Let’s admit it. There is nothing quite like a New England vacation in the summer.
From fresh lobster rolls best enjoyed seaside to late afternoon naps following a day at the beach, the popular season is a cherished time for families to make unforgettable memories. Once fall rolls around and the crowds have all subsided, people in the know start to plan the most colorful and flavor-filled stays of the year.
From nightly s’mores and beach ecology walks to garden tours and adult yoga, Maine’s Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth knows just how to keep the fun going for the entire family (including four-legged friends) all year long.
No property in Maine might love dogs more than Inn by the Sea as they continue to celebrate a multi-year collaboration fostering shelter dogs for the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland at the seaside resort.
The pet-welcoming property not only provides dog beds, bowls, treats, and cleanup bags during your stay but they also have a custom chef-curated menu for them featuring specialties like a Molasses Biscuit; Meat “Roff” made with steamed rice, raw vegetables, and natural ground beef (our pup’s favorite); “The Bird Dog” with grilled chicken, steamed rice and raw veggies (both the chicken and beef entrees come with an Inn by the Sea inscribed biscuit); and K-9 ice cream, soymilk honey gelato topped with dog biscuit crumbles.
Located just 15 minutes from Portland, there is no shortage of things to do in the area. Apple picking can be found nearby at Randall’s Orchard in Standish, Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, Snell Family Farm in Buxton or Sweetser Farm in Cumberland. There are corn mazes at Alewive’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth, Zach’s Farm in York, and Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner. For pumpkin patches, be sure to check out Alewives Brooks Farm or Jordan’s Farm in Cape Elizabeth, or Douglas Hill Orchard in Sebago.
If you are looking for things to do on property, there are many activities designed so you never have to go off-site. During the warmer months, the property hosts adult yoga on the front lawn overlooking the ocean, beach ecology walks on Tuesdays, a Great Pond Walk on Wednesdays to check out some local wildlife, and Garden Tours held on Thursdays where you can learn the secret to creating an indigenous garden. You can also take a cruising bike for a ride around Cape Elizabeth or to check out some of the nearby lighthouses.
The Spa located on the lower level offers the best way to relax and unwind. Try a rejuvenating facial or their signature Sea Waves massage with synchronized massage strokes and a surround sound of waves for the ultimate in relaxation.
The eco-friendly property is located along the beautiful shores of Crescent Beach. A member of Beyond Green, the property remains committed to preserving the natural beauty of their beach through habitat restoration, solar panels, and educational programs for kids to learn about our ecosystem.
The Inn also collaborates with the State Park on Habitat Restoration, restoring food sources and habitat for local wildlife, like finding green solutions to invasive plants by introducing a herd of hungry goats.
In addition, the LEED Silver-certified property boasts solar panels, recycled sheetrock walls and cork floors, dual flush toilets, 7EV chargers, and sheet and towel reuse programs.
They also offer water in reusable glass bottles, composting programs, and even collaborated with the Department of Conservation and Bureau of Park and Land to restore the habitat for endangered New England Cottontail Rabbits at Crescent Beach State Park.
This year alone, the property was thrilled to receive the following accolades: Travel + Leisure’s 2024 World’s Best Awards for New England Resorts, Conde Nast Traveler 2024 Readers’ Choice Award as one of the Top Resorts in New England, USA Today’s 10Best Eco-Friendly Resorts, was selected one of 2024 Top 10 Resorts for Pet Travel by Newsweek readers, and once again achieved the second tier award from Wine Spectator with a prominent nod of 2024 Best of Award of Excellence.
There are 62 luxurious dog- and earth-friendly rooms and beach suites, and a full-service spa found at the coastal property.
Modern rooms range from one- and two-bedroom suites with Atlantic Ocean vistas to cottage-style suites with fully equipped kitchens, gas burning fireplaces, oversized bathrooms with extra-large tubs, and outdoor decks custom made for relaxing.
There are two options for dining here: the more formal Sea Glass Restaurant or the relaxed fireplace Lounge located just across the hall.
Executive Chef David Brown offers a culinary delight for breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring local flavors served up in both locations or on the outdoor patio offering alfresco dining with a spectacular ocean view.
Early morning risers can enjoy smoked salmon, steel cut oats, a healthy smoothie, or avocado toast.
Heartier options include The Route 77 featuring two eggs cooked any style, accompanied by ham, bacon, hash, or sausage, and a deliciously crispy potato; the Farmhouse with corned beef hash, asparagus and Hollandaise; Eggplant Shakshuka served with grilled pita; or their popular Blueberry Pancakes served with blueberry butter.
The all-day fall menu featured a delicious white fish cake with aioli; tasty lobster samosa; spicy cucumber salad; and scrumptious Brown Bread Parker House rolls for starters. Moving right along, a must-try dish here is the decadent halibut with corn velouté poured on top. Be sure to save room for dessert: The apple crisp with cinnamon streusel crumble, brown sugar-bourbon cream, and vanilla ice cream is well worth every overindulgent calorie.
With winter fast approaching, be sure to keep an eye out for seasonal amenities, holiday activities and Chef Brown’s menus for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
During late fall and winter, the Inn features handcrafted cocktails in the fireplace Lounge and a “Fire and Ice” experience offered outdoors at the fire tables on the seaside deck.
Keep an eye out for their popular seventh annual outdoor Ice Bar and Sea Food Celebration being held February 20-22, 2025.
Inn by the Sea is located at 40 Bowery Beach Road in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
