FAQ's & Vacation Planning
If you do not see the FAQ or Vacation Planning Information that you are looking for, please contact us at
stay@littlegcottage.com
In truth, there are thousands of places to stay along the coast of Maine - each as lovely as the next, in its own unique way. If you've never been to the Maine coast, then we highly recommend it, even if you're not staying with us. It's truly a visual treat and a deeply 'soul-freeing' experience because everything is so incredibly clean, natural, and pristine.
The 'bold rocky coast' of Maine is, without a doubt, a 'must-see' and a 'must-do' on your life's bucket list.
While our cottage is small, it offers so much in style, comfort, location, privacy, and relaxation, that its size is not an impediment. <-- and we're not just saying that.
You'll be nestled in the pine & birch woods, amongst such an interesting variety of wildlife, right on the tidal Atlantic.
We realize that renting a vacation spot is always a bit of a dive into the unknown ~ for both the guests and the hosts. In order to assist your decision-making, we've provided these FAQs. If you do not see the Q or A that you are looking for, then please email us. We are always happy to help.
The 'bold rocky coast' of Maine is, without a doubt, a 'must-see' and a 'must-do' on your life's bucket list.
While our cottage is small, it offers so much in style, comfort, location, privacy, and relaxation, that its size is not an impediment. <-- and we're not just saying that.
You'll be nestled in the pine & birch woods, amongst such an interesting variety of wildlife, right on the tidal Atlantic.
We realize that renting a vacation spot is always a bit of a dive into the unknown ~ for both the guests and the hosts. In order to assist your decision-making, we've provided these FAQs. If you do not see the Q or A that you are looking for, then please email us. We are always happy to help.
FAQ's
Do you have a full size kitchen?Nope. It's simply not possible in a cottage of this size; however, we do have a kitchenette with a smaller refrigerator, a microwave, a convection oven/air fryer combo, a coffeemaker, etc. Please see further details on our 'About Little g' Cottage' page.
Are there neighbors close-by?Yes, there are. While we're in a very private & remote area, we do have a few neighbors. There's always the possibility too that Mr. G & I might be staying in the main house (next door). If this is the case, your privacy will be respected, as we'd hope that ours would be.
How far away are the nearest restaurants & grocery stores?The town-proper of Milbridge is five (5) miles away. You will find a grocery store, dollar store, various restaurants, a pharmacy, post office, fire station, police station, library, maritime museum, barber shops/salons, and various other must-have amenities. We also have a few lobster pounds and working fishing wharfs.
Are kids allowed?No, sorry. Or perhaps, you're welcome? We do not allow children or infants in our Little 'g' Cottage. It's simply not big enough and we specifically designed our cottage with only grown-ups in mind, as we want to offer a 'getaway spot' for adults without the demands of having the littles underfoot.
While AirBnB's booking mechanism allows children & infants to be added to our booking, we DO NOT allow either. Thank you. Does the cottage have Heat & AC?Yes, the cottage has both. We have baseboard heat, as well as a corner electric fireplace for that visual 'fire' appeal. During warmer months, we install our portable AC unit which cools the cottage quite nicely. There are also two ceiling fans, at either end of the cottage, to help heat/cool. In temperate months, Spring & Fall, all of our windows open and our two doors have retractable screens, which allow the cottage to cool/heat naturally.
Why choose Little 'g' Cottage instead of a hotel room?Certainly, a hotel/motel room is always an option when traveling. If that's your preference, we highly recommend our only local Milbridge motel (The Red Barn Motel). Kristen, the motel's owner, is amazing!!
However, if you want the privacy of your own cottage, along with the ability to cook your own food, grill outdoors, access the fire pit and private shoreline, then our Little 'g' Cottage offers that and more at about the same cost as a quality hotel room. We are a somewhat sequestered 'couples retreat', which is a clear distinction from your average bustling hotel, we think. What Is there to do?Truthfully? Relax. Not to sound smug or flip, but it's coastal Maine after all. The beauty of the DownEast coastline is mind-boggling. So soak it all in. Hike, bike, kayak, sightsee, take photos, go souvenir shopping, grab a lobster roll, then come back and flop.
