, remove cover and distribute butter evenly over dry ingredients.

slice butter for rhubarb scones

Cover and pulse 12 times, each pulse lasting 1 second. Add rhubarb and pulse one more time.

add chopped rhubarb to dry incredients

Transfer dough to large bowl.

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Transfer to larger bowl for rhubarb scones

Use your hands to shape a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the cream into the center of the well. Stir in cream with a rubber spatula or fork until dough begins to form, about 30 seconds.

Add creme to dry ingredients for rhubarb scones

Knead dough by hand until it comes together.

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On a lightly floured surface press into a 8 inch circle, smoothing the edges. Cut into 10 to 11 wedges.

roll out dough for rhubarb scones

Place wedges on a parchment covered baking sheet. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with brown sugar, (optional) and bake until very light brown, 12 to 15 minutes.

Bake rhubarb scones

Cool 10 minutes and enjoy warm, or at room temperature.

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Served with strawberry butter!

Yumm!!! Now invite all your friends over for tea and scones, and discuss literature and flower gardens, and feel very fancy. Tra la la.

If you get these into the oven and your kitchen looks rather worse for wear, do not fear your mess: our kitchen looks appalling after baking, too. And we’re pretty much professionals, so you can definitely feel better about yourself about that one.

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Adapted from America’s Test Kitchen Cookbook

We’d love to see how your Dreamy Rhubarb Scones turn out, and what other interesting variations you can think of! You can tag us in your photos on Instagram or share them on our Facebook Page– We can’t wait to see what you dream up!

Happy Baking!

Love,

The Inn at English Meadows

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