In case you’re new to the Crooked Steeple Hall blog, we’re a small, local business in Winterport, Maine that loves to support other small, local businesses. We support them by buying from them and recommending them to our visitors and internet friends like you.

Today we introduce to you to Fisher Farm, located just up the road from Crooked Steeple Hall. Fisher Farm is known for its Community Supported Agriculture initiative, which enables residents of Winterport and surrounding towns to receive a regular supply of organic veggies in exchange for their financial support of the farm. It’s a great model of sustainability and health and we’re proud to have Fisher as part of our community.

Decide on Your Budget

Our brides-to-be would be interested to know that Fisher Farm also produces beautiful flowers for weddings and events. DIY brides would enjoy visiting the farm and choosing from the array of gorgeous, organically grown flowers available to create their own unique bouquets or centerpieces, or even a beautiful backdrop for photos. The possibilities are endless. 


Here are a few tips that we picked up for those who want to go the DIY route. 

1. Let your flowers drink water for at least 6 hours after bringing them home. 

This will give them the “juice” they need to stand up to the stress of arranging. 

2. Cut stems at a 45 degree angle. 

This will help them to drink water more efficiently. 

3. Store in a cool place. 

Keep the flowers away from direct sunlight. 

Fisher Farm

Fisher Farm

4.Do not store flowers in the fridge in which you keep your food. 

Food bacteria may be harmful to flowers. 

5. Get creative

When you’re designing your bouquet, feel free to be as creative as you like. A good guide for a mixed bouquet is to choose a focal element like a rose, a linear element like a sweet pea and then round out with a few smaller flowers and/or greenery. Need some visual inspiration? Head to Pinterest. 

6.After you arrange your flowers… continue to keep them in a cool place, and keep them hydrated. Change the water regularly. 

Of course, for brides that prefer one less thing to worry about, Fisher Farm can do the heavy lifting and create your bouquet for you.

Thinking about a destination wedding? Check us out at Crooked Steeple Hall in the picturesque town of Winterport, Maine. 

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Thank you so much for the great stay! I really appreciate being able to have my dog with me.

James

Sep 9 2021

Such sweet touches added to this humble and comfortable space! Thank you for the chocolates, postcards and coffee. We enjoyed our brief visit and will remember to mark as a favorite spot on Airbnb. We wish you lovely fall full of joy and love. Thank you for creating such a lovely spot!

Kris & Whit

Aug 22 2021

Lovely charming and cozy place to spend a week. Great place for excursions!

Katie

Aug 14 2021

We enjoyed our stay at the lovely Crooked Steeple. Only wish we had more time here. The place is beautiful and the surrounding is lovely. Thank you for hosting us. It has been the perfect getaway.

Gracie & Jamie
Chelsea, MA

Aug 13 2021

We had such a wonderful, relaxing time while in Maine and the Crooked Steeple. Went hiking in Acadia and ate more lobster noddles. Thanks to Armanda for the beach tips and Katrina for the little roastings home.

Suzanne & John

Aug 9 2021

We put a lot of effort into our wedding planning. We want the day to go smoothly and we want every precious moment captured for posterity. We want to remember our special day forever. We want to be transported back to the day, our memories triggered by photos that capture every moment. We want our future children to see and feel the emotions come alive as they pore over photographs of Mom and Dad’s big day. 

Unfortunately, we have heard many horror stories about wedding photography and we don’t want that to happen to you. Here are our tips to help you find the perfect wedding photographer.

Decide on Your Budget

With photography, you get what you pay for. While you could possibly score a photography package at an unbelievable price on Groupon, do you really want to risk the quality of your forever wedding photos just to save some dollars? 

Because photography is so important, it might be worth it to cut spending in another area of your budget. 

In the US, wedding photography packages can range from $1200 on the lower end to $3000 on the higher end. The average price hovers around $2000.

Determine early in your wedding planning how much you want to spend or can realistically afford and shop for photographers within your price range.



Figure Out Your Style

Did you know that there are different styles of wedding photography? What’s your vision for your wedding photos? Look at various wedding photos online and determine which style of photography resonates the most with you. 

You may like traditional, posed photos or you may prefer candid, photojournalistic photos or maybe even a combination of styles tickle your fancy.

