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October 6th, 2011 by Ray Deleo
 Bed and Breakfast Maine namely the Atlantic Birches Inn an Old Orchard Beach ME. Bed and Breakfast is happy to inform you that Harvest on the Harbor is here again on October 20 – 22 at the Ocean Gateway Terminal in Portalnd.
 It offers a unique experience that showcase’s many of Maine’s celebrated chefs and many renowned fine dining establishments, while featuring high-caliber and authentic gourmet products from local Maine farmers, fishermen and food artisans, as well as wineries, brewers and spirit makers. Some of the special events will be Grand Tasting on the Harbor.
 Lobster Chef of the Year Competition, The Ultimate Seafood Splash and Top of the Crop from Maine’s Best Farms to Table Chefs. We invite you to share in the harvest bounty and hope you join us for 3 fun filled days of gourmet foods right here in Portland Maine on the peaceful coast of Maine
August 12th, 2011 by Ray Deleo
 Bed and Breakfast Maine namely the Atlantic Birches Inn a Old Orchard Beach ME. Bed and Breakfast is happy to inform you of the Boston Portsmouth Air Show. The United States Navy Blue Angels along with the Brazilian Smoke Squadron will bring their high adrenaline, action packed flying performance to the Boston Portsmouth Air Show at Portsmouth’s International Airport at Pease on August 13 & 14 for the 2nd time in 21 years.
There will also be precision aerobatic flying by John Klatt in his Staudacher S-300D, Michael Goulian in his Castrol Aviator Extra 330SC, and Sean D. Tucker in his custom built 400 horsepower Challenger II Biplane.
The air Show will host ground displays of many different aircraft including today’s military jets, Vintage Warbirds, Bi Planes, and Civilian Aircraft. Many of the display will allow hands on and walkthroughs.
The U.S. Army Golden Knights Precision Parachute Team will be parachuting in on this years show.
 Impressive demonstrations of the mighty roar of the USAF F-15 will be put on, along with the display of power and maneuverability of the F-16 that combines to make this Jet one of the world’s most lethal aircraft, also the Navy’s top fighter and attack aircraft the F/A-18 Super Hornet will captivate the audience with it powerful, precise demonstration of it’s speed and skill. An also must see demonstration is the KC-135R Stratotanker, the fuel lifeline of the United States Air Force in action in an exciting fly-by.
July 14th, 2011 by Ray Deleo
 Clam Shucking Bed and Breakfast Maine namely the Atlantic Birches Inn an Old Orchard Beach Inn would like to show you the Better Way To Stay and inform you of one of our favorite events of the year the Yarmouth Clam Festival a 45-year-old tradition, which comes alive like clockwork on the third Friday in July, provides a sense of seasonal timekeeping; for others, a centerpiece for homecoming gatherings; and for others, a reconnection with the pleasure of basic hometown charm. The annual festival boasts lots of clams for eating, musical performances, competitions, fireworks, arts and crafts
 Crafting The juried craft show on the NYA Lawn offers a selection of handmade crafts in every price range created by more than 140 artisans. Thursday 6-8pm (crafter’s option to open); Friday & Saturday 10am-9pm; Sunday 10am-5pm.has a fine selection of jewelry, clothing, collectibles, pottery, wood carvings, and other handcrafted items created by over 140 artisans for every price range. The Festival’s jury consists of a panel of independent experts in various categories of arts and crafts. The jury selects crafters based on the following criteria: authenticity of handcrafted workmanship, originality and individuality, design excellence, executional skill, attention to detail, and professionalism in presentation.
 Firefighter Muster Competition Free Entertainment is provided all weekend at four locations: the Entertainment Tents at North Yarmouth Academy, on Memorial Green, on the Library Lawn and the Serendipity Stage on the First Parish Church Lawn.
Carnival by Smokey’s Greater Shows, Inc. is next to the Rowe School. Open Wednesday & Thursday 5-11pm; Friday & Saturday 10am-11pm; Sunday 11am-5pm; Pay-one-price $20 bracelets are valid Wednesday & Thursday 6-10pm and Sunday 12-4pm.
 Art Show Art Show & Sale Under the Oaks on the Library Lawn. View original works from the best artists in Maine and from away. Browse the show under three Maine State Champion Oak Trees, the largest known living members of each species in Maine. Friday 10am- 5pm, Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 10am-5pm.
