Concierge Services & Guest Favorites

Welcome to the Apex Luxury Rentals Concierge Page. These are a collection of local businesses, services and products that guests have told us elevates their time in Maine. This year, we added a collection of women-owned businesses. If you enjoy something during your stay that we may have missed, let us know so we can share with future guests. Thank you so much for helping us support Maine businesses. 

2023 List of Women Owned Businesses: 
As a woman-owned business, we support local and like-minded businesses that also run under girl power. 

We wanted to share some of our favorites that we either use in our rentals or guests have told us they really enjoy patronizing. If you choose to support any during your stay, tell them you heard about them from Apex!

FOOD AND DRINK

Lady Shuckers: Lady Shuckers is a mobile-raw bar and special event catering company invested in amplifying the voices of females and minorities on the working waterfront. Women-owned and operated in Portland, Maine, Lady Shuckers sources, primarily from female-run sea farms, and co-sponsors cross-sector partnerships with local businesses to increase representation and resiliency for the Maine seafood brand, while helping to shape a narrative of diversity and inclusion for the aquaculture industry in our coastal economies.



Vena’s Fizz House: Vena’s Fizz House is a cocktail/mocktail bar and mixology shop that is also a go-to resource for mixology education. Their FIZZ ED Mixology Classes are offered both virtually and in person – with or without spirits. Book classes at: Vena's Fizz House

The Messy Cookie: It is the paint night you get to eat! Krystina supplies everything you need to decorate beautifully-themed cookies either virtually or in person. It is a fun family or girl’s night event. Learn more: The Messy Cookie

Wine Wise Sails: Enjoying wine and a cruise around Casco Bay with Sommelier Erica Archer. From May through October, she offers many different themes, regions and events. These sell our quickly, so browse her page when you know you are coming to Maine: Wine Wise Sails


Coffee by Design: If you have stayed in an Apex home, you have most likely noticed the Apex Luxury Blend coffee we stock in the kitchens. There are a few brick and mortar locations throughout Portland, and they do a wonderful job supporting women-roasters and growers around the world. Coffee by Design

Maggie Mae’s: Located in Yarmouth, close to our Falmouth, Cumberland and Yarmouth homes, this shop offers wonderful custom salads, prepared meals, the best homemade chocolate chip cookies and charcuterie boxes ready to take to the beach, on the boat or back to bed. See their menus at: Maggie Mae's

SHOPPING

Sea Bags: More than likely, you have seen these trendy and sustainable recycled sails-turned-bags before. The original Sea Bags company continues to add new patterns, designs and custom offerings to their line. Visit the Portland or Freeport store and online: Sea Bags

Chappy Wraps: These luxuriously soft blankets are in many of our homes for added comfort if you want an extra layer for the deck or couch. They offer many seasonal colors and patterns and make a beloved gift from Maine: Chappy Wraps

Aristelle: Located in Portland’s Old Port, Aristelle sells silk lingerie, robes and cozy pj’s, loungewear and bridal sets. Ashley reminds women to get fitted properly for a bra when they stop by; most women wear the wrong size! Aristelle


ART AND CREATION

Elizabeth Moss Galleries: There are two galleries that showcase Maine’s contemporary artists. Visit her site to see her calendar of events and portfolio of artists. We love supporting local artists and makers.  

Sara Fitz Studios: Apex homes are proud to showcase Sara’s watercolor prints in several homes. Her style is New England chic and guests adore her notecards, ornaments, linens and wallpapers. Visit her flagship store in York or online: Sara Fitz

Terrarium Portland: This lovely greenhouse teaches you how to create your own terrarium while enjoying locally made snacks and wine. Visit their site for booking details: Terrarium Portland


OUT AND ABOUT

Maine Day Ventures: Offering culinary, history or custom walking tours of Portland, Kennebunkport, Biddeford and Bar Harbor, this group wins high praise for their knowledge and passion for Maine. Browse their offerings at Maine Day Ventures


Here are more Maine businesses and services we are proud to reccommend in 2023. If you need additional reccommendations, please reach out and we are happy to help you. 

One of the magical things about coming to Maine is that no matter your passions or expectations, chances are we can help that happen for you and your guests. Drawing from the wealth of local experts, artists, and purveyors, we are proud to recommend these local businesses to enhance your stay.

If you are looking for an elevated experience that could include a seasonally curated dinner in your rental with a heralded chef; your kitchen stocked upon arrival with your favorite provisions; event planning or adventures and excursions, we have partnered with Vanessa at Your Maine Concierge to take our offerings to a truly personalized level. Upon reserving, we will send you a letter with more information on Vanessa’s services and how to contact her directly. 

 

The Messy Cookie Parties: Krystina hosts themed cookie icing parties in your rental! Either in-person or via Zoom, she gets you everything you need to decorate your own cookies. We have done it, and it is such a fun (and sweet!) way to spend an hour of your time in Maine.

 
The Shuck Shack: Brendan will come to your rental with oysters that have been harvested from his personal oyster farm that morning. He adds a level of delicious sophistication to your stay with his shucking skills, sauces, and flavor pairings. Call him for pricing and details at (207) 380-9888

Grocery Delivery:   Whole Foods in Portland offers free delivery of grocery and specialty items.   Hannaford and Shaw's Supermarkets both offer grocery delivery through Instacart.      ToDineIn.com and UberEats are also options that deliver local favorites right to your table.

Fitness: We will certainly not judge you if you pass over this section. But for those of you who can’t skip a workout even on vacation, here are a few local experts that can come right to the house, meet you on the beach, or even do a virtual visit. (Several of our homes do have exercise equipment, such as water rowers or bikes, and we can let you know upon booking if your property includes any.) 
   


Photographers: Many of our guests opt to use the natural backdrop of Maine for precious photoshoots. It seems rare these days to have everyone in one place -- and these photographers can capture memories for you.
       
Massage: Isn’t it such a treat to get a massage on vacation and not even leave the house? While there are many wonderful spas in the area, sometimes a massage is even better in the living room. Jill from At Home Massage offers therapeutic chair massage, traditional massages, and Reiki at very affordable pricing and her clients say her work is among the best they’ve ever had.

Florist: Adding local flowers into your stay is an easy and beautiful way to feel even more at home. We love these florists because they source from local flower farms.
     

Air Banners, Aerial Photography, and Tours:
 
Mountain Activities:
       
Holiday Activities:            
Personal Styling: Sometimes on vacation, we look into our suitcase of clothes and realize we don’t have anything to wear -- especially in Maine, where the weather can change every five minutes. These stylists can bring options to you and help you incorporate them into your outfits.  Or sometimes it is just fun to have a new set of eyes on your existing clothes and help you create fully new looks.
            Car Detailing: If you are getting ready to drive up the coast for a day of sightseeing (or just want the crumbs from the drive up gone from the backseat) we recommend Portland Detailing and Casco Bay Detailing in Yarmouth. They are quick, reliable, and professional.

Mobile Vet/Grooming: Should you require any help with your furry friends during your stay, Vet at Your Door is a mobile service that will come directly to you. If you need grooming services, Soggy Dog in Falmouth is wonderful and they also sell accessories and have a pet bakery. 



Romance: If you are here alone and perhaps looking to meet someone special to share some adventures with, Hinckley Introductions offers matchmaking services for those over 40. Jill has been making meaningful connections for decades. And if the name sounds familiar, her grandfather founded Hinckley Yachts. Schedule a 20-minute call with Jill here.