.

2012-02-05T08:42:00.001-08:00

There are few inns in Maine that can boast of terrific nature preserve in their own backyards. Make it a point to sneak out before breakfast and enjoy the birding right next door.
1) Penny Lake Preserve is next to the Flagship Inn. When you cross the bridge from the south side of the parking lot into this preserve, you’ll be impressed by
the variety of the habitat contained along this simple half-mile trail.
This Boothbay Region Land Trust property traverses wetlands, fields, and mature forests of several types. The main trail through the preserve is handicap accessible.
Several short loops offer alternatives for a more thorough exploration.
A wetland complex runs through the heart of the sanctuary. As you enter the preserve, the shrubbery behind the Carousel Theater is likely to be alive with sparrows,
warblers, and catbirds. Upon entering the woodlands, expect routine encounters with Goldencrowned Kinglets. Summering warblers should include Blackburnian, Black-throated Green and Northern Parula. Redeyed and Blue-headed Vireos are present throughout. Spend some time scanning from the bridge over the main part of
the wetland. Waterfowl, American Bitterns, Wilson’s Snipe, and rails are lurking in there somewhere.
Bob Duchesne - published by Downeast Books

2012-01-27T05:00:00.000-08:00

Even on the cold snowy days, I have to admit, the area is beautiful. The snow sparkles on the water, and brings a new life to downtown.

You can't help but take in the beauty when you visit some of the many Land Trust walking trails, or enjoy the Botanical Gardens. In the winter season, there is no fee for visiting the gardens, and the Land Trust is always a great free way to get out and stretch. The Gardens would be a good place to snowshoe, they also have lots of family friendly activities in the winter.

If you are looking for a great place to view the water, I would definitely recommend driving the circle around Ocean Point on East Boothbay, or visit Barrett's Park on Lobster Cove Road.

There are some snow mobile trails in town as well, the Bonnie Locks on Eastern Avenue allows snow mobiling. As dreary as January and February are, sometimes I have to remind myself, that I live in one of the prettiest places in the world. Come visit and see for yourself!

Winter is Here

2012-01-12T06:24:00.001-08:00

Well, it's happened. We are finally getting our due. No school today, snow is falling, ice is coming. It's Winter again. We have had the best year for weather, this summer was great, hardly any rain in the spring or fall, and I can't say enough about the winter.

Of course, that's because I don't own a ski resort, or snow mobile business, and I don't plow for a living. The great weather is certainly going to effect our economy this winter, and if I did any of those things,i certainly would not be as happy about it as I am. We have to hope for their sake there is a reasonable amount of snow... just not too much.

Anyway, stay safe out there, it's going to be an icy week.

2012-01-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

For All Ages in All Seasons
“Wow” is the word we hear most often from Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens visitors. We invite you to take a look at the 250-acre phenomenon some are calling “The Miracle in Maine.” You’ll be amazed and delighted by what you find at the Gardens, year-round!
Check out our calendar of events and programs, too, because there’s something here for just about everyone. And just wait till you see what we have in store for you in the coming year! In addition, you’ll find a wealth of information on our FloraFind database, new in 2011. Just click on the box below.
THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE GARDENS! On November 11, the Board of Directors appointed William Cullina as Executive Director. We are delighted to have a nationally recognized horticulturist and author at the helm of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens. Read all about it!

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has Great December Activities

2011-12-06T15:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas Market at the Gardens
December 10, 2011
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
More than a dozen new and returning vendors will offer their finest wares, all made in Maine! Browse their displays while enjoying the piano stylings of Mary Chase (photo at right), seasonal refreshments, the warm glow of the fireplace, and holiday decorations as only the Gardens can do them. There is no charge for admission to this event in our beautiful Visitor Center. Please see below for a list of vendors and the types of appealing items they’ll offer. The Christmas Market is a wonderful way to get in the holiday spirit while finding gifts for everyone on your list!

Early Bird

2011-11-21T09:19:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to everyone who built a bed and participated in this year's event!

The Early Bird Bed Race was a blast! There were 5 entries. The Opera House, Boothbay Region Green House, McSeagulls, Spruce Point Inn & the Flagship.

