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.

Make the Most of Maine

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!