Blog - Pentagöet Inn

The Maine Maritime Academy, Castine, ME

If you have a student at the Maine Maritime Academy or are looking forward to visiting the T/S State of Maine during your visit to Castine, you’re in luck. Both the school and the Town Dock are just minutes – on foot! – from our Castine bed and breakfast, Pentagöet Inn and Wine Bar. The Maine Maritime Academy is a small school in Castine, ME. It was established in 1941 to train merchant marines for World War II. Today, it offers 18 degree programs in engineering, management, science, and transportation Though the Academy’s undergraduate enrollment is less than 1,000 students, its return on investment is one the highest in the country, similar to that of Stanford and MIT. The school’s job placement rate is more than 90 percent within 90 days of graduation. Visiting the Maine Maritime Academy The Maine Maritime Academy is located at 1 Pleasant Street, in Castine, ME, just a few blocks from Pentagöet Inn. This convenient location makes our Castine inn the perfect accommodation for anyone visiting the school. In fact, many of our guests throughout the year are alumni or friends and family of current academy students. The Academy’s lovely, 35-acre campus sits on a hill overlooking Castine Harbor and Penobscot Bay. Castine’s collection of fine, downtown shops, galleries, and restaurants surround the campus. The Maine Maritime Academy hosts a variety of special events throughout the year and the campus can be fun to visit. One of the school’s biggest attractions, however, has to be the Training Ship State of Maine, often found at the Town Dock. T/S State of Maine At nearly 500′ long and 16,000 tons, the T/S State of Maine is quite literally the school’s biggest attraction. The ship is used to train students in a variety of maritime sciences and disciplines via multi-week cruises and other programs. T/S State of Maine was originally commissioned as the USNS Tanner, a Navy oceanographic research vessel. It was converted to a training vessel and renamed for the academy, who took ownership in 1997. The current T/S State of Maine is the fourth ship to bear that name. Its sister ship, the TS Golden Bear, serves as a training ship for the California Maritime Academy. Tours of the T/S State of Maine, when available, are very much worth your time. Even just seeing it from the dock can be a worthwhile experience. In fact, crowds of well-wishers often line the dock when the ship returns from or disembarks on one of its training cruises. The school even streams the event. Each fall, first-year students jump into the harbor from the stern of the ship. This traditional “jump” into life as a mariner, which began in 1960, has many purposes. It’s a rite of passage, a confidence booster, a bonding experience, and a preparatory requirement for safety at sea. It’s also a lot of fun to watch! Learn more about the Maine Maritime Academy at mainemaritime.edu. You can also visit the academy on Facebook.