Look at Portfolios

When you figure out your wedding photography style, you’ll be able to seek out photographers or who excel at it. 

To determine if a photographer can capture the style you want, dig through their online portfolios or their social media feeds. If you like what you see, contact them. 

Read Reviews

It goes without saying… you have to read their reviews on third party websites - Yelp, Facebook, wedding vendor sites etc. Read what other people say about their experience with the photographers you’re interested in.

Remember, it’s not just the quality of the photos. You want a photographer who shares your vision, and who has the type of personality and character you and your significant other would mesh with.


Check their Terms and Conditions

Read the fine print on your photography contract. You’ll need to be clear on who owns the rights to the photos as this could affect your ability to post online or print them. Typical photography contracts indicate that the photographer owns the rights to your wedding photos. 

If you’re not comfortable with that, you’ll have to negotiate otherwise. Make sure you’re clear on rights to post online and whether you can print the photos on your own. 

Ask for referrals

What could possibly be better than a word-of-mouth referral from someone you know and trust? If you’re scrolling through social media and stumble upon a friend’s wedding photos and you love them, double tap to show some love AND ask them for a referral. 

Wishing you the most amazing wedding photos.

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McLaughlin Seafood

Maine is famous for its lobster and there's a reason for that! The cooler sea temperatures in Maine keep the salt from permeating the lobster’s shell resulting in a firmer, sweeter, and more succulent lobster than those found in the warm waters of Florida or the Caribbean. 

You’ll find great lobster-centric meals all across the state, most if not all will be delicious but, we want to share some of the best places to eat lobster near our town of Winterport, Maine.

McLaughlin Seafood

McLaughlin Seafood has been serving fresh Maine lobsters and other seafood in Bangor since 1978. 

From lobster quesadillas to lobster rolls and full lobster dinners, you’ll enjoy your fill of fresh, flavorful Maine lobster. If you’re really lobster crazy, shoot for the lazy lobster dinner. It’s half a pound fresh-cooked lobster, served with hot-drawn butter and a side of your choice. My choice would be sweet potato fries. 

McLaughlin also has a fresh seafood market so you can purchase lobster and other seafood to prepare at home. They can even package your seafood for travel. 

The Lobstah Buoy

Is it just me or is a meal from a food truck much more comforting? 

The Lobstah Buoy is a food truck stationed in Bangor, Maine, and represented Maine in a Food Network listicle, “Best Food Truck in Every State,” in 2019.

To satisfy your lobster craving, Lobstah Buoy serves lobster rolls, stews, and an off-menu grilled cheese with lobster sandwich. Depending on your appetite, Lobstah Buoy has three lobster roll sizes from which to choose. We say go big with the half-pound. The warm, grilled rolls are piled high with a generous serving of fresh lobster and mayo and served with drawn butter. 

If you’re traveling with folks who don’t eat lobster, Lobstah Buoy serves other classic food truck fare as well. 

The Lobstah Buoy

Carrier’s Mainely Lobster

Carrier’s Mainely Lobster

Carrier’s is a casual seafood restaurant that sells a variety of seafood including lobster. Carrier’s gives you options when planning your lobster meals. You can pick your own lobster for dinner, customize your lobster wrap with fillings and sauces of your choice, or just go with a standard menu option - lobster roll, lobster wrap, lobster salad, or a lazy lobster dinner. 

When planning your stay with us at Crooked Steeple Hall in Winterport, Maine, finding a good lobster spot is a must. We are aware of how incredibly lucky we are to be so close to some of Maine's top picks for best Lobster. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions about our accommodations and availability. If you are ready to book with us, click BOOK NOW below to get started.

See you soon!

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We had a lovely stay at Crooked Steeple. We have been coming to this area for many years, but had never stayed in Winterport. It was ideal to be within a day’s trip to Acadia National Park. Thank you for hosting us!

Anna & Alex
Zady & Mia

July 11 2021

With the increase in the popularity of destination weddings, most guests spend a few days in the wedding locale. Couples often take the opportunity to show their guests a great time by arranging activities and events around the big day. 

If you’re looking for unique ideas to fill your itinerary for your weekend wedding or to add some pizzazz to your wedding rehearsal, we have a few good ones for you to consider.

