Don’t you just love a thoughtful fella? Double bonus if he’s thoughtful and romantic. Oooooh, I’m already swooning at the thought.

As suckers for love and romance, the Crooked Steeple Hall team was thrilled when Colby contacted us to assist with his surprise for the love of his life, Amy.

As a guest of 1812 Pierce House, Colby wanted help setting up candles so he could set the stage for his grand proposal to Amy. Of course, we happily obliged.

There was much to do to ensure that the evening would be perfectly memorable for Colby and Amy so we engaged our tight-knit community of Winterport. Colby shipped the candles to us and set the scene while we reached out to Hannaford in Hampden for flowers and grabbed a little bit of bubbly from the Winterport Winery.

Thanks to my two young boys for setting up the candles (as you can see here, they laid them out in the shape of a heart) and good friends and Winterport locals, Jessica and Scott King who jumped in to help set the scene and make Colby’s vision come to life. They lit the heart-shaped candles and staged the flowers and champagne for the proposal.

Then it was time for the action. We were fairly certain the answer would be yes but we were sweating bullets with anticipation.

We gave the couple privacy for their special moment as we waited with bated breath for the “yes."

Of course, as anticipated, she said yes!

Breathing safely resumed and the couple whisked away to The Bacon Tree* restaurant for a romantic, celebratory dinner.

This is just one example of a guest that engaged our services to help with these types of milestones, and we love it! We can't wait to continue creating memories for you and your loved ones as we continue to work on Crooked Steeple to make it the perfect venue for your wedding. We are now booking weddings for 2022.

If you are looking for a quick getaway, we are currently booking studio space within Crooked Steeple OR take a look at our 1812 Pierce House listing for more options. Our concierge is always happy to facilitate your requests. We want to ensure that your getaway is unforgettable in all the right ways. We pull out all the stops to ensure you experience the magic of Maine.

*Unfortunately, The Bacon Tree is no longer operating, however, we are always happy to provide dining suggestions for our guests.

Be Our Guest

Learn more about our lodging options here

Weddings

Learn about our wedding packages here

Microbreweries and craft beer are all the rage these days, and Maine is definitely on-trend with dozens of breweries across the state. And we’re very proud of our beer diversity too. You’ll find all types, styles, and flavors of beer at our breweries. 

If you like beer, travel, and trying new things, might we suggest adding an evening (or daytime… we’re not judging since you’re on vacation) beer crawl to your itinerary? We’ve even picked out a few breweries near Winterport for you to visit. There are many great spots around but we think these are some of the best breweries in Maine. 

Penobscot Bay Brewery

We’re not listing this first because we’re playing favorites or because this brewery is located right here in Winterport (OK, maybe we are but it’s well-deserved). Penobscot Bay Brewery serves awesome small-batch beers like smoked ales, blonde ales, brown ales, stouts, IPA, and more. At the top of our list to try?

• Chocolate Milk Stout

• Lager with Honey and Ginger

Bangor Beer Co

Somewhere north of ordinary in Bangor, Maine you’ll find Bangor Beer Co. It’s not business as usual here… Bangor Beer loves to experiment with new styles, hops, and ingredients. You’ll find their beers in stores, restaurants, and bars all across Maine. 

But don’t let that stop you from visiting their taprooms to try new limited releases, small-batch, and surprise brews. 

The ones on our must-try list are:

• Walty - Salty beer? This Gose is salted with local Maine sea salt. 

• Killed by Death - What a name! This imperial stout features aromas of coffee, bittersweet chocolate, and a touch of vanilla. 

Bangor Beer Co.

Penobscot Bay Brewery

Sea Dog Brewing Company

Sea Dog has five branches in Maine, including one in Bangor and another in Camden. The Bangor branch is located on the waterfront, along the Penobscot River, and they offer daily tours of their brewery. 

The Sea Dog beers to try on our list are:

• Hazelnut Porter - 4 types of malted barley and a hint of hazelnut

• Pumpkin - beer with notes of pumpkin spice; available only during fall

We also recommend trying Sea Dog’s hard seltzers!

Mason’s Brewing Company

Brewing is not just a hobby over at Mason’s Brewing Company where science meets passion. The company is devoted to creating the perfect beer with “precision, hard work, and quality ingredients.” 

Two beers to try: 

• I Was Winning - Beer with notes of banana cream pie? Sign me up!

• Alice - Double IPA-brewed with hemp seeds 

This is just a glimpse of the list of the best breweries in Maine. Other breweries to check out:

• Orono Brewing Company

• 2 Feet Brewing

• Marsh Island Brewing

• Black Beer Brewing

• Blank Canvas Brewery

• Geaghan’s Brothers Brewing Tap Room

Need help planning your itinerary for your Maine vacation? Book your stay with us to enjoy our concierge service. Connect with us to learn more!

Be Our Guest

Learn more about our lodging options here

Weddings

Learn about our wedding packages here

Love is lovely. That’s why we love to host couples and weddings at Crooked Steeple Hall. 

Couples visiting with us often ask about things to do in the area and we’re always delighted to point them to our favorite romantic spots in Maine. Coincidentally, most of them are in the nearby towns surrounding Winterport. 

