A Quintessential New England Ecofriendly Resort:
The Nonantum Resort
uintessential New England…that was my fi rst thought as I drove through the picturesque, winding, maple and oak tree-lined roads into Ken- nebunkport. Passing by quaint little shops, luxurious hotels and charming inns, entic- ing restaurants and the coolest directional signs I’ve ever seen, I could feel every muscle in my body relax. Having been to Maine dozens of times, somehow I’ve al- ways missed this place. And if you’ve ever been, you know I was defi nitely missing out! Maine in October would not be my fi rst choice of places to visit, being that my motto is “the hotter the better!” But, I have to admit, with the foliage being in peak bloom, it was stunning. And the fact that it was unseasonably 75 degrees all week did help a bit. Kennebunkport is one of those places
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you’ll never forget and you can’t wait to experience again. Here in Connecticut, we think of Maine as being quite a distance, but it’s actually just 90 miles north of Bos- ton. The area is a wonderful little corner of Maine where lobstermen still rule the sea, where hospitality takes on a new meaning as hotel and shop owners greet their visi- tors like long-lost friends, and where the nostalgia and charm of this seaside com- munity take us back to simpler times. A short walk from Dock Square, where all the action happens, is the grand Non-
6 Essential Living Maine ~ May/June 2014
antum Resort. Since 1883, The Nonantum Resort has continually strived to adapt to the times while still meeting the needs of guests, and at the same time retaining the history and essences of the original inn. One can stay in The Carriage House Inn which offers several room categories with a mix of traditional and Victorian décor. They are perfect for a romantic weekend with many featuring four-poster beds, hardwood fl oors, jetted tubs for two and gas-burning wood stoves. Or if waterfront is more to your liking,
you can stay in The Portside Lodge which is designed like a Maine waterfront vaca- tion lodge. First and second fl oor rooms have a private balcony or patio and third fl oor rooms have large picture windows with breathtaking water views. The Nonantum Resort knows how
to keep you entertained with an outdoor heated swimming pool, Farm to Fork weekends, lobster and sailing cruises, deep sea fi shing charters, stand-up paddle board demos, kayak and bicycle rentals, and they are a stop on two of the Maine Foodie Tours (
www.mainefoodietours.com). They have daily activities with a wide range of options including yoga classes, games, cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, sing-alongs, and “S’mores” toasted by hand over a crackling fi re. The Resort even features live music several nights a week.
They host the annual Fire & Ice (www. fi
reandicekport.com) and Paddle Battle (
www.paddlebattlekport.com). The restaurants and pub provide vari-
ety while capturing the fl avors of Maine in both food and drink options. Heckman’s Pub is an intimate, cozy place located just inside the front door of the Carriage House. The pub features excellent local beers and great pub food. Latitudes, the poolside bar and grill, is one of their best kept secrets. I could see how it would be so easy to spend the whole day – and early evening – poolside in July and August. From lobster cake appetizers to deli- cate desserts, the professional staff at 95 Ocean serves up an excellent dining expe- rience. 95 Ocean was highlighted on the popular television program “The TV Diner” and received the shows “Platinum Plate Award.” Features and specials highlight Maine’s local farm produce and products, fresh herbs from The Nonantum Resort’s garden and local seafood.
But, on to the real reason I spent a few days there! The resort is certifi ed by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection as an Environmental Leader by implementing the following to:
• Conserve water. • Minimize/reduce waste. • Use environmentally friendly cleaners.
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