Mulching at the Meadowmere

"Lawn care was being done we were told- very good if this is more environmentally friendly than regular chemicals. However-the odor was a bit fishy while in the outdoor hot-tub. Any alternative that doesn't smell??"

Every spring there is a time here known as 'mulching at the Meadowmere' and this time is marked by the remarkable smell that wafts from the gardens. Rest assured - the smell is temporary - in fact, the ecomment from above was from April 27th and it is gone now. However, we know there will be a day or two when something about our resort smells a little fishy . . . literally.

Here's the inside story. Years ago, we got wind of a mulch like no other. And today, our mulching program at our Ogunquit hotel is part of our Environmental Leadership program (the guest who provided the ecomment above is right). Our mulch is purchased from a local purveyor who, with love and care, cultivates outstanding organic compost. The trick is in the shellfish and lobster remains - It is also where the smell comes from. And if any of you have ever boiled lobster at home and put the bodies in the kitchen trash, you can attest from entering your kitchen the next morning that it only takes a day to have a scent that will knock you out.

Our fearless Maintenance team spreads the mulch through every garden and the fearful smell dissipates in a day or two. In fact, the compost smells because it is being moved  - Once settled, the process of enriching the soil begins and all the good stuff goes into the earth. 

By using organic compost, less chemicals and additional additives are needed in our gardens. By using this special compost, the nutrients in the soil are enhanced further. However, the compost is in demand and depends on the weather, lobstering, and more as to when we get to mulching.

So while we can't tell you exactly when we will be mulching at the Meadowmere from Spring to Spring, we can tell you that our gardens receive rave reviews and are the colorful back drop to many a family photo and wedding moment.

So when you say something smells a little fishy 'round here, it's a our Maine lobster compost -Ayuh! 

Have you heard about Jonathan's Concerts?

Many people are unaware that in Ogunquit, we see some mighty big talent come through (Yep - our little Maine village - It's true). There are the stars of the Ogunquit Playhouse and the occasional famous face that vacations here (We've heard rumors of Patriots stars and reality TV celebs) . Then there is Jonathan's Concert Series.

Jonathan's began its love affair with music long ago and the shows became known as Upstairs . . . at Jonathan's. For those of you familiar with the restaurant, the dining is downstairs - but upstairs is home to a ballroom with outstanding acoustics. So back when the stars started filling the seats, one would say "Hey, I'm going upstairs at Jonathan's tonight. Gonna see a show." Maybe it could have been more original, but for those in the know, it was a perfect fit. So Upstairs at Jonathan's stuck.

This concert season, Jonathan's has an outstanding line up. From comedy to folk to more contemporary sounds - the artists are impressive. To check out the concerts visit Jonathan's website. You can also buy tickets buy clicking here.

If you see a concert that you would love to see, but have to travel for, we have made it convenient to book at our Ogunquit Resort and buy show tickets. Click here to check out a stay & show. Quick tip - If you want to see Paula Poundstone, buy now. She is a sure sell-out!

Guilty: Of Generousity (Again) & Kindness (We Warned You!)

Well - It happened. Our General Manager was carted away for kindness!

Chris, our hotel's fearless leader, suffered in 'jail' for the Muscular Dystrophy Association Lock-Up held at MC Perkins Cove.  Surrounded by mountains of candy and given several cell phones to make an unlimited number of calls to save the day, he raised bail and was sprung.

Rumor has it, there was a backroom deal with tough negoiations and tense moments (actually, the deal was made in the upstairs dining room of MC's restaurant, was worked out with stunning ocean views and several donated goodies). But Chris's freedom was had with 100% tax-deductible donations to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association continue its research and help one lucky kid enjoy summer camp this year.

Today, our General Manager is roaming the streets (aka the hallways of our Ogunquit resort) and once again, guilty of generousity and kindess.

Thank you to eveyone who helped!

Back by Demand! York's Wild Kingdom Passcards!

Lions and tigers and bears - oh my!

Well, at least a tiger for sure will be seen at York's Wild Kingdom. Maine's largest zoo joined our Ogunquit hotel's benefit program last summer and was a rave success. (If you are not familiar with Meadowmere Stay Rewards, called Benefits of the Meadow, local businesses offer our guests special discounts for staying with us. The rewards will vary, depending on the time of the year - but check out www.meadowmere.com and the Meadowmere Stay Rewards page to see what's happening when you want to take a trip to Ogunquit)

Good news for your family vacation - York's Wild Kingdom is back to be a Benefit of the Meadow for Summer 2008! From May 24 through September 1, guests at our Ogunquit inn can enjoy Zoo & Ride Passcards. Pick up you $11 passcards at the front desk and head 5 miles south on Route 1. The zoo entrance is on your left, just after the road widens to two lanes.

