Lokel Yokel - The inside guide to Camden, Maine

eat, drink & be merry

2011-12-06T07:24:00.001-08:00

Lokel Yokel returns from hiatus.

Leave it to me to take a stellar locavore evening at the elegantly-appointed Salt Water Farm and make it about beer and sausage! But here goes.

Last Friday, Eric and I attended a wood-fired cooking class at the farm, just two miles up the road from Birchwood (which in Maine makes us close neighbors). The rustic fall dinner menu cooked entirely in their dual-hearth (open fire and brick oven) featured sausage, kale and root veggies — sounds basic until you factor in caramelization, smoke and heavy cream! — along with oysters, focaccia, and a sensational dessert of roasted pear and creme anglaise (made with duck eggs).

you're nothing without caramelization

Dinners are BYOB. A dinner of oysters and sausage calls for ale. Local ale. Even better, a new local ale. Enter Oxbow where they conveniently pour growlers for retail sale on Fridays from 2-6pm. (Found locally on tap at 40Paper in Camden).

love everything about them, even their sign

A gorgeous drive with my fella to the Oxbow homestead (in Newcastle, a few miles beyond the Alewives fishladder in Damariscotta Mills) to chat with the brewmasters, sample beer and fill some growlers was just the start of a perfect date. That night we left with both stellar offerings — the Pale Ale and the Saison Noel. (For advice on other local ales, spirits or wine stop in and ask the clever fellows at RAYR who are always able to suggest a nice pairing.)

paired pears

My words don't capture how much fun it was to slowly and consciously prepare a meal in a traditional way, in a beautiful space, with two young, enthusiastic chefs. (And don't count on my photos to help either. How well I recorded the evening is inversely proportional to how much I enjoyed myself.) Experience it for yourself and find a way to make it over to Salt Water Farm.

Owl's Head in June

2011-06-22T06:40:00.000-07:00

GORGEOUS WEATHER. Nuff said.

Donuts, AGAIN!

2011-06-04T15:47:00.001-07:00

June 3 is National Donut Day but for me Donut Day is anytime I pass Willow Street Donuts, Boynton & McKay or Chase's Daily. French & Brawn – our sweet local market in the heart of Camden – is a new addition to my donut list for bringing back the Persian Bun. Locals so lovingly describe this treat from the past that it became a personal quest to find one.

Digging further to find one I'd often hear "Impossible! Only Brad can make the true Persian Bun." Having sampled Brad's other wares at Dot's I added him to the list. I managed an introduction once but Brad artfully dodged my inquiries.

There is some comfort in company. Online research offered up a Persian Bun fan page on Facebook "Friends of the Persian Bun. We will not stop until the first bun is frosted!" 197 likes. Kinship is sweet.

the domesticated Persian Bun in captivity

So we wait for Brad. But on a recent visit to the deli counter at French & Brawn to pick up some Heiwa tofu (Yes, tofu. Try the Maple Glazed Tofu recipe and you will convert.) I passed a new tray in the baked goods section – Persian Buns!!

"Stop it. You're here for tofu." said my left brain. "So? You're hungry now!!" shouted my right. Or maybe all this noise was just my stomach grumbling. Stomach always trumps conscience and so the Persian Bun was bagged. Forced at checkout to announce "Persian Bun" as the contents of my bag another customer commented, "It's the closest thing to the original I've had in a long time."

Never lucky enough to sample an "original" I did find it tasty. I peg this sweet treat as 50% cinnamon bun and 50% fried donut. The frosting was almost too much. Not my favorite but certainly worth a try. And the quest continues...

Who's on first?

2011-05-31T07:21:00.001-07:00

"Where do the locals eat?" is a common question from our guests. When we reply, "The Waterfront." they frequently counter with "Ok, but what's the name of the restaurant?" "Umm, that is the name." Our own Abbott & Costello routine.

view menu

Schooner Olad sails right past our table at the Waterfront

Why? Because it is where Camden locals (and plenty of visitors) go, where we'll be welcomed by the owner and see local kids busing and waiting tables, and where we can eat a nice meal at a nice price with a great view.

local Maine crab melt, fresh cole slaw, locally-brewed Andrews Ale

On a rare quiet afternoon in summer Eric and I will hang the shingle and sneak out for lunch. The Waterfront is our spot. Just a few minutes into town and we're sitting out on the dock enjoying the picturesque harbor views of the bay, Curtis Island, our stately library (voted one of the prettiest public libraries in the U.S.) and Mt. Battie. Life is good.

Let the sun shine

2011-05-10T07:43:00.000-07:00

There's always something pretty in the gardens welcoming guests to Birchwood Motel

Birchwood Motel officially opens for the 2011 season by Memorial Day weekend. A bit later than usual but some exciting winter projects will make it worth the wait.

Taking to heart Scott Nearing's words "Do the best that you can in the place that you are. And be kind." we apply this back-to-the-land philosophy to our life and our business. Birchwood Motel is currently the only green roadside motel in Camden, Maine and is Maine-certified as an Environmental Leader in lodging.

Hot showers and clean laundry at Birchwood Motel now powered by the sun

Time, effort and community made this possible. Recycling cans and bottles and changing lightbulbs were our first simple steps years ago. Over time we greened up our housekeeping, purchasing and gardening practices. And now we announce our biggest, proudest effort to date:

For the 2011 season we deliver to our guests solar thermal heated hot water, eliminating the need for propane, electric and a whole lot of heating oil. No longer will the furnace kick on during those hot summer days. YAHOO!

Our deep gratitude to Efficiency Maine, Finance Authority of Maine, and the USDA for supporting small business in America. Without this combined support our solar thermal system would not be possible. Rousing applause and praise for our professional installers IRC Solar Roof Systems and Pine State Services. We call them the Boy Scouts of solar installers because they left our place better than they found it.

Look for future posts about our other winter projects. Hint: more garden space and greener interiors!

We look forward to providing our guests clean, green, simple and affordable lodging this 2011 season. Hope to see you soon!

Whet your appetite

2010-09-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

Another Common Ground Fair comes and goes leaving me smiling, dreaming and planning already for the next growing season. Here's what I know from just a few hours in paradise (a/k/a Unity, Maine):

Tamarack balm heals. Ray Reitze – author, teacher, naturalist, Master Maine guide – passed some around at his talk "Plants & Trees for Herbal Medicine". A few hours later my sore cracked finger was cured. Really. His balm recipe was shared but requires waiting until the sap rises in February. Anyone know where I can get some now?

Good Karma Farm's Hippy Hippy Shake is a very good soap but Citrus Clove Clay is certainly THE BEST. Ran out of cash before I saw their gorgeous yarn.

Bette Davis Eyes (worst song of the 80s?) now might just be the greatest song ever...but ONLY if the Toughcats are covering it.