The History of Castine, Blue Hill, Penobscot Bay & Beyond

“History is a cyclic poem written by time upon the memories of man” – Percy Bysshe Shelley Visitors to Maine’s stunning Mid-Coast area end up in Castine for a variety of reasons. From the beautiful harbor, to the inviting natural landscape, to the picturesque small town feel, to the ideal location in the heart of the Blue Hill Peninsula; Castine is a jewel of the Maine Coast in every way. An unexpected treat that a number if our guests don’t discover until they stay is that Castine has played a more pivotal role in the history of the United States than one would ever guess. Step back in time to discover the rich history of Castine, and The Pentagoet Inn… Early History of Castine and Establishment First established in the 1630’s by the French, who built a fort here and named it Pentagöet, the region was hotly contested amongst world powers at the time, all hoping to gain a tactical foothold on the area. Destroyed by the Dutch in 1676, 100 years before the fateful events that would create the United States, the fort lay in ruins. Today, the remnants of the fort have long since turned to dust and a Roman Catholic church now occupies its grounds. The former location of the fort marked only by an informational sign and a small plaque, its existence is now but a faint memory in history. By 1713, the land on which it once stood and the area surrounding it were annexed by the British Empire and would slowly build into a small community leading up to the Revolutionary War. By 1760 the earliest permanent resident, a man by the name of John Perkins, had settled here. Building a house, which still stands today and is located on the street named after him in town, he helped grow the community to around twenty homes by the time 1776 rolled around. The Revolutionary War and The Penobscot Expedition Kept out of the conflict due to its remote location, British soldiers would not establish a presence there until 1779 when they built Fort George. The fort here holds a unique story and was the site of one of the colonist’s most humiliating defeats. The Penobscot Expedition was an operation so plagued by difficulties and setbacks one could even call it cursed. The US colonists could barely muster a proper attack against the relatively small and lightly defended British fort and were held back by bickering commanders who couldn’t agree on a proper plan, soldiers with incredibly poor combat training, and delays that kept piling up the more they attempted to organize the operation. In the end, the attack was an utter failure, one of the largest fleets ever assembled by the American forces was sunk in their attempted retreat with only one ship escaping, and the fort would stand until the end of the war. If you’re interested in learning more about The Penobscot Expedition, and how Paul Revere of the famous Midnight ride was involved, then the book “The Fort” by Bernard Cornwell is highly recommended reading and fleshes out more history of the Castine and Blue Hill area. Now, unlike Fort Pentagöet, much of Fort George’s foundations can still be seen today and a tour of the grounds is an experience not to be missed. All the details of this operation and more can be found at the Castine Historical Society and is a must-visit for any history enthusiast or for those that want to learn more about the area’s past. From Failure to Success From the end of the Revolutionary war to the beginning of the Civil war was a time of great growth and prosperity for the town of Castine. Becoming a highly profitable harbor, the sea around the town was rich with fish and it soon became their main export. Built as the Customs House, the oldest U.S. Post Office continuously in service since 1833 resides in Castine. For a time Castine was home to the second busiest customs house after New York City. Due to its advantageous location, boats could reach the harbor several days earlier saving time, resources, and even lives, on a transatlantic journey. As the harbor grew and the town’s residents enjoyed this new prosperity, many merchants settled down and led lavish lives in the now wealthy city, their legacy surviving to today in the form of streets named after the merchant families and the large, extravagant homes that line Main Street, Court Street, and Perkins Street. A walk downtown in Castine can feel like stepping back in time, a distant echo of what was once, according to one source in 1850, the second wealthiest city in the United States. A statue dedicated to the 157 men who left to serve in the Civil War was erected in 1881 to honor their memory and it can still be seen today on the town commons. Around the time of the Civil War, the area’s economy changed as fishing boats gave way to steamboats bringing in tourists or “rusticators” as they were called at the time. Coming to Castine to stay at the numerous luxury hotels and pastoral summer cottages, the tourism industry boomed and brought even more wealth to the now popular destination known throughout America. Death and Rebirth Though to those who lived in, it might have seemed like it would last forever, all good things eventually come to an end. By the 1920’s, the nature of transportation had changed. America was no longer getting around by steamboat or train and the age of the car had begun. Slowly forgotten by the rest of the world, Castine slipped back into the obscurity it once knew so well. The once lavish hotels that attracted so much wealth in the 1880’s and 90’s were abandoned and torn down. Today only a few remain, a faded memory of a distant time. Conflict would once again bring attention to the small town when the US entered … Read More

