Within the Southern a part of Maine one can find the charming coastal city of Kennebunkport. It’s the place mostly generally known as being the summer season residence of former president George H. W. Bush. However, there’s a lot extra to Kennebunkport in addition to ogling Walker’s Level, the placement of the Bush compound. It’s also a metropolis the place you may take your loved one pooch on a foodie tour, kayak on the river and take pleasure in recent lobster at each meal.
Kennebunkport is a exceptional New England city that gives a singular journey alternative to all vacationers for all seasons. Whether or not touring solo or with your loved ones, listed here are the very best issues that you are able to do to get pleasure from Kennebunkport.
The Finest Issues To Do in Kennebunkport Maine
1. Catch a dwell present at Vinegar Hill
Take pleasure in a high-caliber dwell efficiency at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre and take pleasure in a singular leisure expertise that this stunning city has to supply. This theater is nothing like your typical efficiency corridor—it was a barn that was constructed within the late 1800s and has served its authentic objective for over a century. It was in 1997 when the barn was given a brand new life and was remodeled right into a theater. Since then, it has delivered high-quality performances which can be loved by the area people in addition to the guests of Kennebunkport. This outdated constructing has witnessed the daybreak of the nineteenth century on this quaint city and can stay current to see centuries extra.
2. Test Out Dock Sq.
Dock Sq. is a phenomenal historic neighborhood that’s conveniently positioned proper within the coronary heart of Kennebunkport. It’s a place you shouldn’t miss when visiting this delightfully alluring New England city. Take a leisure stroll down Ocean Avenue and marvel on the sailboats and fishing boats moored on the docks alongside Kennebunk river. The picturesque view will take you again to a time when life was less complicated and simpler.
Whereas having fun with the Atlantic breeze, you may also take pleasure in a luxurious meal at an area restaurant or get pleasure from window-shopping on this magical coastal city. The downtown streets are identified for his or her quintessential outlets that provide an array of merchandise that you should use whereas on the town or convey residence as a remembrance in your journey.
3. Test Out The Seashore Trolley Museum
Take a look at the Seashore Trolley Museum, and possibly even take a journey on one of many trams that return to the early 1900s. The Seashore Trolley Museum is the primary and largest mass transit museum on the planet. It boasts an enormous assortment of classic trams, cars, and buses which were maintained and restored to its former glory. In 1980, ten of those trams earned their rightful place within the Nationwide Register’s record of Historic Locations.
The Atlantic Shore Line Electrical Railroad was the foremost mode of transport again within the 1800s. Right now, it serves as an illustration railway and a monumental vacationer attraction that folks can get pleasure from when visiting the Seashore Trolley Museum.
4. Do a Beer Tasting of the Native Brew
For those who love craft beer, then don’t miss doing a little flights of beer in any respect the native favourite breweries. Immediately beneath Federal Jacks Restaurant, one can find their seven barrel brewery, Kennebunport Brewing Firm. Not solely can you’re taking a tour of the services, however you may also select the sampler the place you can be tasting beers with names like Previous Thumper and Fuggles. Who might resist? Batson River Brewing has their flagship location in downtown Kennebunk, Maine and Sebago Brewing Co. is one other native favourite.
5. Eat a Blueberry Pie
The whoopie pie is the official state deal with of Maine, however the blueberry pie is the official state dessert. In the course of the peak season you will note this fruit featured in lots of restaurant dishes, like blueberry barbecue ribs or blueberry cornbread. However, there’s nothing like a home made effervescent blueberry pie sizzling from the oven. Mabel’s restaurant is just not solely a spot for a killer lobster roll, however additionally they serve a delicious blueberry pie a la mode. One other contender is Alisson’s in Dock Sq..
For those who don’t wish to await pie till your go to, then make your individual with this Maine Wild Blueberry Pie recipe
6. Eat a Lobster Roll
It doesn’t get far more quintessential Maine than consuming recent lobster, and the most effective is at The Clam Shack. Their lobster roll, merely made with recent lobster meat, mayonnaise, and melted butter, warrants the dozen folks deep line that generally varieties in entrance of their order window. This $17.95 sandwich is stuffed with a whopping one pound of recent lobster meat and has been talked about in every part from Connoisseur journal to the New York Instances. No surprises there, as a result of it’s superb.
Although The Clam Shack is really scrumptious, many of the locals additionally swear by Port Lobster or Mabel’s to get their lobster roll repair. It’s possible you’ll simply must do a number of analysis (lobster roll sampling) to seek out your favourite. Bummer.
