City: Prouts Neck, ME

Category: Accommodations

Telephone: (207) 883-2500 or (800) 258-00

Address: 510 Black Point Rd.

Description: At the Black Point Inn they like to say that the inn will remain as you remembered it, meaning it isn’t going to change much from year to year. And here, at the point where Winslow Homer found his inspiration, that’s a very good thing. Tradition is everything at this history-steeped shingle-style inn—it even has its own crest. Built in 1878, the Black Point was originally called the Southgate, and it still has many antiques that date back to its early days. The inn has so many amenities it can be difficult to keep track of them all. Foremost is probably service, so you can easily get help sorting out all the options. There are 25 rooms in total, and they are spacious and sweet, with ocean or bay views, Gardens seem to flow every which way, and there are nice walking paths that meander here and there. Two beaches welcome swimmers, as does the outdoor heated pool. The exclusive enclave of Prouts Neck surrounds the property, and it’s the sort of place where they’ll have your car towed if you even attempt to slow down. A stay at the Black Point allows you to go anywhere you like, from Homer’s studio to the Cliff Walk, a private seaside walking path. You can also use the Prouts Neck golf course. You’ll find few rivals in the Portland area, and that isn’t likely to change for a long time.