High Tea

Host a high tea. You can have the entire event catered at your venue or you can do it yourself with help from friends or family members. For even less hassle, have it hosted at a local tea shop where they’ll take care of everything. 

If you’re doing it yourself, you’ll need teacups and saucers, an assortment of teas, and traditional items like cucumber sandwiches, scones with jam, biscuits with clotted cream, petit fours, devilled eggs, cupcakes and the like. You can even add some bubbly to the festivities with mimosas or bellinis. 

If you’re feeling a little extra, invite your guests to dress for the occasion. Ladies can don their hats and fascinators. Chic and memorable.

Sip and Paint

This is another super cool wedding weekend activity. Rent the time at a studio and invite your guests to tap into their inner artist. 

With the step by step instructions from the facilitator, even those of us who can only draw stick figures, wind up with beautiful keepsake paintings. 

The drinks, hors d’oeuvres and conversation are the icing on cake.



Cooking Class

How about you have your guests make their own dinner? Reach out to a cooking studio to arrange a cook along class. Sushi, dim sum, pizza, tacos or even desserts would be fun to cook in groups. 

With no dishes to clean up after, guests would enjoy this experience of learning a new, delicious skill. 

Themed Food Bar

Invite your guests to a pre-wedding themed food bar. Choose your favorite food - tacos, oysters, pizza, fondue, pasta and create a food bar. For example, for a pasta bar, boil different pasta shapes and provide a variety of cheeses and sauces for toppings. 

Alternatively, you could cater a clambake, lobster bake or seafood boil event. 

Maine Outdoor Film Festival

Game Night

Inject some fun into the weekend with a game night. Split your guests into teams and enjoy a few rounds of Taboo, Monopoly, Scrabble, Cards Against Humanities, Jenga or whatever your crew enjoys. 

If there’s an escape room in the area, that could be a fun, bonding experience too.

Brewery Tour and Karaoke

First, plan a tour to a local brewery. By the time the tour is over, and everyone has tasted a few flights, they’ll be more than ready to belt out a few favorite tunes. 

Pop Up Glam Session

The bridal party usually hires professionals for hair and makeup but why not do a pop up salon for your guests to get glammed also? You make the arrangements for set up, but your guests can pay the cost of their makeup, hair and nail services. 

When planning activities for your rehearsal dinner or your wedding weekend, choose activities that will limit your stress, and that your guests will enjoy and cherish for a long time. 

Remember to build free time into your wedding weekend so that you and your guests can relax or enjoy time on your own too. 

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Portland Wine Week

The weather is warming up. Places are opening again. You’re vaxxed. You know what that means... It’s time to plan your summer adventures.

Maine is welcoming visitors this summer with lots of exciting events and activities. Here are some of the local events we’re looking forward to this season.

Portland Wine Week

June 14-20

It’s always wine o’clock somewhere. Wine Week kicks off summer 2021 from June 14 - 20. Among the events are boutique-style wine-focused luncheons and dinners (sounds fancy, right?), classes and seminars, tastings and special events. 

If you’re a wine lover, I think it’s safe to say you’ll love this weeklong event.

Beats & Eats

June 26

On June 26th, all roads and tummies lead to the Bangor Waterfront for Beats and Eats. Foodies will enjoy the wide selection of local and visiting food trucks and street food vendors. From beer to poutine, pizza to crepes and ice-cream, the vendors will be showing up with their creative menus and old favorites. 

Searsport’s 175th Birthday Parade

July 3

The town of Searsport, Maine is celebrating its 175th birthday on Saturday 3rd July with a big street parade with all the works. You can even be a part of the parade… with tricked out cars or bicycles… or even create your own float. This event sounds like something both kids and adults will enjoy.


4th of July Fireworks

July 4

Spend the holiday weekend with us. Last year’s celebrations were cancelled because of COVID-19 but this year the city of Portland is back with a bang! Fireworks display will start at 9:15pm on Sunday July 4th. 

Just pick your spot… there are plenty of locations with awesome views: 

Eastern Promenade, East End Beach, Fort Allen Park, Amethyst Park, Baxter Boulevard, Payson Park, Martin’s Point on Veranda Street, and Bug Light in South Portland.
  

