Summers seem to go by in about 5 minutes and it is sooo easy to miss having a leisurely weekend with the ones you love. Especially if your main squeeze really has no idea what relaxing is all about. So I booked us a room at the Inn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth, Maine for the weekend. Time to show my guy what kicking back looks like.

The beautiful Inn by the Sea borders Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth, about 8 miles south of Portland, Maine. The hotel has a definitive New England feel and sits majestically on a hillside with ocean views from almost everywhere. The large main building consists of traditional guest rooms, Garden Suites with walk-out access to the expansive gardens, Spa Suites with oversized and luxurious bathrooms including jetted tubs and heated floors, the serene and full-service Portland Spa, the acclaimed Sea Glass restaurant, rooms for functions and business events, plus porches and decks for dining and relaxing. The adjacent buildings host one and two bedroom Beach Suites with beach and ocean views, and the newly-built Cove Suites with multiple bedrooms and a large dining area, perfect for hosting a family - or two! The Inn by the Sea is very pet-friendly, yet Crescent Beach only allows dogs on the beach between October 1st to March 31, and they must be leashed. But don't let that discourage you from bringing Fido -- dogs are allowed on the decks, porches and lawns of the Inn (be sure to pick up after your pet), plus there is a long and sandy walking and biking trail running the whole expanse of the beach and beyond. Dog-sitting is available if arranged in advance. It is doggy hotel heaven. Strangely enough, we did not bring Jack with us on this trip, but I will say all the pets were well-behaved and well-taken care of. If you are NOT a dog person, you will not feel out-numbered!

The lawn area is the perfect spot for yoga in the morning and yard games (cornhole, etc.) during the rest of the day. And lest you desire a sweet snack, there are s'mores by the firepit in the early evening. We of course take full advantage of the lawn games (I lost 3 out of 3), the beach (beach chairs, umbrellas and towels provided) and the pool area, which has its own separate menu and yes, you can bring your dog to the pool. In the evening, we enjoy a lovely meal at Sea Glass, followed by Red Sox baseball by the fireplace in our room, along with a backgammon tournament (I continue to lose, it is embarrasing). After a peaceful Friday night dinner and a full resort day on Saturday, we decide that come Sunday, it will be time to go to town. Destination: Portland.

We enjoy a coffee and some orange juice on our deck early Sunday morning, and then after a run on the beach (Bob) and a walk in the sunshine (Ann), it is time to check out and head north -- skipping the main highway for a more leisurely path. We arrive in Portland in no time. There are many distinct neighborhoods of Portland but the "touristy" section is known as "Old Port", and that's where we are headed. We find a parking spot next to what is one of a few perfect places to eat breakfast in Portland. If you are looking for a straight-up, old school breakfast where lattes are nowhere on the menu (you will find a Mimosa, though), then Becky's is for you. It is everything a diner should be. And you WILL wait in line, but it is worth it. For something a little more brunch-like, the Portland Regency Hotel will do you right! Their Twenty Milk Street restaurant serves a brunch that is delicious and just a tad indulgent.

We decide to skip breakfast today and do a little walk-about. The Old Port is known for its cobblestone streets, 19th century brick buildings and fishing piers, dotted with boutiques, bars and restaurants. It is totally quaint, walkable and inviting. We start out on Commercial Street, which runs along the waterfront. One of our first stops is Edgecomb Potters. We have been here before, purchasing a wedding gift years ago. This place is a visual feast! The merchandise is primarily pottery, of course, but there is also some local art and other decorative housewares. Here is a little sampling.

Our next stop is Asia West, and while their merchandise is not quite in sync with our traditional New England home, there is a lot of cool stuff to look at! If you like the boho look, this place is for you.

Next is Skordo, with an amazing assortment of freshly ground spices, herbs, blends & rubs, dried chiles, mushrooms, cookbooks, kitchen accessories and more.

Well, we are finally hungry and I know exactly what I am having! Bob is not a huge seafood lover, but he indulges me. We head across Commercial Street to the piers. There are many seaside restaurants to choose from, but this one spoke to me. Boone's Fish House and Oyster Room has indoor, outdoor and upper deck seating. We secure a table by the water and place our orders. I'd show you a picture of Bob's burger, but we all know what those look like. In Maine, it is all about the lobster and this one is pure perfection!

After satisfying my lobster and steamer urge, it's time to walk around some more. Some places allow photography, some do not and I am always careful to ask. Favorites of ours include Motifs, with a selection of French-inspired gifts and housewares, and Joseph's of Portland for men's clothing. So much to do! You can grab a lobster roll or some fresh shucked oysters at a street cart, eat ice cream, drink beer (or your favorite beverage) and shop to your heart's content in Portland, Maine. There is also a theater scene and lots of live music of every genre. I will leave you with a few photos to enjoy. Lots of places to stay in Portland as well, and the restaurant landscape has gained national attention. Spend a weekend - or longer - in the Portland area. In any season. You will not be disappointed.