Most gorgeous May ever

I can't believe you aren't here! The inn opened for the season May 21 and has been dancing ever since. The lupine in the sideyard and along the roadside love this warm, sunny weather and might be ahead of schedule in terms of their June 18-20 festival. They still have a ways to go before they are in full bloom but look at how pretty they are with the birch by the garden shed.

Flash in the Pans will help us celebrate the perfect weather with a street dance at the town park tonight--first of the season. (Sample them here--though it's impossible to get the feel for an all-ages, outdoor, seaside dance party without being here, bouncing to the beat.)

From the guestbook, our very dear visitors have lavished praise upon us: "Never slept better"... "What a delightful treat! We enjoyed every single detail--the wonderful appetizers with wine, the exquisite king 4-poster bed, fireplace crackling in the room, clawfoot tub--ahh, how relaxing!" ... "Delicious food, great bed, great atmosphere, lovely hostess!"

Jeff the chef has started the season off deliciously well--this morning's brioche got rave reviews and I adored yesterday's smoked salmon quiche. And he made an apple butter I put on absolutely everything. And let's not even talk about the browned sugar cookies, the it's-not-too-late-to-have-a-happy-childhood graham crackers, the walnut brownies...

Gardener Jean has the outside looking spiffy. As she trims flowering bushes, she brings branches into the inn for vases. Even in the kitchen, we have lilacs and Japanese maples adorning the counter.

Last night was the first opening of the season at the Leighton Gallery, a mere two blocks from the inn. Judith Leighton is celebrating 30 years of having a fabulous gallery and representing amazing artists. The sculpture garden inspires and delights. Be sure to see it when you're in town next.

There's so much more to tell--boat trips, restaurants, the new men's clothing store--but I must get hors d'oeuvres out (the mushroom and Swiss mini pizzas smell heavenly and guests have really liked Le Colture Prosecco Fagher we've added to the wine list). If you're planning to come this summer, don't wait to make your reservation--so many dates are already booked.

Open House at the Blue Hill Inn

Spring continues to be a delight here on the coast of Maine. I haven't seen so many smiles since Black Dinah Chocolatiers were dipping truffles in the kitchen here. Your hardworking innkeeper has been dining out to test the waters--El El Frijoles, Whale's Rib, Table, C Shells, Bird Watcher's, Dennett's Wharf. We'll have the inside scoop for you when you ask for reservation suggestions. The photos are ones I took on the way to the Whale's Rib, which is at the Pilgrim's Inn on Deer Isle. The 20-minute drive really is this beautiful. I'm not sure what the schedule for the bridge work is but when cars have to wait it usually isn't long.

The full inn opens next week, Thursday, May 20. We have our annual open house the night before. If you're in the area, please stop by, 5-7 p.m. We'll have live music from the George Stevens Academy Varsity Jazz Band, delicious nibbles, and great company. During the quiet season we offer a continental breakfast in the Cape House but next week we start the full menu. Our blueberry pancakes, homemade granola and yogurt, an omelet, the poached eggs with the fire-roasted red peppers and chive flowers... And that amazing bacon Libby makes for us at Smith's Smokehouse. It's going to be a delicious summer once again.

Have you checked us out on Facebook? We're always posting about things happening in Blue Hill and the surrounding area.

We're looking forward to Wings, Waves & Woods, May 21-23, the annual birding festival with all sorts of events going on down on Deer Isle. We'll get you started with maps and birding lists.

If you're planning to come visit, make your reservations now. It's going to be a busy summer and lots of weekends are already booked up. We are running a spring special to encourage people to come earlier, stay a bit longer, and really relax--come for three nights but pay for two. Call us for the details. Here's to a blossom-filled spring.