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The Guest Parlor
The Breakfast Room
Waldo Emerson Inn - Quilt Shop in the Carriage House at the Inn
The Yellow Room
Blue Room (3)
Red Room (4)
Green (twin) Room
Waldo (alternate) Room
Ralph's Library (alternate) Room
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Nightly Rate
$105 - $195
, - Reviews 48
- Rooms 4
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Accepts Gift Cards
Inn's website-
Address
108 Summer Street
Kennebunk, ME 04043-2126
USA - Phone+1-207-985-4250
- Mobile+1-207-332-1991
- Toll free+1-877-521-8776
- EmailContact Innkeeper
A restored shipbuilders manse located next to the Kennebunk river with all the latest amenities including working fireplaces for a relaxing romantic getaway. Let us pamper you with a terrific Dutch breakfast and afternoon tea in the Inn's historic parlor or in the shade of our large oak trees. The Inn has had several famous owners. The original Dutch grambrel was constructed by one Waldo Emerson in 1753. It is the oldest remaining house in Kennebunk. Waldo, great-uncle of Ralph Waldo Emerson, the poet/essayist, made a tidy profit building clipper ships on the river behind the house. It was inherited, through marriage, by Theodore Lyman, who made a fortune building ships on the site and added the enormous addition in 1784, as a wedding gift for his second wife. Theodore sold the home in 1804, to build the now-famous Lyman Estate and Greenhouses in Waltham, Mass. The house was purchased by John Bourne, father of 15 children, one of whom was George Washington Bourne, the builder of the famous "Wedding Cake House" next door. The inn is a wonderful recollection of the past. You enter directly into the 252-year-old keeping room, with its hand-hewn oak timbers hung with dried flowers, pewter, and copper. During your stay, please stop by Mainely Quilts and gift shop, located in the carriage house next to the Inn. You'll find the latest local creations. Heirloom quality quilts and wallhangings, often taking hundreds of hours to create, grace homes all over the world. You also will find a wide selection of fabrics, quilting supplies and novelties. The Inn is open year round.
Professionally Inspected
Diamond Collection Inspected and CertifiedReviews
Score Breakdown based on 48 Reviews
4.6 out of 5- Guest room 4
- Services 5
- Value 5
- Cleanliness 5
- Dining 5
4.8 out of 5great weekend
May 31, 2013
My wife and I stayed at the Waldo Emerson Inn for our 22nd Anniversary. It was wonderful. The house is old and new at the same time. The house itself is very old and homey but with modern bathrooms (which is perfect in my mind ) the rooms were very roomy. the inn is very clean and the innkeepers a delight. Only negative was a $10 charge for a tv. I don't understand that but paid it anyway. Breakfast was very good and special diets were dealt with without any problems. We are looking forward to returning when time allows.
5 out of 5Best stay ever!
March 07, 2013
My fiance and I stayed with John, Kathy, and their very sweet pup Waldo this past weekend, and it was wonderful! The room was immaculate, with a wonderful working fireplace (a nice touch during a Maine winter!), comfortable bed, wonderfully maintained. In the morning, John puts out a homemade, fresh, filling, and downright delicious breakfast! Fresh fruit and house made granola are always on the table. Our first morning we had big waffles with berries on top, and the following morning we had eggs bennedict with home fries. The best thing about the stay for us, though, was the overwhelmingly welcoming feeling. It felt much more like visiting old family friends than staying in a regular inn or hotel. John and Kathy are both quite warm, happy to talk and tell stories, and full of great information!! We will absolutely be back! In the meantime, give Waldo a bit of sausage for us, he love it! :-)
5 out of 5A Wonderful stay!
February 22, 2013
My finacee and I stayed two nights, Feb 17-18, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. John and Kathy were extremely attentive, helping us find places to eat, places to visit. Our room was simply beautiful, comfortable, and clean, and the breakfasts were outstanding! We truly intend to stay there again, and recommend the Waldo Emerson Inn without hesitation.
4.6 out of 5Lovely, quaint place to stay!
