We just got back from Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Today, I’m sharing this perfectly Downeast Maine resort with you because I loved it so much! Midcoast Maine is truly a gem of New England and you must experience it if you love rocky coastlines, pine trees for miles, and lobster. It has an unspoiled beauty that is idyllic Maine.
Since 1892, Spruce Point Inn has been a destination for distinctive travelers who want the New England experience. For several years running, it has been a Conde Nast “Best of New England Resort” destination. It’s prime oceanfront setting and off the beaten path location make it a quintessential Maine retreat. It’s rich in history and many famous faces have stayed and visited this resort, as you will find out quickly by the old photographs that hang on the walls of the Main Lodge. I would describe the vibe here as “casual elegance”. It has a rustic charm, yet you can dress up and feel polished for a lovely dinner.
Spruce Point Inn is the perfect place for families and kids of all ages. It’s about being active and outdoors here, and there are several ways to enjoy the landscape from biking to sailing. It really is quite a unique gem of a New England resort. I love how they have done a great job of honoring its original Downeast charm and marrying that with today’s modern amenities and conveniences. From the wooden pine tree cutout shutters that grace every building here to the old needlepoint artwork hanging on the walls, those details add to the pleasing charm that is Spruce Point Inn.
Here’s some details from our recent June stay…
Accommodations
Spruce Point Inn offers rooms at the lodge, separate cottages, and vacation rentals to suit your family’s needs. Each accommodation is unique and several offer fireplaces and water views. Also, they are a pet-friendly resort and offer accommodations perfect for your four-legged friend.
We stayed in a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom cottage with a woodland view. The bedrooms consisted of 2 queen beds, 3 twin beds, and a sleeper sofa. It was very well kept and had the original stone fireplace, bead board walls, and original hardwood floors. It was perfectly campy, nostalgic, and extremely clean. Exactly what a Maine cottage should be with all the modern day comforts. Each room was outfitted with nice bedding and linens. Extras included a kitchenette, TV in the living room, a Keurig, and a huge front porch with Adirondack chairs. I love that they maintained the cottage’s original charm inside and out.
Activities & Experiences
With such a beautiful landscape it’s hard to want to stay inside. There are several outdoor activities to enjoy at Spruce Point Inn including biking, swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, boating, sailing, lawn games, a fitness and recreation center, and old school games like shuffleboard. There are two swimming pools on the property to enjoy and one is heated. The inn has complimentary L.L. Bean bikes for your use during your stay.
Water activities are a must here and we enjoyed a couple of experiences that I’d highly recommend. Our favorite was the Picnic on Burnt Island experience. This can be arranged at the Front Desk in the Main Lodge.
The second is Sailing on the Sarah Mead. This original wooden Friendship sloop is docked at Spruce Point Inn and the Front Desk can set up your sail for you. It’s a beautiful vessel and the only wooden lobstering sailboat on the Maine coast.
Sailing on the Sarah Mead
Captains Nate and Randy began rebuilding “Sarah Mead” in 2006. They dock at Spruce Point because they can reach areas that other sailing excursions don’t offer in the region. They can set sail to lighthouses, have you help pull in lobster traps, or show you the town from the water.
All private tours aboard the Sarah Mead are about 2 hours long and are BYOB. If you are lucky you may spot seals, porpoises, and eagles during your sail with Captain Nate. 6 passengers per private booking only.
Picnic on Burnt Island
On the day of your picnic experience, Chef Dan packs you a lovely picnic lunch for two. You just head down to the Spruce Point Inn dock and board Bright Line, the inn’s motor launch. Captain Richard takes you over to Burnt Island, which is just a few minutes from the inn. You can see Burnt Island Lighthouse clearly from Spruce Point. A short hike through a wooded trail opens up to green space lush with gardens and Maine’s 2nd oldest surviving lighthouse. It truly is a very unique and special experience that the inn offers its guests. The water views from the island are stunning and there are so many spots to lay down a blanket and enjoy a lovely picnic.
We had it all to ourselves the day we went and enjoyed visiting the lighthouse. Captain Richard picked us up at our scheduled time and we had a little tour on our way back to the inn. Lots of lobstermen are working the waters here daily and you’ll see them pulling in their fresh catches.
If relaxation is more your speed, the inn has a top notch spa for you to book a massage or treatment. There are several Adirondack chairs on the property to take in the water views with a good book or cocktail in hand.
Dining
There are two restaurants on the property. The Salty Stag is the more casual setting with a bar. The menu is breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can also dine off this menu outdoors at the Grandview Patio just outside the restaurant.
Whiteclover is the inn’s signature dinner restaurant and is by reservation only. It’s a beautiful dining room that has a Ralph Lauren vibe with rich jewel tones and the ocean views are stunning. It has a wonderful seasonal menu and the Chef works with area farms and fisherman to bring you fresh dishes and classic standards. We loved our dinner here, and it was so nice to watch the sunset from our table after a full day of adventures.
Cocktails are so good here too! I loved the SOS- the Spicy Strawberry Margarita.
S’mores around the campfire…
Thursday-Sunday the inn offers an evening S’mores Station for guests. It’s a fun offering that the kids love and there is nothing better than sitting under the stars around a campfire with delicious campfire treats.
Exploring Boothbay Harbor & Beyond
Even though at Spruce Point Inn you feel worlds away at a remote location, it is actually only a 5 minute drive into town. Boothbay Harbor is a fun visit with a historic downtown full of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The historic Footbridge connects the east and west side of Boothbay Harbor. There is access to boat charters and rentals right off the Footbridge landing too.
Driving around the Boothbay region is beautiful. There are so many great spots to explore just a short drive from Spruce Point Inn. Plenty of lobster shacks, farm stands, and water views to stop and enjoy!
Here are just a few that are just a 30 minute or less drive from Spruce Point Inn:
Mohegan Island
Barter’s Island
Ram Island Lighthouse
I am adding Spruce Point Inn to my family’s return visit list. It’s the perfect Maine resort for families of all ages and in such a beautiful part of Maine that you will never run out of things to do and places to go. It’s the quintessential Downeast experience and I can’t wait to go back for another visit!
Spruce Point Inn’s Website Click Here
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I’d like to thank Spruce Point Inn for a lovely stay and experience. All opinions are my own.