Look What's Popping Up at the Fisherman's Wharf Inn

Since last Friday, guests and visitors to the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn may have noticed a new neighbor. The delightful aromas of freshly popped popcorn may give them an insight into the new addition to our parking lot- that’s because the Coastal Maine Popcorn Company, formerly of 12 Oak Street, has joined us at 22 Commercial Street. This move, precipitated by the need for larger production capacity, looks, so far, to be a profitable and popular move for everyone involved.

                Having recently expanded their operations to Exchange Street in Portland, Maine- business there is soaring in that busy locale- Julie and Paul Roberts, owner-operators, decided it was high time to ramp up their production capabilities. Their location in Boothbay Harbor, while decent, has always been sort of out of the central hub of activity in the harbor. With the step up in production, they cast their eyes down the hill to the center of the harbor, needing a new spot and a better location. As luck or fate or destiny would have it, the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn had just the spot for them.

                The shop in the corner of the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn’s parking lot has served many purposes over the years. In the beginning, it was our on-site laundry, handling the cleaning and pressing duties for both the dining room and guest rooms. When these duties were outsourced, the space was converted to a small ice cream shop, serving up delicious treats for young and old alike. Most recently, it served as a small gift shop- its most popular product being cotton candy- but stood empty to start the year. Empty, as if the space itself were refusing to be filled until it had found the right tenant. And along came Coastal Maine Popcorn Company, and its’ over thirty heavenly flavors- a perfect match and a perfect spot.

                If you have never sampled this product, then I encourage you to come down and try some of this delicious popcorn. If you are a bit addicted to the many flavors, as I am, then come down and check out their new spot at 22 Commercial Street, in the parking lot of the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn. It’s a new spot, but the same great flavors, and the same great service. They are still getting all their signs up, and I am sure we are going to have some lost popcorn aficionados stop by the front desk for directions, but it is clear to your humble scribe that the Coastal Maine Popcorn Company has found itself a new home- and its relationship with the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn will be a long lasting flavor indeed! 

Bright Lights Over Boothbay Harbor: The Fourth of July Weekend in Maine

Please pardon me as I wipe my brow- the heat wave that has settled the over the east coast is stealing both my breath and the very water from my body. However, as I sit here and whine about the heat, I recall last summer, when it was the rain that we were complaining about. So, on the whole, the weather for the Fourth of July weekend this year has been perfect. And despite the sweltering temperatures, tourists flocked to the area, filling the streets, the hotels and the restaurants.

                Intrepid travelers all, our guests at the Fisherman’s Wharf and the rest of Boothbay Harbor’s hotel fought their way through miles of traffic, the horrific traffic mess of Wiscasset, down Route 27 and into the harbor. For a few days, at least, it was like old times in Boothbay Harbor- the streets choked with shoppers and diners, sightseers and boat-trip takers- all eager to have a good time, to eat good food and enjoy the holiday. Craft fairs and art sales abounded, and there were plenty of activities to satisfy anyone’s appetite.

                There are many special things about the Fourth of July, but for me and, I am sure, many others, the defining moment of the Independence holiday is certainly the fireworks display. My wife and I had the fortune to secure tickets on the wildly popular Reggae Fireworks Cruise aboard the Harbor Princess. The fine folks at the Boothbay Whale Watch, the operator of the Harbor Princess, have made a tradition of taking an extra long cruise to take in the fireworks; my wife and I went along for the ride.

                Smooth seas, spectacular weather and great friends were the order of the evening. The sky was afire as the Sun blazed its path to the horizon, seemingly setting the ocean on fire on its way down. The music from the always special Dani Tribesman was perfect, and everyone was having a great time. When the Sun finally settled into the sea, and the night had taken over, it was time for the fireworks. As we slowed to a halt at the mouth the harbor, Captain Woody positioned the boat perfectly for all of his passengers to get the best view of the upcoming display. And a fine display it was, a show to be remembered (Or in the case of some of the Princess’s passengers, a display to be not remembered as a result of rum punch). Either way, it was great night of patriotism and pageantry, and a successful Fourth of July Holiday.

                If any of the above sounds interesting and you have a yearning for fireworks and fun, maybe you should consider spending next year with us, the fine folks at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. You are sure to have a great time, to make some memories, and see a great display of fireworks.

