by Linda Batey

Created on: September 23, 2010   Last Updated: April 04, 2011

My first stay at a Bed & Breakfast spoiled me forever.

I planned a visit to see the cranberry harvest operations of a small cranberry grower in Washington County in “Downeast” Maine and needed a place to stay. There are not a lot of choices for accommodations in Eastport so I opted for the Milliken House, a B&B with many years of history. I was a bit apprehensive, wondering if I would feel like an outsider in someone’s home, but I quickly realized that was not the case at all. 

I was greeted by innkeeper, Mary, who proudly led me to my lovely second-floor room, filled with beautiful antiques and a lovely quilt displayed on an antique quilt rack. It was not a large room, but it was certainly all I needed.  The windows were open to let the light sea breeze scent and freshen the air.  My private bathroom was across the hall from my room and offered plenty of room and a hand towel with the first letter of my last name, B, embroidered on it. I love details like that. A fluffy white robe hung in the closet and the sheets had been dried out on the clothesline—I would recognize that smell anywhere.

I awoke to the smell of frying bacon, coffee and maple syrup the next morning.  I certainly did not want to miss breakfast, so I quickly showered and dressed to join the other guests gathered in the dining room. Mary remembered each of our names and deftly handled the introductions and asked enough questions that the conversation was light and easy—the consummate hostess.  Breakfast was bountiful and delicious and Mary even offered to fix a box lunch for anyone wanting or needing one.  

I poked around after breakfast, looking at the memorabilia that had been collected throughout the years, as well as some fine glassware, antiques and figurines. The main living room was welcoming, with big comfy chairs and a fireplace that snapped and cracked with a toasty fire.  A few of the guests joined me, obviously feeling as full and as at home as I did.

I departed in the late morning, wishing I could stay another night or two.  The Milliken House was perfectly located for an easy walk downtown, where shops, restaurants and a public wharf beckoned me. I will always remember my first stay at the Milliken House; not because it was fancy and pretentious, but because it was just the opposite. I have found that to be true in every other B&B I have lodged in since, and would highly recommend the experience.

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