June 30th, 2011 by Ray Deleo
 Inn 4th of July  Atlantic Birches Inn Cottage The Atlantic Birches Inn a Southern Maine Bed and Breakfast would like to show you the Better Way To Stay while celebrating the Forth Of July in Old Orchard Beach ME .
 Atlantic Birches Inn Gazebo Enjoy fine dining at The Landmark or Joesph’s By The Sea or Yellow Fin’s Restaurant and don’t forget to bring your favorite bottle of wine, there is no corkage fee at Yellow Fin’s.
 July 4th Fireworks Old Orchard Beaches Independence Day Celebration starts on Friday July 1st first and ends with a spectular fireworks display in the town square next to the Old Orchard Beach Pier on Sunday July 3rd and Monday evening the 4th of July.
 Sand Sculpture Family sand sculpture contest July 3 in Ocean Park Chautauqua-by-the-Sea on the beach . Fun for the entire family.
 Parade Come enjoy a parade in Ocean Park July 4 starting at 10 a.m. and band concert with line and square dancing.
June 24th, 2011 by Ray Deleo
 La Kermesse In 1982 Joseph Plamondon and his wife Mignonne attended the Festival de Joie, an annual Franco-American festival, in Lewiston. While driving back to Biddeford, Joe began talking to Mignonne about his dream of having a festival similar to Lewiston’s in Biddeford. Within a few weeks, Joe had assembled family members, friends and interested Biddeford citizens in planning a festival which would take place in the summer of 1983. The group organized entertainment, a parade, bean supper, etc. The main focus was of course fundraising. They held yard sales, raffles etc. to raise the necessary funds to put on the festival. In the spring of 1983 a few weeks before the scheduled event, Joe passed away. The dedicated volunteers, including his wife, children and friends, were determined that the festival would take place. And so in 1983 the 1st La Kermesse Festival was held and what a success it was. We thank the founding members and all the past members of La Kermesse for their pride and determination in making the last 25 festivals a success and we look forward to another great festival as we celebrate our 26th festival.
 Musical Entertainment La Kermesse starts Friday night with a parade scheduled to step off at 6:30 at the corner of Main and Beach streets in Saco and wind its way across the river to Biddeford City Hall. Opening ceremonies will follow from 7 to 7:30 in the main festival tent. A pig roast begins at 7 p.m. Friday musical performances in the main tent include Famille LeBlanc. La Kermesse Idol and Contagious.
 La Kermesse Dancing On the outdoor stage, Lawton will perform followed by Breakthrough Crafter tables and food vendors also will be open. The festival continues Saturday with field games for children Hoopalula, and various trampoline exhibitions by Dudziak’s Gymnasium Saturday entertainment under the main tent includes Steppin’ Out Dance Centre a puppet show by Dick Coffin and Rick Charette. The La Kermesse Idol contest continues followed by Zumba with Intensity Fitness Dance Studio. Dick Coffin will take the stage to do impersonations. Chantel Et Marcel avec Les Filles will be featured and followed by Famille LeBlanc The La Kermesse Idol finals are scheduled followed by Corona Brothers. An all-you-can-eat bean supper will be served from for $7. Other activities available through the day include face painting, rides, food vendors and crafts. Instead of carnival rides, the festival will offer a variety of bounce houses, a special trampoline and rock wall. Saturday’s festivities will be capped with a fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
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 Things To Do La Kermesse wraps up Sunday with a religious service from 9 to 10 a.m. and a crepe breakfast from 10 a.m. to noon. Closing ceremonies with a performance from the St. Louis Alumni Band will take place 11 a.m. to noon. La Kermesse advance tickets are $8 for Friday and Saturday. Tickets at the gate are $2 per day to walk around or $5 with access to all areas, including the main tent. Entry is free on Sunday. Entrance to the bounce house area will be free throughout the festival. Tickets are available in Biddeford at Ray’s Market, Hannaford, Peoples Choice Credit Union, Shaw’s, Saco-Biddeford Savings Bank, Biddeford Savings Bank, Super Sub Shop, Pool Street Market and Majestic Flowers. They are available in Saco at Hannaford, Shaw’s and Peoples Choice Credit Union
April 16th, 2011 by Ray Deleo
 Discover the Rail Way. On May 7, 2011, the 4th Annual National Train Day will be a free coast-to-coast celebration. Take the Amtrak Downeaster from Boston Mass. to Old Orchard Beach Maine, and enjoy your stay at the Atlantic Birches Inn, an elegant Southern Maine Bed and Breakfast. Stay two nights during the week of May 7, 2011 show us your train stub at our Southern Maine Bed and Breakfast and we will pay for half your fare from Boston to our Old Orchard Beach Inn.
