Our friends truly outdid themselves by booking the entire Harpswell Inn for our 4th of July reunion, and I find myself incredibly lucky, feeling like the gods were smiling down on us! It was the most perfect setting for a fun, kid, and dog-friendly celebration at the breathtaking Harpswell Lookout Point.
At one point, as I was simply sitting in a rocking chair, gazing at the magnificent sea view, with birds chirping, kids' laughter echoing, and my dog peacefully by my side, I honestly felt like I was in a real-life "Calm Soundscape" - pure heaven.
Harpswell Inn is truly a magical place. The lovely young couple who took over a few years ago have done an exceptional job preserving the traditional 1800s Maine vibe of the house while infusing it with modern, fun, and funky furniture. The staff, though a small and dedicated team, were incredibly friendly and welcoming. I must give a special shout-out to Barbara, a true Harpswellonian, whose blueberry scones are absolutely divine! I even had a delightful small-town moment running into her aunt at the local Hannaford's in Brunswick.
The thoughtful owners also provided a delicious continental breakfast, featuring locally roasted coffee, and offered kayaks and paddleboards for the more adventurous members of our group to enjoy.
Our friends also inquired with Kelsey, the owner, about hosting a private chef for a special three-course meal. Kelsey went above and beyond, creating a gorgeous tablescape adorned with local flowers. She collaborated with a local private chef who focused on sourcing everything locally. Our culinary journey began with fresh oysters featuring traditional fixings and an amazing yuzu orange sauce, alongside a gorgeous cheeseboard as appetizers. Our three-course meal then commenced with a delightful tuna tartare salad with fried capers, followed by perfectly cooked NY Strip steak with garlicky chimichurri sauce, huge, delicious scallops, and incredible focaccia bread. The meal concluded with a delightful and refreshing key lime pie. The owners were also kind enough to arrange a separate, equally delicious meal for the kids, featuring a fun crunchy salad, mac and cheese, and brownie bites (yes, I tried it all!).
If I could convince our group of friends to make this an annual tradition, and we could secure our spot early enough with the kind owners, I would absolutely make Harpswell Inn our go-to destination every 4th of July.
Thank you, Kelsey, John, and Archer, for being such lovely and gracious hosts. We can't wait to return! read more