A Great Wedding or Romantic Getaway Destination In Southern Maine-York
Harbor Inn
By Norm Goldman
More than 400 years ago the first settlers from England and
Scotland landed in York Maine settling at the mouth of the York River and for
the most part they were farmers, fishermen, and merchants who supported
themselves through maritime commerce. In fact, it was in 1632 that the first
incorporated city in America and one of New England’s earliest colonial
settlements was established at the costal site of York, Maine.
 Gradually,
as the American society underwent tremendous changes during the latter part of
the 19th century, the tourist industry began to emerge as one of the primary
means of support for the inhabitants of the area. It was during this era that
many new hotels and guest houses were built to accommodate the ever expanding
number of visitors in and around York Harbor, as it became a summer escape from
June to September for many a literary and cultural notable as well as the
affluent or as they often were referred to as “the old settlers.”
One of these summer lodging establishments was the
Hillcroft Inn which was the forerunner of the present day York Harbor Inn. The
Inn’s tavern, which was initially a horse stable, became part of a restaurant
and was named “The Cellar.” As Gary Dominguez, the present owner of The York
Harbor Inn pointed out to us, the hitching post still exits outside of present
day Ship’s Cellar Pub located in the lower level of the Inn.
By the way, don’t forget to lunch or dine here, where the
atmosphere as well as the food will blow you away! As the French say, it was a “délice,”
particularly the Haddock battered in Beer with French fries as well as the
Seafood Ravioli. It is as if we were dining below deck in a well-appointed
sailing vessel with its stunning display of fine woodwork and carpentry.
And while you are at it, be sure to also check out the
Cabin Room located in the center of the inn where you will find a post and beam
cabin that was once located eight miles out to sea on the Isles of Shoals. This
prize piece of history dates back to 1637 when it was used as a sail loft room.
Apparently, sailors would wrap their sails over its huge beams in order to work
on them and dry them next to the roaring large fieldstone fireplace. In the
1800s it had been taken apart and floated by barge to the mainland.
It was in 1978 when the Dominguez brothers, George, Joe and
Gary, came on the scene when the York Harbor Inn was in a dilapidated state and
just about on its last legs. The brothers commenced their operation with one
building and 12 rooms and today it has expanded to five buildings comprising
fifty-four rooms, all with private bathrooms- something that was lacking when
they purchased their first building. In 1983 the Yorkshire House (circa 1783),
which is an historic building adjacent to the Inn was purchased and subsequently
in 1997 the Harbor Cliffs located on the east side of the Inn became part of the
complex. The Harbor Hill Inn, next to the Yorkshire House, was opened in 2001
with its seven spacious rooms. It resembles a Grand New England Cottage and each
of the rooms features ocean views, gas fireplaces, Jacuzzi spa tubs, king beds
and many more amenities. In 2005 the 1730 Harbor Crest Inn was added with its
beautiful seven rooms that are comparable to the charm and intimacy of a private
home. This addition is located about one half of a mile from the York Harbor Inn
along scenic route 1A.
What is amazing about the Dominguez brothers is they
started on a shoestring budget with little capital but an abundance of
enthusiasm and perseverance. Today, Gary is the Innkeeper and Manager, Joe is a
kind of silent partner and consultant, while George is no longer involved. The
brothers’ 89 year old father also helps out.
 As
my wife and I sat in a comfortable chaise in front of the Inn wiggling our bare
toes under the midday sun and listening to the sound of the ocean waves, we were
quite impressed with the Inn’s view over York Harbor. However, what most
intrigued us was that this view was not always there. Gary indicated to us that
the view was obstructed by several run down cottages that were owned by a well
to-do businessman, Hartland Mason, whose last will and testament directed that
upon the death of his last descendent the cottages were to be removed and the
area turned into a park, which did in fact occur in 1998 amidst objections from
some individuals.
This was quite a bonanza for the York Harbor Inn when you
consider that couples can now celebrate their marriage ceremonies in the park
known as the Hartland Mason Reservation Park within an historic seaside setting
and follow up with their reception at the Inn-setting the stage for perfect
wedding venue where you can also take some breathtaking photos of the couple and
their guests.
Gary did mention that up until 2006’ weddings were not
permitted in the park, however, after he met with one of the trustees and
suggested to him that it would be nice for couples to have their ceremonies in
the park, approval was granted. It should be mentioned that the use of the park
is restricted to wedding ceremonies only-no wedding receptions are allowed.
Furthermore, there are specific rules in place and the trustees must approve any
wedding ceremonies that are booked in the park. Gary and his staff can point you
in the right direction in order to fulfill all of the formalities. If you prefer
to start your marriage in the soft Maine sand, there is Harbor Beach that is
just a short walk from the Inn.
As for the reception, The York Harbor Inn distinguishes
itself with having over 5,000 square feet of banquet and dining space to
accommodate weddings of all sizes from intimate to extravagant. Seven private
and elegantly decorated function rooms are available-some with fireplaces and
fantastic ocean views. The crown jewel is the Yorkshire Ballroom with 3000
square feet and a 35 foot cathedral ceiling as well as a dramatic skylight
atrium.
In addition, if you are worried about how to entertain your
guests, fret not as they can steal away and enjoy many of the attractions the
area is known for such as boating, fishing, swimming, golf, visiting lighthouses
and historical attractions, shopping in Kittery or just strolling on the many
beaches located in and around York Harbor. Guests will find in their rooms
directions for walks to such places as Wiggly Bridge, the Marginal Way and the
Harbor as well as many other hidden gems in the area.
And at the end of the day, the Inn’s Ocean View Restaurant
provides just the right atmosphere for relaxation and culinary indulgence after
an action-packed day outdoors. The restaurant’s Chef Bonsey, who has been with
the Inn for twenty-six years, was recently selected as one of the top chefs in
Maine by Portland Magazine and it has been featured in Food & Wine Magazine.
Chef Bonsey’s innovative cuisine introduces guests to the pleasures of Maine
dining and regional entrées range from local seafood, including shrimp,
scallops, haddock, lobster to various meats. The Inn’s wine cellar comprises
about 85-90 bottles offering great California and International choices. Like
the beautiful State of Maine, the warm and cozy atmosphere of the Inn and its
restaurants are unhurried, unspoiled and unassuming. A perfect romantic
destination!
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
York Harbor Inn
Coastal Rte 1A
Tel: 800-343-3869: 207-363-5119
Email:
info@yorkharborinn.com
Web Site:
www.yorkharborinn.com
Official Website of York Maine
Wiggly Bridge
Marginal Way Footpath
Norm Goldman is the Editor of
www.Sketchandtravel.com and
www.Bookpleasures.com. He and his
artist wife, Lily Azerad-Goldman meld Norm’s words with Lily’s art work, and
their articles can be seen on
www.Sketchandtravel.com. |
