Out of the Box

Featured Original Concept

From Airstream to
The Lobster Trap

An original concept in development by The Small Stay.

What if an ordinary, underused Airstream could become something entirely unexpected?

The Lobster Trap is a creative hospitality concept we’re developing at The Small Stay — reimagining a vintage travel trailer as a distinctive, Maine-inspired micro-retreat.

Drawing inspiration from Maine’s working waterfront, the concept combines thoughtful design, authentic coastal character, and a playful sense of adventure.

Imagine an Airstream transformed with the visual character of a traditional wooden lobster trap — weathered wood, netting, and a hint of maritime history, contrasted with the unmistakable shape of the iconic silver trailer.

It’s not about adding expensive amenities or creating another conventional camper rental. It’s about giving an overlooked space a personality, a story, and a reason for guests to seek it out.

Unexpected Stays

Sometimes the setting
is the experience.

A small space in an extraordinary location can offer something a conventional hotel room never could.

The Mountain Treehouse

Imagine waking up among the pines, looking out across the mountains, with the feeling of being completely surrounded by nature.

A treehouse, shepherd’s hut, converted outbuilding, or other unconventional structure can become a distinctive retreat when the concept respects its surroundings and creates an experience worth remembering.

The opportunity isn’t simply to offer a place to sleep. It’s to create a reason to travel.

Illustrative hospitality concept — not an existing client property.

Experiences Worth Sharing

Your knowledge may be
someone else’s adventure.

Not every hospitality opportunity requires a building, a vacation rental, or even a guest bedroom.

The Maine Gardener’s Hour

Imagine a talented Maine gardener who has spent decades learning what grows beautifully along the coast.

She knows the best hydrangeas for seaside gardens, which perennials tolerate salt air, and how to create something beautiful in rocky coastal soil.

What if that knowledge became an intimate garden workshop for visitors, seasonal homeowners, and anyone who loves coastal living?

The Small Stay could help shape the idea into a guest-ready experience — developing its identity, description, format, pricing approach, and marketing presentation.

Sometimes the most valuable thing you have to share is what you already know.

Illustrative experience concept — not an advertised or operating workshop.

For Rental Owners

More than a place to stay.

What if your rental could introduce guests to the people, traditions, and experiences that make your destination special?

The Coastal Experience Collection

A memorable stay can go beyond the four walls of a cottage or guest suite. Think harbor-view picnics, bicycles ready for an island adventure, favorite local provisions, and small, place-rooted experiences that help guests feel connected to where they are.

A mountain retreat could connect visitors with a local naturalist, an artist, or a knowledgeable guide. A small town getaway might introduce guests to its makers, food traditions, and hidden places.

We explore how thoughtful local partnerships and optional guest activities can give an existing rental more character and offer visitors a richer connection to the destination.

Experiences may be offered by independent local providers, subject to availability, applicable requirements, and appropriate arrangements. Not every experience must be operated by the rental owner.

One-Time Professional Engagement

From an interesting idea to a clearer opportunity.

What’s Included

• A short pre-session questionnaire
• A 45-minute private strategy conversation
• A concise written concept brief (approximately two pages)
• Initial guest-audience and positioning recommendations
• Key feasibility questions and recommended next steps

How it works: Send a short inquiry so we can confirm the idea is a fit. If we agree to proceed, payment is collected before scheduling your session. Your written brief follows the conversation.

The session offers preliminary creative and commercial direction, not a formal feasibility study. It does not include detailed financial projections, permitting or zoning research, architectural or engineering advice, or implementation. Additional work is quoted separately; the $395 fee is not automatically credited toward future services.