Beats & Eats

Maine Outdoor Film Festival

Fort Knox Ghost Camp

July 19

Rumor has it that Fort Knox is a ghost town… literally. Spend a Saturday night gathering evidence and hunting ghosts at this Civil War-era fort. Then sleepover at the Fort... if you dare. This night of thrills and excitement will take place on July 19th.

Maine Outdoor Film Festival

July 29 - August 8

Maine Outdoor Film Festival is a hit every summer and for good reason. The weather is gorgeous, the people are fun, the food is delicious… and you get to screen over five dozen films made in Maine or abroad, participate in panel discussions and networking events. 

Have we enticed you to plan your visit to Maine? We’d be happy to host you at our Bed & Breakfast at1812 Pierce House, a beautifully remodelled historic home in Winterport, Maine.

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Thank you for the comfortable stay during our out-of-state transition to Maine!

Suzanne & Scott

June 11 2021

Foster’s

Clambakes are a New England tradition. They’re like the northeastern version of the southern seafood boil. If you and your partner love seafood almost as much as you love each other, consider a clambake wedding in Maine. 

A traditional clambake uses seawater and seaweed to steam seafood and vegetables right on the sand at the beach. This method of food preparation was first done by the Native Americans and adopted by early European settlers. 

Traditional clambakes include lobster, clams, mussels, fresh sweet corn, potatoes, clam chowder, rolls with butter, and dessert - usually watermelon, berry crumb cake, or shortcake. Most caterers can customize according to your preferences and have options for vegetarians and those with food allergies. 

Clambakes can be prepared and catered at your location, once the venue is suitable. Otherwise, the caterer can bring the finished product to your venue. Either way, a clambake makes for a deliciously memorable wedding menu or pre-wedding or rehearsal dinner.

Clambake weddings are most popular during the summer. Caterers are easy to find in Maine but here are a few of our favorites.  

Maine LobsterBake Co

Foster’s

Fosters has been in the business for over 65 years. Although clambakes are traditionally held outdoors, they offer service for your indoor or outdoor wedding. Foster’s offers different service styles - passed or stationed appetizers, table service, or a buffet. They also have a delicious selection of vegetarian entrees. When you chat with them, you can customize your menu to suit your taste and budget.

Sam’s Great Northern Lobster Bakes

Maine Lobsterbake Co. 

Maine Lobsterbake Co’s philosophy is to use the freshest, seasonal ingredients available for their clambakes and lobster bakes. Mussels in garlic wine sauce is a must-try. Maine Lobsterbake Co. offers various service styles including plated, family-style, passed, and buffet, and their menu is also customizable. The company can also assist with your wedding planning process, including venue selection, equipment rentals, and decor. 

Sam’s Great Northern Lobster Bakes

Sam’s promises worry-free service for your wedding. More than just catering, Sam’s is also a one-stop-shop supplier of tents, tables, chairs, and china. Their menu provides options for both clambakes and lobster bakes but what we love is their wide assortment of a la carte sides to supplement their entrees. If you’re on the hunt for a wedding venue in Maine, we’d love to host your clambake wedding at Crooked Steeple Hall. Our venue is located in Winterport, Maine, and is a 171-year-old building that has been lovingly restored, maintaining its classic charm with added modern amenities. 

Let’s chat about helping you achieve your wedding vision. 

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Knott Goat Soapery

Supporting local business is extremely important to us at Crooked Steeple Hall because as a local business ourselves, we know how important they are to local economies and the families that depend on them. 

Many businesses in Winterport were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. But thankfully, our state is opening up again in time for summer so we want to shout out some of our favorite local businesses in Winterport, Maine. These are businesses we personally patronize, partner with, and recommend to all Crooked Steeple Hall guests.

1. Knott Goat Soapery

Ever had the pleasure of bathing with goat’s milk? Treat yourself to affordable luxury with soaps made from goat milk at Knotts Goat Soapery. This local soapery follows compassionate farming techniques, using milk from their own goats to craft handmade goat soap milk. 

Knotty Goat Soapery’s line of goat milk soaps features several different fragrances, and are sold as single units, gift sets, and sizes perfect for use as party favors for your wedding or event. 

If for some reason you ever wanted to send someone glittery goat poop anonymously, yes… they’d do that for you too. 