Soggy to satisfying on Windjammer Days 2010

When the day arrived, it showed up foggy and out of sorts. When it left, it left with a bright, colorful fireworks display and lots of satisfied attendees. Thus was the story of Windjammer Day’s 2010- a foggy, gray start, moving on towards a clear afternoon, and finishing with a clear evening. The tall ships, at least those that decided to come in and anchor in the harbor, were majestic, stately and seemed to be almost pulled from a past where these giant vessels were the prime mode of transport throughout the world. Though we live in an age where the quickest solution- especially when it comes to transport- is always the most sought after, it seems we hold in our hearts a fond remembrance for the conveyances of our past. You only have to look as far as the classic automobiles that dot summer roads to know that, sometimes, older is better. And these magnificent ships are no different. A Boothbay Harbor tradition for forty-eight summers, Windjammer Days bring in throngs of people, some whom probably remember the first one. Though the number of ships may have declined, and the streets may not have been as choked with people, the two days in 2010 were successful- everyone that left our hotel had a great time, shopping, eating and taking in the events.  As always, if the weather had been better Wednesday morning, then we would have achieved perfection. However, no trip to Maine could possibly be complete without a touch a fog and a dash of rain.

 

                The event, first held in 1963 in coinciding with the 200^th anniversary of shipbuilding in the Boothbay Region, honors the past by letting these glorious ladies of the sea take center stage every summer. These two days have traditionally been viewed as the “official” kick-off to summer- followed up closely by the Fourth of July holiday; it has always been a busy couple of weeks to prepare hotel, restaurant and retail staffs for the work of the summer. Many hidden gems can be found during these two days, from a pancake breakfast to the craft fair on the Boothbay common- you always have to keep your eyes open, or you might just miss something. And I will tell you from experience, there is nothing quite like one of this massive ships heading towards you, dropping anchor, and skimming to a stop just a few yards in front of you. And the cannon- well, let’s just say that your truly was almost startled directly into ocean by the cannon fire, which signifies the ship has anchored. All and all, the tall ships are truly a beautiful display of living history.

The day is always capped off with a display of pyrotechnics. In many years, the weather, always the fickle mistress of the summer traveler; postponed the fireworks. The result when this happens is twice the fireworks on the Fourth of July. However, this year, despite the foggy/rainy start to the day, the fireworks went off as scheduled. Impressive to say the least, these fireworks were the longest that I could remember for Windjammer Days- at one point, they appeared to stop, only to commence again. The crowd, which had been drifting away from the pier, lurched back in surprise, awaiting the finale. Simple though they may be, fireworks have always had an allure, and are a great way to put a proverbial cherry on the top of the treat that is Windjammer Days in Boothbay Harbor.   

                In summary, Windjammer Day’s in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, is certainly worth the trip. But I would suggest that, if you want to stay in the harbor, call and book early. Here at the Fisherman’s Wharf, we book up early with many guests that have been coming for years. With those rooms filled, it leaves us with a small collection of rooms for new guests. Why not start your own tradition today and book with us for Windjammer Days 2011? We are waiting for your call.

                

Skimming the Skies with Ocean Point Aviation

                On Tuesday of this week, your faithful scribe had an opportunity to check out a local sightseeing trip. Now, you say, there are plenty of sightseeing trips in Boothbay Harbor, and I would tell you that was true. However, this particular trip was not in Boothbay Harbor- it was above it. David and Kerrith Stapp, owners and operators of Ocean Point Aviation, LLC, had extended an invitation for local hospitality staff to experience a scenic flight of the area, and to experience firsthand what they had to offer. Guests can choose from a short tour for $85 per person, which lasts about a half hour, and a long tour, about an hour, for $115 per person; as anyone can plainly see, the longer trip is much more economical. It was explained to me that this reflects the preparation time on the ground that it takes for a flight, regardless of the time in the air- so why not take the longer flight, it is defiantly worth the extra thirty dollars.

              After a short drive up to Wiscasset- traffic was light on Tuesday, so it made for easy going- I met with David, owner and chief pilot, and prepared for my scenic flight. Utilizing a state of the art Cessna 172, with seating for three plus the pilot, David Stapp certainly looks the part. Aviators firmly in place on the weather perfect day, he invited me to join him in the cockpit to begin our flight. The first thing that I noticed was a large graphical display on the dash- current GPS technology has advanced leaps and bounds since I have been in the cockpit of a small airplane. Providing my pilot with up to date information on weather, traffic patterns and other airplanes, this handy gadget definitely eases any doubts as to the safety of the flight; just below the display is a row of back-up, non-technological gauges, in the case that the computers fail. Back-ups for back-ups make for a very safe flight. There was a shout of, “Clear prop!” and we were off.