Old Orchard Beach Maine trains are now traveling eight times daily between Boston to Portland. Old Orchard Beach is a seasonal stop that is open from mid April through late October. There is some talk of making Old Orchard Beach a Year Round stop.
 First National Train Day National Train day was first celebrated on Saturday May 10, 2008 as a result of high gas prices, environmentalists seeking to lower their carbon footprints and Amtrak’s increase of ridership by 12 percent for the year. On May 1, 2011, Amtrak will celebrate 40 years as America’s Railroad, providing vital intercity and high-speed passenger rail service from New York to Los Angeles and offering critical transportation choices for both urban and rural communities. From steam to diesel-powered engines travelers have had a long love affair with trains.
Long before Amtrak began operations in 1971, people were riding the rails. Amtrak was created to ease congestion on highways and at airports, and to restore the efficiency, attractiveness and convenience of train travel. Amtrak’s original passenger cars were acquired from private railroads and came in all different colors, which is why the public and the media called them “Rainbow Trains.
 Amtrak Downeaster Train service first began to Old Orchard Beach over 159 years ago in 1842 and continued until the mid 1900’s. After nearly 50 years, train service was resumed to Maine. In 2002 The DownEaster Train resumed its seasonal scheduled stop in Old Orchard Beach. Trains are now traveling eight times daily between Boston to Portland.
 OOB Train Station Old Orchard Beach is a seasonal stop that is open from mid April through late October. There is some talk of making Old Orchard Beach a Year Round Stop.
With high-speed rail access from Washington D.C. and New York to Boston, vacationers and weekenders now enjoy a speedy trip to Boston and then connect for a 2 hour train ride from Boston to the Old Orchard Beach Maine train station stop, adjacent to the new Visitors Welcome Center and Chamber of Commerce Building, is just 100 yards from the beach and a 2 minute walk to the Atlantic Birches Inn an Old Orchard Beach ME. Bed and Breakfast.
April 4th, 2011 by Ray Deleo
 Better Way to Stay Are you afraid of staying in a B&B because you not sure what to expect? According to Research Surveys by (Bed and Breakfast.com and the Professional Association of International Innkeepers) they say that B&Bs and Country Inns are sorely misunderstood. That’s why we here at the Atlantic Birches Inn are would like to explain why B&Bs are the Better Way to Stay verses your traditional Hotel or Motel. Most Gen X and Gen Y travelers think B&Bs are for Baby Boomers and Senior Citizens. Let us bust some of those myths and see why the B&B experience is the Better Way to Stay. You will see right at Check-In that we are here to make your stay as enjoyable as possible, want you to have a great time, and want you to come back. We are ambassadors to the state of Maine, Old Orchard Beach, and the surrounding towns and businesses.
You have to share a bathroom with other guests. Not True
This Old Orchard Beach Lodging offers separate bathrooms in each guestroom. There are no shared bathrooms here. Our bathrooms have either a traditional bathtub with shower, claw-foot soaking tub or over sized shower stalls.
 Main House 4th of July B&Bs have curfew set by the innkeepers that you must abide to. Not True
One of the most common myths of B&Bs is that there is a curfew. At the Atlantic Birches Inn a Southern Maine Bed and Breakfast guests have front door keys to the cottage and main house, and guest room doors. This provides guests with the flexibility to come and go as they please.
There is no privacy at a B&B. Not True
Your room should be quiet and free from interruption. Guests are not forced to interact with other guests, nor will you have to sit down with the innkeeper and chat about running the Inn. At most Inns, you may be able to go through your entire stay without ever seeing any other guests or speaking with other guests. We as Innkeepers are very concerned with our guests’ privacy and do everything they can to respect it. We are always here to help with diner recommendations reccommend
You have to eat breakfast at a long dining table with total strangers
Guests get to chose where to sit. Guests that have come to the inn to socialize can do so at the big table. Or guests who seek privacy may sit at one of the intimate two person tables in the dining rooms front porches, garden gazebo, pool area or picnic tables scattered on the lawn
 Gazebo 4th of July A B&B is just someone’s home where they rent out rooms to make extra money. Not True
Bed and breakfasts are often mistaken for home stays or vacation rentals. In fact, a B&B is a real business. The State of Maine requires a B&B to have a business license, Health Code inspection and insurance for the Inn. Plus they must meet all state and local fire/safety codes and, are also required to successfully complete a food manager’s certification course to ensure safety standards when preparing and serving breakfast.
