Within the Southern a part of Maine you’ll discover the charming coastal city of Kennebunkport. It’s the place mostly generally known as being the summer season dwelling of former president George H. W. Bush. However, there may be a lot extra to Kennebunkport apart from ogling Walker’s Level, the situation of the Bush compound. It is usually a metropolis the place you’ll be able to take the one that you love pooch on a foodie tour, kayak on the river and take pleasure in recent lobster at each meal.
Kennebunkport is a outstanding New England city that provides a novel 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 take pleasure in Kennebunkport.
The Greatest 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 novel leisure expertise that this lovely city has to supply. This theater is nothing like your typical efficiency corridor—it was once a barn that was constructed within the late 1800s and has served its authentic goal 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 previous constructing has witnessed the daybreak of the nineteenth century on this quaint city and can stay current to see centuries extra.
2. Verify Out Dock Sq.
Dock Sq. is a good looking historic neighborhood that’s conveniently situated 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 can even take pleasure in a luxurious meal at an area restaurant or take pleasure in window-shopping on this magical coastal city. The downtown streets are identified for his or her quintessential retailers that supply an array of merchandise that you should use whereas on the town or deliver dwelling as a remembrance on your journey.
3. Verify Out The Seashore Trolley Museum
Try the Seashore Trolley Museum, and perhaps even take a trip 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 earth. It boasts a large assortment of classic trams, vehicles, and buses which have been maintained and restored to its former glory. In 1980, ten of those trams earned their rightful place within the Nationwide Register’s checklist of Historic Locations.
The Atlantic Shore Line Electrical Railroad was once the most important mode of transport again within the 1800s. At present, it serves as an indication railway and a monumental vacationer attraction that individuals can take pleasure in when visiting the Seashore Trolley Museum.
4. Do a Beer Tasting of the Native Brew
In the event you love a very good craft beer, then don’t miss performing some flights of beer in any respect the native favourite breweries. Straight beneath Federal Jacks Restaurant, you’ll discover their seven barrel brewery, Kennebunport Brewing Firm. Not solely can you’re taking a tour of the services, however you can even select the sampler the place you’ll be tasting beers with names like Outdated 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 notice this fruit featured in lots of restaurant dishes, like blueberry barbecue ribs or blueberry cornbread. However, there’s nothing like a selfmade effervescent blueberry pie scorching from the oven. Mabel’s restaurant just isn’t 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..
In the event you don’t need to look ahead to pie till your go to, then make your personal with this Maine Wild Blueberry Pie recipe
6. Eat a Lobster Roll
It doesn’t get way more quintessential Maine than consuming recent lobster, and among the best 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 all the pieces from Connoisseur journal to the New York Occasions. No surprises there, as a result of it’s superb.
Although The Clam Shack is actually scrumptious, many of the locals additionally swear by Port Lobster or Mabel’s to get their lobster roll repair. Chances are you’ll simply should 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 have been comprised 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 may cease into HB Provisions, an inviting normal retailer the place the Bush clan have been identified to frequent, to check their model that’s actually scrumptious. Or simply make your personal with this Outdated-Usual Whoopie Pie Recipe.
8. Eat an Unique Flavored Ice Cream
Every day Rococo Artisan Ice Cream has fourteen delectable flavors of their rotation. You may take pleasure in a scoop of conventional chocolate, however for this bucket checklist examine it’s essential to order a extra inventive 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 probably 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 Seashore
With its handy place on the Atlantic Seaboard, this city gives a number of alternatives for enjoyment and leisure that each seaside lover can take enjoyment of.
- Parsons Seashore: Parsons Seashore is the right possibility for many who are in search of a extra personal seaside expertise. Though parking is restricted and permission is required to entry this open seaside, it’s nonetheless definitely worth the go to to take pleasure in a scenic stroll on this untainted nature.
- Kennebunk Seashore: Kennebunk Seashore is a superb option to swim, kayak, and luxuriate in an entire day of a picnic whereas having fun with the Atlantic breeze. In the event you’re in search of the very best seaside to spend high quality time with your loved ones.
- Goose Rocks Seashore: Goose Rocks Seashore is for sure probably the most agreeable possibility for you. Little youngsters can safely swim and play in its well-maintained shore whereas having fun with the tiny waves.