Winterport Winery

2. Winterport Winery

This family-owned business offers a selection of sophisticated and supple award-winning fruit wines. At my last count, they had over 15 varieties of wine made from fruits like apples, blueberries, pears, cranberries, and more. 

Berries and wine are the perfect pair… that’s why you must try the Berry Chocolate wine. It’s a blend of raspberry and blueberry wines with a velvety chocolate finish. Request it when you visit the Winterport Winery Tasting Room. 

Not planning to visit soon? You can order from the Winterport Winery online. 

3. Farm House Coffee Roasters

Coffee connoisseurs will enjoy the certified organic offerings of this micro-roastery in Winterport, Maine. Their coffee beans are sourced from the best coffee-growing regions in the world, including Ethiopia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Kona (Hawai’i), Honduras, Sumatra (Indonesia), Bali, and Peru. 

Farm House Coffee Roasters believes in fair trade, and supporting coffee farmers and their communities as well as protecting the environment.

You don’t need to wait for your visit to Maine to taste Farm House Coffee. Buy online… they ship nationwide. 

Tea Maineia

4. Tea Maineia

If the elegance of tea is more your style, then you’ll enjoy a visit to Tea Maineia. The cleverly named Tea Maineia is a small family-owned tea shop and lounge. Enjoy a selection of loose leaf teas alongside delicious local treats at their tea lounge. 

When you’re done, head to the tea shop to stock up on your favorites.  

5. The Maine Square

The Maine Square specializes in men’s fashion accessories such as pocket squares, bow ties, and traditional neckties. 

Owned by local designer Laura Michaud, The Maine Square is the go-to for wedding accessories for men. She’ll have the groom, the groomsmen, and the Father of the Bride looking classic, timeless, and stunning with her eye for design and ability to put together timeless looks that can stand the test of time. 

When you stay with us at our historic Maine rental, you will find some of these local goodies waiting for you. 1812 Pierce House often acts as accommodations for the wedding parties after a Crooked Steeple Hall wedding. We can house up to 20 people and offer rental packages that include Crooked Steeple Hall as your venue. 

Click below to learn more about what we can offer you and your loved ones for your special day!

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Portland Headlight and Museum

One of the most photographed features in Maine is the lighthouse. Home to the second most lighthouses in the country, over 60 lighthouses dotting Maine’s rocky coasts, islands, and inlets. For centuries these lighthouses guided sailors to safe harbor. 

Today, they stand as beacons of Maine’s rich maritime history. We highly recommend a visit to a lighthouse on your trip to Maine. Here are a few of our favorite ones. 

Portland Headlight and Museum

Cape Elizabeth, Maine

You’ve probably seen a picture of Maine’s oldest lighthouse somewhere before as it’s one of the most photographed landmarks in Maine. 

Portland Headlight is located next to Fort Williams Park. The lighthouse tower itself is not accessible to the public but there is a museum onsite featuring historical lighthouse-related paraphernalia. There is plenty of recreational space for picnics and kite flying, as well as a cliffside loop, walking paths, an arboretum, a playground, and a beautiful rocky beach.  

One of my favorite sites at Portland Headlight is seeing the waves crash forcefully against the rocks. I always found it interesting that the rock formation looks like wood but is actually a combination of phyllite and quartzite. Now you know!

Portland Headlight and Museum

Cape Neddick

York, Maine

The lighthouse at Cape Neddick is a local favorite that also goes by the name Nubble Light. Located in York, on Maine’s southern coast, Nubble Light is also one of the most photographed lighthouses in Maine. 

Although it is not accessible to the public, the best place to view (and take pictures of) this lighthouse is from Sohier Park. 

Fun fact: A photograph of Nubble Light was sent into space aboard Voyager II as part of a collection of materials designed to teach extraterrestrials about Earth.

Marshall Point Lighthouse & Museum

Port Clyde, Maine

This lighthouse is located at the entrance to the Port Clyde Harbour. If photos look familiar, it’s because you might remember it from the Forrest Gump movie. 

You can access the grounds but the lighthouse tower itself is not accessible to the public. 

However, there is a museum and gift shop on the compound. The gift shop carries items from local artisans, so pick up a meaningful souvenir while you're there.