October 15, 2012
My husband and I stayed there one night. John and Kathy made us feel SO right at home, from the very start. VERY, very, VERY nice people (did I say how NICE they are?) :)...the hospitality was some of the BEST we've ever experienced!! The room we stayed in, and bathroom, were each quite smallish, (if that's something that would matter to you)...yet at the same time it was very cozy, clean, and still quite lovely. The metal headboard of the bed, when sitting up against it, does wobble back, but I just took it as part of the old-time quaintness of the place (befitting the historical nature of the home). It also sits fairly close off the road, where traffic can be heard, if that might matter to someone. However, it wasn't overwhelming in any sense of the word...just could be heard to some degree...yet certainly nothing obnoxious at all, or that would keep one awake, or awaken one, unless they were the very lightest of sleepers. Overall, the pluses of the inn more than make it a recommended place to stay!! Beautiful, SWEET inn with lots of history... I would recommend this B&B to anyone. The breakfast was outstanding...they really outdo themselves with all that they serve!! Overall, we give this inn an A+ rating...definitely a place where we would wish to stay at again!! THANK you, John & Kathy, for a WONDERFUL time at your BEAUTIFUL inn!!
Location
Innkeeper Information
Innkeeper(s)
John Daamen and Kathy Daamen
Innkeepers Description:
Ralph Waldo Emerson readings, hiking, nature walks, biking, snow shoeing, soaring. Just to name a few
The innkeepers speak:
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Dutch
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English
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Nightly Rate
$105 - $195
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Rooms & Rates
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Nightly Rate
$105 - $195
Yellow Room
The handsome pumpkin pine floor planks are 24" wide "Kings Pine". This room is a favorite for honeymooners. A large working fireplace, original folk art paintings, sculpture and AC. $20 per guest over double occupancy. Room rate is $125.00, rate with fireplace $140.00. Winter rates are in effect from November 1 until May 31 except for holidays. Occupancy rates are subject to change. State and local taxes may apply. Check in time is 3:00pm and Check out time is 10:30am.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactRed Room
A large, airy room with a queen size cast iron bed, dresser, lazy slider chair, rocker and chest. Original folk art and sculpture, Kings Pine floors and large working fireplace with lawn and garden views. Private bath with shower. $20 per guest over double occupancy. Room rate is $125.00, rate with fireplace $140.00. Winter rates are in effect from November 1 until May 31 except for holidays. Occupancy rates are subject to change. State and local taxes may apply. Check in time is 3:00pm and Check out time is 10:30am
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactGreen Room
A sweet old fashioned room with twin beds...homemade quilts, of course. Original folk art and sculpture, antique oak dresser, armoire and rocker, King Pine floors. This room looks out over the lawn and flower gardens. Private bath with shower. $20 per guest over double occupancy. Room rate is $125.00. Winter rates are in effect from November 1 until May 31 except for holidays. Occupancy rates are subject to change. State and local taxes may apply.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 2 Twin
Contact for Availability ContactBlue Room
Queen size cast iron bed with handmade quilt, antique oak dresser, love seat, rocker, table, AC and a large working fireplace with a mantlepiece board of 32" wide (Kings) pine the largest known plank in the inn. Full private bath with tub/shower and heated marbel floor. $20 per guest over double occupancy. Room rate is $125.00, rate with fireplace $140.00. Winter rates are in effect from November 1 until May 31 except for holidays. Occupancy rates are subject to change. State and local taxes may apply. Check in time is 3:00pm and Check out time is 10:30am.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactWaldo Emerson
This is an alternate room. It is the original master bedroom of the Emersons. Great period decor and furnished with a Queen Sleigh bed, a twin, a window cubby single, rocker, AC and Cable TV. This room is ideal for the small traveling family. Here is where history was made. $20 per guest over double occupancy. Room rate is $125.00. Winter rates are in effect from November 1 until May 31 except for holidays. Occupancy rates are subject to change. State and local taxes may apply. Check in time is 3:00pm and Check out time is 10:30am.
- Maximum Capacity: 4
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen , 2 Twin
Contact for Availability ContactRalph's Library
Ralph's (favorite) Library - This alternate room is located on the 1st floor, fully redone, a queen size bed, seating area and a large fireplace, AC, handmade quilts and private bath. $20 per guest over double occupancy. Room rate is $125.00, rate with fireplace is $140.00. Winter rates are in effect from November 1 until May 31 except for holidays. Occupancy rates are subject to change. State and local taxes may apply.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactPolicy
Reservation Policy
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Check In: 3:00pm Check Out: 10:30am
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Minimum Stay: Applicable on certain weekends
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Deposit Amount Required: First day (or 50% for multiple days) by check or money order or a credit card will secure your reservation.