7. Eat a Whoopie Pie
The Whoopie Pie is a pleasant dessert that has two pillowy chocolate muffins (cookies) sandwiched round a candy frosting filling—an Oreo on steroids. Initially, these treats had been constituted of leftover cake batter, however now their reputation warrants their very own recipe and nonstick pan. Although the origin of the whoopie pie has been a battle between Pennsylvania and Maine, the latter of the 2 has claimed it because the official state deal with. And what a deal with it’s.
You possibly can cease into HB Provisions, an inviting normal retailer the place the Bush clan have been identified to frequent, to check their model that’s really scrumptious. Or simply make your individual with this Previous-Long-established Whoopie Pie Recipe.
8. Eat an Unique Flavored Ice Cream
Every day Rococo Artisan Ice Cream has fourteen delectable flavors of their rotation. You possibly can take pleasure in a scoop of conventional chocolate, however for this bucket record verify you should order a extra artistic cone. Although the Goat Cheese & Blackberry Chambord Swirl is pleasant and the Spicy Rocky Street gives you tongue a divine kick, why not give the Candy Avocado Cayenne a shot? Or how in regards to the Sunfish Wheat Ale Beer with Candied Ginger & Apricots. Head into their store and choose essentially the most distinctive taste they’ve that day!
What are the craziest ice cream flavors in America? Discover the reply right here.
9. Go to the Seaside
With its handy place on the Atlantic Seaboard, this city provides a number of alternatives for enjoyment and rest that each seashore lover can take enjoyment of.
- Parsons Seaside: Parsons Seaside is the right possibility for individuals who are in search of a extra non-public seashore expertise. Though parking is proscribed and permission is required to entry this open seashore, it’s nonetheless definitely worth the go to to get pleasure from a scenic stroll on this untainted nature.
- Kennebunk Seaside: Kennebunk Seaside is a superb option to swim, kayak, and luxuriate in a complete day of a picnic whereas having fun with the Atlantic breeze. For those who’re in search of the very best seashore to spend high quality time with your loved ones.
- Goose Rocks Seaside: Goose Rocks Seaside is indisputably essentially the most agreeable possibility for you. Little kids can safely swim and play in its well-maintained shore whereas having fun with the tiny waves.
10. Take a Meals Tour
There isn’t any higher approach to journey than to mix your journey with gastronomy. Be a part of the Maine Foodie Tour to benefit from the beautiful style and the culinary historical past of Kennebunkport. This tour is in itself a preferred vacationer attraction taking the guests by way of a half-mile culinary journey ranging from the Dock Sq. to the decrease village of Kennebunkport. Savor on these pleasant lobsters and chowders whereas chatting with the native meals artisans who assist hold Maine’s centuries-old culinary custom.
Obtained a canine? Kennebunkport is a dog-friendly city! You possibly can convey your pooch to the seashore, purchase them designer gear at one of many many outlets, sleep with them at a pleasant Inn and even take them on a doggie meals tour—an ideal addition to your canine bucket record. Maine Foodie Excursions will accompany you and your four-legged pal on a “doggy and me” tour that includes treats for the each of you.
11. Spend the Afternoon in Cape Porpoise
Spending a day stuffed with gentle journey and discovery is simple in Cape Porpoise. It’s a quiet fishing village the place many lobster boats unload their day by day catch and the lighthouse is essentially the most identified landmark. Nevertheless, there are additionally much more issues to do too. You possibly can lease bikes to cruise the nation roads or lease a kayak to discover the water views.
12. Kayak the Kennebunk River
Get a distinct perspective of the Kennebunk’s by kayaking alongside the picturesque tidal river. This working river is a serious a part of the economic system and native tradition, which you’ll be able to expertise from the water. At Coastal Maine Kayak you may select to take one in all their Kennebunk river excursions or go for a self-guided kayak journey.
13. Lease Classic Bikes from Coastal Maine Kayak
Touring on this magical seaside city will solely be full when you pedal its coast in type. Coastal Maine Kayak provides a big number of new and classic bicycles for seashore cruisers of all ages. Other than classic bikes, additionally they supply new bike fashions that come in numerous sizes, kinds, and options that may fit your biking requirement. Whether or not you propose to go biking alone or together with pals, kids, and even your pets, there’s a bike that’s appropriate so that you can get pleasure from a completely enjoyable out of doors exercise.
14. See Walker’s Level
The Walker’s Level Property positioned on Ocean Avenue is the summer season residence of former President George Bush and his household. The central home of the property was constructed utilizing the colonial American architectural type widespread within the New England area for the reason that 1600s. It’s a well-liked landmark that celebrates the wealthy historical past of New England. Though vacationers will not be allowed within the property, guests can cease their car and reap the benefits of the vantage level from Ocean Avenue to benefit from the superb structure and the gorgeous nature that surrounds it.