One of the neat things about York's Wild Kingdom is that the zoo includes amusement rides. Ferris wheel, Merry Go Round, Haunted House and more - always fun for the kids. The East entrance of the Zoo lets out to the Short Sands Beach area. Trinket shops, live blues music and the Goldenrod (excellent salt water taffy - delicious!) at your fingertips.

Hope you enjoy the Zoo this year and have a great time! Remember to say hi to Rewa the White Tiger!

2008 Ogunquit Fireworks - Come enjoy the show July 1st!

The Village Spirit Committee of Ogunquit presents one of Maine's most spectacular Fireworks Display on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at Dusk/9:30PM. The show will originate off a barge in the ocean and the viewing areas will be Perkins Cove, Marginal Way, Moody Beach and the Main Beach with the exception of the stretch of Ogunquit Beach closed off to protect piping plover nesting areas.

Parking will be available at the Footbridge parking lot - although no access to the beach will be permitted. The parking lot at the Main Beach will be closed, allowing for public viewing and entertainment will be provided.

Trolleys from our Ogunquit hotel will provide transportation for $1.50 per ride and will run until midnight. Pick up/drop off available at Jonathan's parking lot on Bourne Lane. It is suggested for safety that spectators carry flashlights for use in exiting the viewing areas.

For more information on Ogunquit's fireworks display:

Visit: www.villagespirit.org

The July 4th Fireworks display is made possible by contributions form the community and visitors to Ogunquit - all who come to enjoy the fireworks show. Should you wish to help support the 2008 show, please make donations out to the Village Spirit Committee and mail to PO Box 684, Ogunquit, ME 03907. Email village_spirit_committee@yahoo.com to volunteer.

To find out about availability at our resort, click here.

To find out about July 4th events in Southern Maine, click here.

WANTED: Christopher Roberts

Help - Our General Manager is locked up!

Description: Usually Wears a Smile
CAUTION: Heavily Armed with Kindness . . . This may be contagious!
PRIOR CONVICTION: Thoughtfulness and Generosity

Please help! Chris, our fearless leader, has been arrested and will be put in jail for Muscular Dystrophy Association Lock-Up. Don't even bother asking him what crime he has committed - it's really not that important. And never mind that jail is MC Perkins Cove and our fearless outlaw will have ocean views and world famous cuisine. He's just not cut out for lock up.

There is hope. The nice deputy from the MDA said they would make sure he was taken care of (Chris hopes this means extra lobster and a front row table and not a swimming with fishes) if he raises bail before the Lock-Up.

We won't lie to you folks - It's looking grim for our hero. His only hope (Obe-One was in a galaxy far far away) may be 100% tax-deductible donations to help the Muscular Dystrophy Association continue research into the cause and possible cure of the over 43 diseases they cover. Donations are 100% for efforts such as wheelchairs, clinic visits, summer camps and the search for a cure. 0% is held back for care of our bandit Chris (disconcerting, we know!).

Rumor has it that Chris will be facing high noon on April 16th - There isn't much time to save him from the fate of an MC's burger and the ocean view driving him mad!

Should you be willing to risk association with a wanted man, please help. Donations made out to the nice Muscular Dsytrophy Association can be sent to:

Meadowmere Resort
C/o Bandit Chris Roberts
PO Box 2347
Ogunquit, ME 03907

Or join us April 16th - We offer our midweek package with overnight accommodations and dinner at MC Perkins Cove (we promise you will not be harmed by any inmates) and pledge to help in person.

Please help bring our fearless leader back to the Meadowmere!

Cup A Joe . . . A Little Pick Me Up

At the Meadowmere, there are a few of us who appreciate coffee, a few who appreciate good coffee and a few who just haven't joined the coffee club. However, coffee in a hotel has a role - its aroma fills the lobby, its sight sends a signal of welcoming and comfort and we've witnessed more than one weary traveler breathe a sigh of relief.

When our resort became an Environmental Leader, part of the program was to source items locally - particularly food and beverages.  We came to offer Seacoast Coffee in our lobby and with breakfast during the high season. Seacoast Coffee is delicious, local, fair trade and many of you have raved about it. We have one gentleman who visits the lobby at sunrise during his stays, has his 3 cups (black, half a sweet n low), and chats with our friendly staff - in his pajamas.

