By Warren Woodberry Jr. with Photography by Willie Anderson
Summer may be just about be over, but City dwellers who didn’t quite manage to flee the Big Apple for some R&R this season should consider a Maine trip to Black Point Inn for that relaxing get-away.
See it as an alternative to the Hamptons; Black Point Inn, a historic, grand hotel on Prouts Neck caters to couples for a romantic hideaway, intimate family vacations and corporate retreats.
Super high cost rentals and long waits at restaurants without reservations can be a bit nerve racking if you’re not used to the norms of the Hamptons. The ride out east may be a 2 – 3 hour jaunt, but if you’re up for it, the 5 hour road trip from New York City to Maine is worth the time if you’re looking to avoid destination disappointment.
As students head back to school and temperatures fall to more enjoyable levels, September is a great time to watch the sunset over the water from wicker chairs on the deck with a cocktail in hand. Breathe in air off the ocean and feel the rush of a cool evening breeze against your face amidst the calm. The Inn is nestled on lushly landscaped property surrounded by water and beaches on three sides.
A trip to the Inn brings you back to a simple time, one grandparents would find reminiscent of childhood. It’s the ideal place to launch a new family tradition and create memorable experiences. The unhurried pace, gracious charm and attentive service remain as hallmarks of this historic Maine Inn. Here it is easy to unwind and escape to a bygone era. Yet for those who just can’t make that complete break from life back home there is free access to wireless internet in every room.
The Inn holds 25 unique luxurious guest rooms and suites with private baths, many with ocean and bay views. Although built in 1878 the property has been extensively renovated throughout its history to ensure comfort while preserving its historic character. In keeping with today’s new building initiatives, the Inn is certified green and recognized as an environmental leader. The property uses geothermal heating/cooling, purchase energy efficient equipment, recycle most waste, buy products from local purveyors and serve seafood that is not endangered. Guests are encouraged to assist by turning off lights and appliances when not in use.
Black Point Inn has two onsite restaurants for your dining pleasure, both with their own styles of service and atmosphere. Both restaurants feature a Traditional American/Seafood Menu with seasonal items being added throughout their operating months.
The Chart Room is Black Point Inn’s pub and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Reservations are accepted for all parties by calling the Inn. The attire in The Chart Room is casual and atmosphere is laid-back and energetic.
The Point Restaurant opens at 6 pm each night for dinner. Reservations are accepted for all parties by calling the Inn directly or booking a table on OpenTable.Dining in The Point Restaurant is an event. Guests are asked to follow their business casual dress requirements for the evening (no jeans, no shorts, no flip flops and shirts with a collar are required). The ambiance of The Point Restaurant is formal and quiet. Those dining with children are recommended to dine in The Chart Room.
The Inn can accommodate groups of just 2 people, to events for 150. Staff can work on an individual basis for weddings of less than 40 guests during July and August, and with the passage of marriage equality in Maine, the Inn looks forward to hosting more weddings than ever before.
With more than 4,800 square feet of meeting space, like the newly renovated venues – The Point, Atlantic Room, and Homer Room – Black Point Inn has just the right facilities for a corporate board retreat, staff development conference, executive meeting or client appreciation event. The Inn’s locations allows for business to sail away with their entire executive team on the Portland Schooner Company’s Wendameen right from the Prouts Neck Yacht Club.
Inn activities include sunbathing and swimming in the non-chlorinated Black Point Inn pool during day light hours. There’s an exercise room and a massage therapist available at $110 an hour. Aerobic or weight work outs can be had in the exercise room.
Off-site, just a brief walk up the road, is the Prouts Neck Beach Club, available to Inn guests. Venture to take a scenic cliff walk on a wonderful self-guided tour of Prouts Neck and the ocean’s edge, especially in the morning. The trail is rugged so durable footwear is a must. Across the street, play 18 holes of the best links golf in Maine on a private club course, oceanside. Visitors can also paddle the waters off Ferry Beach in a kayak.
The Greater Portland area (just 15 minutes north) has a rich offering of art galleries and quaint shops. One can visit the Portland Museum for a day during inclement weather so as to not have one’s journey spoiled.
Sail or cruise on Casco Bay on historic schooners and yachts or hop The Caco Bay Ferry Line that also offers a wonderful and inexpensive ocean adventure. And as if that is not adventerous enough for you, take on a few hours of windjammer sailing or lobstering, including hauling, baiting, and setting lobster traps.
Discover Portland Maine and the shores of Casco Bay by bicycle during a 5-hour tour featuring the Maine’s ruggedly beautiful coastline, lighthouses and Portland’s history. Knowledgeable locals will be your guide and treat you to a gourmet picnic lunch. Participants should be comfortable biking 10 – 12 miles. Tours depart from Ocean Gateway Cruise Terminal and Visitor Center.
When booking at the Inn guests can select from five suite arrangements. Here are 2015 rate schedule samples for introductory, moderate and premium suites; Spinnaker Suites $540 – 590 during low season and $695 at peak; Commodore’s Chambers $490-$540 during low season and $610 at peak and Captain’s Chambers $410 – $460 during low season and $530 at peak.
A modified American Plan includes full breakfast and dinner for two daily. All rates quoted are based on double occupancy, not including the Main State room tax of 8% or guest service charge of 18%.
Slip away in the last weeks of September and receive up to 25% off their standard Bed and Breakfast rates.
For reservations visit www.blackpointinn.com or call .
The Black Point Inn
510 Black Point Road
Scarborough, ME 04074
