Calm before the Storm

It's the calm before the storm - Irene is on her way! We're put away all the chairs, covered the motel windows, removed the plants, and brought the extra water, food, and candles into the house. We're ready for the storm - as ready as we can be. Of course by the time it reaches us the winds will only be 65-70 mph but they can still bring down trees, power lines, and cause havoc. We have no guests at present - everyone heading "home" where ever that might be.

Some neighbors may come stay with us as they fear being isolated in their homes with downed power lines. I reminded them we'll also be without power if they are without power but they are welcome to ride the storm out here if they wish. Being more "open" I suppose is appealing to those living in the woods. However, we have some mighty big trees on the property - who knows what's going to happen. Luckily we had everything pruned last year and most of the dead limbs are long gone. No power means no water so we'll be filling the tub up tonight so we can "flush" the toilet as needed. This is where having guests during a storm is problematic and this is why all of our signage is down. My only fear is that we'll lose the tops of our new lights. Aren't they pretty with the leaves? (If it would only right itself - hmmm). More after the storm! No lobster dinners tonight!

#1 on Trip Advisor for Top 5 Special Offers (world-wide)

Yes, it's true! Bay Leaf's special offer on Trip Advisor (2 nights = 2 lobsters) ranked #1 in the top 5 special offers viewed online by travelers! Well - take us up on it - stay two weekday nights and get two lobsters (cooked or uncooked). Coupon (required) available on Trip Advisor!
Or, go to the New England Inns and Resorts Association and see our special offer there: Stay two nights get one free (when you stay M-T-W or T-W-TH). www.neira.com

And if those aren't enough incentives.... try these Labor Day Weekend Specials on NEIRA for Bay Leaf Cottages:

Family Reunion Special - book 3 nights in a cottage for your family and get a motel room for the grandparents for three nights absolutely free! Continental breakfast included daily for all.

Stay 3 nights Receive $50 Gas Special (TH-F-S, F-S-S, or S-S-M) in either a cottage or motel room and receive a $50 Visa Travel Card to pay for your gas.

Dog Friendly Considerations

What does "Dog Friendly" mean to a lodging establishment? and You?

Yes, for resort properties welcoming travelers with their dogs, being "Dog Friendly" can mean an increase in clients and revenue. For those traveling with pet allergies, it can be a nightmare. Many establishments will designate a small portion of their rooms/cottages for those traveling with their dogs. A real "Dog Friendly" establishment will have the majority of rooms/cottages for clients with canines and fewer rooms/cottages for those who have allergies. By checking the property's website, you can determine a lot about the true "friendliness" of the lodging facility and management.

1. How many rooms/cottages/units are designated as "Dog Friendly" as compared to the total available?
2. Do you find the style and size of the rooms/cottages needed for you and/or your family?
3. What are the nightly pet fees? - typical rates range from $10-$25 per night but can go as high as $150-250 in deposit fees.
4. How far in advance does this property book up? check on high season availability early.
5. Are there a minimum number of nights required during high season versus off-season?
6. Are the grounds suitable for walking your dog and playing with your dog?
7. Is there a dog-run or suitable place your dog can stay if you need to leave the property - say for a dinner or a wedding? Is the run shaded or does it have a dog house or a water source?
8. Is there a clean dog crate that can accommodate your dog? Can it be used in the room or on the premises in a designated location?
9. Is there someone available to walk the dog, feed or provide water for the dog? If so, what is the cost for such services? Like babysitting, guests should expect to pay for such help.
10. What dog-friendly activities are nearby? - hiking trails, beaches, dog parks, etc.
11. What human-friendly activities are nearby that will be suitable for a pet to accompany you? Will they allow dog entry to shops/museums/restaurants, for example, or will there be a place for your dog to be on a leash, etc.??
12. Is the place clean and free of debris that could harm your pet?
13. Are suitable "pet friendly" chemicals used by the housekeeping staff and yard maintenance?
14. Will your dog be welcomed as part of the "family" by staff and management - is there a dog living there?
15. Will dog food and treats be available on-site should there be a need (you ran out, stores are closed, there aren't any stores around selling dog food, etc.)?
16. Is there a suitable Veterinarian and emergency care facility nearby in case of need?
17. Are there wild animals in the vicinity that you should be aware of?

