French Lick & West Baden Springs, Indiana: Exploring West Baden Springs Resort (Part 1)

I highly recommend the tour of West Baden Springs Resort.  The hotel has such an interesting history, and it's great to know what you're seeing as you wander through the hotel and grounds.  Tours are offered a couple of times a day and last about an hour.  Here's some of what we saw on the tour and during our stay at West Baden.

West Baden Springs Resort

Rookwood Pottery tiles are used throughout the property, like in this crest at the entrance.

More Rookwood tiles on the floor in the atrium.  These ladies are enjoying afternoon tea.

One of the many seating areas in the atrium

Many statues and pieces of art are on the property. This lady was my favorite.

A focal point of the atrium is this fireplace surround created by Rookwood Pottery.

Detail of fireplace surround

One of many amazing light fixtures

Lobby by the check-in desk

One of several stained glass windows and doors

Hallway Lighting

At night, the massive light fixture in the atrium dome changes colors.

Loved the blues and purples here

Maine's Southern Coast: Shopping

There are many, many places to shop along the southern coast of Maine--from your standard t-shirt and souvenir stores to outlet stores to local artisan shops.
Each town has a selection of gift and artisan stores, and it's fun to spend a little time browsing through them.

In Ogunquit, be sure to check out both Perkin's Cove and downtown.  Both have a different selection of quaint shops.

Shops & restaurants line the main streets in downtown Ogunquit

Find one-of-a-kind pieces or. . .

fun t-shirts & souvenirs.

In Perkin's Cove, you can find something funny, or. . .

. . .something fun or a little fancy.

Kennebunkport has LOTS of unique places to shop, and most are in or around Dock Square in downtown.

Kennebunkport

One of my favorite stores in Kennebunkport was Scalawags Pet Boutique--lots of fun stuff!

Love it!

So cute!!!

If you go to Cape Neddick to visit the Nubble Lighthouse (and you really should!), make sure to stop at Goldenrod Kisses for a bite to eat in their restaurant or for a treat from their awesome candy store.  With its taffy machine and soda fountain, this place makes you feel as if you've traveled back in time--and the candy is delicious!  You'll find a few other gift shops in Cape Neddick, too.

Goldenrod Kisses
I tried the Blueberry Creams--YUM!

Goldenrod Kisses

For bargains from big-name stores, go to Kittery.  Here you'll find the mother-lode of outlet stores.  Travel through Kittery along Route 1, and you'll find several outlet malls containing such stores as Gap, Chico's, J. Crew, Old Navy, and Brooks Brothers.  Click here to see a list of all the outlet stores.

Outlet stores galore in Kittery

Also, check out the Maine Trading Post in Kittery

Inside the Maine Trading Post

Inside the Maine Trading Post

Finally, keep your eyes open for places to shop as you travel along Route 1 in southern Maine.  You'll find lots of antique and thrift stores and much more. Happy Shopping!

Maine's Southern Coast: Kennebunkport

Each of the towns we visited along the southern coast of Maine had it's own unique charm, but my favorite was Kennebunkport.  The people I encountered there were friendly and obviously took pride in their town.  There was a variety of restaurants, shops, and activities to keep us busy and happy, and there were many more that were within a 30-45 minute drive.  Located where the Kennebunk River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Kennebunkport's natural setting was simply beautiful.  We visited in early June before the summer tourist season really got started, so we were able to enjoy the town's easy-going, fun, and peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrived.  Kennebunkport is a great little town that is a nice blend of classy and quirky.

"Love Locks" on the bridge entering downtown Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Harbor

Planters in downtown Kennebunkport

Take a carriage ride and see the town

The wood slices on the side of this hotel seemed to fit well
with the driftwood along the shore of the river.

Cider Mill Press

Lobster, anyone?

The Nott House, 1853
National Register of Historic Places

Mermaids and Seahorses

Lovely homes everywhere

Love these creative planters!

An adorable fairy garden. . .

. . .and fairies arriving by hot air balloon!

Evening on Kennebunkport Harbor