You are forced to socialize with strangers. Not True
Guests can enjoy a cocktail and the view of the ocean or watch the world go by from one of the 2 spacious front porches, the Cottage deck or our garden gazebo. The relaxed and fun atmosphere makes for the perfect social setting. We offer a fun and comfortable poolside setting where guests can enjoy a beer or cocktail while lounging around the pool.
Innkeepers hover and make you feel like you are being watched. Not True
They are there when you need them, but otherwise keep busy behind the scenes while respecting your privacy. Just like the best five-star hotels.
B&Bs don’t offer any modern facilities or amenities. Not True
The Atlantic Birches Inn puts this myth to shame with its heated pool, free high-speed wireless internet access throughout the property, expanded continental breakfast, telephones, clock radio, desk, hair dryers, common refrigerators, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, blackout
shades, complimentary bottled water, coffee and tea, beach chairs, pool and beach towels .
 Cottage 4th of July B&Bs are not for business travelers. Not True
Twenty-Five percent of guests that stay at our Old Orchard Beach Inn are business travelers. Parking, wireless Internet, fax machine, copier, and non-alcoholic beverages, breakfast, express checkout, breakfast brown bags to go, are all included in the room rate. The inn serves breakfast as early as 6:30 am upon request and allows check in as late as 10pm. The innkeepers can arrange for an airport pick up, you can use the lnns living room as a meeting room and have your business meetings over breakfast in the dining room.
B&Bs are for Baby Boomers and all have lace doilies, paisley wallpaper, antiques, patchwork quilts, floral décor. Not True
Victorian B&Bs, like Atlantic Birches Inn offer a mix of individually decorated rooms with a variety of décor from Victorian to modern to appeal to a variety of travelers’ tastes. For those that prefer the traditional B&B décor I would suggest a room in the Victorian Main House or for those that looking for that modern appeal I would suggest the Cottage rooms with a Seashore nautical theme.
B&Bs do not accept credit cards for payment and have very strict cancellations policies. Not True
The cancellation policies vary, but are the same or more lenient then hotel\motel cancellation policies. Unlike hotels, many B&Bs will provide a credit for a future stay in the event that you need to cancel last minute. Most B&Bs accept credit cards for payment, but some will not accept Amex or Discover because of their high transaction processing rates.
B&Bs are for couples only. Not True
While all B&Bs have some romantic aspect to it, the Atlantic Birches Inn specializes to other aspects of travel. You’ll find that this Old Orchard Beach Accommodation can cater to business travelers, families with children, small weddings, honeymoons, wedding showers, vow renewals, anniversaries, elopements, marriage proposals, babymooner getaways, family reunions, ladies weekends, vacations, staycations, mancations, romantic getaways, family holiday gatherings, and weekend getaways at the beach. We welcome well behaved children
March 26th, 2011 by Ray Deleo
 Bed and Breakfast Maine namely the Atlantic Birches Inn an Old Orchard Beach Inn would like to show you the Better Way To Stay and inform you of one of our favorite events of the year the Portland Chocolate Lovers’ Fling. In 1986, the idea of an event involving chocolate to raise funds for the Rape Crisis Center, Inc now know as (SARSSM), Support Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine, was brought from Colorado to Maine.
 The excitement and planning for such an event began to build quickly and on July 14, 1987 the first annual Chocolate Lovers’ Fling was held in Cape Elizabeth. Over one hundred guests attended along with a few tired board members who worked late into the night making chocolate brownies and cookies. The Fling fundraiser brought in over $4,000 which has now become one of the most anticipated yearly annual event.
 Now in its 25th year ( Silver Anniversary) the Chocolate Lovers’ Fling will be held Sunday April 3 from 1:00PM – 4:00PM. This event can no boast about the participation of more than twenty of the best York and Cumberland counties chocolatiers have to offer. They generously serve up their most delectable chocolate treats to support this important cause. Surround yourself with the finest chocolate sensations these area chocolatiers have to offer! Goodies to sample include cakes, candies, brownies, fudge, , cheese cakes, cannoli’s, needhams, whoopee pies, and other delicious chocolate concoctions.