What property owners think about but may/may not ask you... this should be your pre-travel check-list:

1. Is your dog registered in your community? (wearing a color with dog tags or micro-chipped)
2. How old is your dog - puppies chew and bark and generally aren't as welcome as well-behaved older dogs. However, older dogs may have incontinence issues that should be planned for.
3. How big is your dog as compared to the space you wish to book for you or your family?
4. Does your breed of dog have a "bad reputation"? Lodging owners/managers will be concerned about liability issues in terms of how your dog might interact with others staying at the resort. Consider that the "media" has made owning a pit bull "negative" as compared to a cockier spaniel.
5. Does your dog shed excessively and could this shedding create an added cleaning fee? Should you have your dog groomed before your trip to reduce this possibility?
6. Is your dog free of fleas, ticks and other parasites?
7. Has your dog had all of the major vaccinations (to protect others staying on-site and their pets) - Rabies, Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza, Corona, Bordetella, Lyme, etc.?
8. Do you have issues of worms or other parasites under control?
9. Do you regularly use flea control with your dog? (topical or oral)
10. Do you regularly wash/groom your dog?
11. Has your dog been spayed or neutered?
12. How many dogs are you traveling with?
13. Do you understand that dogs will not be allowed to stay in the room/cottage unattended?
14. Will you walk your dog on a leash and pick up any excrement (pooper scoop)?
15. Will you use the "doggie cover" provided (for bed or sofa) so that your dog's hair doesn't get all over the linens or that wet paws don't soil bedspreads, cushions, pillows?
16. Will you bring bowls for food for your dog instead of using those dishes for humans in the kitchenettes?
17. Will you bring doggie toys?
18. Will you ask for suitable towels from housekeeping to use with your dog (in case of rain, beach play, etc.)?

While the above list may seem exhaustive, it reminds us as pet owners that, just like ourselves, there are welcome visitors and unwelcome ones. When pet owners take the responsibility of having a healthy pet, resort owners are happy to welcome such dogs to their premises and into their rooms.

Bay Leaf Cottages & Bistro welcomes your dog to stay along with you and your family in our pet-friendly cottages and motel rooms. www.bayleafcottages.com

A Dog Lover's Guide to Midcoast Maine

For daytrips or weekend escapes, Mid-coast Maine offers a great combination of off-highway scenic routes, country roads, destinations worth stopping for - including delicious food. From May thru October, a wide variety of festivals and events make return visits very attractive. Attractions will bring you closer to Maine culture, the arts, great musiv, and the great outdoors. Bring your dog!

Bay Leaf Cottages and Motel welcomes travelers with their well-behaved dogs. Ginger, our 11-year old cocker spaniel, greets visitors and gives each of her new pals a welcome "doggie bag" complete with dog blanket, water bowl and mat, bones, poopie bags, and coupons for pet-friendly businesses in the area.

Our park-like setting makes bringing your dog alone fun. Nearby dog parks and beaches, pet shops, and hiking trails provides your pet with options. We offer an on-site outdoor shaded kennel with dog house and water feeder.

7 motel rooms (with water views) and 8 cottages (some with kitchens, some with water views) are designated "dog friendly". Be sure to book in advance, especially for weekends in July-August.

Ginger will be here until mid-October - we'll close around the 17th.