Spruce Point won first in the race, we were 2nd. What a learning experience! Apparently straight wheels only work int he front. When it came time to turn, our Reindeer had had to pick up the bed, with Mrs. Clause on it, and turn the corners. Looks like casters would have worked better in the back. Next years our wheels will turn on a dime!

2011-11-08T15:14:00.000-08:00

We at the Flagship Inn have entered the Boothbay Harbor Bed Race. It should be a blast! We are the Flagship Flyers, and our theme is the night before Christmas. We will have reindeer pulling the sleigh with Mrs. Clause on board.
The pit crew will be made up of a bunch of crazy looking elves, and Christmas presents.

The scariest part is making the bed, because so far... it's NOT even been started!

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens has Great October Activities

2011-10-14T08:29:00.001-07:00

Tis the season to be spooky! In our popular Halloween event at Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens – or is that “Boo-tanical Gardens”? – you’ll find family fun, feasting, and festivities; in all, a frightfully grand party. Start planning your costumes now!

What’s it all about? Read on….

A costume parade around the Great Lawn with prizes for different ages and in several categories – 4:15 p.m.

A feast of finger foods and frightful beverages for ghouls and goblins – 4-7 p.m.

Haunted Fairy House Village in Kerr Hall (Visitor Center).

Halloween crafts and activities, including making trick-or-treat bags and temporary tattoos, trick-or-treating from live characters in costume, and spooky storytime by the Bear Cave - 4:30-7:00 p.m.

Decorations, super scarecrows, a giant spider, and characters in costumes.

Where: In the Visitor Center and Bibby and Harold Alfond Children’s Garden and on the Great Lawn
Prices: $10 for members, $15 for non-members ($5 discount per group of 4 or more – call 207-633-4333 for tickets with the discount)

2011-10-05T11:28:00.001-07:00

The Pumpkin Contest is this weekend in Damariscotta. When your done,take the colorful drive down the River Road to the Fall Foliage Festival at Boothbay Railway Village on Saturday, October 9th and Sunday October 10th. A long time favorite of local and visitors alike, this event is most definitely on the 'not to miss list' for Columbus Day weekend in our region. Guests will enjoy more than 100 fine crafters, great food, steam train rides and non stop entertainment in the midst of a perfect fall setting.

2011-09-26T16:06:00.001-07:00

ECOLOGICAL THREAT
Purple loosestrife adapts readily to natural and disturbed wetlands. As it establishes and expands, it outcompetes and replaces native grasses, sedges, and other flowering plants that provide a higher quality source of nutrition for wildlife. The highly invasive nature of purple loosestrife allows it to form dense, homogeneous stands that restrict native wetland plant species, including some federally endangered orchids, and reduce habitat for waterfowl.

2011-09-16T14:16:00.000-07:00

The Special Olympics is a wonderful cause, and every year we are lucky to have great volunteers. Again this year, we have several celebrities staying with us at the Flagship Inn. Some of the Alumni celebrities include: Ken Coleman, Thrulow Cooper, Otto Graham, Bud Leavitt, Dan Sullivan, Stump Merril--just to name a few. If you or your business is interested in becoming a sponsor for this event, please contact Brenda Blackman : blackmanduke@yahoo.com There are 4 different sponsorship levels for you to participate in with some great benefits.

Fun things to do in September

2011-09-06T15:51:00.001-07:00

Sep 09 thru Sep 10, 2011. The Bowdoinham waterfront and village center are full of action at the Celebrate Bowdoinham Festival. Favorite events from the past and new attractions are all part of a great day's schedule. Celebrate Bowdoinham starts Friday at 7 p.m. with a Concert at the gazebo by Justin Crouse and Friends. Saturday starts off with the Chicken Run (5K Road Race) beginning at the Community School. Then at 10 a.m. the Celebrate Bowdoinham Parade kicks off at the Fire Station, a long procession of floats, personalities, organizations, horseback riders, fire trucks, the ever popular Kora cars, the Ziggurat Theater Ensemble, Veterans, Drum and Bugle Corps. The parade travels from Post Road to Main Street, then down Main Street to River Road and up Ridge Road. After the Parade, the activities start at the waterfront-rides, exhibits, contests and great food and music- something for everyone!! A climbing wall/bungee jumping unit and an inflatable universe will be major attractions all day. The Bowdoinham Public Library's annual Book Sale also is happening. The Bowdoinham Historical Society will exhibit objects and photos and publications and the Fire Dep't will have a bean supper from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Rain date is Sept. 11.

