While visiting the Berry Manor Inn, one of the Four Historic Inns in Rockland, Maine, we indulged in a freshly baked Maine local blueberry apple pie. We tried to share the generous slice of cake that Cheryl, co-owner and manager extraordinaire, offered us. We couldn’t do it, in fact we each devoured one of each flavor.
As guests of these professional hosts, our team experienced a grace and grandeur rarely found in our global explorations.
The Berry Manor is a place for romance. If you’re not with a spouse or partner, you can charm the spirit of your lonely soul in this stately old mansion. Although built in 1898 as a private residence, husband and wife owners/innkeepers Cheryl Michaelsen and Mike LaPosta have transformed burgundy Victorian style into avant-garde elegance.
Yet this 12-room gem is laid-back, eco-friendly, and user-friendly. Cheryl and Mike offer two pie pans to “raid the fridge” for their guests. One is in the main house and the other is in the garage. Just walk in, any time of the day or night, and raid the fridge. We loved this, despite our obvious lack of willpower.
There was a story about The Berry Manor in a Yankee magazine from 2006 that we both remember. It’s called “Cake in the Sky.” The pies have literally put Berry Manor and “The Pie Ladies” on the international map. Food Network has already discovered them, and Rockland.
We love the history of Berry Manor. Cheryl’s mom and Mike’s mom are in charge of making fresh homemade cakes every day to serve as a compliment to their guests. Cheryl’s mom trusts Crisco while Mike’s mom uses Crisco and butter. Both methods turned out sublime. Now, celebrity moms are part of a cake tour of Rockland’s Historic Inn’s in honor of National Cake Day on January 23. The name of the event is Rockland’s Pies on Parade. A close friend understands the third of the “Pie Ladies” trio.
Remember, this is mid-coast Maine. Although it’s a bit chilly in January, thousands flock to the charming town of Rockland, Maine for pie. I hope they make room for lobster, Maine shrimp, and all the other culinary delights of the city.
If you’ve never been there, or it’s been a while, like it was for us, Rockland is an amazing place. Now 240 years old, it is enjoying a renaissance. Rockland’s Main Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Its architecture is an eclectic mix of Greek, Italian, Colonial and Victorian. We couldn’t get enough of walking down Main Street. Although it looked the same as we remembered (the benefit of being on the Registry), it is now a modern and vibrant city, with many museums, theaters, art galleries, wine shops and culinary creations. We feasted on their excellent award-winning dinner as well as Linda Bean’s little lobster roll shack.
Main Street is a foodie’s dream, lined with eating establishments directly on or just off a long, charming street.
Rockland’s harbor front is home to lighthouses, windjammers, a wooden boat museum, and lobster boats. Yankee Magazine said it best. “Rockland is both picturesque and modern.”
We wondered at first, what could be better than a culinary tour of Berry Manor House? The answer would be two visits, two tours, and more cakes, followed by a visit to the other three Historic Inns.
Although known for pastries, it’s not just Berry Manor that has put the city on the map. The Four Historic Inns of Rockland are not competitive. Instead, they are a model for other tourist areas. All the Inns, B&B’s and restaurants that we know of are collaborative and cooperative. This is what makes Rockland especially unique and successful throughout the year. We have already planned one of our return visits to Rockland for June of next year.