Locals we dig

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!

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

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.

Stonington is the Real Deal

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.