Compost is garden gold. Raised beds deliver more food in less space with less work. This from the master, Ed Smith. After Smith's talk I purchased his Vegetable Gardener's Bible (LOVE IT) and scored a free copy of MaryJanesFarm (thanks, Lyman's Farm Store!). Santa, I want a broad fork and some manure for Christmas, pleeeeeeeeeease.

Apparently I'm growing a medicine chest in my backyard. Berry trend du jour: Elderberry. There are claims that even Dr. Oz (of Oprah fame) is recommending it for warding off colds and flu.

Toki Cards are my kryptonite. Every year I buy more and every year people ask me where I got their cute birthday card. How could anyone resist "Squirrel Tea Party"?

Composting toilets are a great old idea. I want one and I want a root cellar. Not necessarily in that order, or near each other. Talks on how to construct both were offered.

If you need an old reliable for your seed garlic Harry Brown's Pink Musical Garlic is the one.

I probably shouldn't raise livestock, although I threaten it every spring – the garden needs the manure. Visiting the animal fairgrounds fed that yen enough for now.

Better festival food than this does not exist. Fried shiitake mushrooms...NOT greasy, just crispy. Umami mia, they were tasty! Onto a Maple's Cardamom Ginger Milkshake – even better than I remembered, like drinking a chai cloud. Heaping platters of fresh potato crisps doused in Sewall's organic cider vinegar. (In a spray bottle. Neat!) Tried to hit Maple's one last time – Spiced Pumpkin was calling to me – but the line was about 30 deep ALL AFTERNOON LONG. No worries, my true favorite was waiting just beyond the Pine Gate – Woody, I.M.H.O., outshines all ice cream makers anywhere else in Maine. Tiger Tongues all around please! (If you have to ask then you better try him next year.)

Not enough time in the day or in the weekend. There's always next year.

Show girls

2010-09-13T13:29:00.000-07:00

If a picture is worth a thousand words then one look at Endless Summer Dahlia Farm is worth a thousand pictures. Located just a few miles down the road from Birchwood Motel, you'd think I'd have paid Endless Summer a visit by now. Put this on your list for your next trip to Camden. Late summer/early fall is the best time to catch the surreally spectacular showy blooms in all colors, shapes and sizes.

ok, not worth a thousand words – camera still out of commission

Wander past hundreds (thousands?) of the most incredible blooms, all clearly labeled. Clipboards and forms are on hand should you care to place an order for bulbs.

Fall approaches and there just isn't enough color left in our gardens and pots save our begonias and the one sweet pink dahlia bulb gifted to me last spring. If I can put away the begonias each fall, what's a few more dahlia bulbs? Next fall's colorful payoff will be worth the effort. Now where's that order form?

Gone fishin'

2010-09-01T04:35:00.000-07:00

from the archives -- camera still broken!
The day or two of quiet that always happens right before Labor Day marks the intensity of summer passing. Quick! Time to throw up the NO VACANCY shingle and play before the fall season kicks off.

This year's destination – Reid State Park – one of our fave beach spots just a little over an hour drive from Birchwood Motel. Choose mellow lagoon swimming among the tidal pools or crashing waves on open ocean sandy beaches.

Finish up the afternoon at the Five Islands dock in Georgetown with some Annabelle's ice cream. Great ice cream not included this ranks one of the sweetest harbors in Maine.

Get a better visual and peek at the latest post from my favorite Maine blogger.

Home for a quick shower and then dinner at the new place in Camden – Long Grain. OH. MY. GOODNESS. A tasty fresh change-of-pace at a very fair price. Sharing our steamed dumplings, spring rolls, pork noodles, kimchi, spicy greens with tofu while drinking some cold beer from French & Brawn (it's BYOB until mid-September) made the day complete. Ah, summer.

Taking a bite out of summer

2010-07-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

One of only four Birchwood cherries from 2010

My trusty digital camera is on the fritz. Images tend to inspire my writing so ... no photos, no posts. Lucky for me friends are willing to share. Iris sent me this snap (check out Unfurlingferns) taken in our backyard.

Other news from Birchwood Motel:

• Our green efforts are getting noticed. Birchwood Motel is now a certified Environmental Leader in Hospitality!

• FINALLY free WiFi is now available in ALL guest rooms. In past the sound-proofing between rooms made this difficult. Thanks Heriz-Smith for solving this problem in an economical fashion.

• 3 more lines were added to our solar dryer to accommodate our busy day linen turnover. Sheets dry in under an hour on sunny days. So wonderful!

• Noticeable evidence uncovered that others are following suit. Borax – usually in plentiful supply – is SOLD OUT at our local store for weeks now! Keep it up, Camden.

Busy days of summer are here.

Kermit was wrong...

2010-06-24T06:08:00.000-07:00

It is easy being green, at least Iris makes it seem that way.

Despite yesterday's rain folks came out for our "Green Your Laundry" event. Inspired by and led by the talented Iris Eichenlaub – author of "Creative Endeavors in a Busy Life" blog – the morning discussion was a lively exchange of ideas and a hands on demonstration of DIY laundry soap.

Iris in action – an honor for to have her speak at Birchwood Motel

grate 3- 4 oz. bars of Castile soap – many hands make light work

the happy innkeeper mixing up our Birchwood formula – join us on Facebook to get the recipe

double i. alert: my favorite item in her chemical-free household gift basket -a scouring pad hand knit from twine...oh that Iris!

Stay tuned for more green-inspired events and news from Birchwood Motel as our season progresses.

Greening your laundry

2010-06-09T13:59:00.001-07:00

Announcing Birchwood Motel's new solar dryer — ok, it's a clothesline, but a pretty unique one, huh? To celebrate our return to line drying — construction on the main house caused a 3 year hiatus – Birchwood Motel will offer a "Green Your Laundry" Workshop.

Blogger Iris E. – Creative Endeavors in a Busy Life — will lead the talk/demo at Birchwood on June 23 at 11am. Learn how to make your own laundry detergent, share ideas, save money and lighten your chemical load. All attendees may take a detergent sample home. Workshop is free but advance registration is appreciated. To register friend/like Birchwood Motel on Facebook and leave your RSVP there.

Chores are so much sweeter under a blue sky, warm sun

and new pergola that looks out to Penobscot Bay

green before it was cool...

2010-06-03T12:20:00.000-07:00

These days just about everybody makes this claim. But Birchwood Motel has long walked the walk. That is until construction around the main house caused a three-year hiatus from our 40+ year history of hanging clean laundry out to dry. But our solar drying days will soon return. Christian Andrus, of Pine Ridge Carpentry, suggested a few years ago our place needed a pergola. Eric, of Birchwood Motel, suggested we combine that idea with the return of the clothesline. Take a peek at the first stage of what will soon be the fanciest clothesline in town, if not the world!