 

                Though it was short flight, simply to give me a flavor of what they were offering; the brief trip afforded me some spectacular views of Boothbay Harbor and the surrounding the area. If you have never seen the Botanical Gardens from the air, it is quite impressive. The harbor, with its scores of moored sailboats and powerboats, is quite picturesque from the air. Ocean Point Aviation certainly provides a unique way to take in the sights- a standard long flight will take you down the river to Bath, up along the coast, giving you a glimpse of Fort Popham and the beach; you will also be able take in many of the local lighthouses from the air, as well as gain a true appreciation for the proverbial “rocky coast” of Maine.

               

                Though the cross-winds at the Wiscasset Airport are ranked in the top five for worst in the country – learn to fly there and you can fly anywhere, they tell me- our landing was smooth, if a bit rocky. Our journey completed, my feet back on the ground, I met with David’s wife, Kerrith, who handles the marketing for their business- we had a quick chat about social marketing and its growing importance into today’s market. After a few tasty nibbles on the provided snacks, I was back on the road, heading back into Boothbay Harbor. However, my head remained in the clouds; my mind’s eye soaring with the wind- the Boothbay Harbor Region is simply breathtaking from the air. Call Ocean Point Aviation at 207-380-1884 today to book your own scenic coastal plane ride today!                

Cruising Around with the Reggae Cruise on the Harbor Princess

This week’s blog posting will be the first in what will hopefully be a series of exposes about the various trips, excursions and activities available to our guests when they come to Boothbay Harbor. I hope to pay a visit to this different venues, experience them as a traveler would, and post, complete with photos, about the experience. This week’s posting will be about the Reggae Cruise with the Boothbay Whale Watch.

In the name of full disclosure, your faithful scribe has gone on more than one Reggae Cruise- in fact, I have been going on these fun filled excursions since shortly after my twenty-first birthday. Locally, it has become a weekly summer tradition for people; come Monday morning, the phone in the ticket booth is ringing off the hook. Various “cruise organizers” make their lists, and book accordingly- usually during its peak operation, the Harbor Princess sells out in short order- so book early and often if you want to check out this unique excursion in the Boothbay Harbor area.

Your night will begin with the short trek from land, down the gangway, into the awaiting arms of the Harbor Princess. You will be greeted before you board, by one of the friendly, dependable crew members. They are there to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the passengers- veterans all, they are sure to greet you with a smile.  The next step, for those of the cocktail set, will be to venture to into the bowels of the galley, to stand in line for one of large selection of tasty beverages. Now, if you are in the know and know someone amidst the crew, your wait time might be shorter, but the line does not move until you leave the dock, so if you are not in hurry, wander around the ship and get your bearings first. The bottom deck affords passengers a 360 degree view of the surroundings, a fact that comes in quite handy in the vessels other role as the premier whale watching vessel in Boothbay Harbor.

As you familiarize yourself with the layout of the Princess, you will probably here the first dulcet chords emanating from of the centerpiece of the Reggae Cruise- the Dani Tribesman- a group of extremely talented, down to earth friendly musicians. Lead by the irrepressible Dave Gagne, the Tribesman have been playing together for years-this shows in their comfortable playing style, voluminous song selection, and the overall character of the band as a whole.  Though primarily focused on reggae music, you should not be surprised to hear a little Buffet mixed in, with a swirl of John Denver or Blind Melon for flavoring. Overall, the music is the highlight of the cruise- by the end, on a good night, with the weather cooperating, the music brings everyone together; though the sun may have set, the night is usually full of happy folks, singing and dancing together, under the stars, on the top deck.

Drink prices are reasonable, the food is appropriately greasy and delicious, and the bartenders are quick with both drinks and humor. The first trip of the season in 2010 was on Memorial Day Weekend, a full two to three weeks earlier than normal. And what a fabulous trip it was- lots of familiar faces, eager for the first trip of the season. The weather could not have been more perfect, the band was in mid-season form, and the seas were calm and blue. We here at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn are always eager to work with our local partners, and in that spirit, we offer special room rates for reggae cruisers on Sunday nights (and Thursday nights for the Cahoots cruise)- $95 + tax will put your head in a bed for the night. No need to worry about driving- the Harbor Princess leaves right for our dock- convenience and fun, all in one package. Please note, this special is for ticketed passengers of the Reggae Cruise and does not include tickets for the boat.   I would encourage one and all to come down to Boothbay Harbor and experience this cruise. You will not be disappointed- just remember, book early- tickets go on sale each Monday for the following Sunday. Check this and other available trips on the Harbor Princess at www.whaleme.com.