Marshall Point Lighthouse & Museum

West Quoddy Head Light

Lubin, Maine

The candy-striped West Quoddy Head Light is postcard beautiful, one of few lighthouses painted in red-and-white stripes. There is a visitor center and museum onsite, featuring interactive historic exhibits, a video tour, and an art gallery. 

Can’t wait to visit? Take the 3D tour of the lighthouse here. 

There are many more lighthouses to explore in Maine but these are some of our favorites. We highly recommend a visit to at least one while you’re in Maine… or even consider doing a lighthouse tour along the coast. 

Are you looking for a place to stay while you’re in Maine? We have a number of accommodations to choose from, from a quaint 2 person getaway to a 20 person reunion or wedding party! View our centrally-located short-term rentals in Winterport, ME here or contact us below for more information!

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There are two types of people in this world. Those that are looking for move-in ready, turnkey opportunities and those that see the potential in a fixer-upper and are keen to bring their vision to life. 

Owner and operator, Katrina Peterson, is the latter. After moving to Winterport, Maine she fell in love with that notorious old building with the FOR SALE sign she quickly spotted on Main Street.

Last used as a music store, the building had originally been built as a church in the 1800s. Katrina saw the vision for the old-world space in the charming town to become a one-of-a-kind community and events center; a space to bring families and communities together. 

She made the investment and named her new property Crooked Steeple Hall. It would take a lot of time, effort, money, and energy to bring the vision to life but luckily, renovation projects are Katrina’s creative outlet and she was up to the challenge. 

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Katrina was determined to preserve the historical elegance of Crooked Steeple Hall’s original steeple, tin walls, ceilings, and bell, while adding modern amenities necessary to make the unique space perfect for weddings, community events, and special occasions. 

Katrina was not afraid to get dirty with the renovations either. As most entrepreneurs know, sweat equity is part of the game when starting up. Katrina has done a lot of the work herself, pulling up floorboards and painting with the help of friends and local volunteers. Renovations are scheduled to be completed in summer 2021. 

Crooked Steeple Hall has an open, flexible floor plan, an onsite bridal suite, kitchen facilities, and separate cocktail and after-party spaces. Couples can create their wedding vision for up to 200 guests and nonprofits can use the space for their events with no rental fee. 

It’s exciting to see Katrina’s vision of using Crooked Steeple Hall to bring the community together, to support local business, and help revitalize Winterport, come to life. Through her work with the hall, Katrina is helping to introduce Maine to guests from around the country and the world. 

As an advocate of women in business, Katrina has also brought together a team of enterprising women to help build the Crooked Steeple Hall brand. Meet the team here. 

Crooked Steeple Hall is already taking reservations for events being held from January 2022. We would love to discuss bringing the vision for your wedding or event to life. 

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Moxie Falls

With over 3000 miles of rugged coastline, mountains, and thousands of lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams, Maine is teeming with options for active nature enthusiasts and adventure-seekers to see and explore. 

Whether you’re looking for an easy hike to do with kids (or beginners) or one that will challenge your physical and mental fitness, here are a few of the best places for hiking in Maine, approved by trusted locals and yours truly!

Moxie Falls Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

Moxie Falls is a jaw-dropping 100ft waterfall in central Maine. But best of all, this beauty can be found at the end of an easy 1.7 mile, mostly flat trail. Note that there are some steps to descend if you want better views of the Falls, and things can get a little slippery. Just take your time. Trust us… it’s worth it. 

Don’t forget your camera. 

Shoreline Trail

DIFFICULTY: Easy

Shoreline Trail is another family-friendly hiking trail in Maine’s Lily Bay State Park. The 2-mile trail is mostly flat and runs along Moosehead Lake creating a beautiful scene for this waterfront hike. If you’re lucky you might even spot a moose!

Moxie Falls

Jordan Pond Loop Trail

DIFFICULTY: Moderate

The Jordan Pond Loop Trail lies somewhere between easy to moderate. The roughly 3.5 mile trail is mostly flat and loops around Acadia National Park’s second-largest lake.

The popularity of this trail means that you’re likely to share it with lots of other hikers but on the plus side, leashed dogs are allowed. And if you’re really lucky, you might see a beaver in his lodge on the lake. 

