Kennebunkport is one in every of New England’s quintessential summer season locations. It’s ultimate for lengthy weekends close to the seaside or stress-free in its lush countryside. That’s what makes the vacation spot so distinctive and compelling—take a lobster tour within the morning, go for a motorbike trip within the afternoon, and catch the sundown throughout beachside joyful hours. Right here’s easy methods to have an ideal weekend in Kennebunkport, Maine.
How you can get there
For almost all of tourists, Kennebunkport is a comparatively seamless drive. Bostonians can arrive after 90 minutes on I-95; different New England cities common about three hours; even New York Metropolis dwellers could make it in beneath 5 hours (likewise for out-of-country vacationers from Montreal). However for these coming from farther afield, there’s additionally Portland Worldwide Jetport (PWM). It’s slightly below half-hour south of Kennebunk, and a handy possibility for connecting the remainder of the nation to this coastal city.
The place to remain
Yachtsman Resort & Marina Membership
Yachtsman Resort & Marina Membership
As a port city, inevitably individuals flock to Kennebunk to expertise its seaside surroundings, together with seashores, harbors, and lighthouses, but additionally a captivating downtown aptly named Dock Sq.. Constructed across the Kennebunk River that flows out to the Atlantic—and among the area’s famed seashores like Goose Rocks—it’s the best place to begin for any first-timer. During which case, checking into the Yachtsman is your finest wager; barely faraway from the primary sq., the harborside property is an eight-minute stroll to city. It’s solely a three-minute bike trip into the middle (doubling as a well-liked pastime and mode of transport in Kennebunk).
The nautical bungalows provide a playful pop of shade towards glass sliding doorways that divulge heart’s contents to your personal patio alongside the lodge’s onsite marina. For visitors seeking to mingle, the Yachtsman presents a personal marina bar for visitor’s solely, or their floating “pool boat,” the S.S. Sundaze, which is the place to be on a summer season weekend. And for any visitors seeking to break free from marina life, Yachtsman companions with Kennebunkport Marina subsequent door, to supply leases for exploring the realm’s waterways at your personal pace.
Hidden Pond
About quarter-hour from Dock Sq. exists a stark distinction to Kennebunkport’s waterfront attract, but it has an entire enchantment of its personal—one you gained’t wish to miss. Unfold over 60 acres, Hidden Pond presents 36 personal cabins within the type of treehouses, bungalows, and two-bedroom cottages for the last word secluded getaway, all with the facilities of a luxurious resort (like a day by day morning supply of espresso and pastries at the doorstep).
Every lodging has a reputation—quite than an impersonal quantity that one other visitor has checked out and in of—and is surrounded by as much as 4 acres of lush woodlands. Cabins provide out of doors showers, fuel fireplaces, and a display porch geared up with snuggly blankets for a comfortable expertise. As for decor, 20 of the bungalows have been simply revamped by menswear designer Todd Snyder, depicting three of Maine’s outstanding themes—countryside, mountainside, and seaside—as soon as once more tying the distinct locale of Kennebunkport collectively. There are two swimming pools on property, a number of out of doors fireplace pits with day by day s’mores kits supplied, and a farm-to-fork restaurant idea that serves up breakfast, however is famend for its night tasting menu.
What to do
Seaside it
No matter if you go to Kennebunkport, you merely should go to the seaside—Goose Rocks Beach, to be particular. The three-mile stretch of fantastic sands alongside a peaceful inlet is an idyllic strategy to waste away a number of hours on a sweltering summer season day, simply as it’s for an low season seaside stroll. You’ll discover beachfront properties are few and much between, because the heaps are ordinated, which ensures views and privateness are protected alongside this well-liked website.
Rugosa Lobster Excursions
Lobster tour
Although lobsters are a year-round menu merchandise all through Maine, June is the unofficial peak season for the namesake number of this purple crustacean. Summer time guests ought to reap the benefits of the hotter climate and guide an tour on a lobster boat. They’ll study extra in regards to the specificities of the Maine lobster and the restrictions surrounding the permits, measurement necessities, and extra. Captain Bob Danzilo at Rugosa Lobster Tours places you out into the Gulf of Maine, pulls up a number of traps, walks you thru the fundamentals of lobstering, and gives a enjoyable but informative 90 minutes that’ll provide you with a wholly new appreciation for the lobster you’re certain to eat throughout your Kennebunk journey.
Store
Native boutiques and a fair proportion of basic memento shops populate Dock Sq.. For those who’re a client, you could possibly make a day trip of it. For those who’re extra of a stop-in-if-it-catches-my-eye sort, you could possibly simply go to all of the shops in only a couple hours. Both method, it’s value strolling across the city space for a way of conventional Kennebunkport. For those who catch a stretch of fickle New England climate, you may wish to take your purchasing inside; there are a selection of vintage shops surrounding Kennebunkport which might be value popping into for distinctive finds.
The place to eat and drink
The Clam Shack
An emblem of Kennebunkport, The Clam Shack is recognizable by its authentic Coca-Cola-clad signage and the flurry of shoppers lined up beneath it awaiting fried clams and a lobster roll. Although there may be definitely no “proper” strategy to order a lobster roll, there’s a Maine method. And that’s chilly, with lobster and mayo. For those who’re extra of a butter connoisseur (that is the Connecticut method), The Clam Shack gained’t decide. They’ve a “each” possibility, which mixes an expansion of mayo and a drizzle of heat butter to mix the perfect of each kinds. Seize a neighborhood beer on draft and settle right into a picnic bench whilst you wait on your order. Dive into the recent fried clams first, then deal with the roll.
Earth at Hidden Pond
Whether or not you’re staying at Hidden Pond or just looking for a style of the wooded-property’s specialty farm-to-fork restaurant, make sure you arrive hungry. Earth makes use of farm-fresh components, some produce even grown on property, to create an indulgent three- or four-course menu that rotates with the season. Each the decor and delicacies mirror its namesake, with one chew reminding you what recent components actually style like. Arrive early to get pleasure from an aperitif with house-infused spirits on the picture-perfect Farm Bar. Or, keep later for a nightcap by one of many personal fireplaces overlooking one of many resort’s three ponds.
Arundel Wharf
With an expansive wood deck, Arundel Wharf is an informal wharfside restaurant ultimate for a sun-drenched lunch, cheeky noon cocktail and snack, or a sundown joyful hour. There are many shareable appetizers for a big group, or perhaps a smaller one seeking to attempt the bounty of seafood accessible right here. Assume conventional New England steamers, shrimp cocktail, lobster-stuffed avocado, and mussels.
Courtesy Picture
White Barn Inn
Whether or not you’re celebrating an important day, or simply celebrating that you just snagged a reservation at this fine-dining sizzling spot, the restaurant at White Barn Inn units the tone for a chic night. The AAA 5 Diamond, Forbes 5 Star eatery is helmed by govt chef Mathew Woolf. It showcases the perfect of Maine’s farmers, fishermen, and foragers. It’s an old-school spot for the realm, nonetheless encouraging gents to put on jackets, and why not? Once more, it’s an event in itself to eat right here.
Rococo Ice Cream
Each coastal city wants a celebrated ice cream storefront, and in Kennebunkport, it’s Rococo. On any given day, this outpost scoops up 14 totally different flavors. You’ll discover signature flavors like goat cheese blackberry chambord and maple fig jalapeño, in addition to seasonal choices. Additionally they do an unbelievable affogato; espresso served over your selection of ice cream for a noon pick-me-up.
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