June has arrived and we are two weeks into the 2010 season. The season has started out extremely promising, for us here at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn and for all the local shops and excursions- Memorial Day Weekend was beautiful and busy, which of course is beautiful in its self. We hosted another successful Alumni Dinner, and the parade on Monday was a fine tribute to veterans everywhere. Every year, after the holiday, there is a lull- the town clears out quite a bit- and remains calm for a couple of weeks. This is a great time to visit Boothbay Harbor. It is a fabulous time to visit the sights without the crowds, to drive the coast without traffic, and enjoy spectacular food without having to wait for a table. I would encourage everyone to visit during this period before Windjammer Day’s- most everything is open, and you will find great deals walking off the street for lodging. Always make sure to ask for a room upgrade; invariably, hotels will want to put their best foot forward and upgrade you to nicer room, for the same price, when they are not busy. If you are a shopper or would just like to have a few days relaxation by the sea, the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine is a perfect spot for any and all vacation desires.

                The end of June is really the kick off to the summer season. The first major summer event, Windjammer Days, comes near the end of June, after which the town is busy and bustling until Labor Day. There is nothing quite like seeing the majestic windjammers sailing into the harbor. If you open your mind’s eye, you can almost picture a time when the wind was the sole source of propulsion for sailing, and these tall ships were the norm.  They were like floating villages, with every member of the crew doing their part to ensure the safety of the whole. Though the crew’s of today windjammers are probably not the career sailors of the past, they still take pride in their job, keeping the vessels in fine working condition- all in all, it is a unique opportunity to view these pieces of living history.  But book early, because rooms go fast for these couple of days in June. Here at Fisherman’s Wharf, we have guests that have been staying in the same room, for this event, for over twenty years. You have to be lucky or have really good timing- give us a call, we will let you know what we have available. But please understand that there are not many rooms left at all. Which is a good thing for us- we prefer being busy.

                As we launch ourselves into the full swing of summer, please remember, anytime is a great time to visit Boothbay Harbor and the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn. We have great staff this year- experienced and enthusiastic- and we would love for you to join us. It is as easy as picking up the phone and giving us a call; someone is here, twenty four hours a day, to take your call and show you what the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn has to offer- fun and relaxation by the sea.   

2010 Season is Underway!

After a weekend full of events- Spring Fling, Land Trust, wedding reception- the Fisherman's Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, is in full swing. Today, Sunday the 23rd of May, is the first day for our dining room to be open. There are some new menu items, as always, a fabulous view, and even some new faces taking care of customers in the dining room. The weather for opening weekend was flawless- this does not include Sunday, which has dawned foggy and a bit grey- which always has been and will always be one of the most important factors in bringing in guests to the hotel.

       Speaking of bringing guests into the hotel, I want to take a moment and reflect on bookings so far. This is always the first question anyone asks you about the business. "How are bookings looking this year?" I have been asked this on several occasions, and am never really sure how to answer. Unbridled enthusiasm is not the way to go; answering that particular question with the energy of Tony the Tiger, that famous breakfast advocate, would go a long way in making me look mad. However, responding like Chicken Little, that infernal pessimist, would also not be appropriate.  I have set up camp, unwaveringly, in the middle of the road, sitting on top of a fence. Essentially, advanced bookings, especially in this economy, are somewhat a misnomer. The window for these “advanced” bookings has shrunk; much of the time guests will call and book just a few days before they arrive. This is fine, of course, but does not help much for peace of mind or planning in advanced.  The best we here at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn can hope for is bright blue skies, low gas prices, the wanderlust of summer and the allure of the sea; all of these factors combining in one way or another hopefully will bring in lots of customers, old and new.

So if you are sitting in front of your computer reading this blog, and somewhere in your heart there is a soft voice telling you to hit the open road, to throw caution to the wind and take an adventure, then perhaps you should travel up to Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Drive into town and listen for the sound of gulls off the water, the smell of salt in the air, and bustle of downtown. Make your way into town and come visit us at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn. You will not be disappointed.  