Mid-Coast Maine Cruises, Tours & Kayaking | Get Out on the Water

The best way to discover the beauty of Castine and the Blue Hill Peninsula in Maine is by getting out on the water on one of many mid-coast Maine cruises. Whether it be by sail, motor, paddle, or just floating and swimming, you’ll uncover what makes this area truly special when you experience it from the sea. The maritime history of this area has shaped it into what it is today and the only way to experience much of the natural beauty of Maine is from the water. There are so many ways to explore by vessel, and we recommend them all! Cruise Castine Harbor Enjoy a 2-hour excursion on the bay and get a picturesque view of the town of Castine when you book a water excursion with Guildive Cruise. This service offering Maine coastal cruises has been sailing the bay for 10 years and does not disappoint. Each trip is limited to six people so the entire experience is more personal. Explore Holbrook Island or Castine Harbor aboard their new boat, Lil’ Toot, from only $25 per person.* The best part is that guests are welcome to bring their own picnic, beer, or wine along! Isle au Haut Mail Boat Isle au Haut Boat Services operates year-round passenger, mail and freight service between Stonington and Isle au Haut, as well as seasonal service to the Duck Harbor Landing of Acadia National Park. As a resource-based island community, Isle au Haut relies on their water-based transportation to support their residents. Choose from sightseeing tours, lobster fishing scenic tours, or lighthouse cruises, and try to spot the iconic puffins on the way to the quietest and least crowded part of Acadia! Round trip fare for adults starting at $40, children 12 and under starting at $20.* Bring a picnic lunch from Windmill Gardens and make this a day of adventure with an unforgettable hike off the beaten path. Castine Kayak Adventures Explore Penobscot Bay up close on the water when you paddle with Castine Kayak Adventures. Everyone from beginners to experienced paddlers will enjoy their customized sea kayaking tours and instructional clinics. Visit their website to learn more about trip options including their unforgettable bioluminescent trips available all summer long. Bucks Harbor Marina Bucks Harbor Marina has you covered for your charter, mooring, and marina service needs. If you have your own boat or a license to rent one, this is a must! Bucks Harbor is located at the head of Eggemoggin Reach, one of the most protected and popular passages, making it one of the most beautiful marinas on the Maine coast with unspoiled natural panoramas! Smith Cove If you are looking to jump in and brave the waters, we invite you to take a dip in this nearby swimming hole, known as one of the warmest spots for swimming on the mid-coast of Maine. A local’s secret, but we’ll tell you how to get there when you arrive! For those of you looking to learn about the rich history of boat building and the extensive maritime history of Maine, we recommend a trip over to Brooklin. Learn about the craft of wood boat building or watch a pleasure yacht being built before you get out their and experience the seafaring life firsthand. The WoodenBoat School If you want to get behind the scenes and learn the craft of boat building at the WoodenBoat School in Brooklin, Maine. You’ll feel transported to a different and simpler time as you discover the art of woodworking. Their courses include; Multihull Seamanship, Building a 15′ Aspoya Faering, Finishing Out Small Boats, Traditional Oarmaking, and Marine Photography in Black & White! Brooklin Boat Yard The Brooklin Boat Yard is a custom yacht builder, yacht designer, Maine boat yard, and brokerage only 30 miles from Castine. The family-run business was started in 1960 by the owner Joel M. White, and continues to be run by his son Steve White. Get a glimpse into the impressive display of craftsmanship by checking out the boatbuilding time lapse on their website! There is no better way to explore Penobscot Bay, the Blue Hill Peninsula, Acadia National Park, or the Down East region of Maine than by sea; So pack up your bags and head to the Pentagöet Inn to start your vacation off right. Each day you’ll be treated to a complimentary breakfast, and then come back, relax and rewind at the Baron Pub & Wine Bar after your day at sea. The perfect place to learn more about maritime history and maybe tell some ‘Fish Stories’ of your own. With a dozen picturesque coastal towns within easy reach of Castine, the timeless charm, fine dining, and relaxed atmosphere are sure to make your vacation memorable. Check Availability. *Rates reflected in this blog are as of Aug 21st, please check the company website for up-to-date rates and schedules.

