Located in Scarborough, Maine is the idyllic historic Higgins Beach Inn. Its antique coastal charm is apparent as soon as you lay eyes on it. Adorable window boxes line the front of the building, with a perfectly manicured lawn and a white picket side fence surrounded by wildflowers. An American Flag hanging over a cozy covered porch that just invites you in for an extended stay.

Matt and I were immediately ushered in with the kindness of the staff and shown to our room. The entire hotel has undergone a complete renovation since the Migis Hotel Group took over ownership in 2016. Each room has been designed with a distinct coastal feel. The beds are white and fluffy (and extremely comfortable), the walls behind the beds are shiplap with a whitewash finish. Bay windows allow the natural light to flood in while observing the beach goers coming and going from a set of coral wicker chairs. The bathrooms hold true to its history with pedestal sinks, and Victorian black and white tile floors, while maintaining the fresh beachy vibe with a white palette
. All of the doors are the original wooden doors and the owners incorporated vintage photos of the hotel in the transoms.

But enough about the rooms. Let’s talk food. Shade, the hotel’s restaurant, gives you an option to dine indoors in the coolest red metal chairs I may have ever seen. Or you can dine on the covered porch and take advantage of the cool Maine breeze that rolls in early in the evening. For cocktails, Matt chose the local IPA, while I had the house, Sauvignon Blanc. I was pleasantly surprised by the house white because it had great acidity, and layered flavors. There was also an effervescence that was a perfect match for the dishes we chose.

First up were the oysters, fresh oysters regional to New England are one of our favorite dishes, and we are extremely critical. Nailed it. They were perfect. Then onto the mussels and fish tacos. Once again, perfect, and perfect. Because the meal was so good we just had to have dessert, which was a homemade blueberry cheesecake. For those that don’t know, Maine blueberries are a thing ya’ll. NOT blueberries, but MAINE BLUEBERRIES. Just as we expected, the cheesecake was to die for.

After dinner we went down to Higgins Beach – one of Maine’s few sandy beaches, to take a few photos and fly the drone. So many kids, and dogs, and families just enjoying the evening made me smile. The air was filled with the sound of memories. You know the sounds: the children laughing, a dog barking for a ball to be thrown, teenagers playing beach frisbee, and the adults softly murmuring with cocktails in hand. OK, I don’t know if they were real cocktails, but I’m willing to bet it wasn’t tea in all of those cups.

The next morning I was up at 4:15 A.M. to catch the sunrise at Portland Head Light.  The famous Maine lighthouse is a short drive from Scarborough, Maine. After catching the money shot, and some great drone footage, I made myself at home on the Higgins Beach Inn porch with my first cup of coffee. It was only 6:30 A.M and I was watching an endless parade in front of me. First, the father holding a surfboard in one hand, and dragging a wagon with babies and toys behind him. Then came the moms, holding large beach bags full of more toys, snacks, and what have you. Finally, a sleepy little toddler dragging their beach towels would bring up the rear. I could have sat and watched this scene unfold for hours on end.

The Inn is located a quick drive away from Portland and is a spectacular option for a beach getaway. You can enjoy everything Portland offers, and yet have that quiet coastal charm that Scarborough, Maine gives you. A beach vacation the family will always remember. We loved it, and I know you will too!

 

You can check out the video for Higgins Beach Inn below!