ExploringMaine.com

Stay in Maine and wrap yourself in luxury
By Avery Yale Kamila, The Maine Switch

With fuel costs (and everything else) rising, that cross country road trip or flight to Europe is quickly becoming a budget buster. But should we be forced to spend our vacations holed up in our homes? No way. We're in Maine, people, also known as Vacationland, and incredible getaways are only an hour or two (OK maybe three) from our doorsteps.

Check out these five fabulous spots, where you can find old-fashioned luxury right in your backyard.

Destination>> Greenville

Where to stay: The Blair Hill Inn, 207-695-0224

Room rates: $275-$495

What it offers: Soaring over Moosehead Lake, this 1891 estate embodies the charm of a bygone era. The inn's eight rooms offer everything from wood-burning fireplaces to CD systems to locally-made all natural bath products. Outside, enjoy 15 acres of manicured grounds, a hot tub and a wicker filled verandah with panoramic views. Inside take advantage of a library, an exercise room, an in-room masseuse and a full concierge service. Outdoor concerts take place July 9, July 23, Aug. 6 and Aug. 20. Tickets cost $20.

Dining dish: Using vegetables from the inn's gardens and local organic farmers, locally-raised meats and fresh caught seafood, Chef Scott Johnson prepares a five-course, prix-fix menu each Thursday, Friday and Saturday for $55 (served mid-June to mid-October). A gourmet breakfast is included in the room rate.

Area activities: Fly fishing, whitewater rafting, hiking, kayaking, boating, seaplane rides, golf, moose safaris and mountain biking.

Destination>> Rockport

Where to stay: Samoset Resort, 207-594-2511

Room rates: $259-$379

What it offers: A modern resort with a traditional feel, the Samoset is surrounded by a championship 18-hole golf course and gorgeous harbor views. Everything you need is available on the 230-acre compound, including a health club, an indoor and an outdoor pool and a slew of tennis courts. Golf and tennis pros are available to help improve your game. All rooms come with private balconies, wi-fi, granite vanities and flat screen TVs.

Dining dish: Choose from three on-site restaurants. The AAA Four Diamond Award winning Marcel's has a massive wine list and a traditional menu emphasizing beef and seafood. The atmosphere is more casual in the Breakwater Cafe and the Clubhouse Grille, which both offer pub-style menus. The Summer Wine Fest takes place at the resort June 6-15.

Area activities: Farnsworth Art Museum, the Wyeth Center, the Owls Head Transportation Museum, the Center for Maine Contemporary Art, shopping, schooner excursions, Bay Chamber Concerts and hiking in Camden Hills State Park.

Destination>> Chebeague Island

Where to stay: Chebeague Island Inn, 846-5155

Room rates: $145-$295

What it offers: Take the ferry from Portland or Yarmouth to arrive at this classic island inn. Rooms, which range from singles with shared baths to suites, have been updated with a mix of modern and antique furnishings and contemporary art. The expansive porch and Great Room with a stone fireplace provide the perfect spots to sip cocktails or read a good book, and the inn has bikes, croquet sets, tennis rackets and fishing poles at the ready for guests. The inn offers private moorings for boaters.

Dining dish: With menus featuring locally grown, raised and caught foods, the dining room serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. The room rates include a full breakfast. There is a full bar, a tapas menu and a dramatic flambe ice cream parlor.

Area activities: Great Chebeague Golf Club (9 holes), recreation center with gym, tennis courts, heated pool and teen center, sandy beach, hiking, the Museum of Chebeague History and the Chebeague Library.

Destination>> Bethel

Where to stay: Bethel Inn & Country Club, 824-2175

Room rates: $100-$310

What it offers: This traditional summer retreat in the mountains provides standard rooms, suites (with gas fireplaces and whirlpool tubs) and luxury townhomes (one-, two- or three-bedroom). The main attraction is the championship 18-hole golf course, but the resort also offers a fitness center, an outdoor pool, a sauna, a hot tub, a game room and a full offering of spa services.

Dining dish: Select between fine dining in the Maine Dining Room and more casual pub fare in the Millbrook Tavern and Grille. The tavern has big screen TVs, a pool table and live entertainment on the weekends.

Area activities: Canoing, kayaking, fly fishing, horseback riding, nature programs, wilderness safaris, mountain biking at Sunday River, chairlift rides at Sunday River and whitewater rafting.

Destination>> Ogunquit

Where to stay: The Cliff House Resort & Spa, 361-1000

Room rates: $215-$360

What it offers: For those looking for the ultimate in relaxation, this resort known for its spa is the place to be. Even the guys can be pampered, with everything from a sports massage to a white pine detox, while the ladies will enjoy services ranging from an organic Maine blueberry wrap to a make-up lesson to an immune boosting therapy. During your stay, take advantage of the fitness center, weight room, exercise classes, personal trainers and indoor and outdoor pools.

Dining dish: The Dining Room is open for breakfast and dinner, serving a seafood-focused menu. Lunch is served on the Ocean Terrace and the Spa Pool Bar (adults only).

Area activities: Ogunquit Museum of American Art, Ogunquit Playhouse, Arrows Restaurant, Marginal Way cliff trail, art galleries, restaurants, shopping, fishing cruises, beaches and sea kayaking.