What is it about February that fires up the heart and kindles romance?  Does the sound of the north wind howling in the eaves and the flames flickering in the fireplace encourage cuddling? Is it the crystalline night sky sparkling with stars or the achingly clear colors of a winter sunset that stir our heart strings?  Is it the squeak of dry snow underfoot, the tracks of a solitary lynx as it crosses over the mountain on a hunter's quest, the the lonely cry of a herring gull and the crystalline music of sea ice being washed ashore in one of Maine's countless coves on a frigid winter day?  Or is it perhaps not winter at all, but the gradually lengthening days which have us yearning for the smell of the earth and the greening of our cold, white winter world?  
Valentines card
In Rome during pagan times, mid-February was celebrated with a festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, along with Romulas and Remus, the founders of of Rome, who were believed to have been raised by a she-wolf.  At the end of the festival, the names of all eligible women were put in a big urn and the town bachelors would each draw a name.  For one year, the couples were to remain together.  (This sounds like a reality TV show that could usurp "Survivor".)  Surprisingly, these random matches often ended in marriage. The Roman's pagan festival was eventually banned and then adapted to honor one of three saints by the name of Valentine along about the time the Catholics took charge of the holidays, but w hatever the reason, Valentine's Day (and the entire month of February) is the perfect excuse for wearing our hearts on our sleeves. 

Traditionally, February marks the halfway point of winter and the time when we rural folk take a hard look at our wood piles and figure out if we have enough firewood left for the rest of the season.  For many of us, the answer this year is a chilly and emphatic "No!".  It's been a cold winter for sure, cold enough for a sprinkler system pipe to burst and flood the Broad Arrow Tavern. In fact, this two am disaster kick-started our annual spring cleaning, renovations and upgrades. Many thanks to all of you who put up with that unexpected mess.
three stooges contractors
Some days it feels like an episode of the Three Stooges
Our maintenance and housekeeping crews are going great guns on a multitude of projects that are difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish during the busy seasons.  There's never a dull moment at the inn, though at times we wish there were!
Maine Chef of the Year!
We're thrilled to announce that our executive chef, Troy Mains, was named Maine Chef of the Year!  This is quite an honor and we couldn't be happier for him.  Congratulations, Chef Troy, we're very proud of you and your team!
Chef Troy Mains, center, with his stellar crew after being informed he won the award.
Chef Troy grilling
Sunday Brunch in a warmer season with Chef Troy manning the BBQ.  He does it all with a great big smile!

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Special offers and Upcoming Events: 
 
*Our popular Cabin Fever Package is back!  This package runs from now until June 14th, Sunday through Thursday only. Why suffer when the cure's waiting for you right here in Freeport?

The Cabin Fever Package includes: 
*Two nights lodging
*$50. LLBean Gift Certificate
*Dinner for two one evening in our Broad  ArrowTavern
*Tavern Lunch Buffet for two one day
*Full buffet breakfast each morning
*Afternoon Tea daily

$435. per couple, standard room
$510. per couple, deluxe room
fireplace!
Check out our website for more great values for off season travelers.  Call us toll free at 1-800-342-6423 to book your reservation direct and receive complimentary afternoon tea and full buffet breakfast for two. Come for a visit and let us  pamper you with great food and hospitality that will warm your spirit and banish the winter doldrums.  

*Check out LL.Bean's Calendar of Events ; everything from snowshoeing, fly tying, bike maintenance, cross country skiing...and some great presentations from world adventurers! 

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Voting is ongoing in one of the most prestigious travel awards of the year, the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2018. Share your travel experiences to be entered to win a $10,000. dream trip for two.  

We'd love to have your vote this year. Cast your vote by clicking here .  Many thanks for your loyal patronage and here's hoping you win the trip of your dreams!
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* Wolfe's Neck Farm Backyard Gardener Workshops  Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't be learning new skills (like winter gardening) and getting ready for spring.

* Freeport USA  Check out the winter sales events and fun happenings in town!

*Valentine's Day February 14th.  Pick out that special one-of-a-kind treasure for your special someone at Brown Goldsmiths  (they have a Valentines Day special today, check it out!) and then make reservations at the Harraseeket Inn and enjoy a romantic, candlelit dinner in the Maine Harvest Restaurant. 800-342-6423  Make it an evening to remember.

*Flavors of Freeport  is coming right up February 16th through 18th, offering food tastings, and ice bar, dance parties, ice sculptures and the popular Chef's Signature Series.  This is a great way to heat up your February.  See you there this weekend!

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This month's trivia question is a fairly easy one:
What's the name of the pagan holiday that was celebrated by the Romans in mid-February? All correct trivia answers win a voucher worth $5. toward food or lodging on your next visit.  You may redeem up to 12 vouchers at one time, preferably in the year they were won.  Sorry, but we cannot print out your vouchers when you arrive.  You must bring them with you and present them upon check-in or while dining.  Please be patient with my replies, there are a lot of responses to answer. Answer the trivia within ONE WEEK from receiving the newsletter to guarantee a reply.  To respond to this newsletter with your answer, just hit "reply".  Good luck, happy Valentines Day and we hope to see you soon!
Best regards,
Penny Gray
The Gray family
 
Our fire pit awaits you!