Best Places to Visit in Maine: Food Guide to the Blue Hill Peninsula

Summer is the perfect time to pack up your bags and head to the beautiful Maine Coast, and the charming Pentagoet Inn is the ideal retreat for your next vacation. With warm hospitality, flowering gardens and a central location to the best places to visit in Maine, the Pentagoet Inn is the quintessential basecamp to eat your way through Maine’s Blue Hill Peninsula. Here is our Insider’s Guide to some of the best food experiences to be found in this off the beaten path area of Maine 44 North Coffee After a refreshing sleep and a phenomenal breakfast at Pentagoet Inn, start your morning out right with a cup of ethically-sourced, custom-roasted, organic Arabica coffee at 44 North Coffee on Main street in nearby Deer Isle. Delight in the aroma of seasonal organic beans and taste the eruption of flavor in each drop. El El Frijoles Since their opening in 2007, El El Frijoles has always made their entire menu from scratch each day. Their deliciously rich Mexican fare depends on lots of fresh, locally-sourced components and offers bold and interesting flavors. To top it all off the restaurant is located in a converted barn offering a truly unique and off the beaten path dining experience. Aragosta Chef Devin Finigan of Aragosta grew up planting gardens, churning butter, and making ice cream with her sisters using milk from the family cow. Today, her youth is her inspiration for Aragosta’s farm to table dining that is brought to life by the working harbor and surrounding farms in the picturesque coastal Maine town of Stonington. Bagaduce Lunch Bagaduce Lunch is a local favorite lunch spot thanks to their award winning menu that features a tremendous lobster roll, fried clams, and a variety of daily soft serve ice cream flavors such as watermelon, vanilla, black raspberry, and pistachio! The perfect side of the road spot in Brooksville where no nonsense summer food and a quintessential Maine setting are on the menu. Local Farmer’s Markets Get a glimpse into the life and people of the Blue Hill Peninsula when you walk around the local farmer’s markets in Maine, offering fresh local produce, live music, . Stonington Farmer’s Market takes place mid-May through mid-October each Friday from 10am to 12pm. Night Market is open mid-May through November each Tuesday from 4 to 6pm in Deer Isle Village. Castine Thursday Market runs late-June through August from 9am to 11:30am only a short walk from Pentagoet Inn & Restaurant. Blue Hill Farmer’s Market Saturdays 9-11:30, Blue Hill Fairgrounds Windmill Hill Gardens Market Stop by the Windmill Hill Gardens market in Castine for all your picnic lunch essentials featuring pie, slow roasted ribs, rotisserie style chicken, local BBQ sauce, specialty wine and more! Other Uniquely Maine Offerings The Sow’s Ear Winery Their Tasting Room in Brooksville is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm until fall. Tinder Hearth Wood-Fired Bread is also in Brooksville and serves wood-fired naturally leavened bread, pastries, and pizza all season long. Arborvine Fine Dining in Blue Hill is the perfect location for a romantic dining experience with intimate tables, cozy fireplaces, knowledgeable staff, and creative thoughtfully prepared food. David’s Folly Farm practices sustainable agriculture and is a great spot for community and family events such as farm dinners, private parties, movies, and workshops! Perry’s Lobster Shack in Surry is a waterfront restaurant staple for locals and tourists alike who are looking for a fresh-off-the-boat lobster. Aquaculture in Maine When you think East Coast you think great seafood and rightfully so. Aquaculture, as it’s locally known, is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish and plants, and has been present in Maine since the 1800’s. This cultivation of marine and freshwater species is at the heart of almost all east coast dining experiences and scallop, oyster, and lobster dishes are abundant. If you want to learn more, we highly recommend a tour of a local oyster farm or an authentic lobster boat experience. Pentagoet Inn Both inn guests and the public are welcome to enjoy a drink, or two, in The Baron Pub and Wine Bar, a favorite spot for many guests. Call 207-326-8616 for reservations! So the next time you are looking for a Coastal Maine Getaway, check in to the Pentagoet Inn to kick start your dining experience.