Next year, should we grow grapes on the arbor or hops...I vote for hops!

Why all the effort? Sun-dried linens smell great (begone chemical softeners and dryer sheets!) and the UV rays lend additional bleaching/sanitizing power and all without financial and environmental costs.

Gratitude to Iris E., Creative Endeavors in a Busy Life, for inspiring us to put this plan into action. Please check back in soon. We'll be posting a shot of the line in action and update you on how our new laundry formula from craftingmamalibrarian is working.

Gently down the stream

2010-05-18T10:19:00.000-07:00

Friday I tweeted that the weekend would be gorgeous. Heeding my own prediction we took the kayaks out for a run on the St. George. Bluest of blue skies, shining sun, no wind, bald eagles and osprey with catch in their claws soaring just over my head, a seal following behind our kayaks. Just the most perfect day.

Sweet pea back on the water

Pulling out of the water in Thomaston put us right near Billy's Tavern, a great Irish pub just behind the main drag. Time to stop for a pint of Boddingtons and a mound of handcut french fries (chipotle mayo and curry ketchup on the side). Hey, we earned it!

Done for the day, reward time

If you are looking to paddle around Midcoast – perhaps during a stay at Birchwood Motel in Camden – my only recommendation is Ducktrap Kayak in Lincolnville. Whether to buy or rent they have the best gear, great prices and offer sound advice.

Signs of the season - Smoothie Shack reopens

2010-05-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Looking for relief and a sweet treat after a long ride to Maine? Pull over at the pineapple flag, just past the Union Street/Elm Street stop sign crush. Alicia's adorable Smoothie Shack awaits serving up incomparably thick, fruit-packed smoothies of perfect consistency. (She cites the machine and the quality ingredients for making the difference.) Freshly prepared wraps are also available. If you want to do more than grab and go a picnic table and a few chairs are available for lunch in the sun.

Sweet Alicia recommends Tropical Breeze to an indecisive customer

Owner/chef knows her audience. Tropical breeze is a hit.

Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda

2010-05-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

Still feeling glib over our El Camino post that ran before Maine. The Magazine. (Birchwood Motel, so on the pulse!) Rockland is featured in their "48 hours in" section. So great. Seemed tumbleweeds blew down historic Main Street when we first arrived. Now vibrant, aliveRockland celebrates the best of Maine and remains a favorite local place to visit, stroll, dine, enjoy.

Urbanite roots foster our passion for finding the local latest greatest and sharing this with our guests. Lest Maine. The Magazine ever scoop us, here's a list of posts we had intended, but just didn't get to, in 2009:

supplier to top restaurants and the place to call for air-shipped seafood. Jess's...THE FRESHEST.

Jess's Market

Sheepscot Valley Brewing Company

Sweetgrass Winery

June marks the start of Gin & Tonic season – Sweetgrass Winery's Back River Gin or nothing!

Farmer's Fare

Willow Street Bake Shop

Suzuki's Sushi Bar

Tableside pickles keep us busy during the short lunch wait at Morses'

Add those to your return list, Anthony Bourdain. Your first Maine visit is a charmer but you just scratched the itch. Next up – Common Ground Fair. Some lamb kabob, a little cardamom ginger ice cream, arts & crafts, music, ag fair stuff with a twist...this 32 year strong scene put the loco in locavore, being seriously into local, green and organic way before it was cool. Call us, Tony. (But maybe leave Zimmern at home.)

loofas are grown from a gourd...who knew?

Foodies, artists, outdoor enthusiasts and other kinds of hipsters know choosing the Birchwood means a comfy bed, a wicked clean room and waking up with change in your wallet so you can indulge in more of Midcoast. Our loverly view, light breakfast and good, strong locally-roasted coffee (fair-trade, organic!) included each morning is just a bonus.

Hey, Maine. The Magazine – don't get scooped again...it's not too late to write us up!

A Love Note on Perseverance?

2010-05-05T07:22:00.001-07:00

Happy Anniversary, Kimi and Pat. Twenty years ago the first of our close friends wed. Boy they were young but all knew it was a good match. Now time proves it.

Pear blossoms in honor of the bride

Kimi's post today to her husband, "Thanks for sticking it out with me." really resonates. For one, it echos my mother's steady lifelong refrain – "98% of life is just sticking it out." And lately – maybe it's the state of the world or maybe just midlife – I'm feeling we could all use a reminder to ride the wave because a lot of beauty can come from seeing things through.

Fedco apple began as a spindly little thing but look at her now!

Hoping for blooms next year.

My garden – where it is all about perseverance (remember 2009 and six weeks of rain?) – tells me this, too. Fruit trees planted a few years ago are blooming for the first time! The raspberries and blueberries look incredibly promising. Asparagus, always intended but never accomplished, is finally in. But it will be several years of love and care (and weeding and frustration) until there is any harvest.

Sweet as a peach, my Eric. Guess what his favorite fruit is?

Reliance, Maine grown, bears early. Fedco Trees

And what about my own dear husband and partner? Beyond his smile and friendly nature, there comes his incredible persistence. His favorite quote is "the race goes not only to the swift but to those who keep on running." Creating our own vision for Birchwood Motel is a thrilling path we follow together. Thank you my dear for always encouraging us to run on.

Fingers crossed. Raspberries coming back strong.

Eight varieties provide berries for continental breakfast.

And thanks, too, to our loyal guests. We are blessed and honored to share our beautiful spot in Camden, Maine with you. When you return each year or pass a kind word about staying here to another, it is the greatest of compliments.

So thanks, Kimi and Pat, Mom, family, our beautiful garden and our wonderful guests for reminding me of what's important.

Big things in small packages

2010-04-05T17:58:00.000-07:00

Two wonderful packages came my way that warm my small business-loving heart. First, my dear mother sent us some Easter treats from our favorite chocolatier, Harbor Candy Shop in Ogunquit — a must-stop on your next trip through Maine.

dark and milk chocolate non-pareils. guess how long they lasted?

Second was soap. I regularly purchase my soap from local makers right here in Midcoast Maine (Trillium and Sisters — check out their soap eggs!). But Facebook recently reunited me with a soap-making friend from my childhood. CATSOCO is her small family business in the foothills of the Catskills with a mission to "keep the Earth clean one body at a time!" Annie included a few extra treats with my order. My fave — "soul cleanser." The punniness made me smile as did my long, soothing soak.

This is "soap the way it should be" with soothing natural fragrance and a luscious lather that leaves your skin feeling great. Unlike commercial brands I've used in the past, small batch soap lasts longer and lathers all the way through the bar. Its long-lasting quality cancels out any additional expense. Besides, your skin is an organ, treat it well! Use natural soap.