First event, under our belt, signs point to successful season

The day dawned sunny and blue, and just like that, the one part of the day that we cannot control was taken care of. It is Saturday, May 15^th, and the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn is getting set up for its first official event of the 2010 season. The Downeast Yacht Club has held their Commodores’ Luncheon in our dining room for several years. The festivities kicked off at around 11, with a cocktail hour, featuring cheese and crackers- the cheese, a specialty of Executive Chef John Reed, is worth the price of admission by itself. As at all events like these, the attendees spent much of the early period mingling, catching up with friends, and enjoying the spectacular view of the harbor from the dining room. And speaking of the dining room, it has never looked better. Our dining room manager, and a duo of hardworking lads, have cleaned, dusted, folded, swept, swept again, dusted again, polished and primped the lounge and restaurant for the last couple of weeks, and they have it looking like the belle of the ball.                

               

The aroma’s wafting from the kitchen were sure to set the guests taste buds to quivering, so the staff wasted no time- shortly after the speeches and awards, food began to stream from the kitchen. Our well trained staff had the food out in a matter of minutes- all the better for the yachters and boaters to satisfy their culinary cravings. The options were a Baked Salmon en Croute, stuffed with Lobster Boursin over mixed greens; a Roast Loin of Pork with Root-vegetable ragout and a Rosemary Demi-glaze, or a Roast Chicken Breast with Cranberry-Walnut Stuffing and Orange-Maple Glaze. Now I don’t know about my readers, but I would certainly order one of each. Maybe two. Either way, the food was a success, and the dessert- Mousse with fruit topping in an edible chocolate shell- was a perfect topper for the delightful meal.             We here at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn would like to thank the folks from the Downeast Yacht Club for their patronage. There are lots of choices in Boothbay Harbor, and we appreciate you choosing us. We are looking forward to serving you next year.  

               

                Our first event went off without a hitch- except for a leaky water tap, fixed with a rubber band and dish rag – and the guests were happy. We can only hope the success of our first event in 2010 is a precursor of better things to come. We know that the slow economy and state of the world these days leave people a bit leery of traveling. We here at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn invite you to come join us this summer for a relaxing escape to the rocky coast of Maine. We will do our best to provide you with reasonable prices, friendly staff, and memories that you will treasure for a lifetime. That is our goal, and we aim high. We open May 21^st for the hotel and May 23^rd for the dining room. Give us a chance and I am positive you will like what you fin.

                

The pieces are falling into place

Though it is a day late, happy Cinco de Mayo! The deadline for opening is rapidly approaching. We here at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn are hard at work, preparing the inn and grounds for our 65th season. Decking is being replaced, carpets are being cleaned and refreshed, and a good number of rooms are getting some much needed upgrades. I was handed the new dinner menu just the other day, a clear sign that are approaching the season. Our executive chef, John Reed, back from another successful season at Sugarloaf, has done some adding and some subtracting- all in efforts to please your palettes and delight you stomach. I am most looking forward to the Macaroni & Cheese, with penne pasta, lobster and white truffle oil. And to be honest, I am not sure what white truffle oil is, but it sounds delicious. This will be my first stop on the new menu. I will hold out on you for a little while on the rest of the new items- this is in hopes that each and every one of you that is reading this will take the time to come and sample it for yourself. I know we will appreciate it, and I am sure that your tummy will too.


If you had not heard yet, our own Laura Honey took home another award. She was honored, justifiably, by the Rotary for Lifetime achievement. This new award has taken its place with the many other honors that have been bestowed upon this wonderful lady. If you have never had a chance to meet her, stop in at the Fisherman’s Wharf. You are sure to find her busy coordinating a rehearsal dinner, greeting guests in the lounge, or perhaps if you are lucky, you can take a peek behind the curtain, catching her unwinding with a quick game of solitaire. She is, as they say, living history- she could fill volumes, I am sure, with her knowledge of the Boothbay Harbor region, the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn and Maine in general. For forty five years, Mrs. H has toiled away within the walls of the Fisherman’s Wharf- lending her heart, soul and intellect to the operation. I would daresay that Mrs. Laura Honey is as much a part of the Fisherman’s Wharf, as the Wharf is a part of her. Mrs. H and all the staff at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, invite you to join us during the upcoming season to experience Maine at its finest. Call now, 800-628-6872, for reservations.