After all, the definition of 'retreat' is: "a quiet or secluded place in which one can rest and relax". So do that. That's the whole premise behind our Little 'g' Cottage. Yet, it's a valid question, so please visit our Location & Local Attractions page for more information on things to do/see & places to go. |
Are pets allowed?No, we do not allow pets in our Little 'g' Cottage.
Are we allowed to bring our boat or PWC?We are on the tidal Atlantic Ocean, on an open bay that, when full, is only about 25 feet deep (directly in-front of our shoreline. It gets much deeper as you head towards the open ocean.). While a PWC or boat could be driven in saltwater of that depth, the problem lies with when the tide is out. Our bay is all mud on the bottom, so a boat or PWC would be sitting in gooey mud for a good part of the day. Additionally, we do not have a dock or boat launch; only a sloped access for kayaks or a canoe.
Am I allowed to fish & clam while on the property?To fish or clam, you must first obtain a license. To do so, please contact the Town of Milbridge at 207-546-2422 well prior to your visit.
Will I see wildlife?Yes. You will most likely see lots of deer, as they walk along their shoreline paths right in front of the house/cottage. But we also have fox, porcupine, squirrels, beaver, black bear, and a moose that frequent the property. Occasionally there are seals that swim into our bay, as well as a myriad of shore birds, including a pair of Great Blue Heron that are regular evening visitors to our little cove. Lots to see in other words and that's why we've provided binoculars for your use.
Is my RV allowed?Possibly. It depends upon the size of your RV. No Class A motorhomes are allowed. We do not have a turn-around area for larger RVs; although we do have a space to back-in and park a smaller to mid-size camper.
If you are considering a stay with us and you'd like to drive your RV/camper up, please contact us to discuss the specifics & feasibility. Will I be able to work/game/stream?Yes. We have StarLink as our WiFi provider and, even though we're in a remote location, our speeds are pretty fast. Our cottages' drop-leaf dining table doubles as a 'dedicated workspace' (per Airbnb amenities), however, that's NOT the purpose of our rental, web-surfing or working remotely.
Besides, doesn't that defeat the purpose of staying in such a tranquil & secluded spot? The point of a 'retreat' is to get away from all of that 'other' stuff, right? Do you offer discounts?Yes, we absolutely do! If you've rented with us at least once before, we offer a discount on your next stay! Usually 10% - 15%, depending upon the length of your stay. Feel free to contact us for more information.
Can we have a fire?Yes, of course! We have a designated fire pit located down near the waterline. We do require that the fire screen is on the fire at all times and that the fire is completely extinguished prior to leaving the pit area. There is also a hose line nearby that should be charged and ready-to-go, just in case.
Remember that we are in the midst of pine trees, which are highly flammable - please keep fires small and sparks to an absolute minimum. If there are local burn bans, we will communicate that to you and expect guests to respect that. |
How do we access the Little 'g' Cottage?We have a lockbox for quick, painless entry. Once you have a confirmed booking with us and your rental week/end is approaching, you will be supplied with all of the pertinent check-in information, including the lockbox code and driving directions, if needed.
Is the Little 'g' Cottage easy to find via GPS?While we've noticed that satellite imagery is improving in the more remote parts of Maine, we cannot guarantee that GPS will actually get you to our front door ~ it certainly has not in the recent past ~ therefore, you will be supplied with turn-by-turn directions by request (after booking and just prior to your scheduled arrival). All of our guests are provided a contact cell number, so texting for directions or assistance is always welcomed and even encouraged. :)
When is check-in?Our check-in time is always after 3:00 pm*
*If the house is ready earlier, then we will absolutely notify you of an earlier check-in time. We're all for arriving early and getting on with your stay. How long can I stay?We offer a three (3) night minimum rental, so you may rent for a long weekend or for a week. If you are looking for a rental period longer than seven (7) days, please contact us for availability and pricing.
When is check-out?Our check-out time is always BY 10:00 am*
*Meaning that you should have fully exited the cottage and are on your way to other interesting destinations BY NO LATER THAN 10:00 am. Our Property Manager will inspect the cottage upon your completed departure. Appropriate feedback will then be left. Is the Cottage handicapped-accessible?Honestly, no. However, we are a bit 'more' accessible in the fact that we are a one-level cottage. There are two steps to enter (actually, one step, then the decking itself). Our smaller water closet would still be problematic for someone with a walker, for example, and the acreage itself is simply not accessible to those with mobility issues, because of the naturally rough terrain and densely wooded acreage.