Does anyone know why we celebrate Labor Day?

2011-08-30T15:16:00.000-07:00

The first Labor Day in the United States was observed on September 5, 1882, by the Central Labor Union of New York[1] It became a federal holiday in 1894, when, following the deaths of a number of workers at the hands of the U.S. military and U.S. Marshals during the Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland put reconciliation with the labor movement as a top political priority. Fearing further conflict, legislation making Labor Day a national holiday was rushed through Congress unanimously this and signed into law a mere six days after the end of the strike.[2] The September date originally chosen by the CLU of New York and observed by many of the nation's trade unions for the past several years was selected rather than the more widespread International Workers' Day because Cleveland was concerned that observance of the latter would stir up negative emotions linked to the Haymarket Affair, which it had been observed to commemorate.[3] All U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and the territories have made it a statutory holiday.

They do a Great Music Cruise 2 nights a week!

2011-08-20T09:23:00.001-07:00

Harbor Princess
The Harbor Princess is a stable, custom-designed, high-speed aluminum vessel. She is 100 feet long and 24 feet wide and can comfortably accommodate 149 passengers.

The bridge of the Harbor Princess is equipped with the latest in navigation electronics including marine radios, radars and a GPS (Global Positioning System) to help us keep track of the locations of the whales.

The design of the Harbor Princess allows you to have a great viewing area for watching whales. You may choose our open-air top deck or heated and enclosed cabin for you whale-watching experience. Our bottom deck is also designed for passengers to walk 360 degrees around the boat to see the whales from any vantage point.

The Harbor Princess offers a full service galley and bar on board. Menu items include light fare such as hamburgers, hot dogs, deli sandwiches, chips, crackers, candy and a variety of soft drinks and water. Sorry, NO ALCOHOLIC beverages may be brought on board!

2011-08-02T08:41:00.000-07:00

Day Out With Thomas

August 5-7 & 12-14

Thomas is coming! Attend one of the best Family events of the summer. A Day Out Wtith Thomas is full of fabulous family entertainment. More information avaialbe here

2011-07-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

The Lobster Roll is a 5 K race Happening this Saturday to benefit the Boothbay Region High School to help build a community track. The track will be used to hold Track Meets during season, and for the use of all sports teams.

So come on out and run with your friends this Saturday morning. weather will be great!
$20.00 registration fee.

2011-07-11T09:16:00.000-07:00

Visit Tidal Transit in Boothbay Harbor

In a state known for the richness of its coastline, the Boothbay Region stands out as one of the best destinations for sea kayaking, with water ranging from the open seas to calm, protected rivers. The Harbor is also home to three historic lighthouses and many public islands that can be yours for an afternoon of exploring or peaceful picnicking.

You can spend an afternoon eye-to-eye with seals and herons amongst the secluded islands of the rivers or set off through the waters of a harbor that windjammers and fishermen have called home for over four hundred years. Whether it be on one of our tours, in one of our rental boats or if you simply want to drop by our shop for an idea on where to paddle on your own, the staff of Tidal Transit will happily get you set up to make the most out of your vacation.

2011-06-25T09:09:00.001-07:00

ARTS27
Boothbay Harbor Region Arts & Cultural Alliance

The Boothbay Harbor Region offers a fine selection of galleries, a variety of live performance venues for music and stage, historic sites and museums, as well as festivals and special events throughout the year. Arts27 celebrates the vibrancy of our communities by organizing seasonal promotions highlighting our award-winning festivals and special events. It also hosts Sunday Arts in the Park during the summer months where non-profit cultural organizations and local artisans and businesses present activities in the Whale Park in downtown Boothbay Harbor. We invite you to catch a show, peruse a gallery, stroll in the Gardens, board a steam train through history and so much more.

Take home a piece of the Boothbay Region, it's Perfectly Maine.

Windjammer Days by the Sea

2011-06-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

BOOTHBAY HARBOR REGION CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS:49TH ANNUAL
WINDJAMMER DAYS JUNE 21-22,2011

If you have never been to Boothbay Harbor Maine, this is the week to come. June 21st & 22nd are packed full of fun activities for the entire family. There is an Antique Boat Parade- Watch years of the boating world cruise past you! This event takes place in the harbor with 40+ antique boats participating. Watch from the downtown Whale Park, from the footbridge or on the deck of one of the many restaurants on the water.

