The very thing that prompted innkeepers Tom and Marcey White to move from Texas to Bethel, Maine to open a unique inn, A Prodigal Inn & Gallery, is the question I recently asked this lovely couple.
For those of you unfamiliar with Bethel, this small town is located in the mountains of western Maine, 70 miles from Portland. Since its settlement in 1768, its population of approximately 2,360, including the surrounding school district communities, has remained fairly stable. However, during peak seasons it swells to around 6,000.
What’s noteworthy about this scenic area in the heart of western Maine is its convenient location to the popular Sunday River Ski Resort, as well as snowmobiling, hunting, tubing, snowboarding, fishing, hiking, antiquing, kayaking, canoeing, golf, historical research, and not forgetting the brilliance of fall foliage.
Marcey told me that when she and Tom moved to Maine, they were trying to find a way for Tom to leave the construction/carpentry field and focus solely on his art career. Apparently, about ten years ago, Tom discovered that he had an innate artistic talent for sculpting and painting. Quite surprisingly, Tom is a self-taught artist, he has barely taken a lesson!
Their goal was to find property that would allow them to have an inn and at the same time a place to display Tom’s artwork.
The result was the purchase of a historic 1813 property that, amazingly, Tom single-handedly renovated into a magnificent inn with an adjoining art studio. Prior to managing the inn, Marcey had experience in the food and service industries and was therefore easily able to transfer skills from him.
The inn’s more unusual name is patterned after the parable of the prodigal son and Tom’s exquisite bronze sculpture reflects his message. The innkeepers hope that guests will experience the same welcome that is displayed in sculpture and history.
Initially, the property had been owned by one of Bethel’s founding fathers, the Twitchell family, who had owned it for some 150 years. For the twenty years prior to Marcey and Tom’s ownership, the inn had been listed as the first “Bed and Breakfast in Western Maine.” However, it only consisted of six rooms with a shared bathroom and kitchen privileges.
Today, the inn’s six rooms deserve top marks for their spaciousness and tasteful décor, each with its own private bathroom, and some even with whirlpool tubs. The rooms are named after the innkeepers’ children and a grandson. According to Marcey, she took on the personalities of each of them to reflect his favorite colors.
Peace and tranquility prevail throughout the inn. We also find the rooms devoid of uniformity and that exude a lot of warmth and elegance.
Upon entering the inn’s living room, we were immediately captivated by Tom’s unique and original bronze sculptures. Marcey indicated that guests are invited to watch this “world-class sculptor” as he creates his own magnificent works of art. It didn’t take long for us to accept his offer and we visited the adjacent studio which is set up in an adjoining renovated barn.
Tom’s artistic inspiration has certainly been enhanced by the spectacular scenery surrounding the inn with its nearby meadows, rivers and ponds (the inn faces the Androscoggin River) and mountains.
It’s also no wonder why this inn has proven popular with couples hosting intimate weddings in the gazebo located within the inn’s stunning perennial gardens.
By the way, leading to the front door of the inn are private hiking trails and there is access to snowmobile and cross-country systems.
During the fall foliage and winter seasons, when the weather turns a bit chilly, there’s nothing better than sitting in front of the inn’s wood-burning fireplace to enjoy afternoon tea and the delicious cookies that Marcey bakes for you. your guests.
When the weather permits, you can sit in the Garden Gazebo after an exciting walk through the woods and maybe spot a deer or pick berries.
Marcey serves a delicious breakfast in the dining room with a wide variety of goodies from juices, cereals, breads, eggs, to just about any palette you desire.
ROMANTIC DINNER
Through our travels, my wife and I have noticed that every town has a restaurant that the townspeople consider to be “high above” the others. Such is the case with one of Bethel’s quintessential dining establishments, The Sudbury Inn. The restaurant is located in an inn that dates back to around 1873.
You know you’re in for a real treat when you look at the menu with its wide variety of options, from Beef Picatta, Sole Florentine, Sicilian Chicken, Maine Lobster Boil, Pomodro Red Snapper to Veal Tournedos.
Owners Bill and Nancy White have built their reputation on providing the best possible personal service combined with a creative menu.
Another option for Bethel residents is The Bethel Inn & Country Club, where after a round of golf you can enjoy lunch or dinner served in the club’s dining room.
