The Hallowell Historic Rooming House is just two blocks from downtown Hallowell, which is nicknamed the "New Orleans on the Kennebec." The city is a regional center for the arts in central Maine, with renowned art galleries, performing arts theaters, studios, festivals and local artists. Hallowell is also home to renowned bars, taverns and restaurants, with the downtown area having a high concentration of eating and drinking establishments. Enjoy one of 50 draft beers at the Quarry or live music at one of the taverns. The house is an historic structure that was built in the 1820s by an abolitionist and philanthropist for the Knights of Columbus who used it as charity housing for freedom seekers and others. The third floor used to be a dormitory lined with beds each with a set of built in drawers for each bed that are still present. There is a granite block tunnel that leads from the basement to the Kennebec River. The house was recently renovated with many of the original features preserved and the historic beams exposed.

I am a Maine native with a Masters degree in environmental science from Colorado State University. I am now retired from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection, but I continue to work as a home agent for L.L. Bean providing technical support and customer service. Most of my time is spent managing the Hallowell Historic Rooming House, which I have owned since 2014. You could say that the hotel business is in my blood. My grandparents owned a youth hostel in Waldenburg before the war which is now part of Poland. My mother was a German immigrant and my father was French Canadian. I speak some German and French. When I am not working, I enjoy cycling, running and traveling.

The Hallowell boat landing is just across the street. You can use one of our complimentary kayaks or paddleboards to navigate the Kennebec River, which is a tidal river and estuary used by bald eagles and osprey to fish and by sturgeons who often jump high in the air above the water. The Kennebec River was used by Benedict Arnold in his escape to Canada. You can paddle as far north to Waterville and downstream all the way to the ocean. Augusta and Gardiner have boat landings where you can tie up and explore their historic downtown areas. You can also bike along the Kennebec River Rail Trail between Augusta and Gardiner using our complimentary L.L. Bean bicycles. The Vaughn Woods is a short walk up Second Street, where you can hike the trails with granite bridges and waterfalls. There is also a museum at Vaughn Estate. City Hall has one of the oldest community theaters in the state known as Gas Light Theater, which puts on productions during the summer. There is also outside concerts on Monday nights near the deep water port on the north end of town. A farmers market is also nearby as well as a fish market with fresh fish off the boat.