Inn at Ocean’s Edge :

There’s nothing like hitting the open road with the rag top down and the wind blowing through your hair during an Indian summer in New England.

Spectacular Scenery Along The Way
I headed up to Portland, Maine from Westport, Connecticut via the inland route (I-84 to I-90) picking up route 1N near Brunswick.  Route 1 meandered east through several quaint seacoast towns like Wiscasset before turning north at Rockland.  Just south of Lincolnville, home to The Inn at Ocean’s Edge, I stopped in the historic town of Camden, Maine with its highly picturesque harbor, charming shops, and upscale feel. Camden’s elegance made it an ideal location for the 2001 film In The Bedroom.

The Inn at Ocean’s Edge
Traveling north again toward tiny Lincolnville, I passed scores of inns before coming upon The Inn at Ocean’s Edge.  Though tired from nearly six hours of driving, the translucent haze of the bay filtering through trees at the edge of a high bluff upon which the inn stood created an aura of serenity and calm melting away the fatigue as if I were suddenly adrift in a small canoe.  

My Digs
My room, a clean rectangular space, opened to a view of the bay and an infinity pool down the slope to the right.  Inside the room, there was a large triangular Jacuzzi tub, a small television across from a plush king bed, and a gas fireplace.  Across the hall from my room, there was an “honor bar” in the lounge area, a tiny trial of one’s integrity I suppose! The entryway where I checked in led to a dining room with a balcony where each morning I would enjoy a delicious array of continental breakfast with gourmet specialties as well.  Downstairs, I found a tiny but efficient exercise room where I sweated on the stationary bike while the anchors on CNBC pontificated about the markets. Leaving the exercise room, a small library with comfortable couches snagged my derriere daily for a few moments. 

The Natural Beauty of Penobscot Bay
Outside the inn, a cobblestone path slithered downward both toward the pool area and reclining chairs situated on the bluff high above the bay. The views of the bay and neighboring islands beyond were stunning, especially in the softer light just after sunrise and before sunset. Mesmerized, I wondered what the early explorers experienced as they discovered the natural beauty of Penobscot Bay.  

Seafood Dinner - The Whales Tooth
Couples enjoyed the light blue cushioned wicker reclining chairs interspersed throughout the lawn area below the pool and above the bay. From the bluff looking back, the backside of the inn appeared like a billionaire’s giant home. I took several pictures, walked to my car and headed just up the road to diminutive Lincolnville Beach, a small inlet of water and beach with several shops and restaurants. There, I enjoyed a fresh seafood dinner at The Whales Tooth, a charming pub at the foot of the bay facing a small fleet of moored fishing and sailing vessels.

Delicious Continental Breakfast
The next morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of assorted fresh fruit, smoked salmon, and quiche before heading off to a local coffee shop. In addition to a morning specialty, the staff offered omelets of one’s choosing with sausage or bacon. Each morning, I sat on the balcony enjoying the serenity and bay vistas trying not to devour the tasty food.  

Relaxing Paradise
With an infinity pool, early morning workouts, and great lounging, the days passed effortlessly there. The Inn at Ocean’s Edge turned out to be a reading, writing, and relaxing paradise. Nightly room rates vary from $225 for standard rooms to $395 for pool house suites with several possibilities in between. For more information, visit www.innatoceansedge.com. 

Lincolnville, Maine
My next stop, Ogunquit, an upscale summer tourist town and arts destination on the southern coast of Maine was roughly 200 miles to the south.  Driving through the crowded town reminded me of other pretty but congested coastal tourist resorts.  Contrasting sharply with the tranquility of little Lincolnville, I was challenged by the need to switch gears and accept the carnival of wants and desires there. 

The Colonial Inn
The Colonial Inn, a newly renovated large rectangular yellow four story structure located near a score of beach side hotels, motels, and other inns, had a solid, modern feel inside.  The hard wood first floor lobby was spacious with plenty of tables, cushioned chairs, couches, and a piano. Behind the inn was a fenced in pool area and Jacuzzi. 

My Digs
My room also had a very solid feel with beautiful hard wood floors, a plush queen bed, and flat screen television. In the far ....