The Wharf Awakens

Happy Spring, everyone! We are on the cusp of the May; April’s final days have been passing in a blur as we prepare to open our doors for the 2010 season. The folks here at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn have been hard at work this past week, painting and dusting, moving and shaking, all in efforts to get the hotel and restaurant open in time for our first function on May 15th. The office has moved back to the main building, and though we are fighting the chill in the air, three tiny, brave heaters are allowing us to do our jobs without blue fingers and steaming breath. One would hope, as we progress deeper into spring that the air will warm itself, and the wind off the Atlantic will lose some of its teeth, but for now, warm coats are still part of the uniform here.


Fisherman’s Festival here in Boothbay Harbor was a rousing success, again. The weather remained flawless for all three days. The Fisherman’s Wharf Inn would like extend congratulations to all those young ladies who vied for the title of Ms. Shrimp Princess Pageant; the title was carried home by Noelle Timberlake. The top three finishers’ talents were on display all day at the Fishermen’s Fest activities, as at various times, the ladies displayed their singing skills to the crowd. Young Ms. Timberlake will keep herself busy this summer with the duties of Ms. Shrimp Princess, gracing most of the important local events with her presence. If anyone has not had a chance to catch Fisherman’s Festival, 2011 would be a great time to start. There is no way to beat the local flavor of the festival, and who can complain about hot fish sandwiches and cold mudslides at the Boothbay Lobster Wharf, or the reality bending yarns spun at Tall Tales.

There are whispers in the quiet hallways of the Fisherman’s Wharf that we may see some new, tasty items on the menu this year. Yours truly hopes to speak with Executive Chef John Reed in the coming days to see if I can get some details that I can share with everyone. We have also been digging in the bar closet, and have pulled out various tasty elixirs that we will need to run through early in the season, so stay tuned for special drink specials, such as frozen Tarantula Margaritas. We are attempting to stream line the bar inventory a bit- the remaining items will be creatively turned into drink specials to tantalize the taste buds.

I know I have asked you to “stay tuned” several times, and I apologize for this. But at this time of year, everyone is working feverishly (most everyone, anyway) to prepare for the upcoming season. I will do my best to fill my loyal readers in with the new and exciting things for the upcoming season, and some that have remained the same for those people who like to find things unchanged, familiar, year after year. Till my next update, please stay healthy, wealthy and wise, and failing that, keep breathing and take each day as it comes.

The Fools of April lead to the Merriment of May

Welcome, loyal readers- I know the blog has been on hiatus, but have you looked out the window? The weather, for the most part, has been quite lovely. The sun has been shining down on us, the grass is growing rampant, and the music of birds chirping fills the air. And that means it is almost time to move back to our regular season office, back to the main building, to blow the dust of winter off the old hotel, and bring it back to life for another season.


Now, for those who have never worked in a hotel, there is a lot to this process. As is any good business, the Fisherman's Wharf Inn is a multi-limbed organism that must operate with coordination to maximize efficiency. All departments have their own ways of preparing for the season, but it is a must that all departments pull their weight, or the hotel as a whole will fall short of the finish line, or as it is in this case, the starting line. Come high water or the turning of the tides, the whole operation must be ready to go when the first guests walk through the door. In the end, the middle and the beginning, the guests are what it is all about.

I am off to a conference tomorrow about the burgeoning role of social media in the hospitality industry, and the far reaching hand of Google in it all. Hopefully, I will learn many things that will benefit both my employers and me. This is second such conference that I am attending- shortly after this first, this blog was born. Stay tuned to any changes after this second conference.

April 22nd through April 25th is Fisherman’s Festival in Boothbay Harbor, ME. Though we here at the Fisherman’s Wharf Inn are not open, we would encourage everyone that can to come visit town for this special event. It is a local celebration of the sea and the community, with events ranging from Tug O’ War to Dory Bailing. Unique in its character and flavor, Fisherman’s Festival reveals the true character of the town, the region and the people that live within it.