Sunset Sail In Maine

Few things are as simply romantic as enjoying the view of the evening sun dipping under the horizon with someone special. Add a sunset sail to your itinerary and book a trip to sail along the Maine coast with your love. 

There are a few providers of this service in the area.

• Windjammer Cruises

Choose from either the Margaret Todd Schooner or the Bailey Loiuse Todd Sunset Sail, both of which depart from Bar Harbor. 

Wine and beer are available for purchase on board… so all you need to do to up the ante is pick up a charcuterie board or make your own with some local cheeses, fruit, preserves and crackers or fill up your picnic basket with some fresh lobster rolls.

• Schooner Olad and Cutting Owl Cruises

These schooners depart from Camden and are BYOB (bring-your-own-bottle). You can also pack your own picnic basket or request catering if you don’t want the hassle of sourcing your own eats. 

Romantic Garden Stroll

If dry land is more up your alley, clock some steps together as you stroll through any of the well-tended gardens on this list:

• Fay Hyland Botanical Garden - University of Maine, Orono Campus

• Merryspring Nature Center - Camden & Rockport

• Asticou Azalea Garden - Northeast Harbor

• Thuya Garden - Northeast Harbor  

Canoeing or Kayaking

Pack a picnic basket with lots of water and head out for a day of adventure. You can rent paddles and canoes at many parks including Hirundo Wildlife Refuge, or pick up your paddles in Old Town, Belfast, Camden, Stockton Springs, Bar Harbour… you have plenty of options for this affordable and fun activity. 

Scenic Flights of Acadia

Theater

If you’re looking for a less active or nighttime activity, what’s more classic than dinner and the theater? Click on any of the nearby theatres below to see what’s currently playing or take it really old school and catch a movie at the Bangor Drive-in Theater. 

The Grand in Ellsworth

Penobscot Theater in Bangor

Colonial Theater in Belfast

Scenic Flight for Two

Looking for a bird’s eye view of Maine? If you two are adventure junkies you might enjoy a scenic flight for two on a Cessna aircraft… maybe one of you might even want to co-pilot the trip. That’s an option too, with Scenic Flights of Acadia. 

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find it here in Maine. If you want more help planning your romantic getaway to Maine, we’d be happy to help.  In fact, when you stay with us you will receive the expertise and our travel concierge, Armanda! She knows all the best spots and will have suggestions for any type of travel. check out her blog, Mainley Armanda, for more local tips.

Be Our Guest

Learn more about our lodging options here

Weddings

Learn about our wedding packages here

If you’ve been following this blog for some time, you already know we’re crazy in love with our picturesque town of Winterport and environments in the beautiful state of Maine. We are so incredibly proud of our little slice of paradise here in New England. 

We have national parks, gardens, mountains, coastlines and during this time of year, we usually have huge helpings of magical, powdery snow everywhere to make your engagement photos sparkle. Here’s our take on the most beautiful locations for your engagement photos all year round.

Into the Woods

A lot of people might think the woods would be great for a shoot in autumn… and they’d be right. But the woods make for a gorgeous setting in the winter as well. Picture it. A few inches of freshly fallen snow, and just the right amount of natural light filtering through the bare, foliage-less trees or snow-dusted evergreens.

It’s what Maine winter postcards are made of! You can create this look at virtually any of our national parks. Strap on those hiking boots because here at Crooked Steeple Hall we are located near Acadia National Park where a picturesque moment waits around every corner. Don't want to break a sweat while searching for the perfect shot? Take a drive up to the summit of Mt. Battie in Camden Hills State Park. The views from the top are unmatchable, especially at sunset! These parks offer some of Maine's best scenic photography options!

Botanical Gardens

I'm not sure how it gets more romantic than a botanical garden, and Maine has quite a few of them to consider when looking for the perfect spot for your engagement photos.

The University of Maine Orono Campus has several gardens you can visit including the Fay Hyland Botanical Garden that is the home of both native and non-native species. However, our favorite is the Littlefield Ornamentals Trial Garden which has over-arching cherry blossom trees, creating the perfect backdrop for your photos.

Another favorite spot is Thuya Garden in Northeast Harbor. We are absolutely in love with this location and the "zen" it brings while reveling in its beauty. Named after the white cedar trees that grow on the property, this garden creates an intimate and private feel. A perfect spot for an engagement, engagement photos, or perhaps both!

Littlefield Ornamentals Trial Garden

Private Charter

If you want to go all out, charter a sailboat for breathtaking views along the Maine coast. Seriously, the scenery doesn't get much better than this! Schooner Olad & Cutter Owl in Camden, Maine offers private charters, eliminating the awkwardness of taking pictures in public while offering a unique backdrop for a memorable engagement shoot.

Lighthouses - The Quintessential Maine Photo Op

Yes, everyone knows that we are famous for our lighthouses and maybe you think it's a little cliche to get your engagement photos done in a Maine lighthouse, but there's no arguing with the scenic views they offer.  

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse in Rockland, Maine attracts visitors all year round not just for the views but for the history of the location. If you're a history buff, this is the spot! Completed in 1901, this lighthouse is located at the end of a 7/8-mile long breakwater giving you 360 views of the water.

Located on a rocky beach on Penobscot Bay, the Owls Head Light was built in 1852 and offers more than just views but locations to picnic, walk along the beach, and enjoy the wildlife, giving you diversity and a change of scenery for your photos!

