Spruce Point Inn in Boothbay Harbor, Maine was described to me as being a real-life version of the Dirty Dancing resort. And let me telly you, that’s exactly what this family-friendly property feels like. The sprawling oceanside property has activities for every age and taste. The delights of quaint, classically New England Boothbay Harbor are just a short drive away.
The Inn offers a multitude of accommodations from spacious rooms for two to full cottages for families or larger groups. It has the feel of a mini community where you can greet your neighbors on their porches every morning before heading to breakfast.
There are opportunities for relaxation all around Spruce Point. Pull up an Adirondack chair with a view of the water or lounge by the on-the-ocean pool. There’s another pool further into the property so you’ll never have to fight for a seat. I found some of the most peaceful moments on the property to just be sitting outside, feeling the ocean breeze and enjoying a good book.
But for those looking for more rigorous stimulation, options abound! There’s a clubhouse and structured activities for children and young adults, tennis courts, a variety of walking trails, and a fitness room. Plus, the most important activity of all, a spa. All around the Spruce Point Inn grounds you’ll find fun games like corn hole, Jenga, and giant chess. There’s never a dull moment at this resort. And there’s never an empty stomach either! There are three primary dining options at Spruce Point. For an upscale experience, Whiteclover is a must. The beautiful, noir-style dining room transports you back to a swanky 1940s night out. Many of the ingredients are locally sourced and a farm-to-table vision is executed with precision and style. Dishes and cocktails are designed to delight and intrigue your taste buds, like the scallops with black truffle risotto and the steak delmonico with foraged oyster mushrooms and sauce bordelaise.
The Salty Stag serves three meals a day, breakfast, lunch, and dinner from a comfortable, family-friendly dining room. The menu is accessible but still well designed, featuring classics like an elevated lobster roll, steak frites, and fish tacos. This will be the go-to dining room for your stay at Spruce Point, where you’ll grab eggs benedict in the morning and martinis after the kids have gone to bed. The Grandview Deck offers quick and casual bites outside overlooking the ocean. Grab a sandwich, a dozen oysters, or a round of cheesy fries before heading back to the pool.
One of the most special experiences Spruce Point provides is a complimentary boat ride to the nearby Burnt Island. While boating over, the delightful captains describe the history of Boothbay Harbor and its unique security against harsh storms. On the island you can visit Burnt Island Light, tour the lighthouse museum that was an operational home until the 1950s and explore the beautiful island. For a cost, Spruce Point will also pack you a picnic lunch to enjoy on site.
This was one of the most magical moments during our trip to Spruce Point Inn. It was a gorgeous day and the island was quiet, giving us plenty of time to soak in the history and natural beauty of the space.
After an island excursion, or let’s be honest, any kind of day, s’mores are a must. And Spruce Point Inn takes s’mores very seriously. You’ll find a s’more shack that runs every night providing s’mores supplies and assistance around a large communal fire. The wood burning fire transported me back to my childhood when we would camp and make s’mores after a day outdoors. It’s the most wonderful way to end a day.
.
I travel a lot and experience some magnificent hotels and luxurious activities. But here at Spruce Point Inn I experienced something that’s very hard to find as an adult: genuine fun. My travel companion and I roasted s’mores and played corn hole and laughed and were messy, and for a brief time I felt the lightness of childhood again. That alone is worth the visit.
Please note: I was provided with a complimentary stay by Spruce Point Inn, however, all opinions expressed are my own.