Why Off-Season Maine is Your Ultimate Winter Getaway

Visitors to Maine most often think of visiting Maine in the “Summa-time” when long days and sunshine make beach mornings and days hiking to see those ocean view bring a feeling of vitality and zen. But I find visiting Maine in the off season to be the best way to enjoy peaceful Maine. The ocean never goes away, even during this cold winter we’ve been happening. And during the off season (November through May) the best hotels and restaurants are available, not crowded and eager to welcome visitors from near and far

pampering and rest this winter

My husband and I married in January, so we like those short, cozy winter days. In January, I had the opportunity to stay at the White Barn Inn, an Auberge Resorts property, in Kennebunk, Maine. My stay was part of a “FAM” – a familiarization trip to learn about a Fora Travel partner property. And I took advantage of their great winter rates, to stay an extra two nights with my husband to celebrate our anniversary.

Even though we were only 45 minutes from our home, we felt far away in a winter wonderland, a short walk from the beach and shopping were nice aspects, but what we enjoyed most was the cozy suite we stayed in, impeccable service, and the excellent dining led by Chef Mary Dumont.

Our rate included breakfast, which always started out with a not-too sweet cinnamon roll with a hint of caramel. And the full breakfast menu offers sweet and savory options to start your day. On our departure day, I enjoyed oatmeal in my room while packing and enjoying one last morning in the to-die-for bathroom complete with heated floors. Am contemplating a home bathroom renovation as we speak. I’ll be dreaming about the details of the White Barn Inn bathroom for quite some time.

Sparkling and still water were offered in the rooms. Daily housekeeping was provided as well as turn down service each evening, where they dropped off chocolates or a small sample of facial wash or room spray.

We never needed to leave the property during our stay. Breakfasts were filling and a great list of well prepared options. Staff is attentive to dietary restrictions. Dinner at the Main Restaurant is Prix Fixe which we enjoyed with the Fam Group. Service was warm and precise.

My husband and I opted to eat at the Little Barn two nights which offers a good variety of meals, which are also available through room service. The Burrata Squash starter will remain in my memory for a very long time.

Spa treatments were fantastic, with gratuity included in prices. Spa staff shared that the general public can book spa services and have access to the outdoor pool (with food and beverage service) in the summer time.

Fresh flowers are everywhere. No detail is overlooked. You will feel pampered here – and isn’t that exactly how you want to feel in the middle of winter or during a long spring in Maine? Staff remembers guest names and are always willing to go the extra mile to make their stay memorable.

For gatherings of friends or family, you can arrange pasta making, flower arranging, coastal foraging, bouy paining, wreath making, candle making, oyster shucking, whiskey tasting.

Being a Pro travel advisor with Fora Travel means I can previous fantastic properties right in your back yard. Whether you’re coming for a quite getaway with a partner, or meeting up with friends for the weekend, the White Barn Inn is one of the best choices in Vacationland.

This property offers great “free night” rates in the off season, and offers Fora Reserve benefits: $100 Resort Credit, Daily breakfast credit, Room upgrade to next room category (subject to availability at check-in) and Early check-in, late check-out (subject to availability)


A new hotel in Old Port (Portland, Maine)

It’s 3:15pm on a Monday of a holiday weekend, and my son and I are excited to arrive at the new Canopy by Hilton Hotel in Portland, Maine.  Located in the Old Port region of the city, this brick brand new hotel sits right on Commercial Street, walkable to many of the shops and most of the great restaurants Portland has to offer.  Also across the street from boat cruises and not a long walk to the Casco Bay Lines Ferries to escape to the many islands around the Bay

With the bicycles offered in the lobby, you can even bike to the Eastern Promanade, which offers one of the loveliest and breathtaking views of the water that Portland provides. 

Comfortable in the Canopy lobby

We arrive shortly after check in time (3pm), which isn’t usually my M.O., because I usually travel on early morning flights and arrive at most properties around 1pm.  But I’m glad we waited because it turns out our room isn’t ready.  When asked about upgrades being available, I’m told the property is booked.  Unlikely the true reason, since there are still waterfront rooms with 2Q still available for booking on my Hilton Honor’s app…but aside from the disappointment at not getting a water view, I’m happy to wait and take in the beautiful, spacious lobby, which is quite large, if you include the space used for the Salt Yard café which closes at 2pm.  Plenty of space to hop on your lap top, enjoy a coffee with a long lost friend or entertain the kiddos while the room gets cleaned.