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

Crooked Steeple Hall

Historic buildings like Crooked Steeple Hall are always a great choice any time of year. Crooked Steeple Hall has tons of charming features like stained glass windows, beautiful doors, and other antiques that would serve as great backdrops or props for your photo shoot. In fact, we hosted an engagement here a Crooked Steeple a few years ago. Stay tuned for that story in a future blog post!

If you’d like to discuss hosting your engagement photoshoot (or your wedding) at Crooked Steeple Hall, you can contact us here. We’d love to help make your vision a reality. 

Be Our Guest

Learn more about our lodging options here

Weddings

Learn about our wedding packages here

If you judge a town by the quality of its coffee, you can rest assured that Winterport, Maine won’t disappoint. Our local cafes exude authentic New England charm, transporting you from the fast pace of the daily grind to an oasis for your senses. 

Savor the flavor of locally roasted fair trade coffee beans from around the world. Taste the difference that locally grown, in-season produce makes in every bite of food you indulge. As you plan your trip to Maine, you’ll definitely want to include at least one of these cafes on your Winterport itinerary. 

Wicked Brew Cafe

Living up to its name, Wicked Brew serves Greek and Turkish coffees made to order over an open flame. Their specialities include espresso made from organic, fair-trade beans, cold-brewed coffee and tea and a sensually spicy housemade chai masala tea. 

Go for the coffee but stay for breakfast or lunch. Wicked Brew features a special kid menu, build-your-own oatmeal options, a selection of baked goods, sandwiches, soups, and salads. 

With its chill music and comfy seating, one customer review aptly described this family-owned, full-service coffee bar in downtown Bangor as “homey without trying too hard.” 

Wicked Brew Cafe in Bangor, Maine

Tea Maineia

Are you crazy about Tea? The tea-obsessed will find asylum at Tea Maineia, a small, family-owned tea shop and lounge. Tea Maineia serves up its variety of loose leaf teas alongside locally made products that pair well with tea. 

They offer free daily samples, and after enjoying a cuppa on their outdoor terrace, you can browse the tea shop to take home your favorite teas and accessories. 

Fork & Spoon in Bangor, Maine

Bagel Central

Located in downtown Bangor, Bagel Central boasts 18 varieties of bagels plus vegan and gluten-free bagel options, with just as many toppings. They also serve a variety of freshly baked bread. 

Open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Bagel Central’s menu includes your typical breakfast fare, sandwiches, soups, salads and pastries (including gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan). 

Heading to Bagel Central for breakfast? We recommend the Egg, Lox and Onion Bagelwich with a cup of coffee to start your day off just right. 

Fork & Spoon

Fork & Spoon invites guests to sit with them and enjoy a variety of salads, soups, sandwiches, coffee, juice, smoothies, ice cream and baked goods. 

The espresso bar features a variety of coffee, including nitro cold brews and frappes, as well as a range of teas, including chai and matcha. 

Feeling adventurous? Try the BBQ Jackfruit sandwich for lunch. This vegetarian meal is made from jackfruit… an actual fruit that when prepared has the taste and texture of meat!

Pair your sandwich with a cold-pressed fruit and vegetable juice blend or treat yourself to an ice-cream from Morton’s Moo, a creamery in neighboring Ellsworth. 

Fork & Spoon is open for breakfast and lunch from Tuesday to Saturday but closed on Sunday and Monday so plan your visit accordingly. 

Need somewhere to stay during your vacation in Maine? With several options to choose from, view our property options to see what may work best for you!

Traveling with a big group? 1812 Pierce House is our home that accomodates 20 guests and boasts a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities.

Be Our Guest

Learn more about our lodging options here

Weddings

Learn about our wedding packages here

Can you imagine if walls really did have eyes and ears, and all the juicy scenes that they would have witnessed? Especially old buildings that have had colorful histories and seen the events of generations of people’s lives unfold. 

Built in 1850, Crooked Steeple Hall holds over a century and a half’s worth of secrets. One of the most interesting features of Crooked Steeple Hall is right there in its name. I like to imagine that early on, the steeple was curious and leaned ever so slightly to catch a conversation and got stuck in that position. 

Yeah, my imagination is overactive like that. Reminds me of what my mom used to say when I pouted over something or the other. “Your mouth will stay in that position if you keep that up.” 

Fun Fact #1: Crooked Steeple Hall was not always this historical building’s name.

Crooked Steeple Hall was originally a Methodist church, until the early 1990s when it was purchased for use as a residence and later on, when the owner’s son inherited the property, he converted it to a music store and concert hall. 

Today, Crooked Steeple Hall is a historical treasure in Winterport, Maine. It adds a special something to the quaint charm and allure of Winterport, and is listed on the national Registry of Historic Places. 

Even as the building has undergone tons of renovations to become Crooked Steeple Hall, we have preserved much of what makes this special space unique. The original tin walls and ceiling, woodwork, stained glass windows, bell, and of course, the steeple have all been preserved and restored.    

Fun Fact #2: The steeple’s still-working bell was cast in 1872 by Blake & Co, the foundry originally owned by Paul Revere.

