Waldo Emerson Inn
108 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043
Ph: 207 985 4250
email: innkeeper@waldoemerson.com
The Inn.
The Waldo Emerson Inn offers you a much-deserved break from the pressures of modern living by taking you back in time. Built in 1753, this luxury romantic and pet friendly bed and breakfast is one of the most historic places to stay on the Maine coast. Refined and stately, the inn has recently been reinvigorated with a lighthearted touch. Settle in the parlor and picture Ralph Waldo Emerson putting his own feet up after a long day laboring with pen and paper while you sip on a drink from the Honor Bar.
Located a short five minute drive from historic Dock Square the inn offers a quiet reprise from the hustle and bustle of Kennebunkport with over an acre of gardens, Adirondack chairs under large oak trees and an inviting fire pit complete with complimentary s’mores.
The Rooms
Sleep soundly in one of the inn’s six guest rooms appointed with authentic historic details, fun personal touches, and original works of art. Decorated in a blend of historical charm and elegant whimsy roughly reminiscent of 18th Century Americana meets Alice in Wonderland. Four of the guest rooms have fireplaces and all rooms have their own en-suite bath.
The inn offers three king-bed rooms (Sweet Haven, Lyman and Waldo’s Retreat) and three queen bed rooms (Kingsbury, Bourne and Ralph’s Library). Sweet Haven and Kingsbury can accommodate three guests. Waldo’s Retreat can accommodate up to four guests. The inn is pet friendly.
The Breakfast
Awake and dine leisurely on a gourmet breakfast prepared by your innkeeper. Breakfast is served community style from 8:00 to 9:00 AM, in the formal dining room, or the keeping room depending on the number of guests. Breakfast is a two or three course affair including an offering of fresh fruit, the inn’s famous home made granola, freshly-baked muffins and pastries, and one of Amelia's main course specialties such as Lobster and Grits, Breakfast Tacos or Maine Blueberry Bread Pudding. The chef is happy to accommodate specific dietary needs with advance notice.
The Innkeeper
New Mexico native Amelia brings some Southern charm to the Waldo Emerson Inn. Amelia is no stranger to hospitality, she grew up in the hospitality business and worked for Historic Hilton in Santa Fe for most of her adult life. After returning to Santa Fe from Portland, Oregon she was Director of Catering at Santa Fe Historic Hilton until she opened a Subway shop. A move to New Hampshire followed where she and husband Ron raised their children, Shelby and Joe.
Both children now off at college, Amelia has pursued her dream of becoming an innkeeper. After spending a few years looking for the perfect inn she was delighted by the history and charm of the Waldo Emerson Inn and looks forward to welcoming guests from near and far.
Gardens
The gardens at the Waldo Emerson Inn offer a quiet reprise from the hustle and bustle of Kennebunkport and Dock Square. Sip a libation from our Honor Bar under one of the shady oak trees while reading your favorite author or maybe something from Ralph Waldo Emerson borrowed from our Book Bar. Enjoy S’Mores around the fire pit or breakfast on the back patio. With over an acre of yard and gardens there is plenty of room to find your quiet spot as well as for your pooch to roam.
Our Bars
It is rumored that Ralph Waldo Emerson spent 10 summers in this house, focused on his writing. Emerson believed in Transcendentalism which holds that people are inherently good, and that they are at their best when self-reliant and independent. In keeping with this theory, Amelia has placed a variety of bars throughout the Inn that you can enjoy on the honor system.
Enjoy a cocktail or candy? A good book and a slice of toast? Or are you headed to the beach or need a snack after a hectic day of shopping? Check out the selection and make a choice from one or from all - in the words of Ralph himself , "once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen."