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New October Print & Clip Specials for our Ogunquit hotel are here!
Check out the specials by clicking here!
Fall Festivals & Foilage are at their peak this month - And Stonewall Kitchen Cookin' is in full swing! Plus, the Great Pumpkin is back!
On May 17th, Tom, Lauren and their friends and family visited Ogunquit and the Meadowmere to celebrate their wedding vows. Set at beautiful Arrows Restaurant, the happy couple live in Boston and we are happy to send our congratulations to them both!
Check out their official annoucement online at http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20080928-LIFE-809280303
The green wedding giveaway to now live - and open for entries! It's time to pick your share and shout it to the world!
Now until December 31st, couples can enter to win a green wedding at Clay Hill Farm. That's right - the entire wedding. Dress, photos, cake, reception, honeymoon suite - it all. Over $40,000 worth.
"well, I'm not green" you say. "I'm so overwhelmed with this whole green business - I couldn't possible try to think green right now." you say. "heck, I drive an SUV/use my recycle bin for storage/can't remember where the organic food aisle is." you say.
That's okay. Green is a process and everyone is doing what they can, when they can. And maybe tomorrow you can do more, but for today, you do what you can. It's about commitment to trying to make it work. And hey - isn't that a lot like marriage? A commitment to working together on it.
So share what green means to you - how you are part of the process, beginning steps or daily tree hugs.
Check out http://www.greenweddinggiveaway.com/index.html to enter, learn more and - hopefully!- win!
Which means this weekend is National Estuaries Day! Huh, you say? What is an Estuary? Pretty fancy word for an almost enclosed body of water where rivers or streams meet that opens to the sea. Think of where rivers meet the sea - tidal river mouthes. And while the idea is simple - these spots are often the most diverse in nature and home to tons of species. With one of America's longest coastlines, Maine's got a few estuaries kickin' around. Each year, Laudholm Farm celebrates with a fun family friendly festival.
The Punkin part of PunkinFiddle is a harvest celebration - pumpkin carving, animal meet n greets and lots of good Maine made food. Well's Farmers Market is open and there's all sorts of fresh veggies.
The Fiddle part of PunkinFiddle is a live music and crafts - Foot stompin' fun! With fiddles, blanket weaving, cider making, bee keeping, butter chunning, tractors and more - there's a lot to see and enjoy.
Check out the full list of events online at http://punkinfiddle.org/
For the weekend, we are running a special at $99 so if you are visiting the festival from afar, come say hello!
First-of-its-kind, Eco Initiative Launched by Celebrity Relationship Expert
Clay Hill Farm’s unique new concept THE GREEN WEDDING GIVEAWAY will be launched on September 25th by celebrity relationship expert, Steve Santagati, at a Press-Only Preview Reception to be held Thursday, September 25th.
Clay Hill Farm’s Green Wedding Giveaway, www.greenweddinggiveaway.com, is a contest of commitment. Couples are encouraged to explore the parallel of a commitment to each other and a commitment to the earth. Couples are asked to submit a play, a poem, a painting, or a song, along with a two-minute video or a photograph and essay that creatively answers the contest question and demonstrates an understanding of the contest message. We are all green in some way. Pick your shade and shout it to the world. Applications for the Green Wedding Giveaway, contest rules and complete details will be available online at www.greenweddinggiveaway.com.
“When it comes to marriage, I have been quoted as saying don't do it,” says Santagati, “…because most people are not fully aware of the commitment it takes to make a marriage work for the long haul. However, I've discovered that people who are aware of matrimonial reality are usually aware of other things as well; safe driving, health, and yes, the environment. So will a couple's common sense transcend the relationship and carry over into their green practices? I think so."
“With product prizes well over $40,000, Clay Hill Farm’s Green Wedding Giveaway project is fighting green fatigue in a big way” says, Jennifer Lewis-McShera, founder of Clay Hill Farm’s Green Wedding Giveaway Contest.
The top-five couples will be decided by a panel of Clay Hill judges and will be revealed at a bridal fair in January. After the top-five couples are revealed, the public will vote and pick the winner. Public ballots will be available at www.greenweddinggiveaway.com. The winning couple will be announced just in time for Valentine’s Day. The Green Wedding Giveaway will be a daytime wedding ceremony and reception at Clay Hill Farm on the Summer Solstice, June 21. Rehearsal dinner, ceremony, catered reception, flowers, hand-painted watercolor invitations, photography, DJ services, live cocktail music, cake, hybrid bridal transportation, spa services, organic beverages, tuxedo rentals, wedding-night suite and honeymoon week…are all part of the Grand Prize package.
In addition to the Grand Prize Wedding Package valued at over $30,000, the top-four couples will be awarded prize packages, and random prizes will be awarded to contestants and voters.
“We are really proud of the Green Wedding Giveaway Contest,” continues Lewis-McShera. “It is a great way to give back with a positive message of connectedness and empowerment. So much about green today is overwhelming and intimidating. How can we fit in? The truth is, we are all green in some way. So, pick your shade and shout it to the world. It’s time to feel good about all that we do, commit to improvement and celebrate all contributions.”
*****
Clay Hill Farm is an award-winning restaurant and wedding venue on eleven sprawling acres of colorful gardens and protected woodlands. The first restaurant in the country to be certified as a wildlife preserve and bird sanctuary, Clay Hill Farm a state certified Environmental Leader. www.clayhillfarm.com.