Honeymooning in Coastal Maine

If you’ve ever wanted to escape as a couple to quiet beaches, charming gardens, and gorgeous natural scenery in New England, honeymooning in coastal Maine provides the ideal opportunity to do so. When you and your new spouse sojourn to Castine, Maine at the Pentagöet Inn, you will surely feel the romance come alive. This charming Maine B&B is surrounded by wonderful natural scenery and local activities that feel like they were specially crafted for the two of you to experience together. A Castine, Maine Bed & Breakfast Boasting lavish gardens brimming with the aroma of the rugosa rose, our picturesque property presents a romantic retreat perfect for newlyweds. A slow stroll through our Woodland Garden provides the two of you with a relaxing activity to pair with a glass of wine. After indulging in a nightcap at the unparalleled Baron Pub & Wine Bar, retreat to a private romantic room that awaits you with all the comforts and amenities you could want. Hailed as on of the most romantic inns on the Maine coast, Pentagöet Inn offers guests a choice of a dozen rooms and five upgraded suites. This demi-suite in the Perkins House next door is decorated in calming tones of light blues and greens, offering the perfect atmosphere to relax with your partner while also enjoying views of the coastal Maine landscape. Complete with a king-size bed, marble tiled bathroom, and walk-in shower, you are sure to feel carefree and pampered. With delicate wallpaper embellishing the walls and king-size bed, the two of you will feel comfortable and cozy in Room #9, which includes a renovated bathroom complete with marble top sink and bathtub. Room #4 is sure to please with gorgeous views of the property’s garden and courtyard through three large windows opposite the king-size bed. Vintage Scottish lace curtains and wallpaper of roses set the scene of romance in this charming room. Activities Made for Two Castine is perfectly situated in the heart of the Blue Hill Peninsula in Maine, where the surrounding area provides a variety of activities for guests, and especially couples. Let us be your guide to fun and romance on the coast! Here are a few of our top activities to customize the perfect Maine honeymoon itinerary. Enjoy a seaside picnic on a tidal beach: Grab a picnic lunch from Windmill Hill Gardens and Market or the quintessential Maine lobster roll from Bagaduce Lunch and head over to Horton Emerson Park in nearby Blue Hill. Embark on a bike tour of Castine: Jump on a pair of the complimentary bikes offered at Pentagoet Inn and head out for a leisurely ride around historic Castine, from Dice Head Light, to the town common and the home of poet Robert Lowell, to a hike in Witherle Woods preserve. It’s also another ideal opportunity for a secluded picnic. Get up close with the woods of Maine: All you need is your adventurous spirit to experience one of the most picture perfect hikes on the Maine coast in nearby Barred Island preserve. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound! Kayak a bioluminescent bay: Could anything be more romantic than a serene night paddle along beautiful Castine harbor as bioluminescent organisms dance and twirl around your paddle… Cruise the gorgeous Maine coast: Hop aboard with Guildive Cruises or the Isle au Haut Mailboat and choose between sunset sails, puffin cruises, and a full day of adventure visiting the truly quiet side of Acadia National Park. We’re only scratching the surface here of what a Maine Honeymoon could be when you choose to stay at Pentagöet Inn in the heart of mid-coast Maine’s less commercial, but naturally stunning area. Make Your Honeymoon Memories in Maine The Pentagöet Inn and Restaurant not only sets the scene for a brisk coastal Maine excursion, but also an intimate honeymoon or couples experience. Book your newlywed escape with us and be sure to add our exclusive Celebration Package to enhance the experience with romantic details and special savings! This package is the perfect way to treat you and your loved one to the quiet, comfortable, charming retreat you both deserve! [Book_Now]