Mount Katahdin via the Abol Trail

DIFFICULTY: Challenging

Towering at 5269 feet, Mt. Katahdin is Maine’s highest peak and the Abol Trail is one of the harder routes to the summit. With gains of up to 4000ft. this 7.3 mile (roundtrip) trail is no walk in the park. Expect plenty of steep inclines and rock scrambling to test your mental and physical strength.

Your reward? Views that simply cannot be beaten and the complete and utter satisfaction of knowing that you, my friend, conquered Mt Katahdin.

Mt Katahdin

Mt Katahdin via Saddle Trail

DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Challenging

If you want to summit Mt Katahdin but want a (slightly) easier route, consider the Saddle Trail. It’s a bit longer at 10.4 miles but a fair chunk of it is moderate. The closer you get to the peak the more challenging it gets, so make sure you gauge your comfort level as you venture up.

These are a few of. my favorite hiking trails near me. Have you been on any hikes in Maine? Where do you think are the best places to go hiking in Maine?

As travel restrictions continue to loosen, we are so excited that hiking season is upon us and we can not wait to greet travelers from all around again. If you are looking to book later in the year, check out our previous blog filled with Winter activities to indulge in while visiting Maine.

Our accommodations allow for an intimate party of two all the way up to a traveling group of 20! View our listings below and feel free to reach out with any questions.

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Weddings

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It takes a village of amazing vendors to execute a wedding vision just right. We’re lucky to have a hub of great vendors near us at Crooked Steeple Hall. 

As a wedding venue in Maine with an onsite concierge, we have plenty of experience with wedding vendors and suppliers. You can see our full list of preferred vendors here. 

But today on the blog, we’re highlighting three awesome vendors - a wedding planner, a florist, and a baker. These three smart, talented ladies will help you to execute your unique wedding vision for an event you and your guests will always remember. 

Wedding Planning: E Grace Designs

Look no further than the lovely Elishia Townsend, owner of E Grace Designs. E Grace Designs is Crooked Steeple’s exclusive wedding planner. Elishia is graceful and creative, with an eye for design. She and her team bring your wedding vision to life. 

The E Grace team takes care of all the details of your big day, while you focus on celebrating your big day. 

In addition to wedding planning, E Grace also does elegant floral design and cake design. 

Florist: Jennfier Neal

Jennifer Neal Floral Designs is a top floral designer based in Maine. She is creative and attentive and loves helping brides bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s a floral backdrop concept for photos, floral accents, or your bouquet, Jennifer’s eye for design will reflect exactly the theme you envision.

E Grace Design

Cakes: Ahimsa Custom Cakes

Ahimsa Custom Cakes by Kristi is one of Maine’s finest cake artists. But the most interesting thing about Ahmisa’s is that all their cakes are vegan… but don’t let the vegan label fool you. 

Ahimsa’s cakes are award-winning and loved by non-vegans and vegans alike. 

Skeptical? The proof is in the pudding... Ahimsa won Wedding Wire’s Bride & Couples Choice Awards in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2017. 

We are currently booking weddings for 2022 and can not wait to start working with our favorite vendors again. When you book your wedding with us, you get exclusive use of the venue from Thursday - Sunday along with an on-site venue manager and a travel concierge for you and your guests. Connect with us to learn more about how we can help you plan the perfect Maine wedding.

We'll see you in 2022!

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Weddings

Learn about our wedding packages here

Your wedding is supposed to be one of the most memorable days of your life… but lurking under the idyllic venue, perfect decor and delectable food is often a pressure that many brides and grooms do not anticipate. It’s the pressure that sometimes transforms the normally easy-going couple into bridezilla and groomzilla.

Even small weddings can be a huge undertaking. Whether you’re having a big or small wedding, there are a few things you can do to reduce your stress levels and avoid wedding planning panic attacks. These tips will ensure that you and your love can truly enjoy the magic of the day with your family and friends.

DELEGATE

Yes, I know you want every little detail to be perfect. And nobody can tie a bow quite like you. But you’ll run yourself ragged if you have to manage all aspects of your wedding by yourself. Whether you hire a wedding coordinator or you recruit family and friends, enlist help to run errands and handle whatever bits you can’t.

Be sure you explain clearly what you need then… resist the urge to micromanage.

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff

I hate to break it to you but something always goes wrong on the event day. Remember the best wedding you ever attended? I’m willing to bet that something went wrong somewhere. You probably didn’t even notice and it did not take away from your experience.

