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Greetings from the Harraseeket Inn! We've had a great summer and hope you have, too. We thank you for your patronage and for your feedback on Trip Advisor. Your comments and critiques are taken quite seriously and provide a barometer for our performance, helping us to improve where we need to and telling us what we're doing right. Thank you! A reminder to all; if you book directly with us, you'll receive complimentary afternoon tea and full buffet breakfast. We have 22 different room types here at the inn and an on line travel agency just can't provide the personal touch and knowledge that our own reservationists can. Also, there's the possibility of overbooking through online travel agencies, not a good situation. If you make a reservation over the internet, make sure you're on our official website, www.harraseeketinn.com, or call 1-800-342-6423 to speak to a friendly Mainer!
The biggest and most exciting piece of Maine news this month is President Obama's recent designation of the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument which abuts Baxter State Park and the mighty Katahdin. This monument was made possible through the generosity of Burt's Bees' Roxanne Quimby, who donated over 87.000 acres of privately acquired lands for the monument, to be preserved for future generations. Given the recent paper mill closures in the region, the hope is that this designation will draw more tourists into the area and boost the local economy. I can vouch for the fact that the Katahdin region is uniquely spectacular and it's beauty never fails to inspire the spirit. So the next time you plan a trip to Acadia National Park, get out the maps and make your return loop through the North Maine Woods National Monument. You'll see the very best of Maine's coastline, lakes and mountains all in one memorable trip. Here's a sneak preview inside the new Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument.
Another neat addition to our region is the Metro Breeze, an express bus service between Portland, Falmouth, Yarmouth and Freeport. Now you can arrive at the inn, park your car and never turn the key again until you leave. Take a day trip and visit Portland's Old Port, hop an island cruise on the Casco Bay ferry, go whale watching, visit the Portland Museum of Art, all without having to worry about driving or finding parking. This is a great service, and only $3. each way! Bus stop is at LL Bean, departing approximately every two hours beginning at 6:50 am and running through 7:10 pm. We'll have the schedule posted at the front desk and you can check it out on their link as well.
 Our beautiful but brief Maine summer is coming to an end and this morning the temps were low enough to feel "fallish". There's a faint bloom of yellows and reds in the maples and birch. Apple orchards are getting ready for harvest and fall fairs are in full swing. Our favorite, the Common Ground Fair, is coming up on September 23, 24 & 25 in Unity, Maine. If you're staying with us and going apple picking or to the fair, we'll be happy to provide you with directions and a picnic lunch. What a fun way to spend a fall day!
The full harvest moon falls on the 16th of the month and the very short but sweet summer solstice will soon be behind us, but it's impossible not to look forward to the glorious days of autumn. I got a good taste of fall on my recent trip to Labrador, where night time temps were in the high-30's and daytime, 55 degrees. As always, spending time in the Labrador  wilds was a grand adventure. No bears tried to crawl through the cabin windows this year, which was a nice reprieve. Got lots of kayaking in, despite windy conditions, and trekked far into the country on ancient caribou trail, through the black spruce, over eskers white with reindeer moss and past unnamed ponds. Was hoping to spot a woodland caribou but it was not meant to be. All I saw were their tracks and cheerful flocks of boreal chickadees. My favorite moments in Labrador are spent listening to the vast silence of the "great land" beneath a dark night sky spangled with stars, paddling among the loons and spending time with the gray jays, who eat like royalty while I'm in camp. Doing absolutely nothing at all has a lot to be said for it.
 For a more civilized taste of the outdoors, Freeport's a great place and LLBean's Outdoor Discovery Schools are the best for learning new skills and making great memories. Paddle boarding, kayaking, fly fishing...there's something for everyone in every season of the year. Or, if you prefer, you can come here and do absolutely nothing at all and we'll be happy to see to your every need. We'll feed you great meals and pamper you. Let us do all the work for a change while you recharge your batteries.
This month's trivia question has two parts: How many national monuments are there in the United States, and by what authority can a president proclaim a national monument? All correct answers win a $5. voucher good toward food or lodging on your next visit. A total of 12 vouchers can be used at one time, a value of $60. Keep your eyes peeled for "double voucher value dates" during the slow season!
Upcoming Events and Special Offers:
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LLBean Outdoor Discovery Schools Something for everyone in all of Maine's great seasons!
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The Great Maine Adventure with L.L.Bean is a terrific seven day, six night
package that includes biking, sea kayaking, lighthouse tours, schooner sail, lobster bake and three nights at the Harraseeket Inn! This is a one of a kind adventure and a great way to make memories, learn new skills and experience the best Maine has to offer with the best Outdoor Discovery School on the planet! Check out the available dates and start planning your big Maine adventure!
Enjoy these last few summer days, have a great fall and we hope to see you soon!
Best regards,
Penny Gray
The Gray family
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