The warmth of a crackling fire? A sense of romance? Soaking up quintessential coastal New England? We asked folks to let us know why they would love to come to Kennebunkport and the Captain Jefferds Inn during the winter. First prize in the contest was a gift certificate for a two-night stay in one of our rooms with a fireplace. Second Prize was a gift certificate for a single-night stay in one of our rooms with a fireplace. Third prize was a $100 gift certificate. We accepted emailed submissions through February 29th (yes it is Leap Year!) and randomly drew the three winners from the submissions we received. We unexpectedly received an entry from a pair of internet savvy dogs so we added a special category for canines with an additional $100 gift certificate award. The lucky winners are below:

  • First Prize: Sandi Pearl-Ehrlich
  • Second Prize: David and Amy Veling
  • Third Prize: William D. Prout
  • Canine Prize: Bailey & Sophie Rusack

We received countless wonderful responses and so appreciate everyone's participation in the contest! Here are excerpts from the winning entries:

Winter Image". . . Then in 2007, we decided to spend New Year's Eve in Maine. Yes, our friends thought us crazy - why would anyone go to Maine in the depth of winter? Snow instead of palm trees? That was the first time we stayed at the Capt. Jefferds Inn. The morning after we arrived, we woke to a significant snowfall, close to a foot of the most brilliant white blanketing the grounds. The sun made it sparkle! It was magic for me - though I'm sure not so sweet for the residents. Charles drove me all around, stopping every few minutes so I could jump out and take another must-have photo. Hours later, red-cheeked, feet soaked (Uggs not so water-proof), we returned to warm up in front of the fire with tea and cookies and share our stories with other guests. Kennebunkport at its best!"

" . . . The Captain Jefferds has played a role in many of the most important events in our life together: our engagement, anniversaries, birthdays...it is the first place we think of when we make special plans."

"My wife and I have been married for over 40 years and for over 20 of them we have visited Maine for "relationship" building and romantic escapes-mostly during off season. It began many years ago when my wife decided we needed some "time alone" away from my stressful job. She "kidnapped" me with an elaborate hoax , including telling my secretary to "cancel " all my appointments. Our destination was Kennebunkport and as we drove over the bridge from New Hampshire we felt the "stress" release, similar to when we first walked in to Captain Jefferds Inn . . ."

Pawprints in beach". . . our friend Eloise, the Inn's dog, lives there; she is always so much fun and she tells us about the best places in Kennebunkport where we can play (we love Goose Rocks beach). Upon arrival we're always greated by their friendly staff and best of all when we go into our luxurious room there is always a delicious cookie waiting for us. Last time we even found a brand new tennis ball for us! After taking a long stroll down Ocean Ave. in the winter mom & dad always seem so cold, we often think 'where are their fur coats...' but when we get back they always seem to enjoy the room where they get hot tea and cookies; looks kinda cool but we're not allowed in there. It's always sad when our vacation comes to an end because we love Captain Jefferds and the hospitality of Sarah and Erik but we're quickly cheered up with a walk through the downtown and a visit to Scalawags on our way out and knowing we'll be back soon."