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Cancellations: You are responsible only for a $15.00 processing fee if you cancel more than ten (10) days prior to the scheduled arrival. For cancellations received ten (10) days or less before your schedule arrival, you will be responsible for the full stay minus the days we are able to re-book your room and a $15.00 processing fee.
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Open All Year Round: Yes
General Policies
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Smoking Allowed: Limited
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Guest Pets Allowed: No
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Drinking Allowed: Yes
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Drinking Description: B.Y.O.B.
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Drinks Available: No
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Children Allowed: Ages 6 and above (Waldo Emerson's Room - no restrictions)
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Suitable For Children: Limited
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Childcare Provided: Limited
Discount Type
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Serene Season three day special starting Nov. 1st
Percent Off: 30% Days Required: 3 -
Serene Season two day special starting Nov. 1st
Percent Off: 20% Days Required: 2
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Nightly Rate
$105 - $195
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Reviews
Score Breakdown based on 48 Reviews
4.6 out of 5- Guest room 4
- Services 4
- Value 4
- Cleanliness 4
- Dining 4
4.8 out of 5great weekend
May 31, 2013
My wife and I stayed at the Waldo Emerson Inn for our 22nd Anniversary. It was wonderful. The house is old and new at the same time. The house itself is very old and homey but with modern bathrooms (which is perfect in my mind ) the rooms were very roomy. the inn is very clean and the innkeepers a delight. Only negative was a $10 charge for a tv. I don't understand that but paid it anyway. Breakfast was very good and special diets were dealt with without any problems. We are looking forward to returning when time allows.
5 out of 5Best stay ever!
March 07, 2013
My fiance and I stayed with John, Kathy, and their very sweet pup Waldo this past weekend, and it was wonderful! The room was immaculate, with a wonderful working fireplace (a nice touch during a Maine winter!), comfortable bed, wonderfully maintained. In the morning, John puts out a homemade, fresh, filling, and downright delicious breakfast! Fresh fruit and house made granola are always on the table. Our first morning we had big waffles with berries on top, and the following morning we had eggs bennedict with home fries. The best thing about the stay for us, though, was the overwhelmingly welcoming feeling. It felt much more like visiting old family friends than staying in a regular inn or hotel. John and Kathy are both quite warm, happy to talk and tell stories, and full of great information!! We will absolutely be back! In the meantime, give Waldo a bit of sausage for us, he love it! :-)
5 out of 5A Wonderful stay!
February 22, 2013
My finacee and I stayed two nights, Feb 17-18, and thoroughly enjoyed our stay there. John and Kathy were extremely attentive, helping us find places to eat, places to visit. Our room was simply beautiful, comfortable, and clean, and the breakfasts were outstanding! We truly intend to stay there again, and recommend the Waldo Emerson Inn without hesitation.
4.6 out of 5Lovely, quaint place to stay!
October 15, 2012
My husband and I stayed there one night. John and Kathy made us feel SO right at home, from the very start. VERY, very, VERY nice people (did I say how NICE they are?) :)...the hospitality was some of the BEST we've ever experienced!! The room we stayed in, and bathroom, were each quite smallish, (if that's something that would matter to you)...yet at the same time it was very cozy, clean, and still quite lovely. The metal headboard of the bed, when sitting up against it, does wobble back, but I just took it as part of the old-time quaintness of the place (befitting the historical nature of the home). It also sits fairly close off the road, where traffic can be heard, if that might matter to someone. However, it wasn't overwhelming in any sense of the word...just could be heard to some degree...yet certainly nothing obnoxious at all, or that would keep one awake, or awaken one, unless they were the very lightest of sleepers. Overall, the pluses of the inn more than make it a recommended place to stay!! Beautiful, SWEET inn with lots of history... I would recommend this B&B to anyone. The breakfast was outstanding...they really outdo themselves with all that they serve!! Overall, we give this inn an A+ rating...definitely a place where we would wish to stay at again!! THANK you, John & Kathy, for a WONDERFUL time at your BEAUTIFUL inn!!
4.8 out of 5great experience
October 10, 2012
We enjoyed the hospitality, location and wonderful breakfasts
4.8 out of 5A Wonderful Gem!