The beauty of Crooked Steeple Hall lies in its historic charm combined with modern amenities to make special events memorable. Our floor plan is open and flexible, we have well-equipped bridal suite onsite along with kitchen facilities, and separate cocktail and afterparty spaces. 

We’re taking bookings now for events scheduled for January 2022 and beyond. We’re ready to help you make your wedding dreams come true in picturesque Winterport, Maine at our beloved Crooked Steeple Hall.

You can tell us more about your event here and one of our attentive team members will connect with you to discuss your special day. 

Big wedding celebration or small, intimate affair? It’s one of the first things a couple decides on when they’re planning their wedding. There are benefits and drawbacks to both larger and smaller weddings but whatever a couple decides is ultimately the best decision for their special day. 

Somehow, whether it’s 300 of your closest friends and family or 30 of them, the guest list always seems to pose a challenge, so while that’s not a benefit of having a smaller wedding, there are still plenty of reasons to choose a more intimate event. 

Here are five benefits of hosting a smaller wedding. 

Budget Flexible of Budget-Friendly Wedding

You can go one of two routes with a smaller wedding… either reduce cost or increase value. 

A smaller wedding can cost less, and savings can be more wisely spent on something else like a downpayment for a home or other major investment. 

On the other hand, a smaller wedding allows you to splurge on other things like a gourmet menu and top-shelf bar, high-end band, decor, videography, and photography that you may not have been able to do to the same extent with a larger wedding. 

More Intimate

Micro weddings are growing in popularity and for good reason! A smaller wedding helps couples to evaluate their relationships as they have to think about those persons with whom they would most appreciate sharing this special event.

Because the guest list is smaller, you and your guests have the opportunity to spend more quality time with each other rather than worrying about making your rounds to see everyone or whether your guests are having a good time.

Since your small wedding will only have your closest friends and relatives, you might even be able to involve them in some aspects of the wedding, like a scripture reading or other activity that plays to their strengths. 

Less Stress

Coordinating an event for smaller numbers is definitely less stressful than for larger numbers of people. For one thing, it’s a lot less stressful to worm RSVPs out of a few people than hundreds of them. 

Not to mention... you’ll be virtually eliminating seating chart drama. The avoidance of this headache alone is worth the decision to choose a smaller celebration. 

Additionally, if you have to make a change to an order or cut your losses on an expense, it’s much easier to do so for 30 people than 10 times that amount. 

DIY Made Easy

You won’t have to worry about having bags under your eyes on your wedding day if you go the DIY route for your wedding favors or decor for a smaller wedding. 

A smaller wedding might even encourage you to do more DIY because the numbers are a lot less daunting and a lot less work.

Destination Wedding

Been dreaming of having your wedding somewhere across the country or abroad?

By choosing a destination wedding, your guest list whittles down considerably because only those closest to you might be willing to stand the expense of travel. 

We love to host weddings at Crooked Steeple Hall for couples from out of state. In fact, we can host micro-weddings both at Crooked Steeple Hall and at Pierce House, which can double as accommodation for up to twenty guests. 

A smaller wedding may not be everyone’s cup of hot chocolate and that’s okay. But for those who’ve been contemplating it or on the fence about a smaller wedding, we say go for it! A beautifully executed, intimate wedding will, without a doubt, create memorable moments to last a lifetime.

Connect with us to learn. more about how Crooked Steeple Hall can host your micro wedding.

We love Winter Wedding season here at the Crooked Steeple Hall, especially since we are in the center of the country’s ultimate winter wonderland here in Winterport, Maine. 

We love to observe how trends change over seasons. Some we see stick around for just one season, others repeat over a few seasons and still, others become staples of the winter wonderland wedding. 

Although COVID-19 put a major damper on Winter Wedding Season 2020/1, we’ve still been keeping an eye on new trends emerging and older trends making a return. 

Hot Cocoa and Coffee Bar

I think this might be my favorite winter wedding trend and I hope it’s here to stay. A hot cocoa and coffee bar is just the thing to keep guests warm and toasty during your ceremony and reception.

Offering various milk options to satisfy diverse dietary preferences, and offering lots of gourmet flavors and toppings to choose from are great ideas.

Adding a variety of teas to the mix will also take things up a notch for the non-coffee drinkers and the tea-loving guests.

Decorate with Lights

Winter and lights go together. It might be because we have more dark hours than we have daylight but either way, lights have the power to really transform an atmosphere and add a little magic to the ambiance of a room. 

Whether it’s candle-lit centerpieces, fairy lights around a framed picture of the newlyweds, creative hanging lights, or a kick-ass lit up backdrop for stunning photos, we love this trend. 

Nature-Inspired Decor

Along with lights, we’ve also been noticing a trend favoring winter-themed, nature-inspired decor like leaves, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, and wood. 

The plus about this trend is that these decor items can be an easy DIY to keep your costs down as you challenge your creativity. 

Simple Cakes

Move over fondant and elaborate cakes! Simpler wedding cakes are in and we adore this minimalist, naked cake trend. Naked wedding cakes have multiple tiers but are minimally frosted, leaving parts of the actual cake exposed. 

Naked cakes lend a shabby-chic esthetic to your decor. Elevate the look with some extra pizzazz from winter-themed decorative pieces like pine cones, eucalyptus leaves or other greenery, dried fruit, and flowers. 

