Retreat to Maine

This past week, I had the pleasure of returning to the beautifully wild and beautiful state of Maine. This state is a retreat in every sense of the word. From its mystical fog that elegantly rolls in and out throughout the day to its nostalgic rhythms of the sea, Maine offers its visitors space to reflect, rest, and ultimately retreat.

We retreated at Newagen Seaside Inn for a weekend of pure bliss. At this historic seaside inn, guests are given the opportunity to breathe out the stressors of their day and breathe in the therapy that the sea and its surrounding nature brings. We settled into our quaint room at the end of the hall. Its nautical quilts, small closet, and wooden floors reminded me of being aboard a vintage sailboat. We opened the windows and the cool autumn sea breeze brushed across our cheeks. I was transported for a moment into the setting of Seaside Hotel—a Danish show capturing the summers of families at a local inn. In that moment, I released all my cares and concerns and embraced the moment.

Our evening was spent by the outdoor firepit sipping on bourbon and stargazing. The inn’s pub was filled with guests who were soaking in the serene atmosphere. Magical.

The next morning, I awoke to the smell of bacon and the dew of a new day. I pulled the curtain back and noticed the fog rolling in. The air was wet and cool. Though the sunshine wasn’t out, I anticipated what the day might hold. Following a relaxing farm-to-table breakfast, complete with local eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, waffles, and coffee, we were ready to explore. Newagen Seaside Inn offers an array of amenities to its guests—truly making their home yours. One activity that I was keen on taking advantage of was rowing. My boyfriend is not only a native of Maine, but also an avid seaman. We got in the boat and made our way out to Cuckhold’s Lighthouse. The waves brought a calm to our souls and set the scene for a romantic afternoon. We pulled out boat ashore and explored the island—taking in the vastness of the sea. I set the mood with songs from Ella Fitzgerald to Lyle Lovett. My mind and heart retreated, and I was reminded once more how moments like this are not only special but essential for mental and physical health.

Following our time, we rowed back to shore and concluded our afternoon with a hearty salad topped with grilled shrimp followed by a stroll in the nearby town of Boothbay Harbor. Our highlights included walking across the pedestrian bridge, visiting the local candy store of Ornes, and delighting in the tastes of cinnamon ice cream. We moved at a casual pace, and it was not only peaceful, but reflective.

That evening, we savored in the seaside tastes of oysters, shrimp, and local fish of the sea. Following hours of dancing in the 1920s ballroom, we joined others for games at the inn’s game room, situated above the original horse stables. The highlight was the vintage pin bowling alley. Guests can roll down the small wooden balls to try their hand at knocking down the wooden pins at the end of the lane. The only catch is that the player must manually reset their pins. I didn’t make a strike, but there were many spares. The games offered were ping pong, shuffleboard, foosball, and card games. There was also a bar, popcorn machine, and hot dogs—a true retreat of fun.

Time in Maine isn’t complete without a sailboat ride. We were given the honor of not only sailing, but sailing on a one-of-a-kind boat restored from 1926. The sunshine was out, and we welcomed every moment. Leaning from side to side, we each took in the waves of the sea. Breathtaking. Wondrously wild. True Maine.

The final Maine moments were spent driving the country roads and soaking up the sunshine and fall leaves. For all past and future visitors, Maine is a quintessential destination to rest, reflect, and retreat.