Canopy Lobby on Commercial Street

We waited less than 30 minutes, and Sam brought us our keys.  We enquired about Luna, the ultra-popular rooftop bar, checking to see if children are allowed in, and it turns out they are (with an adult) until 8pm after which it’s over 18 only.  She offers to make us a reservation which appears to be only offered to hotel guests this week.  I’m hoping that opens up to the  general public (via Resy) so I can come and enjoy oysters overlooking the port someday with my husband.

The room is adequate size and has bright windows, overlooking a side street, the hotel entrance and a parking lot.  I like that there is a “turn off everything” switch just inside the door – an environmental feature I’ve only seen in hotel rooms abroad.  The entry has an industrial feel, with the closet/drawers where you can put your suitcases, which is a nice change from having to fish a luggage rack out of the closet.  I also prefer to have the clothes NOT in the bedroom area since I can get a bit messy with my wardrobe options.   There’s a farm house door that opens to the bedroom which leaves you privacy to change/ use the vanity, and another farmhouse door into the toilet/shower room.

Canopy 2 Queen Room, Portland, Maine

The finishes are wood, gray and, of course, Canopy’s signature color, orange.  Very clean and smelling quite new.  Fixtures by Kohler and Waterworks Studio and toiletries are by APIVITA. The beds are nicely appointed with throws from the local textile creator, Evangeline.

Vanity and Bathroom, Canopy, Portland, Maine

We rode the elevator up to Luna at our appointed time, and found a beautiful space, dark inside, bright outside, with a nice breeze on the deck, with many tables full of people enjoying small plates and oysters and bottles of rose.  We didn’t stay long, as my son was hungry and the menu looked spicy and not to his tastes, so we wandered down two blocks to Three Dollar Dewey’s where we walked in an instantly felt at home.  Ordered Orono Tubular Bomb! IPA from the tap and enjoyed vegan nachos, pasta with butter, and chili.  Since it appears there is no room service at the Canopy we opted to bring home leftovers and a pulled pork sandwich to go. 

Prior to check in, we enjoyed a late lunch at Central Provisions, a nostalgic favorite of mine an my first time eating at their outdoor patio which is lovely and tiered, with great people watching and enjoyable small plates. The highlight was the key lime tart at the end of the meal. Sitting under the sun and trees, it was an enjoyable afternoon in Portland.  One I can’t wait to recreate again.

Central Provisions now offers outdoor dining on their patio

For shopping we stopped in Gus and Ruby, coming off of pride month, with lovely display of inclusive stickers, cards, notebooks.  And as I can never leave this store without buying something (check out the one in Portsmouth, NH, too), I bought a candle and colorful matches for home.

We found Fat Face, a new store to us, and found helpful store workers and great quality summer clothes for my son.  And not to leave out gifts for Pilot, our beloved golden retriever at home, we stopped into Uncommon Paws, with pet outfits, chew toys, collars and leashes, and of course, treats!

Uncommon Paws, Portland, Maine

Our overnight at the Canopy property was uneventful. It was very quiet, likely because the surrounding rooms were still not finished and hosting guests yet. I had a few questions for the front desk in the morning, and Becky was incredible friendly and helpful.

In the morning we stopped at the Salt Yard in the hotel’s lobby for a to go breakfast.  They have a selection of pastries and a menu of sandwiches, flat breads, soups and breakfast bowls available.  Hilton Honors Diamond members now get a $12 per person credit toward food at Salt Yard.  My son enjoyed a glazed donut from Holy Donuts and I got a toasted plan bagel from Rose Bagels.

Breakfast options at Salt Yard

Notable highlights from this properties were the refillable glass jugs and real glass glasses (something I haven’t seen since the COVID19 pandemic! And also gender neutral restrooms in the lobby. These features definitely help make the Canopy brand feel like it represents the real world in the 21st century, not a throw back to the great hotels of the 90s. The staff is well trained and their smile and helpfulness was much appreciated. Well done.

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