“We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls.” ~Anais Nin
Ready for Summer
Not going to lie I am itching for summer. New England just got a deluge of snow, and while New York has escaped it for the most part, and even shown signs of cherry blossoms beginning to bloom, I am ready for weather that stays above sixty! AND all the sunshine! That being said, while everyone is headed to Florida and Mexico for spring break, Maine this time of year is a bit of an oasis. Yes, the weather can be hit or miss and it tends to be chillier then warmer, but there are no crowds and you are free to take in the stunning scenery without the swarms of people that descend in the hot months of July and August.
It really is my favorite time to visit, and I say this as someone who craves hundred degree weather. While many places shut down especially on the midcoast, Strawberry Hill Inn, located in Rockport, is open year round, creating a nautical yet affordable oasis, even in the dead of winter.
Strawberry Hill Inn
This family owned hotel actually has two properties located right next to each other, on the same grounds and you are able to explore both, which also includes their pools. The hotel is quintessential Maine with artful nautical decor in all of the rooms and throughout the hotel’s common spaces.
White shiplapped walls are decorated with prints from along Maine’s coast and it creates a peaceful oasis. The rooms are light and spacious, and come with seating areas, balconies, or patios, which over look the water.
The grounds are artfully, and dare I say it, Instagrammably, landscaped. The pool areas are their own calming oasis, which give views of the water. While I have only stayed in the spring and summer months, Strawberry Hill Inn is known to go all out for Halloween and Christmas and hopefully one of these years I can see for myself, the insane decorations they do. Strawberry Hill Inn is an affordable hotel, especially in the summer months, with a simplistically luxurious feel. They don’t have a restaurant on the premises, but do offer coffee and tea in the mornings. The staff are friendly and helpful, without being overwhelming. And the best part, just might be their mascot, a friendly and lovable stray cat that they have adopted!
My Stay
From the first moment I stayed here, and I have stayed numerous times since, I fell in love with this place. If I had a coastal home, it would be decorated just as these rooms are. It was light, spacious, and incredibly peaceful. I went to bed and woke up to views of the water, and a gorgeous sunrise.
As it is located in Rockport, Strawberry Hill Inn is the perfect halfway destination when driving to and from Mount Desert Island. And they were most accommodating, about me checking in a few hours before the check in time. Once I was settled, I decided to stretch my legs and walk down to the water. It is a bit of a walk as the hotel is located in the middle of a hill, but the trails are well maintained, and after a drive it is the perfect way, for me anyway, to stretch my legs. They have Adirondack chairs, as well as a tent if you wish to hang out by the water. There is a small beach, that while not the best for swimming is the perfect spot to launch a kayak, if you have one.
After I took in the views, I went back to sit on the pool deck, which is incredibly spacious. The pool is not only large enough to do laps, but also heated, making it perfect for the cool Maine summers we always seem to have. As dusk began to fall, I went back up to my room, to eat dinner and watch the sun set from my balcony and in the morning I got to watch it rise, before I headed back home. It truly is an oasis, and the reason why I love Maine so much. Strawberry Hill Inn is a sweet affordable little get away if you are looking for some peace and quiet, a place to collect your thoughts and finish that project, or if you just need a place to stop along the way. And you might find that you return time and time again, like I have.
Have you visited Maine? What is your favorite Maine Season?
