Maine State of Mind
FLINT and KENT
We are now officially converted Maine-iacs. The tranquility of the woods and lakes is intoxicating. We had an amazing trip a few weeks ago, traveling the slow route along US Route1along the coast looking at colleges for our daughter. The schools we saw and the quality of student artwork was beyond inspiring and makes me want to go back to school. Couple that with all the artisansal work we found, I now have a serious hankering for a humble little lake house up north, or more appropriately, down east. Here are a few bits of design inspiration from my fantasy lake house mood board, as well as some links to our favorite spots.
Faribault Blankets made in USA since 1865
just a few favorites:
hotels
Grey Havens Inn: charming classic shingled inn, built in 1904. On the shores of the north Atlantic, in Georgetown, ME. 30 minutes to Brunswick
Brunswick Inn: voted best college town inn and we couldn't agree more! Located in town, blocks from Bowdoin, short drive to Bates and Colby. Charming, comfortable and delicious breakfast by the fire.
Marston House: stunning inn and shop owned by husband-wife design team in Wiscasset, featured in Martha Stewart Living
Blackpoint Inn: historic and luxurious inn on Prouts Neck, minutes from Portland in Scarborough.
restaurants
Blue: located at Grey Havens Inn in Georgetown. Quintessential Maine water-view restaurant. May - October
Enoteca Athena: delicious greek / italian with lovely wine list. enjoy the tapas; right on Maine St in Brunswick
Marchè: where else can one get wickedly delicious crepes, salads and watch Julia Child's old show on TV? Lewiston
Forage Market: locavore and seasonal organic lunch spot. Bates College student hangout in Lewiston
shops / artisans
Portland Trading Co.: well-curated, modern, general store with hand made goodies from New England Artisans.
Swan Island Blankets: beautiful hand weavers located in Northport. Inspiring hand-dyed colors and story
Marston House: sophisticated mix of antiques, textiles and handcrafts. Don't miss it in Wiscasset.
Snug Harbor Farm: open year-round in Kennebunk. Great shop & nursery
Georgetown Pottery: working studio and showroom, handcrafting pottery since 1972.
Maine State Prison Showroom: A surprisingly good outpost in Thomaston of hand-crafted wood products.
All proceeds from the woodworking program enable participating prisoners to pay victim restitution and child support. Check out the cheese boards.
check out
Farnsworth Art Museum: premier collection of American art with the celebrated Wyeth Center. Rockland.
Olson House: The beautifully preserved Olson Farm depicted in Andrew Wyeth's Christina's World in Thomaston.
Reid State Park: down the road from Grey Havens in Georgetown. Breathtaking walks and beaches.
As I write this my husband and daughter head back north for another Maine college interview and I am on the road for work traveling in Hong Kong and India, a world away but with my heart up in those beautiful woods.
All images credited where known, others clipped from Pinterest and tumblr. Happy to credit where known.