An Insider’s Guide to the Blue Hill Peninsula

Discover the Hidden, Quiet, Wild & Wonderful Side of the Maine Coast Looking for a true gem of a vacation and a memorable getaway off the beaten path? Get a real slice of New England heaven with a visit to a secluded part of the coast that still exudes a real “Old Maine” feeling of yesteryear when you book a stay at the Pentagöet Inn & Restaurant in Castine, the heart of the Blue Hill peninsula! Just pack your bags and leave the planning to us with this comprehensive guide of some truly wonderful and sometimes unexpected treasures! Explore the Great Outdoors From relaxing excursions to exciting adventures, there’s a perfect summer activity for everyone in this unspoiled section of Mid-Coast Maine. GRAB BIKES FROM THE INN Explore the town on two wheels; get up close to historic Dice Head Light, pedal down to the harbor and marvel at the historic schooners that grace our waters daily, or cycle past the house of famed author, Robert Lowell on our beautiful town square. Complimentary bikes are available for all guests at the Pentagöet Inn. GET OUT ON THE WATER You can’t really see what makes this area so truly special if you don’t set sail, motor, paddle, float, or swim. The maritime history of this area has shaped it into what it is today and the only way to experience much of the natural beauty of Maine is from the water. There are so many ways to explore by vessel, and we recommend them all! Guildive Cruises: Enjoy a 2-hour excursion on the bay and get a picturesque view of the town of Castine Isle au Haut Mail Boat: Try to spot the iconic puffins on the way to Isle Au Haut, the quietest and least crowded part of Acadia. Castine Kayak Adventures: Paddle the peninsula with expertly led guided tours and seasonal bioluminescent night paddles! Old Quarry Ocean Adventures: For the more adventuresome paddler, kayak the Stonington archipelago, Isle Au Haut, and beyond. Bucks Harbor Marina: If you have your own boat or a license to rent one, this is a must! Located a short drive from Castine, Bucks Harbor is one of the most beautiful marinas and unspoiled natural panoramas on the state’s coast. Smith Cove: Take a dip in this nearby swimming hole, one of the warmest spots for swimming on the mid-coast Maine. A local’s secret, but we’ll tell you how to get there! If you’re a boat lover, be sure to head over to Brooklin and see the craftspeople at work at the Wooden Boat School and the Brooklin Boat Yard! HIT THE TRAILS Due to some remarkable conservation efforts by the Blue Hill Heritage Trust and The Nature Conservancy, we are blessed with nearly endless hiking trails in and around the Blue Hill Peninsula, and there are a few real gems that we highly recommend. There are some excellent trail guides available when you arrive, and Pentagöet Inn offers a Hiking Adventures Package to enhance your experience: Barred Island Preserve: Time it right and you can hike over to a tidal island Peter’s Brook: If you like a short stroll with a waterfall payoff, this is it! Holbrook Island Sanctuary: A gorgeous area that offers abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. Witherle Woods Preserve: Our favorite easygoing hike right in Castine with over 6 miles of trails Crockett Cove Woods: If you want to get up close with the dense Maine forest, this is it! TAKE IN THE VIEW While you’re out exploring, pack a picnic lunch with all the essentials from Windmill Hill Gardens and Market and enjoy it with some fresh air and beautiful coastal vistas. Pull off the side of the road near the Pumpkin Island Lighthouse to enjoy a picture perfect backdrop for your meal or head over to Horton Emerson Park in Blue Hill. You might have this idyllic place all to yourself and if you play your tides right, you will be able to picnic on a sandy beach. GET IN A ROUND OF GOLF Designed by Willie Park, Jr. in 1922, the Castine Golf Club’s 9-hole par 35 course is a unique and fun experience for our golfing enthusiasts. Get Your Culture On History, art, literature and music abound in Castine and around the Blue Hill Peninsula. HISTORY From the rich culture of the native tribes and the battles of the Revolutionary War, to the pivotal role Castine played as a U.S. Customs House, the history of the Blue Hill Peninsula is truly remarkable. A short walk from Pentagöet Inn will take you to the steps of the Castine Historical Society on the town common featuring exhibits, speakers, and an eager staff. Step into history with a stroll over to Fort Madison State Park right on the harbor in the heart of Castine and an important part of U.S. history. A recommended read before your trip is The Fort by Bernard Cornwell. Learn all about the Penobscot Expedition of 1779 and the worst naval defeat of the Revolutionary War. History buffs will be richly rewarded! ART There is a rich local art scene here in Castine, but as you explore the peninsula, you will find hidden gems everywhere you look. There are art galleries featuring local artists and their beautiful work across mediums. We highly recommend checking out the phenomenal paintings at the Adam Gallery and Gallery B, fine earthenware at Rackliffe Pottery, or Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, a non-profit group that has seasonal tours and events MUSIC & THEATRE Stonington boasts Opera House Arts on the National Register of Historic Places and delivers excellent productions, concerts and films all summer long. Kneisel Hall Chamber Music School & Festival brings together world class musicians to put on beautiful events through the season. If you’re visiting Pentagöet Inn during the week, be sure to join us for Jazz on the Porch Tuesdays! The Night and Day Trio performs from 5-8pm and there are specialty cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a special menu available. A favorite of locals and visitors alike. Eat, Drink, and Shop Get a real flavor of Maine’s coast from freshly caught seafood to locally roasted … Read More

