TRAVEL GUIDE: A Weekend in Kennebunkport, Maine
If you are scrambling to make last minute Memorial Day weekend plans or just want to shake things up a bit this summer and head somewhere new, I highly recommend Kennebunkport, Maine. Now, I know I am not the first person to fall in love with this sweet little city by the sea (there is a rather famous family who tends to frequent quite a bit), but I will say, we've had the privilege of visiting a few times over the last year, and I'm beginning to feel like it's a (rather lovely) home away from home.
First, let me say I love Maine. It's just so...Maine. It has it's own little personality that is a tad rugged yet refined. The folks here seem to just embrace their beautiful surroundings and celebrate what they are known for (ie: lobster). I always feel like I can let my hair down a bit here. It's more Barbour than Burberry, and that just makes me happy. So when we can sneak away for a weekend, we always take the chance.
Hidden Pond:
There really is no place like Hidden Pond. They describe it as a summer camp for adults, but I think it's basically paradise. With beautiful bungalows (each with their own outdoor shower), a tree house spa (true story), and one of the best restaurants I've ever been too, ever (Earth) - Hidden Pond is easy to fall in love with. (See my full review here).
Cape Arundel Inn:
We had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful inn earlier in the month, and let me just say, the views are just beyond. We stayed in the newly renovated Rockbound Bungalows and we would go back in a heartbeat. Or perhaps even faster than that. With beautiful bedrooms, your own private veranda and all that the Cape Arundel Inn has to offer, it's a no brainer. Oh, and the club house (where the pool is located) might be the coolest place ever. The decor is spot on.
The Tides beach Club:
If you are looking for more of a beach vacation, you can't beat The Tides Beach Club. Directly across from the beautiful Goose Rocks Beach, it has one seriously dreamy vista (not to mention a porch I could live on). The restaurant is amazing, the views are amazing, the rooms are amazing - can you tell we love it here? (See my full review here)
Cabot Cove Cottages:
Now we haven't stayed here personally, but we've have friends who have and absolutely loved it. You get your own little cottage (which are adorable, btw) so it's great for those folks who want a little more privacy during their stay in Kennebunkport.
Earth:
Like I mentioned before, this restaurant is just my favorite. If the overall vibe and aesthetic doesn't win you over, the food will knock you right off your feet. It's more of an experience than a restaurant, and it's a must if you are in Kennebunkport.
Ocean:
We ate here during our last stay, and the food was incredible. The views aren't too shabby either. Grab a drink at the bar to bring to the porch before the feast begins, and then settle in for what is sure to be an amazing meal by their fabulous chef, Pierre Gignac.
The Ramp:
If you are looking for a more casual place to grab a drink and a bite to eat, a trip to The Ramp in Cape Porpoise is must. Grab an adirondack chair and take in the very Maine scenery.
Davids KPT:
If you are looking for a bit to eat after shopping in town, we love David's. Get a seat on the deck and take in all the views while you devour their delicious menu.
The Spirit of Massachusetts:
This is sailboat in the middle of the harbor that is also a restaurant. What's better than that? We love a late afternoon cocktail here.
The Clam Shack:
A Kennebunkport staple, this is the place to grab a lobster roll in town.
Mornings in Paris:
We love grabbing a coffee (and maybe a pastry or two) here before we start to conquer the day. The outdoor patio is such a lovely little spot to sit and plan out the day's adventures.
Rococo Ice Cream:
There is no visiting Kennebunkport without a trip to Rococo. Their ice cream is out of this world and calorie free (I made that last part up).
Goose Rocks Beach:
This beach is a beaut. It seems to stretch wider every time we go, and it's just a lovely place to spend the day (and then retire to The Tides Beach Club for an afternoon libation)
Kennebunk Beach:
We love making this drive when the tide is high and the waves crash over the seawall. It's just so dramatic and so Maine. It's a beautiful stretch of sea lined with lovely summer cottages.
Parson's Beach:
We recently discovered Parson's Beach, and boy are we glad we did. It's an amazing place to take a stroll (dare I say, it's even a bit romantic) and backs up to a gorgeous horse farm. It's basically my dream property.
Day Trip Society
This little spot has such fun little trinkets tucked away in every nook and cranny - it's the perfect place to pick up a little something during your stay in Kennebunkport.
Farm + Table
You know those little shops where you walk in and you just want to buy every single thing? Well this is Kennebunkport's version. It's packed to the gills with gorgeous treasures, and just also happens to be as cute as it can be - making it a must stop for me.
Snug Harbor Farm
This place is such a gem, and is probably the most gorgeous nursery I've ever laid eyes on. They have beautiful animals running around the farm and even mini ponies. So yes, it's basically heaven.
I hope this was helpful! And as always, I would love to hear the places you love in this special little place. Leave a comment below or send me a note (abby@abbycapalbo.com), these travel guides are always a work in progress! Thanks for coming along on our little adventures!