Crane is Maine.

Owned and operated by year-round locals, we thoughtfully create places where coastal Maine memories are effortlessly made.

Our projects

Three distinct stays

The Viewpoint | Acquired 2012

Three exceptional restaurants

Each year, we donate or fundraise tens of thousands of dollars to high impact non-profits including the York Community Service Association Food Pantry, Sweetser Mental Health, York Ready For Climate Action, and more.

Vacationland activities

We make an effort to welcome people of all stripes. We don't just have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — we've made an effort to make these options be just as exciting (and locally-rooted) as everything else.

OUR VALUES

Green for the blue

We're responsible neighbors of the Atlantic Ocean. We compost all food and compostable packaging waste, have electric vehicle chargers at our property, our housekeepers use refillable cleaning products, and we use bamboo paper products.

Neighborly love

Each year, we donate or fundraise tens of thousands of dollars to high impact non-profits including the York Community Service Association Food Pantry, Sweetser Mental Health, York Ready For Climate Action, and more.

Everyone is welcome

We make an effort to welcome people of all stripes. We don't just have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options — we've made an effort to make these options be just as exciting (and locally-rooted) as everything else.

OUR PROJECTS

OUR FOUNDING STORY

Joe and Michelle raised their children in York and still call the community their year-round home — living within walking distance all of their businesses. Joe was the caretaker and painter for Chris and his wife Liz, while Michelle worked as a front desk agent for a hotel in town. The two couples grew into family, and over 20 years ago, they opened their first restaurant together. The rest is history.

Joe Lipton

Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer

Michelle Friar

Co-founder, creative director

Chris Crane

Co-founder, partner

TIMELINE

We've always viewed our work as elevating our town, the seacoast region, our state, and overall New England region — with a deep reverence for history, while thoughtfully building our way into the future.

2013

Stones Throw opens after renovations of an acquired building on Long Sands.

2014

Stones Throw expands by acquiring motel building next door, adding 8 additional rooms.

2014

Stones Throw expands by acquiring motel building next door, adding 8 additional rooms.