Can we freely roam the property?Sure! The main house and cottage are on 4.1 acres with nearly 400 feet of shoreline. However, our acreage (obviously) adjoins our neighbor's acreage. Please be mindful of this. The Little 'g' Cottage itself is only 35 feet from the adjoining property line with one of our neighbors (no home built yet, just open land with a driveway), so please do not trespass. We've added coloured tape to the trees along our property lines. Please be mindful of them.
Do you provide kayaks/canoe?We have provided a Prijon tandem kayak for guest use. It's kept on the shoreline, just above the gully that leads down to the water. We also provide kayak paddles and life jackets in all basic sizes. But we always recommend bringing your own well-fitting life vests, if at all possible,
Please note that our personal watercraft (canoe & kayaks) are not available for guest use. There is also an exceptional rental company nearby that will deliver right to our cottage! Sunrise Canoe & Kayak (see Vacation Planning below) offers a variety of watercraft, including paddleboards. |
VACATION PLANNING
When are the best times to visit DownEast Maine?
Depending upon what, exactly, you're looking to do or see, the 'non tourist' times are generally the best for first-time visitors ~ at least that's our recommendation, unless you prefer throngs of people all vying for the same parking spots, hiking trails, or dining establishment seating. There's always a caveat, of course, and the caveat here is that many businesses in DownEast Maine do not even open for business until late May or early June, and most are closed & locked by mid- to late-October. Not all, but most, so please be aware and plan accordingly.
Of significant note is that the sea water temps are quite cold all year, and the water does not 'warm up' (to a balmy 59 or 60 degrees) until August. Therefore, if you are into water sports, plan to bring a wet suit. Otherwise, June, July, and August...even September, are all wonderful months in Maine. July and August can get quite warm and sweltering temps with high humidity are not unheard of here.
As for the general flow of tourism, August and October are the more popular months for tourists. Acadia National Park is overrun during late July and August. Do take the time to check the NPS Acadia website (see our Location & Local Attractions page) if you are planning to visit the Park, and in particular, if you're planning to head up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, which now requires a reservation. Bar Harbor, at the base of Cadillac Mountain, is also bustling during the summer months. The inns are full and the bars are packed and parking is a hard-to-find grail.
We, Mr. G and I, have gotten sunburned while sitting out on our deck in late October. We've also had to start a roaring fire on July 4th because temps were only in the 40s! We've even gone into a local restaurant for dinner (in late Fall) and come back outside an hour later to find five inches of snow on the ground. Maine, especially coastal Maine, is unpredictable at best, but we promise you that it's never ordinary or boring!!
Of significant note is that the sea water temps are quite cold all year, and the water does not 'warm up' (to a balmy 59 or 60 degrees) until August. Therefore, if you are into water sports, plan to bring a wet suit. Otherwise, June, July, and August...even September, are all wonderful months in Maine. July and August can get quite warm and sweltering temps with high humidity are not unheard of here.
As for the general flow of tourism, August and October are the more popular months for tourists. Acadia National Park is overrun during late July and August. Do take the time to check the NPS Acadia website (see our Location & Local Attractions page) if you are planning to visit the Park, and in particular, if you're planning to head up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain, which now requires a reservation. Bar Harbor, at the base of Cadillac Mountain, is also bustling during the summer months. The inns are full and the bars are packed and parking is a hard-to-find grail.
We, Mr. G and I, have gotten sunburned while sitting out on our deck in late October. We've also had to start a roaring fire on July 4th because temps were only in the 40s! We've even gone into a local restaurant for dinner (in late Fall) and come back outside an hour later to find five inches of snow on the ground. Maine, especially coastal Maine, is unpredictable at best, but we promise you that it's never ordinary or boring!!
What should we bring with us?
Bring along what makes you happy (except for kids, work, smokes, and pets, please). If you're an artist, then please feel free to bring along your supplies (but be expressive & creative on the OUTSIDE of the cottage). A kayaker? Our little cove is an excellent place to put-in. A writer? Gosh, you'll have tons of peace & quiet and lots of bright light. A business exec? Hmmm, you probably really NEED a break (but please don't bring your work laptop).