Windjammer Fleet Arrives Under Full Sail! The moment you have been waiting
For! Watch from the Downtown Whale Park, the Footbridge or the Fishermans’

You just need walk outside of your room at the Flagship Inn to see the Parade go by on Wednesday night.

Trip Advisor

2011-06-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

So what's everyones thoughts about Trip Advisor. We have recently decided that we are working to be the #1 Hotel in the Boothbay Harbor Region. Currently, we are #2. We have a lot of guests who check-in, and say they read about us on Trip Advisor, and that's great. But, if you get one not so great comment, everyones opinion changes.
Let's face it, we all have different needs and wants. What I want or expect at a hotel is probably very different from what you want in a hotel.

Pros

Trip Advisor is a unique, timely, populist travel resource
Trip Advisor enables a variety of opinions to be voiced
Trip Advisor's Quick Check is a well-integrated search engine for online booking

Cons

Widely diverse opinions ("Loved it!"..."Hated it!") make it hard to objectively evaluate a place
Dissatisfied guests use Trip Advisor as a venue to broadcast bad experiences
Trip Advisor has many poorly written trip reviews
Bogus positive reviews posted along with honest ones can confuse users

Just something to think about...

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T04:53:00.001-07:00

Happy Memorial Day Everyone.
Sometimes we forget this isn't just another day for a cookout. Many of us, including myself have family members serving in the military. I spoke to my son today, and for him and his fellow Marines, it is a day of remembering, morning and celebration.
It is a good reminder for us of how lucky we are to live in this country. The economy is bad, many people are still out of work, and it has effected many lives. But we are free. Many of our family members and ancestors have given their lives to keep it that way. We have a lot to be thankful for today.

The Season has finally started

2011-05-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, and that means the season is upon us. Boothbay Harbor will be in full swing. Shops, Restaurants, boat trips, Lobster Pounds, the works. The Boothbay Railway Village opens on the 28th, and don't forget to check out their antique auto collection. If you are looking for a great local place to eat, stop by Kaler's Lobster House. It's great to see everything open, and people milling around!

One Tank Trip

2011-05-06T09:23:00.000-07:00

Boothbay Harbor is less than one tank of gas from many Maine & N.H. locations.

Once you arrive here, we are less than an hour from The Lighthouse and Farnsworth Museums in Rockport, Pemaquid Point Light House in Bristol, and Owls Head Transportation Museum in Owls Head,Maine.

Brave the prices at the pump and come up for a visit. We will reward you with a $20.00 Irving gas card for your trip home! Stay any two nights at the regular rate May 1st thru June 15th to get your gas card. This special must be booked over the phone by calling 1-800-660-5094. Not valid with any other discounts.

Fisherman's Festival

2011-04-26T13:53:00.001-07:00

We are serving up fresh baked waffles for breakfast this weekend during
Fisherman's Festival!

2011-04-18T08:16:00.000-07:00

Fisherman’s Festival is coming up! April 29 - May 1 . Great time to come to the Harbor. Lots to see & do. Where else can you watch kids race around town with a Cod fish in their arms?
Contact the Boothay Harbor Chamber of Commerce for more info.

2011-04-05T15:44:00.000-07:00

I checked out the new restaurant downtown, the Pot Buoy Pub. It was good, I would recommend it. Food was tasty, prices were reasonable, and they had a great happy hour. Check it out!

2011-03-29T15:47:00.000-07:00

You can tell spring is in the air. People are starting to wander around Town, and more things are open. Robinson's Wharf in Southport is open if your looking for fresh Lobster!

2011-03-24T07:30:00.000-07:00

Spring is here, I just wish it felt like spring. It keeps teasing with us with one nice day, and then snow... Some of the restaurants are starting to open up. We have a new one in town too, the Pot Buoy Pub. I tried it , and would recommend it. see you soon!

2011-03-08T15:53:00.000-08:00

I finally got to go to Gillette Stadium, and there were no Patriots there! Went for the AAA Travel show, it was great, and the Stadium was something to see!