Jewel-Toned Colors

Jewel tones are always popular with winter weddings and we love that it continues to trend. 

Jewel tones are flattering to most skin types so your wedding party is guaranteed to look stunning along with your invitations and decor. Some of our favorite jewel-toned winter wedding colors for this season are burgundy, emerald green, and silver-gray. 

Blanket Favors for Guests

This has to be the perfect winter wedding favor… both beautiful and functional. Guest will always recall the warm, loving memories from your special day when they see your monogrammed names as they snuggle under your blanket favor on cold winter nights. 

Did we miss any winter wedding trends? Which ones are your favorites?

P.S. Are you planning a winter wedding? Crooked Steeple Hall is currently taking reservations for Winter 2021/2022 and beyond. We would love to discuss your winter wonderland wedding plans with you!

Beautiful place to welcome in the New Year, practice yoga and just be together. Thank you.

Joshua & Mina
Manchester, CT

Jan 5 2021

There are two types of people: Those who like watching the snow fall through the window with a cup of hot cocoa while the fire blazes, and those who like to immerse themselves in the outdoors and get their adrenaline pumping in the snow. 

We welcome both types of folks to our quintessential winter wonderland getaway with us at Crooked Steeple Hall. However, this blog is dedicated to those looking for fun, outdoor, winter activities while enjoying their stay. Read on for our top winter activity picks in and around Winterport, Maine.

Pro Tip: If you’re like me, you dread the cold but love the outdoor fun. Layers are your friend! Dressing in layers will keep you nice and toasty so you can get in on the outdoor winter fun too. 

Dog Sledding

It’s a centuries-old mode of winter transportation and definitely one to check off your bucket list this winter. Sled dogs are bred for their speed, endurance and leadership qualities, all of which are important for the job of pulling. 

Calling it a "job" might give the wrong impression though, as these beloved canines truly embody the expression, “love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life.” So make a team of doggies happy and book a dog sledding trip. 

Acadia National Park is a great option for your dog sledding experience. 

Snow Tubing

Imagine flying down a 600ft slope in a tube leaving a trail of snow exhaust in your wake. Sounds like fun? It is! And it’s great for young children and the less-athletic. Many places allow snow tubers as young as three years old to participate (with an adult of course) in this thrill ride so it’s something the entire family can enjoy together. 

At New Hermon Mountain, you won’t even have to break a sweat. A lift will take you up the mountain to begin your fast and furious descent in the tube.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is essentially hiking but with special shoes designed for optimal maneuverability in the snow. It takes more effort to walk through snow than on the dry ground so you’ll get a nice workout, even if you choose a leisurely trail with little to no incline in a designated snowshoeing area.

But if you’re up for a bigger challenge, there are also tougher trails with steeper inclines to test your endurance as you break new snow. 

The Bangor City Forest Trail system features both easy and moderate trails for you to explore in your new (or rented) snowshoes. 

Skiing

When I think of winter sports, the first thing that comes to mind is skiing. I mean, is there a more classic winter activity? There are a variety of slopes near Winterport for every level of expertise. Some companies even offer beginner skiing lessons and refresher classes. 

If you don’t have your own equipment, most skiing facilities rent equipment. New Hermon Mountain has some awesome trails for skiing.

Some other outdoor winter activities you can enjoy on your vacation are ice skating, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, tobogganing, and ice fishing. Family-friendly activities like snowball fights and building a snowman are always a fun winter activity staple.

What are your favorite outdoor winter activities? Whichever ones you plan to enjoy, be sure to check the local weather advisories before heading out. 

Stay safe and have fun in the snow!

- Katrina -

Stay safe and have fun in the snow!

The place is a great getaway from Boston. It is close in a wonderful area. We really enjoyed our time here in Winterport by making trips to Acadia.

Diana & Sheldon
Boston, MA

Dec 30 2020

What a relaxing, comfortable and safe getaway.. We discovered Winterport and had a great time. Thank you!

Ron & Paula
Eastport, ME

Dec 24 2020

Nowhere does farm-to-table dining like Maine. You might think we’re biased but the proof is in the pudding. For centuries, Maine has been an important American breadbasket and it shows in our local cuisine offerings. 

We’ve been practicing the farm-to-table concept long before it became the thing to do. Many of our local restaurants source their produce and meat supplies from either their own farms and gardens or from farmers around the state, ensuring that only the freshest, in-season food make it to your plate.  

This week on the blog, we’re sharing three of our favorite farm-to-table restaurants within the Winterport environs. Add these local restaurants to your list for your next visit to Maine. We guarantee that any one of these restaurants would satisfy the palate of the most discerning foodie. 

The Fiddlehead Restaurant

A fine dining, farm-to-table dinner experience awaits you at The Fiddlehead Restaurant, which is serviced by its very own farm, Fiddlehead Farm. You can find Fiddlehead not far from your stay in Winterport and is located in Bango, Maine.

Fiddlehead Farm provides the restaurant with fresh in-season produce, complemented by meat and poultry from neighboring farms. Almost every other input is sustainably sourced and local within Maine and New England, including cheeses, honey, and of course, seafood.

