Bed and Breakfast in Kennebunkport, Maine

The Bars at the Waldo

“Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Legend has it that American poet, philosopher and essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson spent 10 summers in this old house, focused on his writing. Emerson was a proponent of Transcendentalism which holds, in part, that people are inherently good, and that they are at their best when self-reliant and independent. In this spirit of this philosophy, Innkepper Amelia has placed a variety of bars throughout the Inn that you can enjoy on the honor system—a fun extra that might just make this Inn the best bed and breakfast in Kennebunkport, Maine.

Red wine being poured into a glass at our B&B in Kennebunkport

The Honor Bar

Enjoy a cocktail or a glass of wine, then enjoy the coziness of our keeping room or one of our two parlors. If it’s nice, step outside and enjoy the summer breeze or fall colors while sitting in one of our Adirondack chairs under the trees in the garden. Emerson once said, “The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.” Amelia trusts you won’t boast of your honor, only record your drinks in the big book to be charged later.

“The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Book Bar

When one of the cozy parlors is drawing you in and you want to curl up with a book, visit the Book Bar. Borrow from our selection of old and new books and feel free to swap one of yours for one of ours.

“Nature and books belong to the eyes that see them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Beach bag with towel, hat, sunglasses, and shoes at a top Kennebunkport beach

The Beach Bar

Headed to the beach? Each guest room has a locker in the Beach Bar with everything you need for a day at the beach: complimentary beach towels, beach chairs and, of course, suntan lotion.

Sweet pastries and coffee at our bed and breakfast in Kennebunkport

The Beverage and Snack Bar

Feeling peckish or hangry? Enjoy 24-hour coffee and tea service on our 2nd floor landing along with a changing variety of sweet and savory snacks.

And when you’re really hungry…

Make your way to breakfast between 8:30 and 9:30 each morning, and discover why Amelia’s gourmet breakfasts make the Waldo Emerson Inn one of the best places to stay in Maine.