2011-02-27T13:27:00.000-08:00

Boothbay Region Boys Basketball:
Congratulations Seahawks for such a great game,
and getting this far!

2011-02-18T09:48:00.000-08:00

I attended the Governor's Conference for Hospitality on Thursday. It was great, The Gov. spoke for a few minutes, and updated us on tourism incentives. We are looking forward to a great year in 2011!

2011-01-27T07:20:00.000-08:00

Another snowy day here at the Flagship Inn. We may not be near any ski mountains, but we do have great ice skating and sledding!

2011-01-18T14:19:00.001-08:00

If I'm not mistaken, the Farmer's Almanac said we were going to have a cold winter, but not much snow. But, here we go again!

2010-12-21T13:54:00.000-08:00

To all of our friends and neighbors- Have a Wonderful Holiday Season. Be safe and Happy.

2010-12-05T11:03:00.001-08:00

"Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas."
- Coolidge, Calvin

2010-11-17T12:35:00.001-08:00

Better keep yourself clean and bright; you are the window through which you must see the world.
George Bernard Shaw

2010-11-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

POLITICS
Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.

Plato (c.428-348 BC)
"Plato"

2010-10-04T12:04:00.000-07:00

Visit the Boothbay Railway Village this weekend for the Fall Foliage Festival.
They have a huge craft fair with lots of local artists.

2010-09-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

Wow, summer sure went by fast! But, Fall is the best time of year in Maine. The smells and colors are beautiful. Time for a visit to Boothbay Harbor!

That time of year

2010-09-01T07:38:00.000-07:00

Well, it's back to school already! Good luck to all of the BRES & BRHS Students for the 2010-2011 year. Sorry guys, summer is over...

Easy access

2010-07-21T13:19:00.001-07:00

We have just built a wonderful new bridge that allows our guests to walk from the Hotel to the Penny Lake Land Trust trails, as well as the Carousel Dinner Theater.

2010-07-13T11:04:00.000-07:00

Scroll to the bottom of the page to view our video! Don't forget to turn up the volume.

2010-07-01T13:59:00.001-07:00

Check out our video! Turn on the volume to hear about the Inn.

2010-07-01T09:46:00.000-07:00

2010-06-15T06:44:00.000-07:00

Call us for availability during Windjammer Days! Don't miss all the festivities, when the tall ships sail into the harbor.

2010-05-24T11:06:00.001-07:00

We will have a Gifford's Ice Cream stand opening at the Flaghsip Inn, any day now! We are very excited. You should try the Moose Tracks!

Carousel Music Theater

2010-03-16T11:39:00.001-07:00

We are so excited that the Carousel Dinner Theater will be opening this year! Opening day is scheduled for June 17th. Lots of renovations to do!

Maine Weather !

2010-03-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was awful for all of us in Coastal Maine! Most people had at least 3 days without power, cable, phones, etc... The nice thing was that the Inn was full of lots of locals, and we got to know our neighbors a little better.

I hope everyone is back up and running. You know those CMP workers brought home the money this week!

Indianapolis Colts

2010-01-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

I'm not much of a Football person, but I have to admit watching the Colts win was
pretty exciting! I'm from Indianapolis, and my house was pretty loud during that game!

Christmas Activities

2009-12-16T09:19:00.000-08:00

The Botanical Garden has all kinds of great activities for the family at this time of year. check out their website for more info.
www.mainegardens.org

Celebration of Lights

2009-11-24T11:42:00.000-08:00

The 24th Annual Harbor Lights Festival is December 5th in the Harbor. Don't miss the Lighted Boat Parade, and the lighting of the town tree. Santa Clause will also arrive by Boat.

Looking for something to do around Halloween?

2009-10-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Join the Lady in the Red Cloak on Friday October 30th. She give walking tours of Boothbay Harbor, Damariscotta and Bath, ME. You will hear stories, and learn about Haunted Homes & areas. Sounds like a good scare.

Fall Foliage

2009-09-25T07:37:00.001-07:00

The Best time of year to catch the Foliage in Boothbay Harbor is the first couple of weeks in October.

September 12th event

2009-09-08T06:02:00.000-07:00

If you are a fan of Lighthouses, like me, you will definately want to check this event out. It really is a very rare event. Most of these Lighthouses are never allowed to be viewed by the public. You should check it out!