Fiddlehead’s menu is fresh yet comforting, familiar yet elevated. Whether you choose specialty options like the crab toast and chicken fried duck or try the Fiddlehead twist on classics like mac & cheese or the double cheeseburger, Fiddlehead delivers on its promise - quality without pretense or price. And they are extremely accommodating to dietary restrictions. 

In keeping with its theme of sustainability, Fiddlehead offers a full bar with cocktails made fresh to order. Its extensive wine list favors lesser-known vintners and regions that employ sustainable, organic farming practices.  

The Fiddlehead Restaurant is open for in-house dining, Tuesday through Sunday from 5pm - 9pm. 

Fun Fact: Chef and co-owner Melissa Chaiken recently showed off her culinary skills on a socially-distanced episode of Chopped: Comfort Food Feud. 

Primo 

Located in Rockland, Maine, Primo's dining is in a restored, old Victorian house situated on the edge of a five-acre sustainable farm which supplies most of its produce. 

What the Primo farm doesn’t produce, proprietor, executive chef, and two-time James Beard Foundation Award winner, Melissa Kelly sources from neighboring farms. 

As a result, this farm-to-table restaurant’s menu changes from season to season, utilizing the produce supplied by the farm on a daily basis. Some current main course favorites include porcini-rubbed bistro steak, grilled moulard duck breast, and pistachio and parsley crusted first of the season local halibut.

The restaurant has an extensive international wine list that perfectly complements its yummy food.

Primo’s features both fine dining and a more casual dining experience and offers take out too. It is open for dining by reservation only from Thursday to Sunday, 5pm - 9pm. 

Blaze

If it’s mouthwatering, casual, comfort food you’re looking for, your taste buds will be delighted at Blaze Restaurant.

As with the other restaurants on this list, Blaze is committed to using fresh, sustainable, food sources and the restaurant’s menu features 100% all-natural grass-fed beef and organic chicken from its own farm. 

The restaurant’s extensive menu includes favorites like tacos, oak-fired burgers, sandwiches, and brick-oven pizzas. And what pairs best with these foods? In addition to brewing its own beer at the Blaze Brewery, the beer list is even more extensive than the menu, with almost 50 options from around the country. 

Owned by Maine restauranteur Matt Haskell, Blaze has four branches - one each in Bangor, Bar Harbor, Camden, and Bideford. Blaze is open Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am for lunch and dinner and on Sundays from 10 am for brunch.

Bon apetito!

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere we go”… in Winterport, Maine. A different, more socially distanced holiday, for sure, but our beautiful town is as picturesque as ever this year.

Christmas in Maine is always a beehive of community activities, with something for everyone to enjoy. Despite the cancellation of some of the usual activities on our calendar due to the Grinch, aka COVID-19, there is still plenty going on to keep your spirits bright during your Christmas vacation in Maine. 

We’ve compiled a list of five of our favorite holiday events for you to check out. Some of them are virtual… so even if COVID-19 has you missing Christmas in Maine this year, you can still celebrate virtually from wherever you are. 

Deck The Balls

Virtual Event, Dec 10 - 27

This ADULTS-ONLY live virtual improv promises to “warm your frosty chestnuts and tickle your funny bone!” 

The show is produced by ImprovAcadia, a super popular comedy club in Bar Harbor, Maine. ImproveAcadia is normally sold out every night of the season so being able to join virtually is a real treat. And I know we all need the extra laughs this season.

The show runs from Dec 10-27 so pick your date, gather your crew, and don’t be late. Tickets are $60 per household and $55 for subscribers. Once purchased, you will receive a Zoom link for your performance date. 

They’ve even put together a special cocktail recipe for you to mix at home and enjoy during the show. 

Find tickets and the recipe here. 

A Christmas Carol 

Virtual Event, Dec 12 - 27

Dicken’s Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol is on our watch list every year. And this long-running adaptation by Ken Stack has enjoyed 13 seasons on the Penobscot Theatre Company stage for good reason - it’s awesome!

This year, it’s going virtual but Stack still brings the story to life with puppetry and animation as a stop-motion feature film.  

Tickets are $40 per household. When you purchase, you will receive a link to view the pre-recorded film. You can watch it as many times as you would like during the release period. 

Make sure to stir up the suggested A Christmas Carol-inspired Christmas Sangria, to enjoy while you watch the film. 

Get your tickets and the drink recipe here. 

Mystery of the Christmas Star

December 20, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

Have you ever wondered whether Jesus was REALLY born on December 25th, 2000 years ago? What made the wise men follow a star across the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem? Is there a scientific explanation for such a celestial phenomenon? 

Journey back to Bethelemen and join the Versant Power Astronomy Center and Maynard Jordan Planetarium at the University of Maine in seeking to discover a scientific explanation for the Christmas Star that the wise men followed to find baby Jesus. 

Tickets are $6 for adults and $5 for children and must be purchased in advance online, by phone, or at the ticket box office. Get all the details here. Astronomy lovers especially will love this event. 

Let it Snow

December 20, 5:00pm - 6:00pm

This family-friendly music show is made special by its visually enhanced thematic animation set in the Versant Astronomy Power Center Planetarium. Enjoy festive classics from Frank Sinatra, Chuck Berry, Burl Ives, and Brenda Lee with a spectacular multi-media presentation by the Trans Siberian Orchestra. 

