Designer Cottages, a Charming City, and Mouthwatering Lobster Await at Certainly one of America’s Finest Inns

To me, a local Texan, New England was at all times a far-off dream, a distant fairy story the place sailboats, lobster, and the Kennedys lived harmoniously in seaside mansions. In my a part of the world — the Texas panhandle, tucked away between Oklahoma and New Mexico hours from the ocean — New England may as effectively have been outdated England — each really unique in comparison with my dusty, Dairy Queen-filled upbringing.

On a latest highway journey from New York Metropolis to Maine, I lastly acquired to expertise firsthand the New England fantasy I dwelled on rising up. And whereas the roadside lobster shacks and laid-back tempo of life have been precisely what I dreamed of, my in a single day keep at Kennebunk’s White Barn Inn wasn’t only a spotlight of my time in Maine, however probably the greatest motels this journey editor has skilled within the U.S.

Quintessentially American, the White Barn Inn is a part of the Auberge Resorts Assortment. It options pleasant inn-style rooms and suites, in addition to a group of ultra-luxe, waterfront cottages in a non-public enclave inside strolling distance of the lodge. Right here, every room and suite is uniquely adorned, enjoying on what could possibly be thought of “basic” but refined and elevated. However for an actual deal with, go for a cottage.

Worthy of the splurge, White Barn’s 5 cottages vary from 400 to over 1,000 sq. ft, and all include a fire, giant dwelling areas, and entry to the property’s heated infinity pool. Within the Friendship Cottage, the place I stayed with my companion and our canine, I discovered myself in an area that was really luxurious, but additionally laid-back and charming.

Upon checking in on the lodge’s major constructing (the place refreshing drinks greet you on the automotive) and being escorted the three-minute drive to the cottage, I knew that I used to be in for one thing particular. At 1,000 sq. ft, the Friendship Cottage is larger than my Brooklyn house. The truth is, the lavatory is larger than my house — a realization that was shortly washed away in an hour-long bubble bathtub. On getting into, a wood-burning hearth welcomes you, together with a view into the ornate bed room space, adorned with a shocking blue and white wall tapestry to match the headboard. There’s additionally a second dwelling space with home windows searching onto the boat-filled river. And thru the again door within the yard, Adirondack chairs sit dealing with docked boats, waterfront eating places, and the picturesque city itself.

Earlier than returning for dinner on the extremely acclaimed White Barn Inn Restaurant, our corgi, Splenda, was handled to room service from the Canine Delicacies menu, with choices higher than some lodge choices for people. After she chowed down on a salmon filet with broccolini and fell right into a blissful slumber, we dressed up and made the quick stroll to eat within the restaurant. (At White Barn, sure sections of the property are pet-friendly, together with the cottages. It’s going to value you $175, however ensures that, such as you, your furry good friend will likely be handled like royalty.)

On the restaurant, helmed by government chef Matthew Padilla, a shocking menu of New England- and Maine-centric dishes are served in a rustically elegant 1860s-era barn. With two set tasting menus, be ready for a pleasantly overwhelming array of seasonal and freshly sourced meals. A mini caviar and truffle lobster roll checks all of the packing containers, whereas the tomato gazpacho with avocado sorbet refreshes the palate earlier than transferring to the principle dish: Kennebunkport lobster with Champagne lobster sauce, gnocchi, parsnips, Asian pears, and lobster mushrooms. My recommendation: Order totally different plates to attempt a bit little bit of every part, splurge for the wine pairings, and request a desk close to the seasonal image window to essentially have the complete expertise.

Full and feeling good, a gradual stroll again to the cottage helped the delicacies of the evening settle. Inside, a heat hearth made the cottage really feel like residence and Maine really feel like the one place on the earth that mattered at that second. Within the comfy mattress, sleep was tougher to search out than I believed doable, however solely as a result of I didn't need the evening to finish.

The subsequent morning, earlier than trying out and dealing with the fact that this was only a short-term respite from on a regular basis life, we returned for a breakfast of pancakes and lobster Benedict at Little Barn. Open to friends for breakfast and most people for drinks and eating nightly, this quaint house, the informal offset of the restaurant, opened final summer season as a part of the lodge’s complete redesign by New York-based Jenny Wolf Interiors.

Over espresso and bloody marys, we mirrored on the magic of all the expertise — the impeccable service, the dreamy cottage surrounded by boats, the sheer quantity of scrumptious lobster, and, within the midst of the pandemic, how secure we felt due to Auberge’s meticulous cleansing and COVID-19 protocols. In case you’re on the lookout for New England, no matter model you thought you knew, belief me, it is higher on the White Barn Inn.

Tanner Saunders is the Experiences Editor at Journey + Leisure. He is nonetheless fascinated about lobster. Comply with him on Instagram @tizanner.