"Soul cleanser" and other soapy goodness from CatSoCo

P.S. Birchwood Motel is now on Facebook. We'd be honored if you'd become a fan and spread the word.

Nothing like a great neighbor

2010-04-03T11:10:00.000-07:00

Welcome Dot's Market, our new neighbors up the road from Birchwood Motel. We certainly felt welcome today when we stopped by to pick up lunch.

The woman at the counter was so lovely, informed and helpful it was hard to believe she wasn't the owner. The owner, Melissa — also working the counter — was equally engaging.

Eric enjoyed a grilled panini, Miss e crafted her own sandwich from selections off the colorful chalk board and I opted for a pre-made sandwich (which tasted as though it had just been prepared). We're talking quality oven-roasted meats, homemade flavored mayonnaise, fresh veggies, artisanal breads.

Stop in not just for lunch but for other prepared foods, great coffee, decadent baked goods, artisanal cheeses, beer, wine and soft drinks. While foods are made to go, there are a few tables where you can enjoy your treats in their open beautiful space.

Better check it out now. Come summer business should be so brisk it may be hard to make it in the door.

you know me by now...have to showcase the sweet stuff!

Love at first bite

2010-03-26T07:41:00.000-07:00

Fetching Eric from Portland Jetport yesterday offered the chance for some casual exploring and a good dinner out. Airport trips usually mean a return through Portland. But then I saw a feature on South Portland in the latest issue of Maine. The Magazine. Huh? You mean the stretch of strip malls and chain stores off I-95 always purposely avoided?

Really most of this trip took us through serene Cape Elizabeth. Monster well-kept homes, lovely parks, folks outfitted to perfection to project a "living the simple life" image. This was a pleasant drive with a few stops along the way at state oceanside parks.

But the trip highlight lay 30 minutes to the north – dinner at El Camino in Brunswick. Cal-Mex, if you need a description. To me, food this fresh, thoughtfully prepared and fairly priced should only be labeled sublime.

First stop Red's Dairy Freeze – Since 1952! (Ice cream is always the first stop of any decent trip.) We went because Maine. The Magazine told us to and because they uniquely offer 10 soft-serve flavors.

Coffee soft serve – fun to veer from classic twist

Burning off the cone at Crescent Beach State Park, Cape Elizabeth

Portland Head Light in the immaculate and peaceful Fort Williams Park, Cape Elizabeth

puppy paesan – mini Roxy meets a standard along the seashore dogwalk

Time warp: Dining Room or Lounge entrance? Your choice into El Camino. Half expected to see a cigarette machine.

Divine Papusas – thick, tamale-like corn tortillas, one filled with fresh cheese the other with chorizo. Topped with cabbage and indescribably toothsome green and red sauces. Photoshopped in the hearts to declare my love to all.

Doughnut obsession continues

2010-02-09T13:33:00.000-08:00

It's a fall ritual – first breakfast out after closing for the season is always at Chase's Daily in Belfast. My usual: Scrambled Tofu Breakfast Tacos, Peach Smoothie, coffee. This time out something new, at least to me, appeared in the baked goods case – handmade jelly doughnuts! Thick, obviously homemade strawberry or raspberry jam nested in a puff of dough, dusted with sugar. Not the standard 21st century glop. Call ahead. It took 3 more trips until I scored. This visit Eric drew the long straw and got the only strawberry. I was left with apple, a fine second.

Chase's Doughnut + Caldwell Farms Milk = Joy

Extending the season

2009-10-27T13:48:00.000-07:00

Some of my favorite local sights –

Eric and the ocean view from Ragged Mountain

People often ask throughout the season,

"Do you close in winter?"

Yes, the standard motel rooms are winterized until the following April BUT...

our apartment rental can be made available to winter guests on a reservation-only basis during events such as the Literary Festival, Camden Conference and the Toboggan Nationals -- please call for details.

"When do you close?"

We close when guests stop coming. The trend is usually a few days before Halloween. It's like someone trips a switch and then ZAP...gone until springtime.

Yet here we are a few days before Halloween with guests still arriving. A big thank you to all for this wonderful extension of our fall season! Maybe it's the weather (arguably) remaining warm and the leaves holding their glorious color. Maybe it's just luck. Or maybe people realize our beautiful fall season now rivals summer. See for yourself with a these images from our roving photographer e.j. simon:

gratuitous puppy snap

We feel pretty, oh so pretty

2009-10-20T11:11:00.000-07:00

Check out the latest press on Midcoast Maine:

CAMDEN

• Prettiest Harbor – Downeast Magazine

• One of New England's Best Small Towns – Boston Magazine

ROCKPORT

• One of America's prettiest towns – Forbes Traveler

"Rockport has probably the most picturesque harbor you've ever seen."

ROCKLAND

One of America's coolest small towns – Budget Travel

Bobby Flay thinks so, too, despite his loss to the Brass Compass Cafe in a lobster club THROWDOWN held this summer in Rockland Harbor.

In the words of Dan Bookman, our local chamber of commerce director, "The national media is figuring out what local residents have known for a long time; namely that we live in a beautiful, liveable, and downright cool part of the coast.

Common Ground Fair

2009-09-17T14:22:00.001-07:00

My favorite event of the year approaches – the 33rd Common Ground Country Fair, September 25-27, presented by MOFGA (Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association).

miss e. (recently appointed staff photographer at the Birchwood)

captures this gorgeous fall cabbage in our garden

Read this perfect description off their website:

The Fair allows fairgoers to make connections with a rapidly expanding base of organic farms in the state of Maine. Hundreds of vendors, exhibitors and demonstrators, more than 1,000 volunteers, and tens of thousands of fairgoers will gather to: share knowledge about sustainable living; eat delicious, organic, Maine-grown food; buy and sell beautiful Maine crafts and useful agricultural products; compete in various activities; dance; sing and have a great time.

Birchwood Motel is about an hour drive away from the fairgrounds. But the lovely back country road drive alone makes it well worth the trip.

A few rooms are still available for this year. Or maybe this will be food for thought for a future trip.

Give me a slice

2009-08-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

I'm looking for the best slice of pie in Maine. Pie-making is in my genes, so I won't throw my own hat into the ring. But where to send guests looking for the perfect pie around the midcoast is really the question.

Birchwood Motel raspberry pie

adapted from Dan Henry

Guests have mentioned Just Barb's in Stockton Springs. Thomaston Cafe rates high for me. Loyal locals claim Moody's Diner. For carry out Megunticook Market offers a fresh raspberry pie that is a close second to a recipe given to me by Dan Henry, of Ducktrap Kayak fame. Amy's pies from Fresh Off the Farm are always crowd pleasers, too.

Please send me or post your suggestions for best slice of pie.

’Tis a gift...

2009-08-23T17:00:00.001-07:00

Identifying with, and feeling terribly upset about, the poor souls swept to sea today at Acadia.

Just this morning there were thoughts of throwing up the "No Vacancy" shingle to observe the waves brought on by an astronomical high tide and Hurricane Bill. Later in the day, I took a moment of quiet contemplation in my beautiful garden to thank the divine for the beautiful gifts of summer and a quiet simple day for my family.

more raspberries...eric's varietal plantings pay off.

our haul starts in july and last through the first frost!

Just a wanderin'

2009-08-21T10:53:00.000-07:00

A trip up Beach Road/Rt. 173 is just about a perfect drive in almost any season. This beautiful back country road winds through historic Liberty Village. Stop for a tshirt from Liberty Graphics -- an ecologically and socially responsible business since the 1970s. I nabbed an organic cotton tshirt printed with water-based soy ink for a mere $5 from the seconds bin. Not much more will get you a first-run shirt, priced at an affordable $15. The store's charming interior is reason enough to visit. The high quality Maine-made products are reason enough to shop.

sweet liberty

Great buys can also be had across the street at Liberty Tool/Grandma's attic. Our big scores — wooden clogs, costume jewelry and an old tinted Ball jar for seaglass. Overheard on this recent visit, a tweenage boy declaring to his friend "Dude, I told you this was THE COOLEST store, Dude!"

Head out of town toward Rt. 3, bang a left, and drive on to John's Ice Cream (see previous post). Look for his flag a bit past Lake. St. George (water is COLD but its a pretty spot to sit and eat ice cream). Our fave summer flavors are anything with seasonal berries, Lemon Custard and Peach.

Drive along the opposite side of the lake to hit the Appleton Ridge. This is inland Maine at its most lovely – blueberry barrens, rolling hills, the occasional pond or lake. Drive this especially in the fall for completely spectacular views. Too bad for me the camera battery died. So much to capture on such a beautiful day. Oh well.

Since the day was hot, we walked in to a secluded local swimming hole, picking and eating blueberries along the way. Full of John's and blueberries its a wonder we could still float. Cattails, evergreens and calling birds were our only other companions. Just lovely.

wild Maine blueberries

105 towards Hope returned us home to Camden. We couldn't pass up the Hope General Store and its unbelievable selection of beer (over 100 varieties), like the locally brewed Sheepscot Ale. And just across the way you'll spot Pine Ridge Carpentry – the fellas responsible for Birchwood Motel's gorgeous new main house facade.

home sweet home – thanks, Pine Ridge Carpentry!

The Secret is Out

2009-07-20T13:42:00.000-07:00

Pop in to Woody's Secret Cone in Rockland, Maine for intense, dense chocolate ice cream. The one catch — the popping in part. This is one tough place to spot. There's no marquee or visible sign, forget a phone or website and you may find a note with instructions posted on his door. Read and follow them. STAY THE COURSE. Woody's is off-the-grid ice cream. And it's worth it.

Belfast fans from his days at the Cranberry Tiger won't need any help. For the rest of us, here's a hint: just beyond the Brass Compass and behind Richard Indiana's "LOVE" statue you just might encounter the master —Woody — in action hand-cranking his intense chocolate and locally-inspired flavors like strawberry rhubarb and blueberry.

Ask and Woody will tell you what goes into this chocolate frozen goodness. On my trip there was talk of Ambrosia and three types of chocolates, but once the first taste of my cone hit all else was forgotten.

Making Hay

2009-07-16T14:34:00.001-07:00

There just isn't time to post lately. Not a complaint, just a happy and grateful fact to be busy with the Birchwood's summer guests.

last strawberries and first blueberry!

The last garden strawberries are here. Guests have enjoyed this addition to the continental breakfast we serve each morning. And what's not to like about complimentary homegrown strawberries in a fresh fruit salad along with buttery danish; fresh-squeezed o.j.; tea and our good strong coffee from Rock City Roast (organic, fair trade and locally roasted!)?

Not far off are blueberries and raspberries and then, finally, luscious blackberries. All the berries are grown right here in the motel gardens. This is quite a feat considering June's weather – long periods of rain and fog coupled with relentless beetle and slug attacks!

Birchwood Motel's first cherry

Maybe next year cherries will make it on the menu. Our dear little cherry tree produced two cherries this year! Also on deck for 2010 are this year's garden additions: cranberries and elderberry. A year or two beyond our apples, pears and peaches should begin to fruit. Gardening and innkeeping sure makes time fly.

Blue Skies are Gonna Clear Up...

2009-07-03T19:51:00.000-07:00

Blue skies reign (pun intended!) over Camden once more.

The clear skies continue tonight allowing us to catch from our front porch the distance fireworks from Blue Hill, just across the bay. Not a bad show!

Come back to Maine this summer and stop in at the Birchwood Motel. Midweek discounts, excluding peak festival weeks, are as low as $75/night plus 7% tax. The best of summer awaits.

early June was so promising!

the peony didn't seem to mind all this rain

nor did the strawberries, thank goodness. red all the

way through and as sweet as they look!

magical luna moths seem to disappear

before we can notice their arrival

Pile it on

2009-06-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

My dad's idea of family fun was having his kids make manure tea in the rain barrel. Whatever manure didn't make it into the barrel went into his homemade compost bin resulting in a crumbly brown goodness. Us kids found these gardening chores a form of punishment. Now, as an adult, they seem a lost art.

so good I could touch it

Yes, I admit it...I finally enjoy gardening. But a small element of punishment lingers – compost! Eliot Coleman and Victory Garden books litter my home yet all sage advice falls away as my kitchen scraps mildew into a mucky anaerobic slug factory. Clearly the composting gene skips a generation.

Failure creates desperation. Fantasies of plastic tumbling bins creating easy quick compost float in my head and across my computer screen. Each time I look at them my resistance weakens. Composting problems forever solved with a quick click. It would be so easy – charge it to a card, wait for UPS delivery, dump in kitchen scraps and tumble away to that elusive crumbly brown goodness, right?

Wrong. First, my frugal Yankee values get in the way. (Translation: I'm a cheapskate who won't pay the $100+ corporate composting commands.) Second, there's no getting around the ironic aesthetic of a giant, expensive plastic thing in an organic, wanna-be permaculture setting. Third, no amount of tumbling makes up for lacking a good compost recipe. So what to do beyond my grumbling?

Here's what: have Newforest Institute show me the way. Birchwood Motel hosted "Secrets of Soil", a Newforest workshop, in the motel gardens last week. Pallets were turned on sides, wired together and reinforced with rebar. Et voila! – Loverly bins that fit right into the landscape. Nothing like hands-on learning to clarify things.

the lovely & charming Julia listens to Jenny's compost woe

Julia Yelton, co-director of Newforest and permaculture sage, showed us her compost recipe that gets things cooking: layer the bottom with twigs (my thorny spent wild roses from the burn pile) and then alternate layers of brown and green to create the hot environment natural microbes love. This will all break down to finally make me some of that elusive crumbly compost goodness from childhood.

workshop team installs permaculture potato patch in minutes!