The Spring has Sprung

Good day, my loyal readers- or reader, as it may be- and welcome to spring. The first day of spring was a glorious celebration of sunshine and growth. Three days later, it snowed. Thus is the brilliant confusion that is spring in New England. As we shrug off the dustig of snow, and look hopefully towards our gardens, our convertibles, our boats and our picnic blankets, we are creeping ever closer to the warm summer sun. Sooner than we know, store fronts in Boothbay Harbor will be opening their doors to greet eager patrons. Bars and restaurants will be open their menus for hungry customers, eager to delight their taste buds with new selections.
In local news, the ugly building that squatted atop the hill by the Congregational Church has been demolished. An interesting blight on the landscape, this former doctor's office was full of intrigue- it is to be a parking lot, which should tend to be less dramatic and more practical than a doctor accused of spying on his tenents.We here at Fisherman's Wharf have planned some changes of our own; we have planned renovations to about twenty or so rooms, which, we hope, will add to the enjoyment that our guests experience here on their vacations.
This spring, as you endevour to grow living things in your garden, clean up the yard after the lastest weather vulgarity, even if its just sitting and grilling on your back deck to take advantage of the longer days, remember please, that soon enough it will be summer. Fisherman's Wharf will be open for business on the 21st of May, and the summer in Boothbay Harbor, Me will have arrived.

Spring is around the corner

I looked out into my yard just the other day. The last vestige of snow, which had been desperately clinging to life, had vanished. The weather has been so unseasonably warm, it makes one worried about the future of the weather in our region. Will we pay for it with another rainy May and June? I hope not, as last season, the rains washed away vacations, boat trips, and in general, smiles. We here at Fisherman's Wharf hope that those smiles are firmly in place this summer, with a few new cruises available in the harbor, new stores and restaurants to tantilize the senses, and, it seems, many weddings for happy couples looking to spend the rest of their lives together. It seems that this is something one can count on when the economy is slow, and everyone is looking for the silver lining: Trouble is often better faced when you have someone you love by your side. That being said, grab your loved one close, and think about the warm summer sun; think about that first steamed lobster of the summer, succulent and hot; remember the good times on the Reggae Cruise with the Boothbay Harbor Whale Watch; a plate of the best onion rings in the harbor while sipping a cocktail in the Fisherman's Wharf lounge; most of all, think about the smiles and memories that you will make this summer in Boothbay Harbor. And I invite you to start those memories at the Fisherman's Wharf Inn.

The Month of Marchuary

The wind blew, and the rain fell. The wind howled, and the rain slashed. The noise outside crested to a battering symphony of nature's fury, and then the power went out. Shortly thereafter, it seems, nature had exhausted her fury- the rain slackened, the wind settleed and then died, and all remained dark. Thus was the big storm that ended Februrary- for some in was rain, for some it was snow, for all, strong winds and the loss of power. I hope, whomever and wherever you are reading this, you have gotten your power back on. If not, may the power repair trucks be on their way to your door as you read this. I would like to take a little time to talk about a couple special events that happen here in Boothbay Harbor. The first would be Windjammer Day's- I'd like to talk about this one first, because here at Fisherman's Wharf, we are filling up rapidly. We have a total of eleven rooms remaining for the two days of the event; Windjammer's truly represents the starting line for the summer season here in Boothbay Harbor. Though Fisherman's will have been open for about a month at this point, this is when we truly see all the beauty of the town unfold. All the shops will be in full swing, and perhaps, as you wander the streets, idly munching a bag of specialty popcorn from the Coastal Maine Popcorn factory, and travel back down the hill, you may see the hint of a ship's mast making its way into the harbor. As you come closer, it reveals itself to be one of the glorious "tall ships" that arrive every year for the event. Though you may have to push your way through the crowds gathering to see the ships arrive, you will do so, because these ships are at the heart of Windjammer Days. Great music, better food, lively craft fairs- this is what is all about. Then top it all off with a fine fireworks display- perfection. Speaking of fireworks, the second event I would like to discuss is the Fourth of July. Another event, full of pagentry, and ended with fabulous fireworks display. And you know the best spot to watch those fireworks? From a balcony of one of our fine rooms at the Fisherman's Wharf Inn. So, be it for Windjammer Days, the Fourth of July or even the tenth of August, come join us at the Fisherman's Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor, ME, for a spectacular, authentic Maine experience.

