Although a part of me keeps wondering, "Where did August go?!" we are firmly into our quiet season. This time of year, November to mid-May, we offer lodging in our Cape House, in the Suite and the Studio. We leave snacks in the rooms, some savory, some sweet, and some healthy. The baking elves leave scones or muffins or coffee cake. And of course the rooms are supplied with our organic, free trade coffee. Although we are in the middle of town, deer short cut through the yard, the pileated woodpeckers visit the trees, and other birds feast on the berries. The sun rises this time of year at a reasonable hour. The sunsets, though very early, often bathe the whole town in pinks and purples. And the full moon, well, it's practically a Blue Hill citizen. Halloween at the inn has adults enjoying adult beverages (we don't make the grown ups say "trick or treat" on their way to the bar) and kids selecting treats from the big silver bowl. This year's silly non-candy option--toothbrushes! (These went over well, to the amusement of a dentist-guest attending the festivities.) I dare you to try it at your house!
Thanksgiving always includes some dining out--Cleonice, the Arborvine, and Table all remain favorites, but we've added the Lookout, at their winter digs. Seems like such a Maine thing--a restaurant moves up the hill to a cozy house with a central woodstove and continues to offer incredible options. We are still dreaming about corn chowder with Maine shrimp (just coming into season--so fresh!), the seared scallops with creamy risotto, the steak au poivre (with wee shoestring potatoes), and the crème brûlée and chocolate mousse. Call them now!
My favorite Christmas event, the Bagaduce Chorale concert, was better than ever this year, with a Fred Waring toast. Nothing gets holiday spirits up higher!
I've told you each year that you must come for New Year's Eve in Blue Hill. The line up of music and entertainment--all completely free--delights even the sophisticate.
We have loved Scott Howell because he's a great carpenter and has helped us at the inn with many projects, and because his daughter Ellie has worked at the inn for the last few summers, but now we love him because we love his Loose Cannon Jug Band! The evening hosts over a dozen performers at locations all around Blue Hill (and within easy walking distance of the inn). We caught some steel drum music, our local pastor and his wife singing together, and our own Mesa Schubeck. We didn't make it to the New Trad Trio or Black Tie Fiasco--next year I hope.
You might be thinking, "Ah, but now it's after the holidays, and Blue Hill gets dull," but no! Now it's time for the first El El Frijoles Salsa Night! And by salsa they mean a three-course dinner and a salsa dance lesson followed by music, dancing, and carrying on. And the Blue Hill Concert Association starts their winter program this weekend with the Lefthand Canyon Trio.
I hope you had magical holidays, filled with laughter and wonder, and that January has you marveling at the cold crisp clarity of the winter world and snuggling under the covers! (Photo credits go to Lisa Peschel, a pal of mine since 7th grade, who was here for New Year's, and Julie Jo Fehrle, who manages to be in Blue Hill for epic full moons and festive pumpkin carving. Thanks!)