So thank you, Newforest, for fulfilling my compost quest. Eric and I are thrilled to see the small hill of coffee grounds our sweet little motel produces daily feed the garden instead of the dump. Add to that our kitchen scraps and some layers of straw, leaves, jewel weed (also a great poison ivy remedy) or other wild medicinals, manure, some seaweed and you have the secret to our soil.

What does any of this have to do with tourism in Maine? I'd argue that enjoying, preserving and protecting the diversity of the world starts in your own back yard. And should you need any more detail than that, then come on up to Maine and head over to the Newforest Institute!

Permaculture Principles

2009-06-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

No-dig, weed-free gardening?! Hmmm...Birchwood Motel has 2 cottage gardens, 5 vegetable and fruit beds, 3 raspberry hedgerows and various fruiting and flowering shrubs, hedges and trees. Sign us up for some of that!

this much I know, nitrogen-rich clover is a friend to man and bee!

The savvy are long hip to the benefits of permaculture. For the rest of us, catching up won't be so hard thanks to the NewForest Institute in Brooks. NewForest is an educational non-profit with a mission of connecting people to the land by creating mutually sustaining relationships using permaculture design principles.

NewForest came on my radar last week when they launched PermaFeast! with a screening of the Sepp Holzer (the granddaddy of Permaculture) film series "Farming with Nature". PermaFeast! is a six-week series of hands-on workshops demonstrating the principals of permaculture and natural farming. When they asked for host sites for the series we were happy to volunteer.

Birchwood Motel will host the first workshop "Secrets of Soil" on Wednesday, June 24 at 4:30pm. We'll learn through hands-on practical application no dig, weed-free gardening, sheet mulching, compost building and compost tea brewing. The cost will be $20 for the workshop. If you're interested in the whole series, the cost is $100 for all six workshops. Advance registration is required; please call Newforest at 722-3625.

Here's the series schedule:

June 24: The Secrets of Soil; July 1: Water in the Landscape Ponds, flowforms, swales, aquaculture; July 8: Stone Age Economics Wild food foraging, perennial vegetables, and native medicinals; July 15: Manna from Heaven Hand-built, wood-fired cob ovens; July 22: Feathered, Flying and Fat Friends Backyard chickens, ducks, bees and pigs; July 29: Playing on the Edge Natural playgrounds and wild spaces.

June is busting out all over

2009-06-07T06:36:00.000-07:00

lovely lupine

The Maine setting of the play Carousel inspired Rodgers & Hammerstein's classic song (titled above) and it remains the perfect description for these late Spring days. Afternoon provides a lovely light for viewing and strolling about the gardens here at Birchwood Motel in Camden, Maine.

Can you smell the lilac? Guests adore the lightly scented breeze calling to them down the front porch. Please enjoy (indulge me further) a few images from the Birchwood Motel gardens:

a chorus of iris

capturing the first pristine rose bloom before

the japanese beetles arrive to make their marks

awaiting emergence of herb seeds

herbs for peace? peace mussel? — inspired by

my creative friend, Jen C.

even pup takes time to smell the spring flowers

indian paint brush — a wildflower fave

poppies! poppies will make them sleep...

thyme in bloom, happy bees, lovely stone paths

laid by innkeeper/husband/stone mason Eric!

Gardens are so lovely. Always changing, always something new to see.

Come see more at the Birchwood Motel in Camden, Maine.

Our great low Spring rates still apply – midweek deals as low as $60/night.

Get all the latest updates by following our tweets:

www.twitter.com/birchwoodmotel

Or call us at 207-236-4204. Hope to see you soon!

Locals we dig

2009-06-07T06:04:00.000-07:00

Craftingmamalibrarian is a must-follow blog. Interesting commentary, beautiful photographs, ideas, projects and recipes – mostly involving local foods, places, shops and people. But to me the real stars of the blog are her sweet family. Follow along and you'll see. Be sure to also look at her links for more ideas and local flavor.

As usual, I'm taking her advice and entering a contest posted on one of her favorite blogs:

http://ravenhill.typepad.com/weblog/

My plan? If I actually win, I give the goodies to Iris in hopes she crafts me something clever with part of the proceeds. Maybe a sweet quilt pillow for the lobby at the Birchwood Motel?

Paddling season begins!

2009-05-29T15:25:00.000-07:00

Memorial Weekend sure was busy at the Birchwood Motel in Camden. Typically, things don't get rolling here until June. So a big thank you to all our guests — both the new and the loyal returns — for coming out. Mother Nature did her part, too, with some glorious weather. Great spring deals are still available. Call us at 207-236-4204. Midweek rates start as low as $60/night.

Devoted innkeeper, Jenny, snuck away for a few hours to paddle with Sean. Sean is a beloved guest, returning for his seventh annual visit to Camden, Maine and the Birchwood!

What a fella!

Sean hauls Jenny's new boat "Sweet Pea"

to the edge of Lake Megunticook

Additional gratitude is extended to Ducktrap Kayak in Lincolnville. Dan Henry is certainly one of the most knowledgeable paddlers around and really knows his gear. Years ago, when we first arrived in Camden — and before we knew better — a bigger outfit really took advantage of our kayak ignorance. Dan not only righted that wrong for us, but his commitment to making a personal connection with his customers made me a lifelong fan. If you need to buy or rent a kayak, your first call should be Ducktrap Kayak at 207-236-8606.

Good local eats

2009-05-16T18:06:00.000-07:00

I'm in the mood for steak, simply because its near me.

If you're in the mood, Peter Ott's is one terrific restaurant.

Warm atmosphere, yummy food, lovely waitress I could trust. Yet, maybe not at first because she suggested I try the calamari appetizer. Calamari appetizer? Sounds boring, typical.

"You should. It's really fresh." she said. And it was. Very light, crispy, in a minimal batter that showcased the extremely fresh fish.

Entrées include salad bar. Uh oh. Salad bar. Trust issues again. But then I saw that instead of the typical iceberg disaster there were lovely mixed greens, homemade beets with a light hint of cinnamon (YUM!) and a lot of other fresh vegetable choices. All the dressings were clearly homemade. Eric chose blue cheese (decadent and excellent). My choice was parmesan peppercorn. Both were terrific.

On to dinner. Should have brought the camera because my meal was a vision. Like I said, I wanted a great steak, and the menu had several choices. Menu envy set in so I requested the chef decide for me by cooking his favorite, medium rare. My plate held a perfectly cooked sirloin with a velvety dijon sauce and caramelized onions. Eric chose the duck breast and e. also a sirloin. Everyone was more than happy.

