Postcard from Maine

This past week, we took a few days to escape to our very favorite place - Maine!

Tom and I both grew up going to Maine as kids (Tom staying in York and myself in Wells), so we're both very much southern Maine people.  This time, our home base was the Nellie Littlefield Inn in Ogunquit.  It was perfect.  Charles, the innkeeper was the very best (and Charles, if you're reading, we'll be back for more blueberry pancakes ASAP!).

On this trip we arrived to dreary, misty skies, but we really never pay much attention to the weather since our first stop is always Fox's for a big bowl of the best lobster mac and cheese (and a couple of beers for good measure - it's vacation!).  

The next morning we woke up with less than ideal beach weather, so we jumped in the car and headed north, bound first for L.L.Bean, and then for points unknown - for Tommy anyway, I always have a plan, and it's usually farther than he feels like driving so I kept him in the dark ;).

First up was Doubling Point Light, which is on the Kennebec River near Bath.  It's the most adorable little lighthouse in the most peaceful of locations.  The lighthouse is actually located on private property at the end of a long dirt road, but the owner allows the public access to the walkway and light tower, which is owned by a non-profit.  We were the only people there, and I couldn't get over how quiet it was! 

From there we drove north, bound and determined to get a lobster roll from Red's Eats, which is one of the most hyped lobster shacks I've heard about.  We arrived to a line with an estimated hour plus wait, and we just didn't have it in us.

Pemaquid Point Lighthouse was next on our list.  This beauty is perched on top of a rocky cliff, and I bet the view on a less foggy day would be amazing. 

As we left the lighthouse park, we came upon Hotel Pemaquid - a restored 1888 inn with the most charming carriage house and barn covered in buoys, and we made a quick U-turn to peek around the property.  Did I mention it was so charming!?  Definitely on my list for future trips.

Back in the car, we were ready for a sure bet on a lobster roll, and friends, let me tell you - the lobster roll at Eventide in Portland is the best. Hands down my favorite.  I have no pictures to prove it to you, but trust me.  Get yourself there, and you may need to order two.  Did I mention it's a brown butter lobster roll?  So good.

Up early the next day, we walked off our lobster rolls on the Marginal Way (don't miss it - the prettiest views!), parked ourselves on the beach for a few hours, and started thinking about our next lobster roll. 

We headed straight for The Ramp in Kennebunkport - definitely my favorite place for drinks, lobster rolls, atmosphere, everything.  Their lobster roll is a close second if not tie for first on my official favorite list.  A little more traditional, and the view makes everything taste better.  Perfect Maine afternoon! 

Our last morning, we woke up for our sunrise tradition (which I shared on Instagram), made room for yet another lobster roll, and headed home to our goofy yellow pups who we always miss way more than we care to admit :)

See you next time, Maine!

Pups and Plaid with J. McLaughlin

Jeans and plaid, jeeps and labs...

It was actually cool enough for jeans this week, and it has me all excited to break out the fall clothes. Plaids, flannels, sweaters, and Bean boots here I come!  

I was thrilled to partner with J.McLaughlin this week to introduce the Lois Blouse from their fall collection.  This shirt is a new favorite - lightweight and soft and in classic red and blue.  And well, it's plaid, so that's a sure win in my book.    

And if you couldn't tell, Murph and Max are pretty darn excited about the cooler weather too ;)

Shop the shirt here, and check out J.McLaughlin on Instagram to see how 10 other bloggers styled the shirt!

Boots / Jeans (similar) / Sunglasses

Postcard from East Burke, Vermont

This past weekend we snuck away to Vermont for a wedding...

..and it was one of the prettiest venues I've seen in quite a long time. 

Feast your eyes upon The Inn at Mountain View Farm in East Burke, VT.  If you're into classic red barns and mountain views, this place is for you.  I can't even imagine how pretty this place will be in the fall, and I just might have to plan a trip back. 

While we didn't stay on property, we got to peek around the inn and farmhouse, and it was solovely.  As for what else to do in the Northeast Kingdom?  Visit Lake Willoughby - take a quick hike around the shore like we did, or hike up Mount Pisgah for a view from above.  You can also rent kayaks or canoes at the campground at the southern end of the lake.  If I were to go back though, I might just call dibs on those white Adirondack chairs overlooking the barns and call it a day. 

24 Hours on Chebeague Island, Maine | A Mini Travel Guide

Back in June, in the middle of our annual family trip to Wells Beach, Tom and I drove north and took the ferry to Chebeague with the idea that if there was a room open, we'd stay.

As luck would have it (well, luck and the fact that it was a Monday very early in the season), we had our pick of rooms at the Chebeague Island Inn.

With a view like this, how could we not stay the night?  We got our keys, quickly took a peek at our room (all white everything, and no tv - perfection), and headed back down to the porch to soak in the view with a couple of drinks. 

We could've spent the entire evening sitting on the porch, but if you know me at all, you know I can't sit still for too long when there's pretty scenery to explore, so we set out on bikes to explore the island. 

Quick tip: make sure the seat of your bike isn't soaked with the previous night's rain before you set out.  Pretty bike ride, wet jeans ;) 

We got back just in time to sit down for a dinner of butter poached lobster on the porch. Afterwards, we grabbed a cozy chair and a blanket and settled in to watch the sunset.  The sunsets here are magic. 

We woke up the next morning to a pink sky, an ocean breeze through the window, and roosters crowing in the distance. We took a quick walk to the beach, followed by breakfast on the porch.  

On our way back to our room to pack up, I read through a poem framed and hung on the hallway wall.  "Once you have slept on an island, you'll never quite be the same" - Rachel Field.  I couldn't agree more! 

Until next time, Chebeague!