I have the greatest respect for some of our partners who have weathered many storms of Maine tourism and still have the "spark". They still love what they do. I got my inspiration for a newsletter from Marian Burns in Bar Harbor.
Marian of the Mira Monte Inn has been operating this exquisite B&B in Bar Harbor for 30 years. One of our first partners, Marian impressed me from the start. She had us do a photo slide show to showcase her inn. As we talked, I confessed I hadn't stayed at a B&B for a few years, (actually back in the time when B&B's had a shared bathroom). She said, "Jim, you must stay with us to experience our hospitality so you may share it with your guests." I planned a visit the next week.
On arriving, I was impressed with the impeccably maintained 1800's building. The room had a four poster bed and large thick towels in the bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. What really impressed me, however, was the flat screen HD tv and high speed wifi ! This inn was a huge update from my experience. Marian told me, "Jim, times have changed and we've changed to give our guests what they want."
Marian celebrated 30 years in the business this past winter. To share with her guests, she sent out in her newsletter, 30 Things to Do in Bar Harbor. We used it this summer at the Maine Coast Welcome Center. I remember when I received the newsletter, what a nice thing for Marian to share her 30 years of experience with me. When I saw Marian this past spring I thanked her. I noticed the "sparkle" in her eyes. She said, "You know Jim, when guests come to visit with my list, they usually stay longer."
Click here for Marian's 30 Things to Do in Bar Harbor & here for our slide show.
This year, Miram was named winner of the chamber’s highest honor, the Cadillac Award.
