Summer's here at last!!!

Come one come all, summer is finally upon us. Yes, we'll get some rain this weekend, but it will at least be warm!

Death of the Grey Gull

An historic building in Wells, the Grey Gull Inn is no more. Torn down in the early summer, it may be home to commercial development if some local developers have their way! We hope that the Town 's Plannign Board will preserve the ambiance of Webhannet Road and the beaches of Wells by preventing the commercialization of the entire strip, as some local developers are trying to achieve. They've proposed some radical changes to the local Zoning Ordinances to give themselves maximum development potential, including reducing lot-size restrictions, reducing or eliminating parking lot requirements and off-street parking restrictions, and opening a huge swath of beath front property to commercial development.

These were taken as the building was coming down...

Wells for breakfast

If you're into a big breakfast like me, you yearn for a great diner! There are several excellent options in the Wells area, though I haven't tried the local hotel restaurants (many serve breakfasts of their own). Some of my favorites include:
- Laura's Kitchen. Locals relocated from London started this smallish diner some five years ago, serving breakfast and lunch. Simply the BEST corned-beef hash I've ever had! It's homemade (not from a can!) and can be ordered in an omelet or as a side (or, perhaps both!). Laura's is located off the beaten Route 1 path off Rt. 109. They are very friendly, but its a small place so there might be a short wait...it's worth it! (Word of note: if you like salt and seasoning in your eggs like I do, you have to ask for it...they don't season their eggs much). Downside: Like everyone else in the area, they serve Green Mountain coffee.
- Congdon's Doughnuts, off Route 1 near Chapel Road serves the best doughnuts just about anywhere. I grew up on Krispy Kremes back home, and I can honestly say that a plain honey-dipped is even better. (The only place comparable that I've found is in Limerick, ME, called "Doughboys"). My mother-in-law is a fan of the "maple creme" pastry. A full-service restaurant, their breakfast isn't too bad either! But, I can never make it past the doughnut counter!
- Bentliff's is actually in and just north of Ogunquit, ME, south of Wells on Rt. 1. They serve the best Sunday brunch that I've had lately, complete with mimosas. Their corned beef is made with Angus beef and is considerably more than Laura's but well worth it. Waits are common, especially on the weekends.
- The Omelet Factory. Another small diner south of Wells on Rt. 1. It's downstairs in a white building, below Cindy's, so you really have to look for the sign outside. Locals serve omelets with just about everything imaginable throw in. This was a daily stop when I used to stay at my inlaws over the week of the 4th of July. The selection of breakfast food is complete if you're not into eggs. If they still sell their blueberry bread and jams/jellies, don't leave without them! It's another small place where these may be a well-worth-it-wait on the weekends. Excellent!!

More recommendations later...

New Irish Pub in Wells ME

Feile, at 1619 Post Road near the intersection of 109 and Rt. 1, is Wells' only self-proclaimed Irish Pub. (The place has been remodeled since the Google Truck went by...it's now bright yellow!).

The food I've had there thus far has been quite good, including a reasonably priced Hanger Steak and made-to-order burgers. The beer selection is excellent, and includes a favorite, St. Peters Ale. The prices are reasonable and portions are "healthy" (meaning large enough for even me!).

The atmosphere in the main dining area is open and friendly, and an quaint bar and casual dining area with two decent sized TVs, entertaining and knowledgeable bartenders, and good conversation. Though the owners are "from away", they are forgiven for such sins thanks to good food and good atmosphere.

Wells, ME Pizza

I'm a big fan of thin-crust pizza. No Chicago-style for me! I am also pretty particular about my pizza, preferring a flavorful sauce and fresh crust (preferably whole wheat when it's available, which it rarely is). Also, I would prefer to avoid using a box of napkins to soak up a top layer of grease that comes from using cheap cheese.

The best pizza I have found locally is at Seacoast Pizza and Pasta, on Route 1 near the Wells Plaza. While they don't have whole wheat pizza, they do have the best I have found in the area. With new outside seating, beer and wine, and a full Italian menu including baked deserts, there's something for everyone.

I will keep trying new pizza joints as they open...I heard there's a new one down towards Ogunquit.

New Beach Business district

It seems that the owners of several Wells beach properties are having a tough time selling them. This would include the Wells Beach Fire House and the former Grey Gull Inn. Therefore, it seems, they have proposed changes the Zoning for between 176 and over 200 properties.

Proposed changes include opening a large swath of residential property to commerical development. Furthermore, they are requesting release of restrictions on off-street parking, reductions in requirements on parking lot size, and reducing the lot size requirements so as to make more properties available for development.

This outrageous, self-serving proposal must be stopped in its tracks. The impacts on the residents of the town will be long-standing and significant.

This blog is means for communication for those concerned about this issue.