^TM

The New Schooner’s Inn and Stripers Restaurant

Kennebunkport, Maine

By Brooke Cunningham

My 13-year-old daughter Lauren and I were headed home from a wonderful six-day cruise aboard the Schooner Isaac H. Evans, a historical landmark that sails with 22 passengers along the coast of Maine. We had shared a wooden cabin that felt like summer camp, eaten mountains of Margie’s hearty and delicious fare, and spent peaceful days exploring islands and harbors together under sail without TV, Radio or telephone. As we left Rockland in the late afternoon we discussed the approaching evening, where we would stop and how we wanted it to be.

Now we were headed to Connecticut, but tired from our travels we pulled off the road to find a place for the night in Kennebunkport. Being a teenager, Lauren began energizing as she saw the crowded streets and shopping in the village. Being her older mother, I wanted long hot showers, a delicious quiet dinner with a sunset and a lovely view from an elegant room.  We found our way to the Schooner’s Inn, truly was the perfect answer to both of our desires.

As we drove through the bustling village of Kennebunkport, I thought to myself that I wanted way more piece and quiet than this place had to offer. But half a mile away from all the action, right on the edge of the river lay the Schooner’s Inn on a quiet street with a small fish restaurant across the road and little else. There was parking right in front, commotion was minimal, and we first drove by its unassuming sign. These were all positive indicators for me, and with a promise to my daughter that we would visit the town after dinner, Lauren admitted to liking it too.

The room we got was huge, simple and deliciously comfortable. Not only was the bathroom the mini spa type that I had hoped for, but it came with pristine white bathrobes that were soft and warm but felt like wearing a cloud. We both took long, luxurious hot showers, stretched out on the down puff which covered one of the most comfortable beds I have ever found, and became completely relaxed.

For dinner that evening we walked to a brand new restaurant called Stripers which sits on the edge of the river behind the inn. It continues the style of understated luxury. Tables were simple green faux marble, chairs were handsome sturdy and comfortable wood, and our waiters were dressed in the style of a bistro. Each course was served on interesting asymmetrical white china, giving an elegant and jazzy oriental appearance.  We chose to sit outside so that we could enjoy the long shadows and luscious sunset over the returning fishing boats.

I indulged in fresh oysters, about which I am a bit of a snob and found them to be sweet and plump and freshly cold with a distinctive sauce. My daughter of course considers this barbaric, so she had shrimp cocktail, which she pronounced “the best”. We both had a bowl or rich, creamy clam chowder full of flavorful chunks and which came with crunchy oyster crackers the size of silver dollars. Lauren had filled her teenage appetite by then, but I could not resist the fresh pan seared tuna. It was so light and rich that I consumed it very slowly, hoping it would not end.

I did in fact take Lauren on a small shopping jaunt through the energetic evening crowd in Kennebunkport, but it is really quite easy to share a teenager’s adventure when you are so well rested and still lingering in the glow of such a fine dinner.

Breakfast was included with our room, and that was served in a small friendly room with lots of glass on the river side of the Inn. I was impressed with the variety, hardly what is often thought of when a “continental” breakfast is part of the fare. We lingered there chatting with other travelers and sipping coffee before getting back on the road.

The room at the Schooner’s Inn and dinner at Stripers had cost us under $300 and were exactly what we were looking for. I found myself thinking that we had found something brand new with the comfort of something well seasoned. I highly recommend the Schooner’s Inn to any passing through Kennebunkport, but it should certainly be considered by anyone staying longer as well, particularly if they are sharing the adventure with a teenager.

Contact Schooner’s Inn:
P.O. Box 560C
127 Ocean Avenue.
Kennebunkport, Maine 04046 
207-967-5333
innkeeper@schoonersinn.com
http://www.schoonersinn.com

Contact Isaac H. Evans:
Captain Brenda Walker
P. O. Box 791
Rockland Maine 04841
877.238.1325
www.midcoast.com/evans
evans@midcoast.com

Back to TravelLady Magazine