1. Le Domaine
City: Hancock, ME
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (207) 422-3395 or (800) 554-84
Description: It’s still hard to fathom this place—so good yet seemingly so far from everything. The dining room at Le Domaine has people driving in from miles around, but the three rooms and three suites are worth the trip beyond Ellsworth as well. They, too, bear the hallmarks of innkeeper Nicole Purslow’s French upbringing (she grew up here, but her mother was from France). The three guest rooms and two suites have a Provencal touch to them with select furnishings and fabrics, and they have all the niceties, down to the heated towel racks, flower arrangements, and plush robes. Rates include breakfast. You’d be remiss if you didn’t spring for dinner as well.
2. Le Domaine
City: Hancock, ME
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (207) 422-3395 or (800) 554-84
Address: Route 1
Description: Less than 10 miles from Ellsworth, this inn feels a world away, and part of that is due to Nicole Purslow’s exquisite French country cuisine. The place is warm and welcoming with its Provençal fabrics and fireplace, and when you sit down, you’ll not believe the dishes that come out of the kitchen. Traditionally French, the entrees make use of fresh ingredients, and they might be Coquilles St. Jacques Saute Provençale, which are Maine sea scallops pan-seared; Filet Mignon Bordelaise, which is steak in a rich bordelaise sauce; and Le Charlotte d’Agneau aux Aubergines, a braised lamb dish. The desserts are fantastic, especially the house’s special bread pudding Le Domaine, and there are 5,000 French wines in the wine cellar.
3. Pierre Monteux School For Conductors And Orchestra Musicians
City: Hancock, ME
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (207) 422-3280
Description: Here is yet another opportunity for Mainers Down East to see top-flight classical music. (This part of the state must have more shows than Portland!) Like Kneisel, the Monteux School, in business since 1943, brings budding young classical talents to Maine for the summer, but often they are on the other side of the baton—conductors. Concerts are offered by students and faculty in June and July.