October 06, 2012
This B&B is not to be missed. The history of the Waldo Emerson house is fascinating. John and Kathy are so knowledgeable about every aspect of it. The rooms are beautiful and very clean. The house is decorated beautifully, especially the dining room where the table is set with fine china. They serve an incredible breakfast to you on that china which makes you feel pampered and treated like royalty. As for things to do and local attractions, John gives his honest and informed suggestions about what to see and where to eat. He helps to steer you away from tourist traps. Overall, the place is wonderful and we wish we had more time there!
4.6 out of 5Charming and Friendly
September 20, 2012
John and Kathy hospitality are outstanding. The breakfast was delightful. The historical house and rooms are beautiful, although not in all details perfect. Doesn't this make it charming ? The conversation at breakfast with the other guests and John were special (Dutch hospitality ?). John's recommendation for the best lobster restaurant in town were excellent. We will come back.
5 out of 5Sweet 15th Anniversary
September 11, 2012
Such a sweet place and incredibly kind and knowledgable hosts. The Inn Keepers were very welcoming to all the diverse guests we met during our stay. Was a very busy weekend and yet they made each of us feel special and comfortable. The breakfasts each morning (we stayed three nights) were absolutely stellar, very fresh, unique, and from the heart. Thank you for everything John and Kathy Daamen, for making our 15th Anniversary so memorable. We highly recommend this B&B!
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Location
Location Type
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CVNewEng.org
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Classical Voice of New England
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Famous Wedding Cake House
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Ogunquit Play House
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Walker's Point
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Airport
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Beachside
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City
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Countryside
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Downtown
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Island
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Mountains
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Oceanside
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Small town
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Suburban
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Village
City - Boston
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Distance to city: 42 miles
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Directions to property:
From the general Boston direction take Route 95 North. After the Maine Toll Booth, take exit #3 to Kennibunk/Kennibunkport on Route 35. After passing through downtown Kennebunk continue to follow Route 35 turn left at the second traffic light to Kennebunkport. You are now on Summer Street / Route 35. After approximately 1.8 miles, you will see the "Wedding Cake House" on the left side. We are the first drive way past the Wedding Cake House on the left. You will see the Carriage House, home of the Mainely Quilts shop, in front of you with the Inn on the right side of the driveway.
Airport
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Portland, ME (PWM-Intl. Jet Port) 27 miles
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Directions to property:
Use 95 South. Exit at #3 and take Route 35 to Kennibunk/Kennibunkport. After passing through downtown Kennebunk continue to follow Route 35 turn left at the second traffic light to Kennebunkport. You are now on Summer Street / Route 35. After approximately 1.8 miles, you will see the "Wedding Cake House" on the left side. We are the first drive way past the Wedding Cake House on the left. You will see the Carriage House, home of the Mainely Quilts shop, in front of you with the Inn on the right side of the driveway.
Area Attractions
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Amusement Park
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Antique Shopping
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Art Galleries
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Beach
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Concert venue
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Gourmet/Fine Dining
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Historical interests
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Lake
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Live Music
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Movie Theater
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Museum
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National/State parks
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Nature area
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Ocean
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3 Mls to fantastic Beaches - Great Surfing
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3 Mls from Dock Square with its distinctive shops
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Hiking and Bike Trails - lots of Antique Shops
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Brick Store and Trolley Museums
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Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge, Laudholm Farm
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Franciscan Monastery
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Outlet Stores
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Performing Theater
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Picnic area
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Religious Services
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River
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Ski area
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Bicycle rental
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Bicycle riding trails
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Bicycles
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Bird watching
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Boating
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Canoeing
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Cross-country ski trails
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Downhill Skiing
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Fishing
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Golfing
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Hiking trails
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Horseback riding
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Horseshoes
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Hunting
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Kayaking
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Mountain Bike trails
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That special Wedding? At the Wedding Cake House
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Farmers markets, Brick Store Museum
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Two large Factory Outlet Malls nearby
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Cross Country and Down Hill Skiing
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Deep Sea Fishing & Whale Watching
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Light Houses and Whale Watching
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Sailing
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Shopping
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Sight-seeing
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Ski rentals
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Snow shoe rental
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Snow shoe trails
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Swimming
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Swimming pool