Somehow we all fit in dessert. Some local restaurants are feeding us stuff from the food service truck. Not Peter Otts. All homemade. Blueberry pie was already sold out. Bummer. But oh my goodness, warm gingerbread cake with caramel sauce. The chocolate mousse was also delightful but we kept going back to the cake. Oh my goodness! Wait, did I already say oh my goodness?

Please support responsibly run, local chef-owned, restaurants like Peter Otts. Our guests at the Birchwood Motel often ask for our dining recommendations and Peter Otts is now on the list.

Open Season in Camden

2009-05-11T08:35:00.000-07:00

The Stars & Stripes fly again on Curtis Island, signaling the start of the season to all who enter Camden harbor.

Impish but sweet E. waits for the honor of raising the flag

From Dollars to Donuts...

2009-04-30T06:19:00.000-07:00

Why is it important to support unique local enterprise? Let just one bite into a Willow Bake Shop glazed molasses donut be your explanation. This tender sugary (but never fakey!) goodness doesn’t start in a factory or come in unnaturally bright colors and sure isn’t served up in a company box. It also can’t be found anywhere else but right in our own sweet part of Maine.

the aforementioned molasses

Willow Bake Shop (Rt. 1 on the Rockport/Rockland line) revived a fond memory of the home-made jelly donuts purchased out of the front parlor of a victorian home in my grandmother’s neighborhood. Even better, hand made donuts with pure ingredients aren’t just some old fogey tale of the good old days, they remain a reality for a whole new generation. But what about the generation after that?

So I thank you, Willow Bake Shop, for serving up a little faith with those tender treats. You are one of many wonderful, original, local businesses I frequent. Here are just a few of my favorite businesses, a little closer to home:

Hugs for Shirley at French & Brawn and Mel at Fresh Off the Farm — both of you always greet my family personally. You know not just our names, but who we are. These small moments teach my daughter, and me, about the importance of a daily human connection to our community.

Hooray for the great eats at Boynton & McKay. Phil, Susan and YanMei always seem to know just what we want for lunch, plus they too also make fantastic donuts, along with our other fave — coconut macaroons.

Three cheers for Wild Rufus for getting us out of the 80s with a much-needed expansion of our musical collection. Your musical suggestions are always spot-on. We also appreciate your tireless support (and ticket sales!) of the arts and local events.

Kudos to The Leather Bench for quality goods and — more important — their great service. A purchase from the Leather Bench wasn’t much beyond the price at a big box store, however the quality, construction and service of my item was well beyond. Try getting that out of a mall.

Bravo HAV ll for understanding my woe and waiving the fee when I discovered that the video my husband dutifully returned at my request was actually not the overdue movie but that night’s selection.

Yahoo for Rockport Blueprint, Village Shop and Zoot. Not for any specific reasons. I just dig having those stores in our sweet little town. Oh, and I just like to yell Yahoo! when I can.

And how cute is the zippy new Village Soup Gazette corner?

There are plenty of other great little places in the Camden area — at least for now. I hope to get to all of you in future posts.

So as the pessimists fret about kids supporting big box expansion into Camden let the rest of us have a little faith in our town and in our younger generation. Talk to your middle and high schoolers about the importance of small businesses. Appeal to their common sense by reminding them of all the local businesses that gladly purchase ads and hang posters for their events. Explain that the long-term cost of their quick Big Box chemical fix is one day not being able to come home again to the unique Camden of their childhood memories. Us old fogeys need to teach our kids the old indigenous saying that they don’t inherit the world, but borrow it from our grandchildren.

Stonington is the Real Deal

2009-04-20T12:29:00.000-07:00

This was our last Sunday to sleep in and goof off before the season starts here at the Birchwood Motel. Sunday's sublime weather called us outdoors. After some poking around in the garden, we took a drive up the coast. Our stomaches stopped us at the Belfast Co-op. Fresh, local eats for three – with drinks and a shared dessert (any sweet by Lindsey Shortz – Let Them Eat Cake – will make you happy) – came in at $20. Yahoo!

Roxy takes to the road

After lunch we took Route One north and turned off for Deer Isle and Stonington. Now this is Maine. Simply gorgeous.

The beautiful port of Stonington

Arriving in Stonington, we parked the car and took the pooch for a stroll. Roxy – our miniature oodley-something from the shelter – is an instant friend-maker. Sure enough, within minutes Roxy met Josie — a delightful Cairn terrier — and Josie's human companion, Sylvia.

Charmed by the lovable Roxy, Sylvia invited the pups to romp in her yard while we enjoyed some conversation together. This warm experience with a welcoming local underscores an important aspect of life in Maine – the humanity in our daily existence. People say hello to each other on the street. And the divine view of the bay was an extra bonus. Thank you for your hospitality, Sylvia!

Divine view (A little overexposed, but you get the idea)

On our way back to the car we came across the charming Boyce's Motel. Barrett, the friendly owner, came out to greet us. He showed us a standard room and an efficiency apartment. Both looked very clean and well-appointed. If you're looking for more than a day trip, his rates seemed quite fair.

For our guests at Birchwood Motel in Camden, Maine, Stonington is a fine trip up the coastline for a gorgeous day. And Bluehill, Brooklin, Castine and Ellsworth are all within reach.

Easy daytrip from Camden

2009-04-15T04:55:00.000-07:00

I'm embarrassed. How have I not heard about the Maine State Museum in Augusta before? Yesterday's visit made me a fan.

What a fabulous place. Thoughtful, engaging docents know their stuff about the incredible collections housed here: archaeology, history, biology, art, industry, government. A wonderful place for all ages to enjoy. You'll leave with a better understanding why this is called "the Great State of Maine."

If you want to make a day of it, the State House is just next door. Also consider exploring Old Fort Western, a 1754 National Historic Landmark fort, store and house that is just a few minutes away.

Next visit I'll factor in enough time for lunch, although choosing will be hard. One of my faves is Slates in Hallowell -- an arty little village along the Kennebec River that has interesting locally-owned businesses to explore. Or just a bit further on from Hallowell is the eclectic A-1 Diner in Gardiner.

And then there's the hard to pass up Morse's Sauerkraut on Route 220, just a couple miles in from Route 17. If you can make it past all the tempting European treats and into a booth, order anything with sauerkraut. (Although I can't seem to get past ordering the same thing every time -- Pastrami reuben!) Sampling the tableside crocks of pickles and contemplating the selection of mustards to accompany my lunch always makes the short wait for food fly.

If you want to know more and see more of the state, take the day to explore Augusta. This easy daytrip is less than an hour away from the Birchwood Motel in Camden. A fine plan for any type of weather.

April 11, 2009

2009-04-11T04:06:00.000-07:00

It's snowing!