Questions? email Jane@bayleafcottages.com

What makes the Mid-Coast of Maine a destination for people who traavel with their dogs?

www.downeastdognews.com

• dog friendly lodging
• dog-friendly businesses (ability to dine outside, shops that allow pets, shops that cater to pets)
• dog parks
• dog beaches
• unique dog walking and hiking routes
• training programs, events, fairs
• support services (veterinarians, kennels, grooming, training)

Dog friendly businesses in the Lincolnville Beach area (for those staying at Bay Leaf Cottages):

• Critter Outfitter (Camden)
• The Fertile Mind Bookstore (Belfast)
• Friends of Belfast Park (Belfast)
• Human Society of Knox County (Rockland)
• Loyal Biscuit Co. (Rockland)
• The Maine Dog (Camden)
• Mr. Paperback (Belfast)
• Owl and Turtle Bookshop (Camden)
• Perry Greene Kennel and Outfitters (Waldoboro)
• The Readin gCorner (Rockland)
• The Seagull Shop (Pemaquid)
• Sherman's Books (Camden)
• Yankee Clipper (Rockport)
• Zoots Coffee Shop (Camden)

Leaf Peepers Welcome!

The chill is in the air (at least for mornings anyway) and the leaves are already beginning to shift in tone - some reds and yellows are appearing.

Upcoming for Labor Day Weekend is the Windjammer Festival in Camden and not long thereafter will be the Harbor Arts Festival and the Sept weekend designed to drive through the region visiting all of the artisans and galleries. And, don't miss Lincolnville's Fall Festival and Vinfest at the winery (Cellardoor). All during our Leaf Peeping season.

Yankee Magazine just rated our area (Camden) as #6 in the top 25 places to view the fall folliage. Like the image above from Camden Hills State Park (just 2 miles from Bay Leaf Cottages!!), the season promises to be wonderful.

In the meantime, we're enjoying the restaurants of the region and exploring various "off the beaten path" options. And, we're getting ready for another wonderful round of cooking classes with Renate Tower - September 8th - Lunch 'n Learn is Cooking for Your Pooch and September 15th - Oktoberfest Dinner. Contact us at (207) 706-7929 for a space in these classes.

What I've found recently (food-wise) in Mid-coast Maine.... Conti's 1894 is THE place for amazing Italian seafood. It is totally NOT fancy but it is amazing. Chef John Conti (a self-taught chef and madman) doesn't advertise, has no phone, and won't take reservations at his hole in the wall restaurant in Rockland (south Maine Street - but you didn't hear it from me!). The parking lot adjacent to the white house covered with lobster traps has one small sign which reads: "no fry, phone or freezer" "no cards, no ketchup, no micro " "new menu everyday". It's the latter that is most important - FRESH seafood and creative items fill a 4x6' blackboard as you enter the place - strewn with baskets of plum tomatos, piles of fresh Italian bistro-style bread. The "house wine" was quite good, bowls of salad with freshly made dressings join the table. Speaking of tables - don't expect things to match here - it's an electic hodge-podge of decor but that's not why you are there. Select from the menu all sorts of seafood options with Aglio (oil and garlic) or Marinara sauces over linguini or other pasta of the day. I ordered the Sea Scallops (a small portion) and could not finish it all - there was about a pound of scallops on my plate! Perfecctly sauteed and delicious! My daughter was amazed by her crab and shrimp aglio on linguini entree as well. She too could not finish it all. Containers for take home exist and next time we're going to order the large portions so we'll have plenty to bring home and enjoy a second day! Don't miss this place - it's a lost art, a dying breed, etc. No chain restaurant or fried seafood shack is going to touch the quality of this food experience. And, you'll have a lot to talk about afterwards!

The Lobster Police Visit

Yesterday when I noticed a someone drive into our property in a pick-up truck and walk over to the door (in uniform, wearing a badge) I thought to myself, boy I hope this is our local police chief because I'd like to talk about the speeding people do in the morning past our business. When he opened the door I could see he was the Marine Police (AKA Lobster Police). With citation book in hand, he asked if we were serving lobster dinners and I said, "yes" (he could see the sign outside advertising Lobster Dinners for $10 on Saturday night). He asked if I had a license and I about laughed but refrained. I said, "you're kidding right? " To which he responded, "that's what most people say." I said that I had recently called to the township office to ask if we needed any further permits or licenses than our lodging and restaurant license and our retail license, our registration as a business with the State of Maine and they said not to their knowledge. Guess that didn't include lobsters (and other shellfish). We just got a "warning" and forms to send into the State of Maine (to pay $87 for our permit to sell lobster dinners). We have to purchase from a licensed dealer and not a harvester unless we want to buy a different and more expensive permit. Given we're only charging $10 for dinner including lobster, potatoe, salad, and beverage, it's going to be a while before we cover the cost of the license. So, we may have to raise the dinner to $12.00 - sorry folks!

