Last weekend the HH and I set off to the town of Wells, Maine to check out a few local antique stores and a bakery I found online that had rave reviews, the 1690 House Bakeshop and Cafe. And well, we were not disappointed.
We showed up on a Sunday around 10 am and didn’t know it at the time, but the bakery is only open until noon on Sundays and then closes down for 3 days until reopening up back again for the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday crowd.
Since moving to the Northeast, we’ve noticed that many of the smaller eateries and bakeries {especially those in coastal towns} have shortened, more seasonal hours, with some of the shops shutting completely down in the wintertime. Which honesty, I really kind of like.
I remember when we first moved here being shocked at the number of ice cream stands everywhere. I mean really, it’s crazy cold here in New England what, like 5-6 months out of the year? I couldn’t figure out how on earth the ice cream shops made enough money just being open for such a short period of time. That was, until this summer when we found ourselves down at the local scoop shop at least 3 nights a week standing in line just like everyone else. 😉 To everything there is a season, and in New England, that couldn’t be more true.
Take a look at this book nook! Isn’t it AWESOME! The shelves were stuffed with all sorts of recipe books. My friend JJ would LOVE this place.
Sitting down at an old farmhouse table to enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of carrot cake and browsing though pastry books…. what a wonderful way to spend the morning.
The HH ordered a bacon and cheese biscuit.
And then wouldn’t stop talking about it for like 3 days it was so good! And every single time he mentioned the bacon and cheese biscuit from the 1690 House Bakeshop he compared it to the totally overrated $14.50 grilled cheese sandwich from that place in Woodstock, Vermont and man oh man, what a difference. In taste, in value, environment yada yada yada. Now every time we stop at a little eatery it’s compared to the overpriced grilled cheese sandwich.
Husbands, they’re kind of funny that way.
But this bakery, the 1690 House Bakeshop + Cafe in Wells, Maine is TOP NOTCH! I LOVED my carrot cake. The HH LOVED his bacon and cheese biscuit and we both highly recommend the place.
Real biscuits made from scratch by real people. What’s not to love? 🙂 If you ever find yourself near Wells, Maine stop in for a bite. And tell them Mavis sent you!
Have a great weekend everyone,
~Mavis
1690 House Bakeshop + Cafe
1690 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090
Rosaleen says
What a lovely review! Congrats to the 1690 House!
Jennifer says
Just to compare, how much was the biscuit?
Mavis Butterfield says
Five something. 🙂 Maybe $5.50?
Carrie C says
I love biscuits and a good one is hard to find unless you are in the south.
Rita says
Both look so delicious. The web site says they are going to close until March. Merry Christmas to you Mavis & your family.
Bec B. says
My father was shocked (shocked!) that someone would have the audacity to put tomato slices in his toasted cheese (grilled cheese) sandwich at a restaurant. This happened almost a decade ago during his first time to Portland, Oregon to visit my sister after she moved here. He’s still talking about it! So I’m saying that you might have to hear about that grilled cheese for a while, possibly even a lifetime.
Lana says
Looks yummy! I reported before that we only have 2 bakeries but we saw a new one in the works this morning. We may need to try the few we have in 2019
Jane Hebert says
LOL< fifteen years ago..we took our two kids to Disney. We brought water bottles with us, however at some point we ran out of Spring Water.
My husband still talks about paying 2.50 for a bottle of water in Disney!!!
I can't wait to try the bakery next year on one of our date days!!
Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks so much for sharing all the great places and deals all through the year.
Janie
Jennifer says
Ds goes to college near Raleigh, NC – 120 miles from us and I was shocked to find out that his WM sold a 40 bottle package of 16.9 oz bottled water for $2.26, where our WM sold it for $2.86. I don’t know what your husband would say about that!!
Nichole says
Looks lovely! We love Wells and will have to check out that bakery!
I know you’re always getting suggestions on places to visit but if you’re ever searching for a fun antique store and then yummy baked goods, the Binker Brothers Antique store in Milton Mills NH is fantastic. Cool antiques, awesome vintage and pieces by local artists and crafters. A lovely couple runs it. From following your page, I think you’d love it.
And, about a hour away in Wolfeboro NH is From Scratch Baking. They are only a small shop but their goods are fantastic and their staff is wonderful. Really awesome vibes.
Both are in “The Moose NH” which is an area of 7 towns near the Lakes Region. Super beautiful area. Lots of unique things to do. Just wanted to share.
Happy Holidays!
renay says
Looks like fun and sounds like YUM! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Mavis. Blessings to you all!
kathy says
1690 House is an amazing local treasure. We received a gift of a gorgeous Bûche de Noël from a Christmas dinner guest and it was not only gorgeous, but both light and decadent. Kristin is just a wonderful Pâtissière. And an FYI, Doug makes some really delicious soup (sometimes vegan soups!). We just love the place. Thank you for your detailed review and pictures.