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Historic Inns of Rockland
By Kaleel Sakakeeny
Please download this sound-rich
audio postcard
 You’d
expect Rockland, Maine to be all about graceful schooners like the stately
Jenny Norman sailing the
craggy coast and blunt-talking lobstermen like Captain Jack, full of sea
faring tales and lobster traps
But the big surprise in this new
England town are its elegant historic inns and their charismatic inn
keepers like Cheryl Michaelsen, the vivacious owner of the stately
Victorian gem, the Berry Manor. Its rich colors, period pieces and
carefully designed twelve guest rooms reflect the warmth and generosity of
the host and her husband, Mike.
A few blocks away, down streets
flush with quality shops and an abundance of genuine creativity, the
whimsical LimeRock is a turreted Victorian Mansion with a sweeping porch,
sun soaked backyard and gracious parlors. Owners and innkeepers, Frank and PJ are justly proud of their gourmet breakfasts and the touches they bring
to their eight guestrooms, like Egyptian cotton linens and towels. Look
for their new guest, a slight, very pretty pigeon, Mrs. Littlefield, who
hovers about the inn and sidles fearlessly up to guests.
The nearby Captain Lindsey House is
a real sea captains home turned boutique inn. Run by Captains Ken and
Ellen Barnes, real sea captains of the windjammer, Stephen Taber, they
have woven tales of the sea into their nine classy rooms with colorful
breakfasts and a charming garden, combining antiques and Persian rugs with
modern amenities
 The
cuisine of Rockland is beyond clam chowder and lobster though they do that
well too.
Restaurants like In Good Company,
Primo and Café Miranda serve signature dishes and world-class cuisine in
beautifully crafted dining rooms in Victorian homes or store front, chic
former bank spaces.
Deserts like Vanilla bean Crème
Brulee scented with Lemon Verbena Limoncello over Semolina baby cake and
fresh strawberries are typical of Primo and the dizzing, 80 item menu at
local hangout Café Miranda includes surprises like Sauteed Chicken, Chevre,
Sour cream and Demi Sauce with Tarragon.
The classy, understated In Good
Company has a terrific Blue Cheese and Walnut Butter-topped Beef
Tenderloin and unique nibbles.
Rockland is authentic Maine with
majestic coasts and New England scenery.
The town, restaurants and historic
inns may be Down East real, but with an impressive touch of
sophistication.
www.HistoricInnsofRockland.com
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