Can you imagine that the Marine Police carry guns? Going to shoot the lobster in the tank? or me!?!?!

Things to do

Here's my home away from home www.bayleafcottages.com! Emily and I have been living in one of our motel rooms. I've been there for 2 months and have been enjoying our mid-coast Maine adventure. This room has a full-sized bed, a twin bed, and a sleeper sofa. And, there's a TV and microwave plus a coffee pot.

Did I mention that Ginger, our family pet, has been staying with us too? She loves sitting by the window and watching the ducks in the pond. Lucky for the ducks she's not outside chasing them. We've been naming the ducks (all females so far) and we're up to 11 ducks. So far we have Lucy and Ethel, Betty and Wilma, Hot Lips Hullihan - well you get the idea. The male ducks are at another nearby pond and the ducklings are down the road. We've decided that since this is Maine, these must be Shaker Ducks since they have self-segregated by gender.

It's raining today and people often feel like they should not travel when it's raining or avoid Maine if the weather forecast is for rain. Here are a few recommendations for things to do when it rains:
1. Owl's Head Transportation Museum
2. Farnsworth Museum in Rockland
3. Antiquing in Searsport
4. There's nothing like a trip to Reny's - it's the quintessential Maine 5 & 10.
5. Roadtrip to LL Bean (open 24/7)
6. Bowling - try Candlepin bowling - a New England tradition! Local lanes: Oakland Park in Rockport.
7. Take in a movie at Flagship in Thomaston, Strand in Rockland, or Colonial in Belfast.
8. Learn how to make a Windsor Chair in Lincolnville.
9. Wine taste with Cellar Door Winery in Lincolnville (tasting shop on Rt. 1 in Camden)
10. Tour Camden's many art galleries.
11. Visit local artisans at their studios and homes.
12. Used books abound with booksellers from Camden to Searsport.
13. Theater - Camden Civic Theater, Northport Music Theater, and Belfast Maskers are sure to please.
14. Concerts abound in the region - check out the Bay Chamber Concert series or local bands at restaurants and clubs.
15. Purchase a day-pass to the YMCA and get fit!
16. Visit the Project Puffin Welcome Center in Rockland and see their movie about puffin preservation.
17. Visit the Hollywood Casino in Bangor
18. Visit the Children's Discovery Museum in Bangor
19. Make a trip to the Bangor Mall.
20. Explore the Penobscot Marine Museum.
21. The Maine State Museum should grab you in Augusta.
22. The Schoolhouse Museum in Lincolnville is a great attraction.
23. Belted Galloway cows will greet you at Aldemere Farms as you drive Chestnut Street out from Camden.
24. Stop by and taste Maine cheese at the State of Maine Cheese Company on Rt. 1 in Rockport.
25. Visit the Ross Center at Merry Spring Gardens.
26. Learn about woven traditions at the Swan Island Blanket Company.
27. Tour Fort Know in Bucksport and go atop th Narrows Bridge Observation Tower.
28. Stop by the Sweetgrass Winery and Distillery for some local made spirits.
29. Stop by Young's Lobster pound to witness hundreds of lobsters in large tanks.
30. Ride on the Islesboro Ferry back and forth!
31. Explore the shops of Camden and Belfast
32. Take a hands-on arts/crafts class at Bay Leaf Cottages & Bistro
33. Take a How To Class at Home Depot in Rockport.
34. Take a How To Class at Lowes in Thomaston.
35. Work with an artisan in their studio - create!

Have fun no matter what the weather! Eat Lobster! Visit us!