Breakfast at a Small Inn Can Be Tricky

We just got back from our summer vacation, which was 4 nights in Boothbay Harbor, Maine bookended by a night in Grafton, VT to break up the drive to and from. 

Grafton is a big inn -- there are multiple buildings, and then the Barn for eating dinner (and enjoying live music) and the breakfast dining area for the included Vermont Country Breakfast. There, you eat at your own table, as if you were in a restaurant. People kind of keep to themselves unless they've come with family or friends. We chitchat with the staff, some of whom we've seen for the 17 or so years we've been going there. It's friendly, but not an overly social breakfast experience. 

In Boothbay, we stay at an inn that is an old sea captain's house, right at the head of the harbor. There are 5 total rooms. Breakfast is also included, but it's served in a traditional house dining room. You can choose to eat on the deck or in the little sunroom, or you can sit at the table with complete strangers. 

We usually sit at the table with complete strangers. It is a crapshoot. Some years it is painfully child-focused -- often the kids aren't there, but people are talking about their kids, or grandkids, and assuming everyone is a parent. Last year was the first year nobody asked us if we had kids. It was weird, but honestly...welcome. 

You can also end up sitting with people who utterly monopolize the conversation. Last year there was a couple that talked a blue streak, loudly, and didn't let anyone else get a word in edgewise. There were other people we were interested in knowing more about, but they didn't have a chance. We tried to figure out how to eat at a different time than them, because it was not the most relaxing way to start the day. (The big fear is: are we those people??? Are we unaware and we are just as bad and that's why it's so annoying? Jeez I hope not!)

So this year, we came down the first day and there was a guy sitting by himself who was there for a wedding, and we chatted before he took off to go kayaking before leaving. We were sitting alone when a family came down with two kids, a 2-ish year old and a 5-ish year old. Honestly, my first reaction was "oh jeez, here we go." BUT. 

They were the most delightful family ever. They were traveling for the mom's 40th birthday, and they'd never been to Maine before. The kids were cute, and when they were squirrelly, they were held accountable in a way that this teacher wishes were more universal (firm but loving, clear consequences, clear boundaries). THERE WERE NO DEVICES TO BE SEEN. It is so disheartening to see how many kids are already addicted to devices well before school, and families that go out to dinner and EVERYONE is on their phone. Or the littles are watching shows on the iPad full volume, no regard for other people in the restaurant. Gosh I sound like a crochety old lady! 

And, the parents talked about all kinds of things! We had a lovely conversation, gave some recommendations of things to do, and off they went. Not once did they ask if we had kids. 

We saw them off and on throughout the day, and then we actually got to eat breakfast with them all of the 4 mornings. On the last day, they asked if we had any nieces or nephews. WHAT? What an interesting way to ask! We don't, not little ones, but it almost took us off guard. Never did they ask about kids. 

So now we wonder, do we give off "no-kids" vibes? Do we just look older and so it's not as relevant? I'm going to say that's not the case because of how rampant talk of grandchildren is. I'm so much more aware of that as I inch my way towards that demographic since I'm out of "childbearing years." My dad was actually saying that when he is talking with people, they just assume everyone is a grandparent, and that bothers him. I guess it doesn't ever let up entirely. 

We were sad when this family left (the same day that we did). They seemed genuinely sad, too -- lots of waving and goodbyes and I almost fell out of the hammock while turning to say goodbye as they got into their car to leave. 

We made sure to tell them how lovely we found them, and I actually said "You guys are incredible parents. There is hope for the future!" We meant it. 

So while breakfast is a crapshoot when staying at a small inn, this time we won all the way around. And of course, the innkeepers were amazing! Bayside Inn in Boothbay for the win.