Skis, Motels and Ice Cream

2009-04-06T04:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I lied. The ski equipment isn't to bed yet.

$25 lift pass on Maine Day could not be resisted.

So we threw the gear in the truck and zipped over to Saddleback.

Gear on the way to do battle

Spent Saturday night at a motel. Snaps for the Saddleback Motor Inn -- immaculate rooms with brand new everything, a nice staff and a wicked clean heated indoor pool and hot tub. Room rate for a family of four on a Saturday night at this brand new place minutes from the mountain was $125. Motels are the way to go. (And not just because we own the Birchwood Motel in Camden!) Staying at this motel got us a clean room at a nice price with our money supporting responsibly run local small business. What's not to like about that?

Looks better in person. Sketchy weather but decent conditions.

And what's not to like about Saddleback? Impeccably maintained trails and lodge. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Even with a good portion of the mountain closed (due to wind and inclement weather) we were entertained. Just a great family-friendly scene. Other mountains can leave me feeling a bit abused by the costs involved. Saddleback seems more than fair. A good benchmark: lunch didn't break the bank and a bottle of water was a reasonable $1. We'll be back again and again and again.

Coming home a sure sign of spring was spotted while passing through Liberty on Route 3: John's Ice Cream is open! John's -- IMHO-- is THE BEST ice cream in Maine. When in doubt, order Chocolate Chip or Quadruple Chocolate. I'm counting the days until Strawberry Rhubarb.

A Quadruple Chocolate!

Just another great weekend in Maine.

Put Away the Snow Gear

2009-03-30T18:48:00.000-07:00

Saturday was the last hurrah for a big source of local winter fun -- the final day of skiing at Ragged Mountain. Kids -- with packs on backs -- were the first on the lift for the 9am mountain-wide Egg Hunt. The place was loaded with eggs -- enough that the kids could take several runs and still find eggs. Who was responsible for this bounty? Reports of a white creature with fluffy tail and ears could not be verified, however an anonymous source was able to capture this image from the early morning hours:

How the Easter Bunny delivers in Maine!

Last look at Lookout for 2009 season

Incredibly, we're not quite ready to say goodbye to our winter gear. Maybe one last day at Saddleback before the tourist season begins? But then finally away will go the snowpants, helmets, boots and skis in favor of the bikes and the kayaks. We'll pull out the deck chairs, plant the begonias, rake the lawn and hang up our shingle to receive guests at the Birchwood Motel. April is just about here. We're looking forward to catching up with our regular guests and welcoming new folks who want to discover the beauty of our small town and coastal Maine. Call us about our great Spring rates: 207-236-4204.

Let the Spring Season Begin!

2009-03-20T08:27:00.000-07:00

Just a few weeks ago, March came out like a lion

Welcome Spring Equinox. The sun shines today at the Birchwood Motel in Camden. The days are blessedly longer. Oouf!--the skunks stir. Patches of lawn begin to show through the snow. Signs of change.

Ignore the cynics labeling Equinox as just the kick off to the "fifth season" -- Mud Season. Hang a towel at the back door for muddy paws and boots and look for signs of hope. Signs like: awakening to birdsong; the pup losing her winter coat to the grooming shears; the begonia tubers planted in boxes scattered around the sunny lobby; the hollyhocks greening up our garden; getting the motel rooms ready for the season. All these things call out "Spring is coming."

Hollyhocks on the way

Roxy's new coat

Enjoying the day with a walk along Beauchamp Point

Come see for yourself. Even Camden Maine's "mud season" has its offerings. There's still spring skiing at the Snow Bowl. The 30th Annual St. George River Canoe Race next weekend should be quite a sight. Restaurants and shops are offering great deals. And so are we at the Birchwood Motel. Now is a peaceful time to explore the coast, sight see, hike, shop, dine, relax. Give us a call 207-236-4204 or send us an email birchwoodmail@roadrunner.com and we'll be happy to suggest an itinerary.

Make the Most of Maine

2009-03-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

A well-planned Maine vacation can be a luxury for your soul without being a burden on your wallet. As owners of a cute little motel in Maine, we're often asked for advice on how to best experience Maine. Let us share with you some vital tips.

Start in the Midcoast!

Choosing Midcoast Maine as your vacation home base is an important strategy. Why? The Midcoast area alone offers enough to keep you plenty busy during your stay. Even better, most attractions and events are extremely affordable and many are free! And, if you desire a visit to Acadia National Park or the expansive beaches to the south, popular sites are easy and reasonable daytrips from Midcoast.

Economize with Longer Stays

Another consideration: spending your nights in one place will economize both time and money. Many lodging owners offer discounts for longer stays, especially midweek. Great rates on longer stays may open your budget for that favorite restaurant, a unique handcrafted souvenir, a sail on the bay, a lake or sea kayak and more. It also means having more time to relax and enjoy your trip. Changing lodging places multiple times over a trip -- pack up, drive around, search for a place, check in, haggle, unpack, get your bearings on the local scene and where to dine -- chips away at precious vacation time.

Finding the Right Lodging

How do you find a good place to stay? First please consider locally-owned lodging. Clean, comfortable, well-maintained accommodations of all levels are plentiful in Midcoast Maine. At the Birchwood Motel we're very proud of our loyal following and favorable reviews. And by supporting small local businesses like us, you help preserve our town's character and sense of place. Visitors to Camden consistently comment how they adore our small town charm, "Camden looks like an old-fashioned movie set!"

For reliable lists of area accommodations try either the Camden or the Penobscot Bay (Rockland) Chamber of Commerce. Both chambers are well-staffed with knowledgeable local folks who are happy to answer questions and provide information.

Midcoast Must Sees

Stay tuned...in the coming days and weeks we'll post our TOP FREE THINGS TO DO in the Camden area, along with our picks for great eats, best views, serene spots, favorite parks, sweet walks and challenging hikes, most beautiful gardens, etc. In the meantime, start thinking on your future visit to Camden and Midcoast Maine.

Already a fan of Camden, the Midcoast, the Birchwood Motel or all of the above? Join our discussion. We welcome your insight. Please post your positive comments, appropriate links and any suggestions that might be helpful for potential visitors to Camden.

BEST DEALS

Any time of the year, our motel -- the Birchwood -- offers unbelievable rates for the area. Spring months offer the greatest savings. (The weather may be hard to predict at that time of year, but our views and local beauty remain constant.) Midweek stays in our standard rooms offer the greatest savings. For every extra night you add, we increase our discount. Take 5% off a two night stay; 10% off a three night stay; 15% off four night stay and 20% off a 5 night stay. There are also great deals for weekly stays in our cottage and our vacation apartment rental. (Please remember this offer excludes Friday & Saturday nights and prime festival weeks).

Oops, there goes the bell. Hope to see you at the next posting or at our front desk soon!