You’ve done the best to plan and organize but Murphy’s Law will likely crash your wedding too. Have contingencies in place and then enjoy the day, imperfections and all. Even if the neighbor’s toddler starts stripping in the aisle or Uncle John refuses to tuck his shirt in for a photo.

These are annoying but not worth stressing over. Remember the purpose of the day and focus on that. Have a great time!

Choose a Go-To Person that’s Not You

On your wedding day, you need someone to be your stand-in when people have questions that you simply won’t be able to answer. Your stand-in should have just as much knowledge about the wedding as you do. This is a person you’ll feel comfortable giving your phone to on that day. The person who will run interference between you and guests who have questions while also being able to gather missing family members for photos.

Plan Your Wedding Timeline

Enlist the help of your wedding coordinator or photographer if you don’t have a wedding coordinator to develop a realistic timeline for your wedding. Create a realistic play-by-play of all activities and be sure to include some buffer time for potential issues that may arise.

Trial and Prep Hair, Makeup, Dress, and Shoes

Don’t go blindly into hair and makeup on the day of your wedding. Schedule a trial hair and makeup look in advance so you know exactly what you’ll look like on your wedding day.

When it comes to wardrobe, be sure to break-in your shoes before the wedding so you’re comfortable on the day of. Stray pins from alterations can be hiding, be sure to try on your wedding dress a few days before to scout out any issues.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Try to avoid scheduling your rehearsal dinner the night before your wedding. Get it out of the way at least two nights before. You need a good quality night’s rest before your wedding so you could be fresh, glowing, and alert on your special day.

At Crooked Steeple Hall, we not only provide a one-of-a-kind venue for your unforgettable wedding but we’ve also helped lots of couples plan and enjoy their dream weddings. Our wedding packages include a venue manager and travel concierge for those who are staying in the area. We’re happy to help recommend trusted and reliable vendors for all your wedding needs.

We’re currently taking bookings for weddings in 2022 and beyond. Connect with us here so we can start chatting about creating your unique wedding vision.

Be Our Guest

Learn more about our lodging options here

Weddings

Learn about our wedding packages here

We want to share some wonderful news we received recently from our state’s governor as we head into the spring tourist season! 

Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island have been added to the list of states that are exempt from testing and quarantine along with New Hampshire and Vermont. 

Visitors from any state who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as well as those recently recovered from COVID-19, regardless of their state of origin are also exempt from testing and quarantining. 

And From May 1st, all states will join the exemption list, unless otherwise stated by Maine CDC.

One of our favorite things about running a short-term rental is welcoming non-Maine residents to our quaint culture here in Winterport. We are thrilled to help you create some new memories in 2021. 

From March 26th, all Maine bars and tasting rooms are also set to reopen. And the capacity limits on indoor and outdoor gatherings will increase to 50% and 70% respectively. We love getting outdoors for a good hike and some fresh air, but did you know that Bangor is a foodie city? We want our guests to enjoy all of the amazing things that Maine has to offer and that includes breweries, cafes, and the rare and unique food you will find in and around the city. 

We are incredibly happy that we can start sharing the beauty of Maine with more visitors again, as our COVID-19 figures continue to fall and our vaccinations against COVID-19 increase. 

We have several blog posts highlighting some of our favorite things to do in Maine whether you’re looking for an outdoor experience or a place to grab a warm cup of joe, we’ve got you covered. Take a look at our accommodations and book your next travel experience with us soon!

Built in 1812 but upgraded with all your essential amenities, our home in Winterport, Maine is a blend of modern convenience and historical charm. If you need a place to stay for 2 or up to 20 persons, check us out at HERE.

For a quiet getaway, consider a stay at Crooked Steeple Hall. With accommodations for two, Crooked Steeple offers the perfect blend of intimacy and serenity to help you recharge. Learn more about the space by clicking HERE or contacting us below. 

Check Out These Blogs: Foodie Maine | Local Cafes | Outdoor Winter Activities

Be sure to check the most recent updates on how to keep both yourself and Maine safe before your visit by visiting https://www.maine.gov/covid19/keepmainehealthy-2020

Be Our Guest

Learn more about our lodging options here

Weddings

Learn about our wedding packages here