5 Sea-Worthy Moments at The Craignair Inn
Along the coastline of Maine, the rocks and wind narrate a different tale than they share in the mountains of North Carolina. Maybe it’s all those movies that command us to journey to the sea. The Pat Conroy’s of the world who elevate sea-side living to discover the unthinkable. The Nicholas Sparks of the world who associate a trip to the coast with an inevitable love story. Or possibly the freakish tales of the unthinkable which Stephen King weaves along the foggy and rocky coastlines. No matter the reason, it’s a world that transcends my life in North Carolina, and at least once a year, I listen and go.
Between Rockland, Maine, and Marshall Point Lighthouse sits The Craignair Inn by the Sea in Spruce Head, Maine. The structure began in 1928 when it was built for workers at the nearby quarry on Clark Island. Converted into an inn in 1947, its charm and history lingers through the wooded floors, large gathering spaces, and two innkeepers - Greg and Lauren Soutiea - intent on keeping its history alive.
The Craignair Inn by the sea | The breeze that blows through the windows of my third story Quarry Suite allows me to forget that it’s July. In one single swoop, the breeze returned me to my younger days in the North Georgia mountains with no air-conditioning with my nose squished along the window sill to suck in every bit of breeze possible. You’ll find that here. No air-conditioning. No TVs. No worries. And you will not miss them. The pine board floor is the foundation for antiques and comfortable seating. An in-room Nespresso coffee ensures an early morning jolt before breakfast is served between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. each morning. Choose your serving time by making a time reservation the evening before; you’ll also choose your morning meal (Maine Blueberry Pancakes, Western Egg Bowl, and more). The overnight oats covered with local jam was a daily choice. Make sure to have a mid-day coffee or cocktail in the first floor art gallery, complete with a grand piano and a menagerie of local artist’s work that celebrates Maine life. There’s a lawn for corn hole and chairs for doing absolutely nothing. For those with mobility issues, ask for a room on the first floor; steep staircases lead to rooms on the second and third floors which might be challenging.
Clark Island | Clark Island is a short walk along the granite causeway. Grab the bug spray (a necessary accessory) and walk the trails and discovery the quarry deep within the foliage. Capture the good critters with your camera., the bad ones with the bug spray.
The granite causeway that connects the mainland to Clark Island.
The Causeway Restaurant | Located downstairs in the inn, the restaurant, led by its Executive Chef Gil Plaster, dishes out five-star meals with an ocean view. Choose the outdoor deck or remain inside to enjoy the cool. Enjoy the freshest of seafood and vegetables from local purveyors. Entrees of grilled filet mignon to brined duck breast to Scottish salmon provide culinary choices for every taste; it was the crunchy crab cakes, made with the freshest of Jonah crab, that satisfied my appetite with little breading and tons of crab - perfection. End the meal with their key lime confection. Reservations are not required but recommended.
Farmer’s Pasta at The Causeway Restaurant
The Clark Bar | Dishing out small plates and snacks during mid-day, The Clark Bar—just the name excites me and for sure, speaks to my age—feeds the soul and quenches one’s thirst with a curated selection of signature and seasonal craft cocktails. My choice, the Maine Maple Manhattan - Split Rock organic bourbon, Maine maple syrup, rich Spanish sweet vermouth, bitters, Amarena cherry.
The Maine Maple Manhattan at The Causeway Restaurant
Marshall Point Lighthouse | Marshall Point Lighthouse is located in Port Clyde, Maine, USA. It was first established in 1832 to guide ships safely through the hazardous waters of Muscongus Bay and the St. George River. The original lighthouse was a wooden structure with a height of 20 feet. In 1857, the wooden tower was replaced by the current lighthouse tower, a 31-foot tall cast iron structure. The new tower was built to improve visibility and withstand the harsh coastal weather conditions. The light was originally fueled by whale oil and later converted to kerosene. In the early 20th century, the lighthouse underwent several modernizations. In 1936, the light was electrified, and in 1969, the lighthouse became automated, eliminating the need for a resident keeper. The Coast Guard took over the maintenance of the light until it was decommissioned in 1971.
Marshall Point Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors stunning views of the surrounding coastline. It is also known for its appearance in the movie "Forrest Gump," where the character played by Tom Hanks concludes his long cross-country run at the lighthouse.
Port Clyde | The coastline is dotted with small fishing villages, but it’s Port Clyde that won’t let me pass without a stop. Visit the general store and sit harborside at Dip Net restaurant for local craft beers and fresh seafood.
Other Stops Near Spruce Head
Glendarragh Lavender Farm | Located in Camden and Appleton, the farm features English and Dutch hybrids with a vast selection of balms, soaps, teas, and European imports.
Camden & Rockland | Download your regional guide on this site.
Farnsworth Art Museum | Located in downtown Rockland, the Farnsworth Art Museum offers a nationally recognized collection of works from many of America’s greatest artists, with 20,000 square feet of gallery space and over 15,000 works in the collection. It has one of the largest public collections of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson, while its Wyeth Center features works of N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth.
Wyeth Gallery | Located in Port Clyde, view the works of this Maine artist.