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Tennis courts
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Tennis racket rental
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Water sports
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Amenities
Type:
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Bed and Breakfast
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Historic Inn
Property highlights
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Hand quilting seminars & retreats
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John Bourne and Henry Kingsbury joint venture
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John Bourne, Ship Builder & Wedding Cake House
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Lean for Life coaching
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Ralph Waldo Emerson's Writings
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Underground Railroad
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Antiques/decor
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Business travel
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Christian Travel
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Excellent views
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Family Travel
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Gourmet food
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Group events
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Honeymoons
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Luxury
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Nature
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Peaceful getaway
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Romantic escape
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Weddings
On-site
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BBQ grill
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Board games
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Computer
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Conference Rooms
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Copier
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Desk
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Fax Machine
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Library
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Piano
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Secretarial services
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TV Video games
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Telephone
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VCR
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Videos
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Washer/dryer
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Wedding Facilities
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Wet bar
Guest room(s)
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Air conditioning
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Alarm clock
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Amenities Basket
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Bath robes
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CD player
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DVD Player
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In-room internet
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Fireplace
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Fridge
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Hairdryer
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Internet Service
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Microwave
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Private entrance
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Radio
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Satellite/Cable TV
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TV
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Turndown Service
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Wi-Fi
Other
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Guest refrigerator available in hall
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Complementary use of some nice touring bikes
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Day Trip guide
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Complementary beach parking passes
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Wireless Broadband (802.11b, g and N) at no charge
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Breakfast
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Type: Full
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Time Served: 8:30 am - 9:30 am
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Serving Location: Breakfast Room,Breakfast/dining area
Complimentary Perks
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Afternoon Tea
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Fruit
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Non-alcoholic Beverages
Signature Dish
Belgium Toast & Dutch Apple Flapjes
Ingredients - serve 6 Maple Syrup 4 Tbl Spoons, Butter 7 Tbl Spoons, Brown Sugar 1 cup, Eggs 4, Milk 1.5 cups, Vanilla 1 dash, Cinnamon Swirl Bread Slices. Preheat oven to, 300-325 Degree (Convection) -In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar and maple syrup. Mix together on medium heat until it just begins to bubble uniformly; -Stir well and quickly pour into the metal baking pan(s), cover bottom evenly. -Place first layer of cinnamon bread slices onto the glaze in the baking pan(s). (Adding cream cheese/blueberry to 2nd layer is optional). -Mix two parts of Whipped Cream Cheese with one part of Blueberry jam. Spread on the second layer of cinnamon bread. Place cinnamon slices with blueberry/cream cheese face down on top of the 1st layer -Whisk the eggs, milk and vanilla together and pour over bread evenly. Let sit until fully absorbed (about 30 minutes if bread is frozen). -Bake for 30 minutes, cover loosely with foil and set oven on warm. -To serve, remove (after loosening the edges) one slice at the time from the pan, flip it over on the center of a plate with the glazed side up. Just before serving, add a heaping table spoon of vanilla yogurt on top of the slice and dust with cinnamon. Add an orange slice and strawberry slice.Special meal options
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Low fat
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Restrictive
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Vegetarian
Additional food services
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Coffee, Tea and soft drinks
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complementary Poland Spring Water
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Contact The Innkeeper
Best Price Guarantee
What is the Best Price Guarantee?
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What does the Best Price Guarantee cover?
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How do I take advantage of the Best Price Guarantee?
Just call 1-800-GO-B-AND-B (1-800-462-2632) within 24 hours of booking and give our customer support representative the details on the lower price you found.
Best Price Guarantee Terms and Conditions
The BedandBreakfast.com Best Price Guarantee ensures that when you book and pay for your reservation online through the BedandBreafkast.com website, you are booking your room at the lowest available price. If you find a lower price for the same room on the same dates at the same B&B, and contact us within 24 hour of making your booking, we will refund the difference in price to you. This guarantee does not apply to bookings made over holidays and/or for special events. All requests are subject to verification by BedandBreakfast.com. BedandBreafkast.com will not accept screenshots or other purported evidence of a lower price that cannot be independently confirmed by BedandBreakfast.com personnel. Nor will BedandBreakfast.com verify any requests that it believes, in its sole discretion, is the result of a printing or other error or is made fraudulently or in bad faith.