Happy Christmas to all...

At Brewster House, of course, we've been decorated for Christmas since the beginning of December. That seems to be one of the things you do in a business, is prepare early for the seasonal celebrations.

Christmas is usually quiet here, with few guests (though we'd love to see more of you!), and often we will use that as time to visit family. This year, we'll be hosting one of our children, her husband and two little boys. The Christmas tree is filled once more with toys for the children (and a few for the grown-ups), and the fire is crackling (well, maybe not crackling, as it is a propane fireplace), the halls are decked, the carols are playing, and we're ready for the traditional celebration.

Before we go, though, we want to wish all our guests and friends a very Merry Christmas and a delightful New Year!

In the traditional spirit, we'd like to finish 2009 with a very brief, but wonderful, reminder from that great theologian, Linus, about the true meaning of Christmas. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Listen to the News!

For some time we've considered making an audio podcast of Brewster House News, but doing that is quite time consuming. Of course, we could pay to have it done, but things like that can also get expensive.

While researching something for our technology blog for innkeepers, About The Inn, we came across an article on a free service for creating podcasts from blogs, called Odiogo. We tried it, and you'll see (and hear!) the results with the "Listen Now" button at the top, just below the headline of the article. Click on it to give it a try!

If you click that button, you can listen online, or download the audio to your iPod, MP3 player or other device. In fact, if you enjoy getting your updates via audio, you can subscribe by clicking on the Odiogo subscribe button on the right sidebar.

We hope you enjoy this option. We feel the voice quality is good - not perfect, but good. Of course, if you prefer, you can always read the posts the traditional way.


If you have feedback, we'd love to hear about it in the comments.

Playing in the Snow in Maine

Like much of the eastern United States, we had our first "real" snow of the year this past weekend (real in the sense that it didn't melt away the same day). The timing was perfect, as thousands of visitors were here in Freeport for the 16th annual Sparkle weekend. Judging from the reactions of our guests, it was a wonder-filled, almost magical weekend!

Now that Sparkle is past, we look forward to a couple of weeks of Christmas shoppers and those who enjoy just one more getaway before the holidays. Then we embark on the remaining projects around the house, as well as a bit of vacation in the early Spring.

Meanwhile, there is lots to do in the winter months in Maine!

Winter activities abound throughout the area. There is snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at nearby Pineland Farms, with miles of groomed trails. They even have a short video to give you a glimpse of it! For the adventurous, you can also cross-country (Nordic) ski or snowshoe at Wolfes Neck Woods State Park in Freeport. The trails there are well-used, but not groomed.

Are you interested in snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, but need a bit of help to get started? L.L. Bean's Flagship Store in Freeport has introductory lessons as part of their Outdoor Discovery Program for only $15 per person, December through March as conditions allow on Saturdays and Sundays. Cross-country skiing is at 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. and snowshoeing is at 9:30 a.m. and noon. No pre-registration is required, and all equipment is provided.

Of course, when you finish with your outdoor activities, there is a hot cup of cider, hot chocolate, or tea waiting, along with some snacks. Then there are the shops and outlets in Freeport, to help you return to civilization.

You may want to verify with us, or with the places you want to go, that they are open, especially in the early part of the winter, but there are many choices, and so much to do that you'll want to plan to be here for several days!

Don't Miss These Winter Festivals!

Our friends at Wicked Good Travel Tips posted an article yesterday (November 30) called "New England Holiday Festivals Too Good To Miss."

While we know they can't post every festival, with all due respect we think they missed a couple of good ones!

First, and earliest, is Sparkle Weekend in Freeport, Maine. This coming weekend (December 4-6, 2009) this annual festival kicks off the Christmas season in Freeport with a 6 p.m. parade, talking Christmas tree, an open house at the Historic Freeport Bed and Breakfasts, historic vignettes at the Freeport Historical Society, book signings, craft fairs, carriage rides, a tuba concert, art auction, theatre, and more! Throughout the Sparkle Weekend, and continuing until New Year's Eve, is the L.L. Bean Northern Lights Celebration. Its full schedule is also available, here.

This is the 16th annual Sparkle Weekend, and it is always a huge favorite with locals and visitors, alike. Guests at the bed and breakfasts often book their visits for Sparkle a year in advance, to be certain of getting their favorite rooms. They return year after year for the parade, the shopping, the open houses at the B&Bs, the shopping, the tuba concert... and did we mention the shopping?


The other "Can't miss" festival, not mentioned in the article (and admittedly not part of the Thanksgiving-Hanukkah-Christmas-New Years holiday season), is Flavors of Freeport. In its first two years, Flavors has grown in popularity, becoming a real "taste of Maine" type of event. There are chefs from throughout the area, showcasing their style and favorite dishes, wine pairings, desserts, beer tastings, and more.

With a new date this year (April 9-11; previously this has been a February event), the weather is likely to be more moderate, so getting from one event to another should be much more pleasant. This year's offerings will also include a block party at Freeport Village Station, with participation from the merchants there.

So, whether in December for Sparkle Weekend and the L.L. Bean Northern Lights Celebration, or April, for Flavors of Freeport, find your way here for the festivals (and the shopping isn't bad, either!).