Happy Rocky Road Weekend!

Huh? What's that you say?

Rocky Road N Roses Weekend is our way of kicking off summer and the month of June. And everyone thinkgs about ice cream in the summer and roses in June. 

This year we went with a special sweet treat for our in room gift - but we can't tell you. It's a surprise for those who join us. Plus we have ice cream specials and bakery treat as well. The Pub has whipped up some Be Mine Martinis and Jonathan's is next door with wood fired steaks. Sex and the City is playing in the downtown Ogunquit theatre, live sing a long is upstairs at the Front Porch and the outdoor pool is open.

Happy Rocky Road n Roses Weekend! Here's to the start of summer!

Save the Family Vacation with Kids Camps in Ogunquit!

Lately there has been a lot of talk about how expensive things are. We're sure that many families are worried about how to make this year's summer vacation work. After all kids are kids and the family trip is important - especially to filling those photo albums and creating some great memories.

Well, we had an idea at the Meadowmere to help save the great family summer vacation! At our local York Community College, there are amazing summer kids camp offerings - from arts to adventure, science to theatre, environmental to magic, crime scene investigating to culinary and more. The camps start at $195 per kid for the week and run from 8am to 4pm. Not bad at all.

With the kids having an adventure each day, Mom and Dad can enjoy Ogunquit Beach, shopping (it's never too early to see if the Kittery Outlets have back to school sales) and maybe sneak in a quick spa treatment (Your Body Works has an express facial that does wonders in 30 minutes). In the evening, there are plenty of local restaurants to choose from for the family - many times Jonathan's right on site offers family specials in the early evening and there's nothing like a slice of good pizza at La Pizzeria.

And since Ogunquit is just one hour from Boston, 45 minutes from Manchester, NH and 30 minutes from Portland, Maine, the trip won't break bank for gas either. Once you're here, just hop a trolley or walk - everything in Ogunquit is nearby.

Contact York Community College for more information (we've included the camps descriptions below and click here for a kids camp schedule) and to sign up. Book early - the LEGO camp is full! - to get everyone's first choice!

June is Sweet! Harbor Candy Special at the Meadowmere!

Everyone loves that old fashioned candy store in Charlie & the Chocolate Factory - the one where they sing about Willy Wonka and dreaming while dancing through aisles of candy bars and tasty treats. It's every kid's fantasy candy store - and we suspect a few adults too!

Harbor Candy Shop in Ogunquit Center is just that candy store. With dark wooden interior, rich chocolate displays, homemade fudge, a wall of jelly beans, buckets of candies and so much more - Harbor Candy is a must see when in Ogunquit. One can watch through the glass as candy is made and to this day, the shop is family run. They've been making chocolate bars for over 50 years and they are worth every bite.

Hmmm  . . . Chocolate. Remember how Charlie saved and saved on his paper route for chocolate treats? And grandpa wished for chocolate bars - or at least a very special bar?

Well, just like Charlie - you've got a Golden Ticket! For every reservation in June, guests at our resort will receive a special treat when in Ogunquit. A special Harbor Candy gift for each stay. Now that is one sweet treat! Enjoy!

Ogunquit Chamber Music Festival June 12-15

This year's chamber music event may prove to be the best yet! The Ogunquit Performing Arts committee has put together a remarkable list of performers.

Chamber music composers and creators will be in attendance - some of which are creating music today that will be influencing composers of tomorrow. It's sort of like seeing Beethoven or Mozart in action - Imagine that! Tickets are available in advance - but you can also get them at the door as well. If you are in the area for Father's Day, the Ogunquit Chamber Music festival is a great take for the family.

Read about each ensemble with the links below - each show is $12 in advance or get all 4 for $40.

Ambrosia Trio - A New York feature and a national performing group.

Cassatt Ensemble - Incredibly talented group of women who focus on string arrangements.

DaPonte String Quartet - Considered the 'Top of the Game' by Strings Magazine.

Cicada Chamber Players - Making their first Ogunquit appearance!

The Boston Foodie Raves about Five-O Ogunquit

Congratulations to our friends over at Five-O Shore Road on a recent visit from the Boston Foodie - rave reviews on the dining experience.

Five-O has always been known for a great haddock dish and a cozy bar area. Check out the pictures on the Boston Foodie's blog of the entrees and desserts. Five-O is a frequent recommendation for our guests - especially if one is looking to be in the heart of Ogunquit center with fine dining.

Should you wish to try the restaurant on your next trip to Ogunquit, we suggest reservations in advance - it's a popular spot. Plus- if you are coming up this summer, don't forget that they have outside dining on the patio. Perfect to people watch over a tasty peanut butter mousse!

USA Today Names Ogunquit a Great Summer Deal

Check out the article by Anne Banas, a SmarterTravel.com Staff Writer, that just came out today on USAToday.com. She details how Ogunquit is a great escape under $500 - and she's completely right!

For example, if you planned an Ogunquit trip for May 30-June 1 with us, you could take advantage of rooms for $99 a night (Ms. Banas covers some other local hotels and did online research at travel sites such as Trip Advisor, which is very useful. However, calling the Meadowmere directly will get you the best deal and make you dollars stretch further). On that weekend, our hotel celebrates the start of June with ice cream coupons and in room gifts - a nice extra since you'll get the extra ice cream cone for free! And since breakfast is included, you'll have more to spend other meals - and perhaps a special trip to Harbor Candy Shop for a little chocolate (it's a vacation!).

