We arrived at The Ledgelawn after four days of bumping along northern Maine's backroads and sleeping in rustic cabins. The lovely, laidback atmosphere of the inn provided just the change of pace we were craving. The historic Colonial Revival-style inn, built in 1904, was once a Boston shoe manufacturer's summer mansion during Bar Harbor's turn-of-the-century heyday. It is one of the few remaining "cottages" built by wealthy vacationers during that era of elegance.
As we carried our luggage past guests lounging outside on wicker porch chairs and perched on bar stools sipping wild blueberry margaritas inside the inn's bar and lounge, we knew immediately that we could anticipate a relaxing stay and a much needed respite from our grueling days on the road. What we didn't know was that the charming and comfortable inn would have the opposite effect on the third member of our party.
I'd been nervously warning my husband for weeks that I might freak when I felt baby's first field goal attempt, reminding him incessantly that he would never have to experience the odd sensation of being kicked from the inside. My obstetrician and all of the baby books said that I could expect to feel fetus's first acrobatics any day, but our days of dirt road driving hadn't inspired a single jab.
After depositing our belongings in our spacious and classically decorated room, we walked to the center of town for lobster dinner and lobster ice cream. The Ledgelawn Inn's location is perfect for Bar Harbor vacationers. It's just a short walk to the waterfront and to all of the shops and restaurants surrounding the Bar Harbor Village Green, where you'll also be able to hop aboard a free shuttle bus that provides transportation to the airport, Acadia National Park and a number of area museums and attractions.
As we settled into our cozy, four-poster bed for the evening, I closed my eyes in blissful anticipation of restful slumber, but my lids flew open moments later. You guessed it... I got booted in the womb. It wasn't freaky at all, actually. In fact, it felt rather natural that any kid of mine would feel compelled to let me know that she liked the lobster... and The Ledgelawn.
About The Ledgelawn Inn
Location: The Ledgelawn is located at 66 Mt. Desert Street in Bar Harbor, Maine, just about a five-minute walk from the waterfront and all of the shops and restaurants in the center of town.
Accommodations: There are 23 guest rooms in the historic inn and an additional 10 rooms in the adjoining, modern Carriage House. Rooms are individually decorated, and many feature four-poster beds and whirlpool tubs. Rooms with working fireplaces and saunas are also available. All rooms are equipped with telephones, televisions and private baths. Rates vary by the type of room requested and include a Continental breakfast buffet. Children are welcome; there is a charge for those ages four and up. Pets who can obey the "rules of order" are also welcome; there is a small charge. The inn is closed from November through April.
Accessibility: Inquire about the location of your room at the time of reservation if you have accessibility concerns, as ours required a hike up several flights of stairs.
Facilities: The Ledgelawn has a heated outdoor pool available for guests.
Deposit and Cancellation Policies: Be sure you understand the inn's deposit requirements and cancellation policies, as there is a cancellation fee, and you will be responsible for the cost of your entire booking if you cancel within 14 days of your intended arrival.
For Reservations: Call 207-288-4596 or toll free, 800-274-5334. The Ledgelawn's Web site also has online reservations capability.
