Marti delved into decorating last winter. Our improvements at the B&B include luxurious new bedding in the Holbrook Suite; the sunroom has new window treatments, floral rugs, and comfortable chairs and settee; the The Linekin Loft room has custom-made pillows and lampshades, and the loft room has colorful braided rugs. The three guest rooms upstairs now have armoires or wardrobes for hanging clothes. Hilary Bartlett of West Harbor Studio spiced up the walls in the Rhapsody in Blue room with beautiful stenciling. Our kitchen has been transformed with a yellow color wash and stenciling. Our friend and carpenter, Jim Roberge, built a beautiful oak cabinet for the sunroom that houses a guest refrigerator, icemaker, ice buckets and microwave.

The Crooked Chimney room has a bright new look. The chimney still “crooks,” but the room has been painted light green. Lace curtains and a colorful quilt add to the charm of this room. Artist Suzanne Norton has hand painted delicate vines and roses on the walls in the bedroom and bath. Although this is our smallest room, it is becoming a favorite of many guests. Marti keeps telling Larry that she is “finally finished” with her decorating changes, but he has heard that too many times to believe it.

Beginning in January 2004 the highway system in Maine will change to a mileage-based system. The Maine Turnpike from Kittery to Houlton will become I-95.  I-295 will begin in Scarborough extend through Portland and Brunswick and end in Gardiner. The exit numbers will be based on mileage. When traveling north to the Boothbay Region, you will now take exit 52 on the Maine Turnpike and travel north on I-295 to Brunswick, exit 28. Thirty-seven other states use a mileage-based system and it should be an improvement once people get used to the new system.

Quiet Season Getaway Package

We were fortunate again to be included in some notable publications. One was “The Discerning Traveler” a guide to the East’s most memorable, delightful and delicious destinations, which describes our inn in the July/August 2003 edition.  We were delighted with the very complimentary write-up they did about us.  In the February 2004 issue of “Down East Magazine” our inn was described as a great place to stay in an article entitled, “4 Summer Towns For a Winter’s Day-Four Improbable Little Getaways.”  

Many people are familiar with the summer Windjammer Days Festival.  However, there are festivals year round for local people and visitors to enjoy.  The following is a list of festivals and their dates for 2004:

Call (1-800-596-7420) or e-mail (info@linekinbaybb.com) us and we will tell you about these interesting events or visit our "Events Page" for a more detailed events listing.  Bring some friends or relatives and book the entire B&B. Come experience the food, music, fireworks, street and boat parades, craft fairs, art shows, trap hauling contests, cod fish relays, and horse drawn wagon rides that are part of these fun-filled festivals. 

Our Newest Project

We are presently working with Catherine Court, landscape designer, and are very excited about the landscape plan she has developed.  We will be adding to and improving the perennial gardens in the front yard and by the parking lot. The back yard will be transformed with flower gardens, trees, a patio covered by an arbor for shade and a walkway leading to more perennial gardens and chairs in the sun.  We plan to build the arbor and patio this spring so that guests can enjoy relaxing outdoors in the shade or sun.

Bernie Gaudry

We were saddened this year when our friend, Bernie Gaudry, died after a courageous battle with lung cancer.   Bernie and his wife, Jay, were our very first guests when we opened our B&B on Labor Day of 1998. We were excited to welcome our first guests, but we were also nervous, as we were new to innkeeping. We couldn’t have chosen a nicer couple to walk through our doors.  Their kindness, enthusiasm, and friendly manner were a real gift to us as we embarked on our new journey as innkeepers.  When they were leaving after that first weekend, Bernie and Jay gave us a beautiful compass and said, “We hope that this compass helps many people find their way to Linekin Bay B&B.”  Over the years they have visited us many times, sometimes bringing close friends with them. Bernie was an inspiration to us and to other guests who met him at our inn because of his warm personality and gift for making others feel special.  We will forever remember him. 

INDEX

Winter Issue Recipe

Brownie Meltaways

• 1 package brownie mix
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 squares (1 oz. each) unsweetened chocolate
• 1 tablespoon butter

Bake a package mix of brownies to directions and let cool.  Melt 5 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan, mix in powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until of spreading consistency.  Spread over brownies.  Refrigerate until firm (30 minutes).  Heat chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter and drizzle over top.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Are you looking for an anniversary or birthday present for a friend, relative or the special person in your life?   How about a gift certificate for a stay at The Linekin Bay B&B?  We can make arrangements so that the entire stay is paid for or you can elect to pay a set amount towards the stay.  We offer an elegant gift certificate.

Remember, if you ever have any feedback or questions ...Just give us a call.
Your Hosts: Marti Booth & Larry Brown - (800) 596-7420
or E-Mail us at hosts@linekinbaybb.com