– From staff reports

Maine is rich in many things, including scores of welcoming inns and bed-and-breakfasts all over the state. One such destination not to be missed is The Inn at Bath, a lovely Greek Revival gem in the midst of the coastal city’s Historic District.

“I’ve always lived in beautiful parts of the world,” says innkeeper Elizabeth Knowlton, who owned and operated a fly-fishing lodge in Montana before moving to Maine and buying the inn in 2004. “So hospitality comes naturally to me, because when you live in wonderful places — like Bath — people are always visiting.”

They come to Bath and the midcoast to experience a long list of attractions, which Knowlton enjoys recommending: the Maine Maritime Museum, the beaches, the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay Harbor, Maine State Music Theater, Bowdoin Summer Music Festival, Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, Bath’s Chocolate Church, hiking, kayaking, boating, sailing …

And of course the discerning traveler, whether from just a few miles away or from out of state, selects the Inn at Bath as personal headquarters for these local jaunts. Knowlton likes to point out that Bath, unlike many Maine coastal spots, is open year-round, including Main Street Bath’s “Old-Fashioned Christmas,” a festival that grows every year.

“The downtown is vibrant and alive with new shops and terrific restaurants, and they’re all within walking distance of the inn,” she observes.

Stately architecture and elegant interior notwithstanding, the Inn offers a wonderfully relaxed and welcming atmosphere. It’s known as a romantic destination for couples who return annually to celebrate their anniversaries. “I’m fairly certain that we’re the only a B&B in the midcoast that has whirlpool tubs overlooking the fireplaces rather than tucked away in the bathroom,” Knowlton says.

There are eight guest rooms, all large, all with private bath, and all named, some for color or feature (e.g. Garden) and some with a nautical theme (Sail Loft, Captain’s Cabin) as befits the city’s maritime heritage.

Other touches of individuality include various fabrics, selections of 18th and 19th century antiques; contemporary conveniences include air conditioning and DVD players.

Four rooms have wood-burning fireplaces. Three of the rooms have outdoor entrances — ideal for guests who bring dogs, which are welcome in most rooms. Children age 5 and up are welcome, too.

The Inn is popular for its “Girl Friend Getaways” as well as for wedding parties, family gatherings and retreats (people rent the entire Inn at such times).

Rates at the Inn At Bath start at $170 in-season, $150 off-season, and lots of specials are offered during off-season. Please visit innatbath.com to view them and fully explore all the Inn has to offer — healthy breakfast included!