Stay at Baits Motel and Check Out Anglers Restaurant

Waldo County, Maine is a treasure that not enough people really experience. The quaint seaside towns are filled with interesting shops, great folk art and genuine people.

Tucked into this county, on the coast a couple of hours north of Portland, is Anglers Restaurant and the adjacent Baits Motel.

The fresh seafood served in a family-style restaurant is absolutely fabulous, but owner Buddy Hall makes Anglers extraordinary. The locals love the place and Buddy stops by to tell each one of them hello. Not local? Don't worry. He'll still stop by and chat.

In between the fresh lobster and clams and the fabulous desserts made daily by his wife Barbara, Buddy might stop by the table to do his infamous lobster trick. Kids of all ages love it.

We had clams and lobster fishermen caught that morning, along with wonderful steamed mussels. I wasn't a mussel fan before, but Buddy made me a believer.

Then came dessert. Barbara is responsible for some of the most awesome desserts ever--everything from one of a long list of homemade ice creams to freshly-baked pies (check out the blueberry pie made from Maine's favorite fruit) to the magnificent Hot Fudge Ice Cream Puff.

If you're too full to drive on--or if you want a great place to stop while you explore Waldo County--check out Baits Motel next door to Anglers. On the outside, this tidy little motel resembles any one of the 1960s-era motels across the country, right down to white washed walls, cherry red trim and geraniums hanging in pots out front. Inside, however, you'll find a modern room, resembling one you might find in an upscale boutique hotel.

Buddy completely remodeled the motel this past year and it was done with impeccable taste. Dark wood furnishings, big feather beds, and flat panel TVs offer a lovely escape. His rates are unbelievably inexpensive, making it a true find.

Be sure to wander up the coast from Portland and Freeport to experience a genuine Maine experience--and stop by to see Buddy and Barbara at Anglers Restaurant. You're in for a real treat. You'll find Anglers and Baits Motel at 215 E. Main Street (Route 1) in Searsport, ME 04794. Phone is 207-548-2405 for the restaurant and 207-548-7299 for the motel.