 It is definitely a chocolate gastronomical delight. The Fling attracts about a thousand chocolate lovers and SARSSM supporters who make a chocolate pilgrimage to the Holiday Inn by the Bay in Portland, Maine each year making the Chocolate Lovers’ Fling one of the best attended fundraising events in the State. The event raises over $20,000 annually making it SARSSM’s largest fundraiser and providing much needed funding to support the critical services provided to thousands throughout southern Maine.
March 23rd, 2011 by Ray Deleo
Why stay at a Bed and Breakfast?
 The real answer is simple, because everyone is different. Each Bed and Breakfast is a different and the personal expression of the owner/innkeeper’s commitment to the dedication of sharing of their home and property is the last and greatest form of hospitality.
When someone calls and they say they only need a place to sleep, I refer them to one of the many motels and hotels in the area. I will ask questions like: “Have you ever stayed at a Bed and Breakfast before?, do you want to stay in a place, like the Atlantic Birches Inn that will add great memories of your get-a-away?” Want to know where to eat, and not where to eat, where to hike, where to shop, what to see, how to get there? Innkeepers are active members of their communities amd surrounding area, and are up to date with the activities and events around them. Old Orchard Beach ME. is a small Beach Community that we are actively involved in here. “Where should we go to dinner for our anniversary?” We’ll give you a different answer to the question than the manager of one of the local motels or hotels would. How can we send you someplace without knowing what you would like to eat. As Innkeepers, we have meet people from all over the world. From our repeat guests to the first time guests, we want everyone to have a comfortable and relaxing stay at the Atlantic Birches Inn a Southern Maine Bed and Breakfast. Maybe you will find our home has become your “home away from home.” Come visit us, our door is always open.
 When calling a B&B, you should ask the following questions:
Do the guest’s rooms have private baths?
What type of breakfast is served? (Full or Continental)
Is smoking allowed?
Is there on-site parking?
Are pets on the property or do you accept pets if you have allergies to cats or dogs?
Is there free Wi-Fi available?
Are you a member of the local Chamber of Commerce or State Lodging Association?
 A Bed and Breakfast is a wonderful part of your get-a-way and is definitely a Better Way To Stay. Every room is different; you won’t find a “cookie-cutter” bunch of rooms. Years ago, people were worried about the cleanliness and décor of the rooms. The B&B as an institution has become the first line of hospitality. You can see the rooms and read reviews written by other guests.
Heidi and I welcome our guests, show them around and then they are on their own. We might not see them till breakfast, or we may see them when they come into the dining room for tea or coffee. We live in the main house on the first floor. We are always available if anyone needs anything or has a question. Your Innkeepers Ray & Heidi
March 8th, 2011 by Ray Deleo
 Did you know that this is a busiest time of year for Maine’s Maple Trees? Even in the worst of winter, Maine has something sweet to offer, as the maple sugaring season gets underway. It all starts in late February when the sap starts flowing through the trees. The trees are tapped, and in a good year, one large forty year old Maple Tree may produce as much as 60 gallons of sap from one tap.
 Sap Taps But it takes 40 quarts of the sap to get one quart of the golden maple syrup that you find beside your pancakes, ice cream or in maple candies. Join Maine’s maple producers each spring as they celebrate Maine Maple Sunday on Sunday March 27- the day when sugar makers around the State open the doors of their sugarhouses for the public to join them in their rites of spring – making maple syrup.
 Sap Evaporator At many of these farms near the Atlantic Birches Inn in Old Orchard Beach Maine you can go into the sugaring shack, watch the sap evaporate, and learn about how it goes from what looks like nothing more than water, to one of the sweetest things made in Maine. Sometimes the syrup is pale gold and delicate, sometimes dark and rich. It all depends on the soil and terrain, the wind and the weather, just like fine wine. But don’t worry, if you can’t make it for Maple Sugar Sunday at one of these farms, you can always visit them the rest of the month of March and early April.
For a full list of participating farms visit Maine Maple Producers or see our map below of nearby Maine Maplc Sugaring Shacks below come see us and we can give you a list with directions to some of the local nearby farms . Your Innkeepers Ray and Heidi Deleo
View Atlantic Birches Inn – Old Orchard Beach – Local Maple Sugaring Shacks in a larger map
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It offers a unique experience that showcase’s many of Maine’s celebrated chefs and many renowned fine dining establishments, while featuring high-caliber and authentic gourmet products from local Maine farmers, fishermen and food artisans, as well as wineries, brewers and spirit makers. Some of the special events will be Grand Tasting on the Harbor.