Tickets are $8 and can be purchased online, at the box office, or via the phone. Get all the details here.   

Create Your Own Christmas Light Driving Tour

Winterport is a beautiful winter wonderland at this time of year and some neighborhoods really go all out with the lights and decorations. We love travel blogger Armanda Davis’ suggestion to dress cozily, jump in your rental, and drive through the town to catch all the beautiful lights. 

Complete the evening with a stop at a local cafe for hot cocoa with marshmallows (mmm… sooo good).

Is there an event that we forgot to mention? Let us know!

If you’re in the middle of planning your dream wedding, you’re probably thinking about your dress, dinner menu, DJ, and venue decor while also arguing with your mom about whether you really have to invite Larry, your weird cousin twice removed, whom you haven’t seen since you were twelve. 

Of course, these are all important elements of planning your big day but, there is one vital aspect of wedding planning that many couples often overlook - wedding and event insurance.

No, it’s not insurance against being left at the altar, although many policies will cover postponement or cancellation due to pre-determined reasons like, say, a global pandemic. It’s a type of special event insurance. 

Nobody wants to think about what can go wrong on one of the most important days of their lives but, with all the moving parts involved in weddings, the potential for things to go wrong continues to increase. Wedding and event insurance protects against those risks. 

And given the crazy high price of weddings these days, it also helps to protect your investment.  

Providers of wedding insurance typically offer coverage for two main types of risk - liability and cancellation.

Liability Coverage

Wedding and event insurance provides protection against liabilities in case someone is injured at your wedding, or if a guest or supplier causes damage to the venue. 

Many venues, including Crooked Steeple Hall, require clients to provide liability insurance for the duration of their event. But it’s always a good idea to check with your venue about whether it covers liability, before adding it to your insurance policy. 

It’s also a good idea to check with your vendors to see the extent of their liability coverage, in case you need to include provisions for them in your policy. 

With liability insurance, if Uncle Jim drinks too much and knocks over a lamp while showing off his dance moves, liability insurance will cover the damage. 

Cancellation Coverage

Cancellation or postponement insurance protects you from the costs incurred by having to cancel or postpone your wedding. 

Cancellation coverage would cover cancellations or postponements due to immediate family or key people in your wedding party falling ill, extreme weather events, property damage that forces venue closure, issues with vendors (e.g. no-shows, bankruptcy), and pandemics (ahem… COVID-19 wedding anyone?).

Other Types of Wedding Coverage

This isn’t typical but some policies may even provide coverage if you can no longer afford your wedding due to job loss. 

Some policies also cover loss or damage to wedding gifts, wedding bands, bridal gown and groom’s suit, and wedding photographs and videos. 

However, most wedding policies do NOT provide coverage for your therapy bills if your cancellation is due to cold feet or a change of heart… so make sure you’re sure :) 

Wedding insurance costs vary widely so shop around. You will have to decide on your coverage limits, the terms of coverage, and deductibles. Many of our guests recommend Eventsured because their policies have zero deductible, which reduces your out of pocket costs in the event of a claim.

Because you want everything to be perfect for your big day, planning can get very involved and overwhelming. Unfortunately, life happens and things don’t always go as planned. Investing in wedding insurance will give you peace of mind knowing that even if something does go wrong, you are protected.

Andrew and Kathryn will be exchanging “I Dos” on New Year’s Eve, at Crooked Steeple Hall. We’re very excited that they’ve chosen our venue to celebrate their special day with friends and family. We recently chatted with this kickass couple about their love story and they graciously allowed us to share it with you. 

The Meeting

Andrew and Kathryn’s love story began five years ago at a Chili’s restaurant in Maine. Kathryn and her friends began visiting Chili’s regularly after work. Coincidentally - or not - Andrew would always be their server and bartender. 

After a few months, Andrew got to know Kathryn and her friends quite well. One evening, as they were all hanging out, Andrew reached over and said to Kathryn’s friend, “How does it feel to be the most beautiful girl in this room?”

Kathryn was livid! “When I heard him say that, I was mad… and I realized it was because I liked him. And he was telling my friend that she was beautiful.” 

Awkward.

As it turns out, Andrew was just teasing. He only had eyes for one lady in this group of beauties and it was Kathryn. He asked Kathryn out for coffee, and as they say, the rest is history. 

The First Date

Kathryn noted that she was fashionably late to their first coffee date at Bagel Central. “Katherine was late so while I waited I bought her a dozen dessert roses,” explained Andrew.  Awwww…

One date led to another and soon Andrew was certain that Kathryn was the woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life. “It’s not everyone you could be yourself with from the get-go,” he mused.  But there was a problem… Andrew had a job offer - and a daughter - on the West Coast and he was planning to move from Maine to Washington.

Proposal: Take 1

After knowing each other for six months and dating for even less, Andrew asked Kathryn to marry him as they enjoyed a stroll through a park one evening.

“Are you crazy? We don’t even know each other that well!” Kathryn responded bluntly. 

Ouch. Well, that went a little worse than we hoped. 

Thankfully, the young couple continued to see each other. Kathryn liked Andrew a lot but she felt that it was much too early to be discussing marriage. She needed more time. 

The Move

She may have said no to Andrew’s proposal, but guess who followed him to Washington? Did you say, Kathryn? You guessed right! They started their life together with a move clear across the country, to the West Coast.

