Last weekend I drove up to Bath, Maine for the wedding of one of my best friend's from college. When I first got the invitation, I waited a few days to book my hotel room. Clearly a bad move because by the time I called the bride and groom's recommended hotel, it was completely booked.
After a few moments of solid panic, I returned to the wedding website to see if they had any other hotels listed and sure enough, there were two. The first was also booked, so I made one final call to the third location and thank goodness, they had an available room!
After a three hour drive from Boston on wedding day, I turned off of Route 1 and into the coastal town of Bath. For those who haven't been, Bath is a quaint, charming town that sits right on the water. While in town I learned that Bath is known as "The City of Ships." City is an exaggeration, but the ships part is spot on.
Once off the exit I found my way to my accommodations, the Inn at Bath. The inn is a large white house with black shutters that sits on a corner lot at the intersection of Washington Street and North Street.
The front of the inn is beautifully landscaped and has a small, gravel path that winds its way to the back of the property.
On the right side of the inn there is a spacious front porch with three wicker chairs, perfect for late afternoon reading and ice tea.
Guests are encouraged to enter the inn through the back door. The guest parking lot is on the back side of the inn and as soon as I pulled in I noticed the fun decor on the back side of the house. I love the country style stars. The innkeeper could have easily left this side of the house untouched, but I love that she decided to decorate it.
You enter the inn through the back door which opens up into the kitchen.
The kitchen leads to the dining room which has a long, dark wooden table that seats ten.
I loved the antique-looking chandelier above the table! The innkeeper also has a set of butter yellow dishes displayed in her China cabinet. The yellow dishes look great against the coral colored walls.
All day long the innkeeper keeps beverage supplies out on the buffet for guests - coffee, tea and ice water.
On the other side of the dining room is a spacious living room that feels very classic New England.
In the foyer there is a mirror hanging on the wall that I loved. The shape of the mirror and the frame reminded me of a window on a ship.
As soon as I walked in, one of the inn's staff members asked me if I'd like a glass of water. Since it was over 90 degrees that day, the offer was much appreciated!
Then I met the innkeeper, Elizabeth, who handed me my registration folder. The folder had my last name across the top and explained all the ins and outs of the inn. Inside there were maps and brochures to help you make the most of your stay in the area. How helpful!
I was also asked to fill out a breakfast sheet which asks a guest what time you'd like to eat, if you drink coffee or tea and if you have any food restrictions of dietary preferences. How considerate!
I was then handed the key to my room which had the room name on it and a bell that jangled loudly anytime I was carrying it. I assume Elizabeth and her staff do this so they can hear their guests coming and going.
My room was on the second floor so I headed upstairs, bell jangling, to check out my new digs. On the landing of the second floor is a computer for communal use. Being in Bath is so relaxing I don't know why you would want to use a computer, but it's nice to know you could.
My room was the first door at the top of the stairs and was called the Lavender Room. When I opened the door, sure enough, everything was lavender! I had a king size bed (jackpot!), a couch, a sitting chair, a rocking chair and a desk.
The lavender themed continued into my bathroom which had purple walls and a purple shower curtain!
The room was very spacious, but it still felt warm and cozy. After checking in I read on the front porch for about an hour and then had to get ready for the wedding. When I told Elizabeth where I was going for the wedding, she said, "Oh wait! You'll need this!" She opened a closet door, grabbed something and then handed it to me. It was bug spray! She informed me that down by the water the bugs can get nasty and I should be prepared. How kind is that?
When I got home from the wedding around 10:30pm I crawled into that king size bed and let me tell you, it was bliss. A king size bed for one person is a marvelous feeling of grandeur.
In the morning I took a long, hot shower in my purple bathroom and fell in love with scent of the soap. When I went downstairs for breakfast, I complimented Elizabeth on the soap and she said, "Wait just one second!" She scurried downstairs into the basement and came back up with a gallon size container of soap and said, "Here, take a picture of the label. They sell this at Whole Foods, you can buy it when you get home." Again, so thoughtful!
I had read on the inn's website that Elizabeth used to be the chef and co-owner of a restaurant, so I was very much looking forward to my breakfast. It started with yogurt topped with granola and fresh fruit.
The combination of the granola with the juicy strawberries made for a stellar start to the meal.
Next up was Elizabeth's banana and blueberry French toast. I topped mine with maple syrup, but Elizabeth also recommended drizzling some yogurt over the top.
The French toast was very sweet. I couldn't eat a bite more than she gave me because I would have gone into a sugar coma!
Soon after breakfast I packed up my things and said goodbye to the Lavender Room. On my way out to the car I stopped to thank Elizabeth for her incredible hospitality and she said, "It's our pleasure! Next time come back with friends and stay the whole weekend. We'll be sure you have a marvelous time."
My stay at the Inn at Bath was relaxing and luxurious. The inn is located a short walk from downtown Bath and Elizabeth is ready and waiting to help you make the most of your stay. The rooms are quintessentially New England and each room has a distinct personality. My room was perfect for me in every way and honestly, at least two more people could have stayed in there with me.
Throughout college my friend who grew up in Bath kept trying to get me to come up and visit and I kept resisting, blaming it on the three hour drive. Now that I've been to Bath and found the ideal place to stay, I have to admit, I can't wait to go back.
For more information on Elizabeth and the Inn at Bath, visit their website.