However, if you're looking for a more practical answer, here you go:
Personal items, such a clothing, jackets, shoes, boots, MUD SHOES!, and the like
Personal grooming items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, medications, glasses, etc.)
Sundries & groceries (we do try to provide some staples, like spices & coffee)
Life Vest & Wet suit, if you're planning to kayak, canoe, or venture out into the ocean water
Sunscreen, suntan lotion, & bug spray!!
Red apples, ripe pears, tomatoes, squash/zucchini/pumpkin for the deer!! :D
If you'd like to kayak, canoe, paddleboard, etcetera, we recommend a rental company, Sunrise Canoe & Kayak, who will deliver and pick-up right to/from our door! Please make reservations WELL ahead of your trip, as they are very busy during the warmer months! They also offer day trips and guided tours.
If you have any questions regarding what to bring along with you, please feel free to contact us!
However, if you're looking for a more practical answer, here you go:
Personal items, such a clothing, jackets, shoes, boots, MUD SHOES!, and the like
Personal grooming items (toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, medications, glasses, etc.)
Sundries & groceries (we do try to provide some staples, like spices & coffee)
Life Vest & Wet suit, if you're planning to kayak, canoe, or venture out into the ocean water
Sunscreen, suntan lotion, & bug spray!!
Red apples, ripe pears, tomatoes, squash/zucchini/pumpkin for the deer!! :D
If you'd like to kayak, canoe, paddleboard, etcetera, we recommend a rental company, Sunrise Canoe & Kayak, who will deliver and pick-up right to/from our door! Please make reservations WELL ahead of your trip, as they are very busy during the warmer months! They also offer day trips and guided tours.
If you have any questions regarding what to bring along with you, please feel free to contact us!
What is provided for us?
We try to provide almost everything, at least to start you off, if you'll be staying longer than a few days, but here's the general run-down:
Hotel size soaps
Hotel size shampoos
Large body wash (in the outdoor shower)
Hair dryer
Bed linens & blankets (extra throw blankets, too)
Toilet paper (septic safe)
Dishwashing liquid (note that we do not have an automatic dishwasher) & fresh sponge
Bath sheets/towels
K-cup coffeemaker, French presses, mugs & teacups
K-cups, ground coffee, tea chest with a variety of individually wrapped teas
Paper towels (1st roll provided)
Laundry detergent (small jug ~ although, depending upon your length of stay, doing laundry won't be necessary, at least not for our towels or sheets)
Fabric softener
Dryer sheets
Various spices & cooking oil
Dishes, flatware, & drinking glasses
Cooking utensils, hot pads, & bakeware
Induction cookware (pots & pans)
Microwave
Convection oven/air fryer combo
Compact washer & dryer
Refrigerator/freezer
Vacuum (stick vacuum)
Mop & bucket
Broom & dustpan
Ironing board & iron
Firewood for the outdoor fire pit
X-leg camping chairs (should you want to find a cool 'sitting' spot in the woods)
Books, puzzles, & a few games for inclement weather days
If you have any questions regarding what is provided for you, please feel free to contact us!
Hotel size soaps
Hotel size shampoos
Large body wash (in the outdoor shower)
Hair dryer
Bed linens & blankets (extra throw blankets, too)
Toilet paper (septic safe)
Dishwashing liquid (note that we do not have an automatic dishwasher) & fresh sponge
Bath sheets/towels
K-cup coffeemaker, French presses, mugs & teacups
K-cups, ground coffee, tea chest with a variety of individually wrapped teas
Paper towels (1st roll provided)
Laundry detergent (small jug ~ although, depending upon your length of stay, doing laundry won't be necessary, at least not for our towels or sheets)
Fabric softener
Dryer sheets
Various spices & cooking oil
Dishes, flatware, & drinking glasses
Cooking utensils, hot pads, & bakeware
Induction cookware (pots & pans)
Microwave
Convection oven/air fryer combo
Compact washer & dryer
Refrigerator/freezer
Vacuum (stick vacuum)
Mop & bucket
Broom & dustpan
Ironing board & iron
Firewood for the outdoor fire pit
X-leg camping chairs (should you want to find a cool 'sitting' spot in the woods)
Books, puzzles, & a few games for inclement weather days
If you have any questions regarding what is provided for you, please feel free to contact us!