Thank you all for voting for White Cedar Inn in the Northern Forecaster Best of the Best 2017. We really appreciate the vote of confidence!
It’s been getting a little bit shady here at the inn. Shady in the yard that is. We had several of the maples and oaks in the front yard ‘limbed up’ a bit in order to bring in some extra sun to help the lawn renew. You have probably heard us tell about the granite boulder in the basement. The whole front yard is on a granite ledge. The topsoil eventually filters away if the grass roots don’t hold onto it. That’s what’s happened over the past few years. We ended up growing a lot more moss than grass! (We do not like using chemical fertilizers and have taken a ‘live and let live’ attitude toward the yard.)
You can see from the photo that it’s not only the grass that’s getting a bit more sun - you can now see the house quite clearly! Sitting on the porch now allows you a better view of the comings and goings along Main St.
We also removed the evergreen that was growing outside the Chart and Fogg room windows. For anyone new to ‘Stephen King Land’ the sound of the branches scraping on the siding in a storm was a bit too creepy! I’ve started a hosta garden there now. I do have my eye on a PeeGee Hydrangea for the corner. We had an enormous one in Vermont and it was gorgeous in the fall.
Come on up and take a look at the new plantings and the soon-to-be greener grass.
You’ve been saving up for this vacation for awhile. Planning your days away from work, getting all your ducks in a row. You’ve read the reviews for everything - places to stay, things to do, where to eat, which airline to book. But, are you going to make these classic mistakes just the same?
Taking the easy way out
Are you staying in your comfort zone? Again? Sure, it’s tough to plan your once-a-year vacation on a whim. But, what if you had unlimited vacation time? What if you could do anything or go anywhere? Would you still pick the same sort of place in the same sort of location? Or, would you splurge a little? Try something totally out of your element?
It’s easy to decide to go to Disney once again. It’s clean, fun, and safe. You know exactly what you’re getting each and every time. You know the hotels will be just so. And the food will be just so. And everything will be just so. But, have you learned anything new? Expanded your horizons?
Maybe this is the year to try something out of your comfort zone. Chat with locals who weren’t hired just to help the million guests who walk through the door, but who truly love where they live and want to share it with you. Go out on a lobster boat where you might get a little wet, or the gulls might get a little close, but where you’ll be be with real lobstermen who can show you how it’s done. Rent a kayak and discover coastal inlets where osprey and eagles nest, where seals bask in the sunshine, where you’re not sharing the ‘lagoon’ with 250 of your new best friends.
Step outside that comfort zone and try something new!
And, while you’re at it, avoid this second classic vacation mistake -
Planning everything based on cost
Do you make all your plans based on the absolute cheapest prices you can find? Why pay ‘extra’ for a comfortable place to stay? After all, you’re going to be out exploring all day, right? So why pay for a better room when you can pocket that money? We travel once/year for our vacation and prices run the gamut. What is luxury in one town for $100 is unbelievably awful somewhere else at twice the price, so know your destination. Don’t expect to be dazzled for that $100 when the average rate in your vacation area is $250/night. Sure, look for a deal that meets what you budgeted for, but take everything into consideration: does your room rate include breakfast, parking, WiFi, access to the pool, or is all of that listed as ‘extra’ in the fine print?
Most of our guests mention they don’t eat lunch because they have feasted for breakfast. There’s another bit of savings for you! Your breakfast is included and you really only need a little snack in the afternoon and then dinner. (And we have snacks!)
We don’t add on fees if you have a coffee or tea in the evening. Cookies and snacks are on the house. WiFi is free and works across the property. Park your car, or drive it in and out all day - no charge.
Do it right this year
This year, when you plan your vacation, think outside your comfort zone and really evaluate what you’re getting for your hard-earned dollars (or pounds, or Euros, or yen). We’ll be here. With lots of ideas for things to do and a very yummy breakfast.
See you soon!