For dinner, on Friday night, make reservations at Arrows Restaurant for their Bistro night for just $39.95 per person. That's right, you can have dinner at a top 25 restaurant for $100 for two. Not bad. And follow up with free entertainment with Maxwell's karaoke in the center of town or sing a-long at the Front Porch. Dinner and a show (sort of).

On Saturday, if you feel like exploring, head to Kennebunk for the Cruisin' Car Show - free admission. Or check out the Barn Galleries season opening exhibits (yep - free). Another choice - walk Marginal Way, Ogunquit's gorgeous cliffside walk (still free). Grab a lobster roll (roughly $12-14 per roll) for lunch - there are plenty of really good choices and you have to have lobster in Maine! Plus, you will want to leave room for dinner. Ogunquit is known for its cuisine and many choices can offer plenty of food - including Jonathans Restaurant, which is next door. Perfect if you want to stay close and hit the outdoor hot tub.

On Sunday, get a little cooking education at Stonewall Kitchen's new cooking school - learn how to make a German Breakfast for $30 per person (treats included - so now worries on lunch as the class runs 12pm-130pm). Finally, on the way home, take advantage of Kittery Outlets sales days (Lucky Brand is have 15%, plus coupons are often available at the Welcome Center).

Running Total:
Accommodations at the Meadowmere for the weekend  - $200
Dinner at Arrows Friday - $100
Lobster Roll Lunch Saturday - $30
Dinner at Jonathan's Saturday - $100
German Breakfast Class at Stonewall Kitchen Sunday - $60
Extra for a Tasty Treat at Harbor Candy - $10

Not a bad way to spend the weekend! 

Ogunquit Fireworks Cancelled

When people think of July 4th, people think of fireworks - as much a part of Independence Day as BBQ, American Flags and traffic.

And when people think of fireworks in Maine, many think of Ogunquit. For almost 25 years, Ogunquit's fireworks display was considered one of the top three fireworks shows in Maine. However, with piping plovers, an endangered species, nesting on the beach and the cost of producing and sponsoring a safe and spectacular show rising dramatically - Ogunquit's fireworks have been cancelled.

It is a shame to lose this wonderful event - However, as the article mentions, the Ogunquit Spirit Committee is working on filling the holiday with fun, family friendly July 4th events. Perhaps the start of a new tradition!

Plus, fireworks can still be a part of your vacation with local shows (we've put the list of fireworks shows on our hotel's website). So don't despair - July 4th will still be a great time to be in Ogunquit!

Belated Congratulations to Stacey & Errol!

Every now and then a bride sends us a note and shares with us a wedding picture or two from the special day. Last October, Stacey and Errol had a beautiful weekend at our Ogunquit hotel and a gorgeous day at Clay Hill Farm.

Afterwards, Stacey sent us an email saying "I just wanted to say thank you for all of your assistance with our stay at the resort! We had beautiful autumn weather for the weekend and everything went very smoothly.Thanks again for taking care of us and our guests so well!" - and attached this great picture.

It was such a pleasure to have everyone stay at our Ogunquit resort - several people traveled from Arizona and afar and really all the thanks goes to the friends and family! Congratulations, Stacey and Errol - and thanks for the update!

Stu's Reviews . . . Jonathan's Restaurant

For many of you, you know Stu as our resident concierge - He's a man in the know. Especially about Ogunquit restaurants. From quick family fare to white table cloth service, Stu has been there and done that. And he's perfectly willing to share! In fact, many people stop by the desk to see Stu on their way out just to double check on their dining choice or get a quick recommendation. Now, we'll bring you Stu's Reviews - Stu's personal restaurant reviews for Ogunquit and beyond!

This past week, Stu visited Jonathan's Restaurant. Close to the Meadowmere, Jonathan's is onsite and is family run. Known as the local steakhouse in Ogunquit and a favorite for good cooking, Stu revisited this Ogunquit classic to make sure it was up to snuff.  Here is Stu's Review!:

"From the beginning, Jonathan's got off to a great start. The greeting at the door was excellent - friendly and welcoming. For those of you unfamiliar, the decor as you walk through is pleasant, though slightly sparse. The layout of the table is simple and clean. T o give a basic description of the food served would be to say steak and fish - warm comfortable food.

For this occasion, I selected the Shrimp Cocktail to start and kept the fish theme going with the Chilean Sea Bass for an entree. I also enjoyed their Wedge Salad, which was delicious. Finally, suffering from a bit of a sweet tooth, I couldn't resist the Bread Pudding - Yummy.

The service was great - timely, friendly and each plate arrive just right. With the ambiance and menu of Jonathan's, I'd recommend this Ogunquit restaurant to couples and families (there is a kids menu). And after this meal - happiness abounds!"

Overall, a Stu Review of 5 out of 5!

Ogunquit has Beatle-mania with Pete Best!

Pete Best, the Beatle's original drummer, is coming to Ogunquit - playing at Upstairs at Jonathan's this Thursday night.

Foster's, a local paper, has a nice article about his memories with the Beatles and being at the Cashbah Club for the start of Beatlemania. Though a bit of a rocky road as 'famous for not being famous', Pete says he's the happiest he's ever been - which is good news for fans visiting for his concert this Thursday to see 'the man who put the beat in the Beatles'.

Another local favorite - Boston's British Yankees will be opening at 8pm. Tickets are just $20 and can be purchased online at Jonathan's website. If you're a super fan traveling to see Pete Best and the British Yankees, pre-season rates are still in effect and start at $59, so there are deals to be had all around on this one.

Enjoy the show!