Maine’s Black Point Inn

I just spent two lovely days at the beautiful Black Point Inn at Prouts Neck (Scarborough),  not far from Portland. If you’re planning a summer visit to Maine, this could be a great stop — especially if you love beaches, jogging, art, good food and wine, or all of the above! Inn guests have access to two sparkling-clean beaches, great for walking or jogging as well as swimming. I found the private roads around the inn perfect for an early morning run — no cars playing “gotcha!” with runners,  and it’s easy to find a flat or hilly route.

The restaurant has a decent wine cellar and good food. The cioppino made with local fish, shrimp, clams, and mussels was a winner. As for the art….well, this is Winslow Homer country, and his studio is just a short walk from the inn. Tours of his recently refurbished studio won’t begin until September, but in the meantime you can take in the scenery that so inspired him and drive the short distance to the Portland Art Museum to see some of his original works.

Black Point Inn lends bikes to guests, there’s an excellent golf course, and of course the scenery can’t be beat.  It’s the last of several old inns in this area that once welcomed guests for “the season,” year after year and generation after generation.  Many families do still make an annual trek, but it’s also a great place for a weekend getaway or a few days of R&R.  If your travels bring you to the Portland area, don’t miss it!  Check it out at blackpointinn.com