Steve Santagati has appeared as a relationship expert on the Today Show, Oprah, Rachael Ray, Fox News, CNBC, VH1, The View, and The Tyra Banks Show. He is the author of The Manual, has modeled for companies such as Swiss Army, the GAP,
J. Crew, Armani, and Gillette; has appeared in more than seventy national and international television commercials; and has been seen on television as a host on Extra! and a guest judge on America Next Top Model. He has been a contributor to Men’s Journal and Jane, and has written or been quoted in numerous magazine and newspaper articles on dating and relationships, including Us Weekly, Star, New York Magazine, and Life & Style. Visit Steve online at www.AskSteveSantagati.com.
Fearless Stu is back!
Sometimes the best food is simple. Nothin' fancy - just friendly, comfortable and good. This time, Stu is sharing a long time favorite off the beaten path. No ocean views or white linens here - Johnson's is about real food.
First, we'll get you there, then we'll get into Stu's review. Johnson's is in North Berwick - about 20 minutes from the Resort in Ogunquit so you will want to plan ahead some drive time (However, in the fall, your trip will be through the heart of foliage - well worth it). Head north on Rt. 1 for 4 miles. Turn left onto Rt. 9B at the Mobil station and follow to the end. Turn left onto Rt. 9 heading south for 3 miles - until Rt. 9 meets Rt. 4. Turn left onto Rt. 4 - which is Elm Street. Johnson's is number 18 so you will want to start looking for parking right away. The same directions in reverse will get you home to the Meadowmere!
First thing Stu loves about this restaurant is the greeting - they really are excellent at saying hello. There's no pretense and many questions about reservations or attire (very casual - no ties or jackets needed. Jeans and a t-shirt are just fine). The decor is simple - plain chairs, wooden tables, paper place mats.
But it fits the menu - beef, pork or baked or fried seafood. This is not a place for Cardiologists or Vegetarians. Stu opted to have the prime rib, which ranked as outstanding (He has since been again and time two was just as good!). Johnson's has a speciality marketplace in New Durham and a bakery as well so the food quality is excellent. Again, simple good food. As for beverages, they actually have a nice wine list and offer quite a few microbrews. It's a good sign when the attention to quality goes down to the house wine and soda fountain.
The service during Stu's visit was pleasant and efficient - overall very good. With the decor, simple food and off the 'tourist' path location, Johnson's is a nice find - especially for families looking for something a little different than the Rt. 1 strip.
Overall, a Stu's Review of 4 of 5!
We just found out - 20% OFF Special Offer! What a great holiday deal!
For this holiday season, Jonathan's Restaurant is offering 20% off a holiday party booked on a Sunday or Thursday night in December 2008.
We thought that was such a great deal, we had to share. After all everyone tries to plan ahead and why not? It definitely saves money - especially this year!
Jonathan's Restaurant holds private parties for groups from 20 people to 450 people -so there's plenty of space. They have 4 private dining rooms plus a ballroom for any large functions (this room is great - private bathrooms, private bar, elevator access - it's a great space). But the private dining rooms are nice too - that way the room will fit the number of people you are planning for.
Jonathan's chef, Nick Whitney, is amazing at creating custom menus (doesn't hurt that they grow their own organic veggies. He's even a feature chef for Stonewall Kitchen's Cooking School this fall). The food is delicious and the atmosphere is friendly and comfortable (trust us - we have yet to hear about anyone having a Bridget Jones moment as a holiday party. Rather the opposite - people enjoy it so much, they come back each year).
There are packages that are available for $24.50 per person++ (And then take 20% off!!!! Like we said - WOW) For the 20% discount on a Sunday or Thursday Party - Be sure to book Before October 10th. The contact is Caitlan (or just email info@jonathansrestuant.com or call 207-646-4777). And if you have out of town guests, just let us know - happy to help with the holidays!
It's almost time for Ogunquit's Annual Fall Festival - Let the fun begin!
The festivities kick off on October 10 with the start of the Scarecrow Contest. Vote for your favorites! The theme this year is “The Greening of Ogunquit” to celebrate the Ogunquit Chamber and Ogunquit Conservation Committee’s dual effort to make Ogunquit “green”. “Green” scarecrows may be made of recycled materials, they may have a conservation theme, or they may literally be the color green! (Don’t forget – Gordy is made of hay, gourds and lots of love!).
This year, the activities look like fun - we can't wait for the Painted Pumpkin Pursuit and last year's costumes were adorable (at least for those under 4ft tall!) - we hope everyone can come back and show us this year's creations!
Also, October marks the return of the Great Pumpkin Contest at the Meadowmere and starting this week, our homemade apple cider is back for the season.
See you soon!
Continue reading "OgunquitFest 2008 – Schedule of Events – First Look!" »
The votes are in! Congratulations to the Pesce Blue in Portsmouth, NH - Taste Magazine's #1 for September 2008! 1. Pesce Blue |
Pesce Blue is like California dining on the Seacoast. The decor is pretty cool - and blue (which seems obvious given the name, but we couldn't really think of too many blue restaurants!)
Rudi's got high marks from us as well - great value, good food and excellent service. The waitress on our visit was outstanding. Also, since its Metro days, the refresh on the inside looks great.
Recently the 500th Bomb Squadron - World War II veterans - join us in Ogunquit to celebrate a reunion. With friends and families visiting, the veterans spent time enjoying the grounds of the hotel (the group was arranged by a lovely woman name Diane and her son Andrew - they put on quite a spread in the Hospitality Suite) and Southern Maine. There were day trips to LL Bean, boat cruises and even a USO dance.
We at the Resort would like to say thank you to everyone who joined us - for visiting Ogunquit, but even more important for their service to our country. It was a special gathering and an honor to be a part of such a wonderful event. Many shared their stories with the local newspaper and tv stations (check out the Seascoast article here http://www.seacoastonline.com/articles/20080909-NEWS-80909026) - and we thank them for sharing their stories with us.
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