Proposal: Take 2

Three years later, Andrew popped the question again on New Year’s Eve. This time Kathryn happily accepted the engagement ring that once belonged to Andrew’s grandmother. 

(Let’s all breathe a sigh of relief). 

That’s What I Love About You

In a world viewed through social media filters, authenticity is refreshing. Without missing a beat, Kathryn says she loves Andrew’s honesty. “He’s the most honest human I’ve ever met. He’s 100 percent himself with everyone all of the time.” 

Andrew openly admits that he is not the easiest person to deal with so he loves and values Kathryn’s patience with him. Andrew appreciates the way that Kathryn allows him to be himself and supports him. They are a true partnership in all that they do, from moving across the country to raising their daughter, or opening a disc golf course (yes!), they always stay on the same page.

Wedding Plans

Kathryn and Andrew are looking forward to celebrating their winter nuptials with their friends and family, many of whom will be coming from out of state for their 80’s-themed, New Year’s Eve wedding.

Andrew described The Crooked Steeple as, “Instagrammable. It’s a fun, diverse space for hanging out with our friends, and having a good time.” Both Kathryn and Andrew talk about how the unique and historic Crooked Steeple Hall and 1812 Pierce House are the perfect spots for their non-traditional wedding. They fell in love with Crooked Steeple Hall the first time they visited, during an open house, and have waited patiently as the renovations unfold.

We can’t wait to celebrate with Kathryn & Andrew as they celebrate their marriage and love at Crooked Steeple Hall!

If you’re planning for your dream wedding next year, you probably wish that your parents started a wedding fund alongside your college fund. Weddings can be expensive.

 But with a little foresight and strategic planning, you can take advantage of amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals to help your wedding budget go even further. 

1. Shopping List & Budget

   To fully benefit from post-Thanksgiving Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, you should already have a detailed shopping list and budget prepared for your wedding. 

2. Subscribe and Follow!

   Start subscribing to the e-newsletters at the stores you plan to shop at. Many stores start advertising their Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales a few days before.

   Some also grant exclusive early access to their subscribers. By signing up for their newsletters, you’ll be ready when those juicy deals hit your inbox. Also, follow the stores on their social media channels so you can stay up to date on the deals. 

   Pro Tip: On a Facebook Page you like, you can click on the three dots located on the top right of the page. Select Follow Settings and Choose the Favorites option under News Feed. Facebook will prioritize showing you this page’s updates so you’d be less likely to miss their sale posts. 

3. Prioritize Big Ticket Items

   When you kick off your Black Friday deal hunt, knock big-ticket items off your list first. It might be a delight to get a 50% discount on a $15 item but focus on items with pricier tags like your wedding dress, suits, bridesmaid dresses, shoes, designer accessories, and decor.

   Those discounts would go a much longer way. 

4. Don’t forget your honeymoon 

   Already have your honeymoon destination in mind? This falls under big-ticket items too. Airlines, hotels, and online travel booking engines also offer amazing Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. 

   Save a few hundred on your dream honeymoon, upgrade to first class at a discount, or maybe enjoy a free room upgrade. Be sure to check out those deals and prepare to book if one catches your eye. 

5. Smaller items

   After you’ve checked the big-ticket items off your list, you can focus on smaller items like matching robes for the bridal party, bridal party gifts, skincare, makeup, etc. 

6. Check wedding suppliers

   It’s not uncommon to see photographers, cake artists, florists, sound systems, and service providers also offering sweet discounts for Black Friday and Cyber Monday too. 

   Pro Tip: Please don’t book someone just because they’re offering a discount. Practice your due diligence first. Look at their work, read their reviews, get references etc. 

7. Read the Return Policy

   In your online shopping euphoria, you might buy something you need to return. Before you checkout with your cart, read the retailer’s return policy. Sometimes return policies on sale items are different from regularly priced items.

8. Don’t Neglect Independent Stores

   Big-box retailers will undoubtedly have massive sales but many small businesses also offer deals during this shopping season. Check Etsy stores and your favorite small businesses in your area for discounts too. 

   These stores may be especially good for custom items like stationery. 

9. Take your time

   Don’t get caught up in rush. If you’re not sure about a purchase, don’t buy just because the price is right. Take a break and think about it. It can be a hassle to return things if you experience buyer’s remorse. 

   Plus, if you miss a deal on Black Friday, I can almost guarantee you’ll have another deal waiting on Cyber Monday. 

10. Look for a discount code

    It’s always a good idea to scour the web for discount codes before you check out. Sites like RetailMeNot sometimes have additional discount codes to increase your savings. 

Here at the Crooked Steeple, we’re looking out for Black Friday sales too, as we upgrade our property to better serve as your Maine wedding destination of choice. 

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Wedding Shopping!

Thank you so much Katrina! The place was wonderful and we had everything we needed and so much more. We wish our stay was longer but, we will certainly be back. We can’t wait.

Eamon & Ambar
Boston, MA

Nov 15 2020

What a special place! Good vibes, good spot. So grateful. Thank you!

Benny
Peru, ME

Nov 14 2020

Very cozy and comfortable after an hour drive from Halifax. We had everything we needed.

Paula, Robert & Robyn

Nov 13 2020