15. Sleep in a Historic Mattress and Breakfast
Historic Mattress and Breakfasts are plentiful within the coastal city of Kennebunkport. However, which one will you select? Among the best, and the one which I known as residence for a couple of beautiful nights, is Captain Lord Mansion. This genuine shipbuilder’s mansion could be present in a quiet residential neighborhood, only a block from the seashore and some minutes from Dock Sq..
Different Favourite Inns: The White Barn Inn, Captain Jefferds, 1802 Home and Maine Keep
16. Attempt to Spot a Movie star
Kennebunkport sees its fair proportion of celebrities, in addition to the Bush household and different dignitaries. It’s a secret getaway to lots of the well-known. You may even see them consuming lobster rolls at The Clam Shack, sleeping on the luxurious White Barn, having a cup of espresso at HB Provisions or catching a play on the close by the Ogunquit Playhouse. *Do not forget that they’re most likely having fun with a quiet getaway, so attempt to not disturb them!
A few of the celebrities rumored to sneak off to the Kennebunks are Taylor Swift, Quentin Tarantino and Billy Joel.
17. Take a Lobster Boat Cruise
You could have eaten your lobster roll(s), now get a glimpse into the lifetime of a lobster fisherman. The Rugosa Lobster Tour will take you on a one and a half hour scenic tour of the Kennebunk River in a basic New England picket lobster boat. On this cruise, you may get your arms soiled (when you select) whereas helping within the hauling of the lobster traps.
If a extra stress-free cruise is what you search, then sail with Schooner Eleanor Crusing Cruises who will take the schooner alongside the gorgeous Kennebunks shoreline. That is an expertise that may have you ever feeling like a millionaire yachter on a ship that could be a stunning instance of effective native craftsmanship.
18. St. Ann’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
St. Ann’s Episcopal Church is definitely worth the go to even when you don’t plan on staying for service. The church grounds embrace a phenomenal stone chapel, seaside chapel, columbarium and rectory. The picturesque Stone Chapel is the principle draw for guests, and it’s no surprise. The inside and exterior is made with breathtaking sea-washed stones, as a substitute of wooden and the stained glass home windows date again to the late 1800s/early 1900s.
19. Go to Goat Island Lighthouse
Goat Island lighthouse is located off Cape Porpoise and is without doubt one of the hottest vacationer sights in New England. The tower was inbuilt 1833 to function a beacon gentle for mariners. When President George H.W. Bush took the workplace beginning 1989 to 1993, the lighthouse served as a watchtower for a few of his Secret Service brokers. The Walker’s Level Property is conveniently seen when considered from the highest of the tower.
20.Go to Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge
Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge is a 9,125-acre sanctuary alongside the southern coast of Maine. The middle was established in 1966 and was named after Rachel Carson, creator, and marine biologist. It’s devoted to preserving the pure habitat of the totally different wildlife within the space, together with migratory birds. The sanctuary additionally incorporates a path the place guests can stroll and train whereas studying in regards to the totally different wildlife that take refuge on this large piece of land.
Important Ideas for Visiting Kennebunkport, Maine
Getting There: Portland Worldwide Jetport is a serious hub and most airways will fly into it. You possibly can simply verify for the very best fare offers at Skyscanner, which additionally has the choice to decide on ‘least expensive month’ because the departure to seek out the bottom priced dates to fly to your vacation spot. It’s a 30 minute drive from the airport to Kennebunkport, so you can e-book a rental automotive with RentalCars.com, or you can take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
The place to Keep in Kennebunkport: It’s greatest to remain close to town middle, public transportation or the realm that you can be spending essentially the most time in. I stayed at Captain Lords, which was excellent, however there are many different choices. The Lodge at Turbat’s Creek (reasonable), or Franciscan Visitor Home (reasonable) are nice selections in Kennebunkport. For one thing on the inexpensive facet, attempt the Footbridge North Resort positioned in Wells. For a lodge with a little bit extra extravagance, e-book a room at Captain Jefferds Inn (luxurious). Or search some nice offers on inns of your alternative at Reserving.com. For those who’re in search of extra of a house environment (or are touring with a bunch of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, flats and even only a room for lease in each value vary.
Getting Round: Renting a automotive in Kennebunkport is one of the best ways to actually expertise the realm and RentalCars.com has some nice offers. In case you are not renting a automotive, there are many choices. A well-liked approach to get round is with Kennebunkport’s Sightseeing Trolley. Kennebunkport can be surprisingly simple to navigate by foot or bicycle. Taxis, Lyft and Uber are additionally obtainable all around the metropolis.
Finest Excursions in Kennebunkport: Yow will discover among the high excursions at Get Your Information or Viator, and listed here are among the high ones:
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