Fading Februrary

Well, the old groundhog did his thing, came out of his hole and saw his shadow- or maybe he didn't- and for some unknown reason, this phenomenon convinces everyone that there will be six more weeks of winter. How many do we get if he sees the opposite? That has never been discussed, and frankly, I am sick and tired of allowing a small, furry rodent determine our fate. Speaking of fate, though not really, I would like to speak about Boothbay Harbor's finest attraction- okay, so if you are a local, this falls farther down on your list, but that is okay. I am speaking of Windjammer Day's, this year June 22nd and 23rd. A fine event that brings a bounty of people to the area to view local crafts, fantastic tall ships, and boundless selections to tantalize the tastebuds. If you have never- and if you are reading this, you probably have- been to a Windjammer's Day celebration, then you should definatly come and check it out. The towns of Boothbay Harbor and Boothbay, whilst always beautiful, during these few days, are like the middle age woman who pulls out her prom dress and finds that it still fits. Or to use another cliche, the towns put their best feet forward(whatever that means). So come one, come all, to view the this area in its glory-witness the tall ships arrive, the splendid fireworks, the tasty aroma of traditional Maine cuisine wafting through the air. And you if you think that you might like to, we here at Fisherman's Wharf are at the heart of it all, right on the harbor, with spectactular views of all the events(except maybe when people stuff themselves full of pancakes, that is not in town). Our rooms are filling up fast, so make the call, book a room, and experience the best that Boothbay Harbor has to offer- if only for a day or two.

Almost Halfway There

Yes, folks, we are almost halfway through Februrary, which isn't saying much, as the month is only twenty-eight days long. But I ask you, whoever you happen to be- why does a month that is only twenty-eight days seem so long? I speak from my experiences as a New Englander pretty much all my life- except for that silly time where I grew up in New York City(where it always rains in the winter, and whatever snow we got was never white)- February is the kind of month that seems to limp along. I bet if you ask the folks down in Washington D.C. and Baltimore, they might agree with me. Here in Maine, we haven't had much snow- the Wharf's parking lot is bare and ice free(which is a rare event in the winter)- but the temperatures have been cold. Of course, this leads to the discourse about the activities that are appropriate for times when it is too cold to go outside, but I digress; four more days, and we will be half through with this month. Valentine's Day is coming up, and I am sure that the Hallmark card department is working overtime and the whomever makes all the chocolates that people buy are in full production. And yes, folks, Valentine's Day is the central hub around which this month spins, exactly fourteen days into the month, celebrating the abundance of love or the lack thereof, or somewhere in between. So, I would encourage everyone, grab someone warm and something cold, stay inside, and dream simple dreams of warm breezes off the ocean, the cries of diving seagulls, and a plate of the best onion rings in Boothbay Harbor at the Fisherman's Wharf Inn.

Februrary Dawning

Here we are, in the month of Februrary, one step closer to summer. Februrary has always been the hardest month, despite the clear fact that it is the shortest. The days are getting brighter, later, which is always a treat; however, some good the extra light does for you when the breath steaming from you mouth freezes as soon as it hits the air. The month always seems to be full of cold bitter wind, frozen snows and little sunshine. I say this now, as I look outside to bright blue sky and only moderatly cold tempatures here in Boothbay Harbor; but I know, that lurking close by is the harsh reality of Maine winter. So gather 'round your loved ones, put a light to that log in the fire, grab a good book, and settle in for twenty-eight days. Soon it will be March, then shortly thereafter it will be April- Fisherman's Festival is a great event at the end of April, everyone should come check it out- then May, and that, my friends (if there are any) is the beginning of summer. Long days and pleasant nights and a nice cold mug of ale at the Fisherman's Wharf Inn in Boothbay Harbor, ME.

Day's Dawning Cold and Bright

Welcome weary traveler- I know not how you reached us here at the official blog of the Fisherman's Wharf Inn- but I invite you to come inside, pull of a chair, and make yourself at home. You know us here at the Wharf want to make you comfortable. Have some good food to fill you belly, a fine wine to ease the chill, maybe even a slice of blueberry pie to complete your Maine experience. He we are, creeping up to the doorstep of Februrary. Our days are getting longer, but all that really means is that we have more time outside in the bitter freezing cold. And yes, today is quite cold here on the doorstep of the shortest month- a chill wind in the teeth and uncertain footing beneath- and yet just twenty-eight days later, we will be in March, when it seems we can again begin to dream about green, growing things and the joys of Spring. And though it may seem to invite Old Man Winter to turn his cold eye on us- we should think of Spring, and then Summer afterward. For it is in the hope of Spring and the warmth of Summer that we find the strength to plow, head down, through the bitter cold and biting snows of winter. We will re-open on May 21st, and we invite you to join us as Boothbay Harbor once again shakes itself out of hibernation, and flexes its fingers toward the warming sun.