Maine weather: When will it be better?

It seems like such a simple question. But this is Maine! Home of beautiful, rugged seashores, picturesque lighthouses, outdoor adventure galore. And yes, unpredictable weather!

Some say that Maine has five seasons - the usual four, plus Mud Season, which extends from WheneverTheSnowMelts to WhateverDayIsWarmEnoughToBeSummer (or something like that).This year March has lived up to the "in like a lion, out like a lamb" axiom. The early part of March had snow and severe winds. The latter part is sunny, sometimes warm, with fits of snow to let us know that it won't be going quietly.

While certainly the time between March and late April or early May is known as "Mud Season" for a reason, that doesn't mean there isn't good reason to be here! For one thing, in the five seasons we've operated Brewster House Bed & Breakfast in Freeport Maine, most of the years there has been a very good amount of warm, sunny, weather throughout that time.

In fact, because there are not many people coming to Freeport in the earlier part of the year, it can be a great time to visit. For the shoppers in Freeport the stores are not crowded, and many Freeport outlets are still running sales to make room for Spring lines. For the photographer, lighthouses and beaches are nearly deserted, so great photos can be taken if you're looking for a photo that doesn't have other visitors in it.

Spring is also a great time to find that lobster shack (though some may not be open until it is a bit closer to summer), and look for off-season pricing. If you're looking for a chance to see a moose in the wild, the males will have their full set of antlers, and the timing is perfect.

Here at Brewster House, take advantage of our great Spring getaway

, Spring Serenity, where you can get three nights for the price of two!

See you soon!

Not too early to plan for free shoes: Runners, take your marks...

While it is true that in Freeport, Maine the snow has only just begun to melt, some signs of hope for Spring have begun to appear. But if you've even given a fleeting thought to coming to Freeport this summer, now is the time to make your plans! Even better, if you like to run and are thinking about running a 10K!

You see, once again L.L. Bean is sponsoring the L.L. Bean 10K in Freeport on the 4th of July. And once again, the first 400 to register (the entry fee is $25) will receive a free pair of New Balance shoes!

In addition to the L.L. Bean 4th of July 10K, there is a Fun Run (sorry, no free shoes for the Fun Run), and, as always, Freeport has the town Fourth of July parade that passes directly in front of Brewster House!

So if you're a runner, run (don't walk) to the registration - it opens Tuesday, March 22, 2011 at 9 a.m. ET. Remember, the free shoes are only for the first 400 to register for the 10K!

If you're not running, come stay at Brewster House. Enjoy your leisurely breakfast, then grab a lawn chair and sit with us in the front yard, and watch the parade go by!

Calling all Peanut Nuts!

In honor of Peanut month (who knew there was such a thing?), BnBFinder featured our flourless peanut butter cookie recipe in their blog.

We're big fans of peanut butter cookies, and this flourless (and gluten-free!) version is one of our all-time favorites.

If you believe in peanut butter (and we do!) you simply must give these a try!

Maple Syrup: Maine's March Madness

Not that Maine won't be watching the NCAA basketball playoffs (New England is filled with great college teams!), but there is another March madness in New England: Maple Syrup!

The sap begins to run, usually in late February and March, with a large maple tree producing as much as 60 gallons of sap! The sap will be quickly processed, boiling it to make it more and more concentrated. When it reaches the correct temperature, it is filtered to make it clear, then packed in sterile containers for distribution world-wide.

To celebrate our Maple March Madness, we'll be serving something with maple every day in March! We started with Maple-Pecan Sticky Bars (pictured) from Epicurious. Scott says they're delicious!

Our supplier of pure Maine maple syrup is Maple Valley Farms in Jay, Maine. On Maple Syrup Sunday (March 27, 2011) they, like other Maine maple syrup producers, host a big event at their farm, celebrating the season, and offering tastings, as well as syrup you can take home, fresh from the vat.

The Maine Maple Producers Association has a map of Maine syrup producers by county, so if you visit, you can easily find a producer of pure Maine maple syrup to visit on Maple Syrup Sunday!

If you're thinking of coming, make plans for the entire weekend - Flavors of Freeport is Friday and Saturday, March 25-26, so you can visit the Chef's Signature Series on Friday, the Celebrity Waiter Luncheon on Saturday, and top off your visit with Maple Syrup Sunday on March 27! See you then!