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We are asked that question by guests (wanting to know if the economy or
gas prices have affected us), by other local businesses (wanting
confirmation that we're all experiencing the same phenomena), and by
every tourism and marketing group who finds our email address (wanting
heaven-knows-what).
For the most part, business in Freeport seems to be about normal. A
recent survey by the Freeport Merchants Association showed roughly half
the businesses who responded doing better than last year and half doing
not as well. We're thankful to be in the former group.
We had a theory, along with Maine Tourism and others, that tourism in
Maine would not decline, but that people would not come from as far
away as in previous years. Looking at our guests so far this year,
we're both right and wrong. We're right that business hasn't declined,
even with the price of gasoline. However, we're wrong about where the
guests are coming from. So far this year the visitors from neighboring
states are a slightly smaller percentage of our guests than in previous
years. Make no mistake, the Northeastern states are still the majority
of our guests, but other parts of the country, especially the South and
Southwest, but also the Midwest and Western states, are increasing in
their representation.
We certainly hope that if you're still thinking about visiting
Freeport, you'll decide to come up for a weekend, a few days, a week,
or whatever, and enjoy the beautiful scenery and excellent summer
weather, and all the wonderful things to do.
Planning for Autumn
Speaking of summer, now that it's August, we need to start thinking
about Fall Foliage. Seems kind of early, doesn't it?
However, when we check our calendar, we see that the all-important
first two weeks of October are beginning to fill up. Those are the
weeks when foliage in this part of Maine is usually at its peak. Of
course, the peak is usually just a short window of time, but the
leaves can be beautiful for weeks, so good viewing is often available
from late September through October.
If you're thinking about a Fall Foliage visit, you may want to check
the availability calendar and then book your dates before they fill
up!
Progress is being made on the road surfacing of I-295 southbound from
Augusta (Gardiner, really), but the lanes are still closed.
If you plan to travel south from Bar Harbor (or other points north of
us), many feel it saves time to take I-95 south from Bangor or Augusta,
then I-295 to Freeport. While the actual time difference between these
routes and US-1 on the coast depends on traffic, this summer things
will be very different (and next summer, too, for that matter!).
The
Maine Department of Transportation will be improving I-295 from
Gardiner (just after getting on I-295 from I-95, south of Augusta) Exit
49 to Topsham (just north of Freeport) Exit 31 from June 16 through
August 31, 2008. All Southbound lanes of I-295 will be closed
during this time.
The alternate routes are shown on the map, or on
our web site.
The purple route takes you on US-201 from Gardiner to Topsham,
rejoining I-295 just about 9 miles from Exit 22 (the exit nearest
Brewster House). The green route requires you to stay on I-95 (instead
of taking I-295) to the Lewiston/Auburn exit, then take Route 136 to
Freeport, where it brings you in at Mallet Drive (again, near Brewster
House).
Visitors arriving from Boston and other points south of Freeport, or
from the west, such as from New Hampshire and Vermont, will not
encounter this road construction.
Our "Fuel
Saver" special (a $25 gas gift card with a
two night stay, $50 with a three night or longer stay) has been
extended through through August.
We hope that will help to offset at least a small part of the travel
expenses. We
also have several other specials you may want to consider for your
upcoming travel plans.
Hands down our most popular special, ever, has been the Sail
into the Sunset special. We've packaged up a wonderful sunset
cruise aboard one of Portland Schooner Co.'s antique schooners, two
nights at Brewster House, a $100 L.L. Bean gift card and a $50
restaurant gift card, along with some special goodies in your room, all
for $580 (tax included). This special, and the smaller Schooners
and Lighthouses special will continue as long as the schooners of
Portland Schooner Co. are sailing (usually some time in October).
Brewster
House is
pleased to partner once again this year with Fox Ridge Golf Course to
offer greens fees packages on New England's premier championship
course. Our Free
Golf special provides one greens fee with shared cart with a two
night stay at Brewster House, valid Sun-Thursday nights (both nights
must be Sun-Thurs). The Stay
'n Play special includes a night's lodging and one greens fee with
shared cart. Extra greens fees with cart can be added at a very good
rate!
Here are some of the events coming up along the Maine coast and in
Freeport in the coming weeks (more are on the Event
Calendar):
L.L. Bean Summer Concert Series (FREE) Brandi Carlile: August 2
Beach to Beacon 10k run, Portland: August 2
Topsham Fair: August 3-9
Maine Boats, Homes, and Harbors Show: August 8-10
L.L. Bean Summer Concert Series (FREE) Richie Havens: August 9
Great Falls Balloon Festival: August 15-16
L.L. Bean Summer Concert Series (FREE) The Jerry Douglas Band: August 16
Maine Highland Games: August 16-17
L.L. Bean Summer Concert Series (FREE): John Hiatt and the Ageless
Beauties: August 23
Labor Day Weekend: August 29 - September 1
L.L. Bean Summer Concert Series (FREE): Lonestar: August 30
L.L. Bean Summer Concert Series (FREE): Keb' Mo': August 31
Did You Enjoy Your Stay at Brewster House?
We certainly hope you did! If there is anything we can do to make your
stay more enjoyable, please email or call us
to let us know! If you
would like to share your comments on your stay with others, please
consider posting a review on Trip Advisor and
please let us know you have done so!
We're looking forward to your next visit to Brewster House!
Scott & Ruth
________
Scott & Ruth Thomas
Innkeepers
Brewster House Bed & Breakfast
www.brewsterhouse.com
800-865-0822/207-865-4121