However, there have been some die hard coffee drinkers out there for whom the giant gallons of coffee in the lobby is just too far away in the morning. Like, air - coffee is primary to functioning and we have been assured that they are best given a direct dose while the pillows are still warm. Through our e-comment cards, we got a sense that perhaps an in room coffee maker would help. Then, our guests would emerge, ready to start the day. No promises were made by any guest - but we got the drift.

For those of you that need the pick me up right at getting up, our hotel now features in room coffee makers. They are clean, easy to use, single serving units that mean no more clawing you way to the lobby for the first cup. Based on some of the e-comment cards - some of you may need a moment to celebrate . . .

But when you come back and finish reading, please know that we hope you will still visit us at the lobby for our Maine made Seacoast Coffee for that first, second or third (take what you need, we understand) cup. An important part of our family run hotel is greeting our guests with a 'Good Morning!' - Even if you are wearing your pajamas.

NewEnglandFineLiving.com - Check Out The Engagement Package

Just a quick follow up to yesterday's posting about our Ogunquit hotel's new Engagement Package. Check out NewEnglandFineLiving.com and the Honeymoon / Engagement section - They've feature our new getaway!

WOW - Word travels fast!

Propose in Ogunquit with Romance & Champagne!

Pop the question at The Meadowmere Resort!

Starting today, we have launched our brand new Engagement Package Getaway. Fireplace Suite accommodations, custom designed Bette Jean's Romance Bouquet and a delicious Champagne Celebrations gift. Plus we will be happy to help with recommending a restaurant so you can have the perfect setting -the only thing left is to pick the perfect time!

Restaurants that we recommend in the area for that special moment:

• Jonathan's Restaurant  - Cozy and onsite, with a special table by the fireplace or request a garden view
• Old Village Inn - Quaint inn setting and romantic porch seating overlooking Ogunquit village
• MC Perkins Cove - Almost every table has ocean views and romantic Marginal Way setting
• Arrows Restaurant - World famous cuisine and stunning gardens - Experience dining for a very special experience!
• Clay Hill Farm - Set on a wildlife habitat, this is a favorite for its charm and romance
• Five-O Shore Road - Sophisticated and hip setting with village views

Just think - you can enjoy award winning relaxation, deluxe amenities and outstanding accommodations just moments from the Sea. Your partner will be swept off their feet! And you have a romantic getaway in the peaceful setting of Ogunquit - celebrating each other as the next chapter begins.

Our Engagement Package is available year round for one or two night stays, weekend or midweek in Ogunquit by the sea. Now that's a great way to take the plunge!

Check Out Our Hotel's New Ogunquit Eco-Binder!

Curious about hiking in the area or looking to visit local land trusts? Maybe just want to learn a little bit more about our green certification and how we became Ogunquit's first Environmental Leader hotel?

The Meadowmere has got you covered! Our staff pitched in and created an eco-information binder to accompany our restaurant guide and our attractions/activities binder (If you haven't visited lately, these are huge binders full of information on what to do in the area and where to eat when in Southern Maine. Don't worry, we've organized everything and put them in the lobby - near the yummy Seacoast Coffee).

Inside are quick sheets on our environmental leader efforts and sections on eco-attractions, activities, events, parks, agriculture and local organizations.  Here's a quick sample of each:

Eco-Attractions/Activities in Ogunquit

• Marginal Way - More than a beautiful way, this is a famous geological research site
• Beach Plum Farm - A salt marsh preservations and home to beautiful ocean walking paths (The birdlife is amazing)
• Tatnic Hill Loop - Gorgeous wooded trail that's perfect for mountain biking. You can take advantage of our hotel's bike rack!
• Horseback Riding - Pre season is on the beach!
• Surfing - Brrrr you say? Not at all - you're a wetsuit away from cozy and hanging ten! Our friends at Liquid Dreams are awesome and have everything you need.

Environmental Events in Ogunquit & Southern Maine

• Maine Maple Sunday - Every Sunday in March - Yummy!
• Laudholm Farm Earth Day in April and PunkinFiddle Harvest in September

Nearby Maine Parks & Agriculture

• Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth
• Vaughan Woods State Park in South Berwick
• Fort Foster in Kittery
• Local Alpaca Farms, Apple Orchards & Christmas Tree Farms - A reason to check out Ogunquit in the Spring, Fall and Winter. These local farms have beautiful produce and often also have fun hayrides too.

Want to know what the state bird is for Maine? Curious if you will see a Puffin? Want to support the Marginal Way Fund? Take a flip through on your next vacation with us! Hope you enjoy!