Tarry A While Resort

For those exploring options within the "Hotels Near Of Me" category and seeking a distinctive resort experience in the serene Lakes Region of Maine, Tarry A While Resort in Bridgton presents a charming and historically rich choice. Located at 17 Tarry A While Rd, Bridgton, ME 04009, USA, this resort is not just a place to stay, but a destination offering a blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and a reputation for outstanding service, particularly for special events.

Tarry A While Resort is nestled on 23 scenic acres overlooking the pristine Highland Lake and Pleasant Mountain. This idyllic setting provides a tranquil and picturesque environment that is ideal for relaxation and outdoor pursuits. The resort boasts 480 feet of sandy lake frontage, offering guests direct access to the clear waters of Highland Lake. The overall ambiance is one of laid-back charm, where summer dreams come alive and fond memories are forged. The expansive, manicured lawns with lake and mountain backdrops contribute to a sense of peace and natural beauty.

Bridgton, Maine, is a quintessential New England town, part of the larger Lakes Region, which is renowned for its numerous lakes, rivers, and charming communities. The resort’s location provides easy access to a variety of local attractions. Directly across the road is Bridgton Highlands Country Club, offering an 18-hole golf course and tennis courts. Beyond the immediate vicinity, guests can explore Bridgton's downtown, which features local shops, art galleries, and cultural spots like the Magic Lantern or Twin Drive-In Movie Theater. For outdoor adventurers, the resort is strategically located about an hour from both the rugged Maine coastline and the majestic White Mountains, including peaks like Pleasant Mountain and the iconic Mount Washington. This unique geographical position allows guests to easily experience both seaside charm and mountainous adventures during their stay, whether it's climbing a mountain, visiting a lighthouse, or simply enjoying the scenic vistas Maine has to offer.

Tarry A While Resort offers a diverse range of accommodations to suit different preferences and group sizes, including cozy inn rooms, suites, and private cottages. This variety ensures that whether guests are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, there's a suitable option.

• Accommodations:
  • Inn Rooms and Suites: These comfortable and charming rooms are typically found within the historic main Inn building. They often feature king or queen beds, private bathrooms, and many boast wonderful views of the lake and mountains. Breakfast is usually included for guests staying in the Inn rooms. Some suites may include adjoining rooms, ideal for families.
  • Private Cottages: For a more independent and spacious experience, the resort offers several private cottages (e.g., Abbott, Birch Row, Jenni, Mainer). These cottages vary in size, with some offering 3 or 4 bedrooms and multiple full bathrooms, accommodating larger families or groups (sleeping 7 to 10 guests). Cottages often come with a kitchenette equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, and dishware, with some larger units like the "Mainer" featuring a full kitchen, dining, and living rooms, central HVAC, laundry facilities, and a fireplace. Many cottages also include screened porches and gas grills, providing private outdoor spaces.
• Resort Amenities & Activities: Tarry A While is designed to offer a multitude of activities for guest enjoyment, fostering a relaxed yet fun-filled atmosphere.
  • Waterfront Activities: At the resort's private waterfront on Highland Lake, guests can relax in chaise loungers or Adirondack chairs, go swimming, or utilize complimentary canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Fishing is also a popular activity.
  • Social Hall: The Social Hall serves as a central hub for entertainment, featuring ping-pong and pool tables, floor shuffleboard, a piano, lounge chairs, and a selection of board games and puzzles.
  • Lawn Games: The expansive grounds are perfect for outdoor games like badminton and croquet.
  • Bicycling: Complimentary bicycles are available for guests to explore the resort grounds or nearby scenic routes.
  • Outdoor Fire Pit: A popular gathering spot in the evenings, the outdoor fire pit is perfect for making s'mores and socializing. It's also the designated smoking area, maintaining a smoke-free environment in all buildings.
  • Event Facilities: The resort features event spaces including a timber frame gazebo at the waterfront, a Dance Garden Patio near the Inn, and an event tent capable of seating up to 200 guests. This makes it a sought-after venue for weddings and other special occasions.
• Guest Services: The staff at Tarry A While Resort are consistently praised for their exceptional service. They are described as incredible, accommodating, sincere, and always looking to help, going above and beyond to make guests' stays and special events truly remarkable. While specific accessibility features beyond general accommodation were mentioned as an area for improvement (e.g., handicapped accessible bathrooms on the grounds), the staff's accommodating nature for guests with mobility needs is highlighted. Other services include free onsite parking and laundry facilities. Wi-Fi is available in and around the main Inn and within Mainer Cottage, and generally in common areas.

Tarry A While Resort heavily promotes itself as a "magical place" where "summer dreams come alive and fond memories are forged for a lifetime." Its marketing emphasizes its historic charm, beautiful lakeside setting, and the array of activities available. The resort is particularly renowned as a wedding venue, and this is a significant part of its promotional strategy. They offer customizable services to fit various styles and budgets, working closely with wedding planners and other vendors to ensure every detail is addressed. The ability to accommodate a significant number of wedding guests (up to 62 on-site) in the Inn and cottages, allowing them to enjoy all the resort amenities, is a key selling point for wedding parties.

Customer reviews overwhelmingly commend the resort's ability to host "wonderful" and "outstanding" weddings and events. The venue is consistently described as "beautiful," and the staff as "incredible," "accommodating," and "fabulous," ensuring that special days are truly special. The food, particularly at rehearsal dinners and wedding ceremonies, is noted as "delicious" and leaving everyone "pleased." These testimonials underscore the resort's commitment to exceptional service and creating memorable experiences. Beyond events, for general stays, the focus is on tranquility, comfort, and a wide range of recreational options that encourage guests to "relax and unwind or enjoy a multitude of fun activities." The resort also hosts unique events like weekly lobster bakes on the waterfront during summer, providing a quintessential Maine experience.

While the resort maintains a traditional feel, its emphasis on cleanliness and guest satisfaction is evident. Policies emphasize maintaining tranquility (e.g., quiet hours after 10 pm) and a smoke-free environment in buildings. The overall impression from reviews and available information is that Tarry A While Resort offers a unique, authentic Maine retreat that prioritizes personalized service and a full, engaging experience, making it a highly recommended choice for those seeking a charming escape in the Lakes Region.