Why We’re One of the Best Pet Friendly Hotels in Maine

Maine is one of the most pet friendly states, so why not plan your next getaway here and bring your pet with you? You and your furry friend are invited to stay at the beautiful Pentagoet Inn & Wine Bar, one of the best pet friendly hotels in Maine. Our classic Queen-Anne Victorian is nestled on a bluff in a quaint village and harbor town, surrounded by majestic Elm trees and gorgeous gardens. Our pet friendly rooms are located in comfortable Perkins House adjacent to the main inn, with all of the inn’s luxury amenities including private baths, a full country breakfast, afternoon refreshments, complimentary bicycles, free Wi-Fi, and high quality linens. From our classic seaside village you’ll be able to explore the natural beauty of Penobscot Bay, Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, and Camden State Park, all about an hour’s drive from the inn. If you would like to stay closer to home, there is still plenty to experience. Here are a few nearby excursions that you can enjoy with your pet: Backshore Beach at Wadsworth Cove Backshore Beach is our local favorite with a tidal swimming hole and pebble beach for the hardy. Dogs are allowed on the beach under voice control or on a leash. It’s just over a mile from the Maine bed and breakfast, making for an easy walk with your fur-baby. Holbrook Island Sanctuary The Holbrook Island Sanctuary is a wonderful showcase of the great outdoors in Maine. It borders Penobscot Bay, and contains many eco-systems including beaches, mud-flats, and rocky coasts and steep cliffs, that are actually old volcanoes. Your dog is welcome to join you as you explore as long as they are on a leash no longer than 4 feet, and you stay on the marked trails. Parking and bathrooms are available at this State Park that is open year round from 9 a.m. until sunset. Although you can see this island from the inn, you’ll need to drive around Penobscot Bay to get there… just 30 minutes! Take a Day Trip to Camden Hills State Park After your gourmet breakfast, take a quick break in our beautiful gardens before you load into your car for your trip to 30 miles of picturesque hiking trails at Camden Hills State Park. Your dog must stay on a leash at all times, and dogs are not allowed on State Beaches between April 1st and September 30th, but the view from the top of Mt. Battie is nothing short of amazing, and totally worth the trip. If your pup still needs to run free for a bit, stop at Belfast Dog Park on your hour long drive back to the inn. Dining with Your Pet If you stay at our historic bed and breakfast inn, then you’re lucky to have our on-site wine bar available, and four-legged friends are welcome too, though we recommend that you do call ahead so that we can accommodate you. Our renowned farm to table menu offers the best of local fare for dinners, complemented by an excellent wine list and specialty cocktail menu. On Tuesdays, July through September, join us for “Jazz on the Porch” with drink specials, delectable small plates and remarkable music. Join us at one of the best pet friendly hotels in Maine! Pet Policies There is an additional $25 cleaning fee for reservations with pets. As a consideration to our other guests, pets are not allowed in the main inn.

Pentagoet Inn Featherbed Eggs

This dish is assembled the night before serving and baked in the morning. Serves 6 6 x 10 baking pan Ingredients: 1 loaf of sturdy white bread, crusts removed, cut into 1″ cubes ¾ lb Vermont cheddar cheese, grated ½ lb breakfast sausage 2 cups half & half 6 eggs 2 t dry mustard Procedure: Remove meat from sausage casing and sauté until browned. Set aside. Whisk together half & half, eggs and dry mustard. Set aside.Butter baking dish. Layer bread to cover bottom, add layer of sausage, half the cheese, layer of bread. Pour seasoned cream/egg mix over contents. Top with remaining cheese. Cover with tin foil. Butter interior foil surface so cheese doesn’t stick while baking. Refrigerate overnight. Preheat oven to 375°. Bake on sheet pan for approximately 60 minutes or until center is set.

Top Things to Do in Maine