Photo by T. Winkler

Fall is upon us and it is a beautiful display this year!

Our welcome bear has made a friend. Most mornings our resident chipmunk sits on the bear's nose and watches through the window as the guests eat breakfast. He thinks their antics are quite amusing. The chipmunk was nowhere to be seen once all the picture taking started.

So, on to the news in Freeport...there's a new grandchild on the way! Expected date of arrival is in early May. The older siblings are all in school now and are very excited at the prospect of a new baby. There's been a little bit of 'dibs on the baby in my room' already. The family has settled nicely into their new house in upstate NY and is enjoying home ownership.

Super-duper Cooper had his first birthday party in VT. It was a family camping trip with lots of aunts, uncles, cousins & grandma in attendance. Coming at it does at the end of August, we were unable to attend. Figuring he'll be 10 before we see a birthday party.

Next week we're hoping number one son will be here for a visit.

Things are on the move in Freeport!

Sadie Green's has moved down the street and is now located next door to Wicked Whoopies. The Lazy Bear is moving out of town to Topsham. We're sorry to see Joy leave. Her store has so many fun, woodsy elements. Wilbur's Chocolates and Simply Divine Brownies held their open house in the new location last week. The 'Pumpkin House' (so called because of its color) is a short walk from the former location, on Lower Main St. (Across from Gritty's and Pedro O'Hara's.)

It may be a little early to pack your bags, but start thinking about taking the train to get to Freeport and points north. The search is underway for a location for the new railway station for our stop on the Amtrak Downeaster from Boston. Finally connecting Portland with Rockland (and points in between), the train is due to arrive in 2010.

Construction on the Freeport Village Station (not to be confused with the train station) is proceeding quickly. The tentative opening date is in May, 2009. Some pictures of the activity: 

The above photo shows the pavilion (center) and to the right you can see where the shops will start being framed in. There are more shops to the left. Underneath all of this level is the parking garage. There is a gentle slope from the Main Street level to the pavilion (compared with the steps that used to lead down to the old LL Bean Factory Store). If you are trying to picture this, the main entry point is between Cole Haan and 9 West. Other access points will be on Depot Street and Mill Street.

This is the view from Depot Street. The brick building ahead is the Mallett Building, which has been standing on that location since 1888. Right in front, but not visible from this angle, a 'brick board' has been set up to allow the construction team to match the new brick to the old. The various colorful sides present in this photo are different insulating panels on part of the parking garage. To the left of the Mallett Building will be a new restaurant.

We hope you're all having a wonderful fall and that you're making plans to visit soon!

Some enticements...

Ghost Walks are scheduled for Oct 24, 25 & 30, starting at 7 PM from the Historical Society.

Historic B&B Open Houses are scheduled for Oct 24 and Dec 6, from 2-4 PM. Stop here to get a map of the 6 participating B&B's.

Girlfriends' Getaway Weekend is Nov 14 & 15. Special demos at LL Bean, food & wine tastings around town, makeovers, chick flicks & more. Grab your friends and come to Freeport!

Sparkle Weekend is Dec 5 & 6. Christmas light displays, concerts, shopping, food and let's not forget the Talking Christmas tree! Join everyone in the dining room for our wrapping paper party Friday and Saturday. We supply the wrappings, you supply the gifts.

Coming up in February, 2009, don't miss the Flavors of Freeport Festival. Feb 6, 7 & 8.

And it's not too early to plan your Christmas getaway. We have 7 rooms and can accommodate up to 19 guests, including children. We decorate, we make breakfast, we clean up. You relax and enjoy your family! Head to the Harraseeket for their special Christmas buffet, redeem those LL Bean gift certificates, take the hassle out of the holidays this year. Minimum stay for the whole inn is 3 days. Sit by the fire, sing carols, play board games, relax.