10. Take a Meals Tour
There is no such thing as a higher solution to journey than to mix your journey with gastronomy. Be 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 well-liked vacationer attraction taking the guests by 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 may deliver your pooch to the seaside, purchase them designer gear at one of many many retailers, sleep with them at a pleasant Inn and even take them on a doggie meals tour—an ideal addition to your canine bucket checklist. Maine Foodie Excursions will accompany you and your four-legged good friend 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 straightforward in Cape Porpoise. It’s a quiet fishing village the place many lobster boats unload their day by day catch and the lighthouse is probably the most identified landmark. Nevertheless, there are additionally way more issues to do too. You may hire bikes to cruise the nation roads or hire a kayak to discover the water views.
12. Kayak the Kennebunk River
Get a unique perspective of the Kennebunk’s by kayaking alongside the picturesque tidal river. This working river is a serious a part of the financial system and native tradition, which you’ll be able to expertise from the water. At Coastal Maine Kayak you’ll be able to select to take considered one of their Kennebunk river excursions or go for a self-guided kayak journey.
13. Hire Classic Bikes from Coastal Maine Kayak
Touring on this magical seaside city will solely be full in case you pedal its coast in model. Coastal Maine Kayak gives a big choice of new and classic bicycles for seaside 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 intend to go biking alone or together with mates, youngsters, and even your pets, there’s a bike that’s appropriate so that you can take pleasure in a completely enjoyable outside exercise.
14. See Walker’s Level
The Walker’s Level Property situated on Ocean Avenue is the summer season dwelling of former President George Bush and his household. The central home of the property was constructed utilizing the colonial American architectural model frequent within the New England area for the reason that 1600s. It’s a widespread landmark that celebrates the wealthy historical past of New England. Though vacationers should not allowed within the property, guests can cease their automobile and reap the benefits of the vantage level from Ocean Avenue to benefit from the superb structure and the attractive 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? Probably the greatest, and the one which I referred to as dwelling for a couple of pretty nights, is Captain Lord Mansion. This genuine shipbuilder’s mansion may be present in a quiet residential neighborhood, only a block from the seaside 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, apart from the Bush household and different dignitaries. It’s a secret getaway to lots of the well-known. You might 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 strive 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’ve got 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’ll be able to get your fingers soiled (in case you select) whereas helping within the hauling of the lobster traps.
If a extra enjoyable cruise is what you search, then sail with Schooner Eleanor Crusing Cruises who will take the schooner alongside the attractive Kennebunks shoreline. That is an expertise that may have you ever feeling like a millionaire yachter on a ship that could be a lovely instance of nice native craftsmanship.
18. St. Ann’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church
St. Ann’s Episcopal Church is definitely worth the go to even in case you don’t plan on staying for service. The church grounds embrace a good looking 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 likely one of the hottest vacationer points of interest in New England. The tower was in-built 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, writer, and marine biologist. It’s devoted to preserving the pure habitat of the completely different wildlife within the space, together with migratory birds. The sanctuary additionally contains a path the place guests can stroll and train whereas studying in regards to the completely different wildlife that take refuge on this large piece of land.
Important Suggestions for Visiting Kennebunkport, Maine
Getting There: Portland Worldwide Jetport is a serious hub and most airways will fly into it. You may simply examine for the very best fare offers at Skyscanner, which additionally has the choice to decide on ‘most cost-effective 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 would e book a rental automotive with RentalCars.com, or you would take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft.
The place to Keep in Kennebunkport: It’s greatest to remain close to town heart, public transportation or the realm that you’ll be spending probably the most time in. I stayed at Captain Lords, which was good, however there are many different choices. The Lodge at Turbat’s Creek (reasonable), or Franciscan Visitor Home (reasonable) are nice decisions in Kennebunkport. For one thing on the inexpensive facet, strive the Footbridge North Resort situated in Wells. For a resort with just a little extra extravagance, e book a room at Captain Jefferds Inn (luxurious). Or search some nice offers on inns of your alternative at Reserving.com. In the event you’re in search of extra of a house ambiance (or are touring with a bunch of individuals), head over to Airbnb that has homes, flats and even only a room for hire in each value vary.
Getting Round: Renting a automotive in Kennebunkport is the easiest way to essentially expertise the realm and RentalCars.com has some nice offers. In case you are not renting a automotive, there are many choices. A preferred solution 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.
Greatest Excursions in Kennebunkport: Yow will discover a few of the prime excursions at Get Your Information or Viator, and listed here are a few of the prime ones:
Lunchtime Culinary Strolling Tour2-Hour Historic Strolling TourRugosa Lobster Excursions Schooner Eleanor Crusing Excursions This put up might include affiliate hyperlinks. In the event you make a purchase order by my hyperlinks, I earn a fee that helps to maintain this weblog operating—at no further value to you. For extra data learn my full disclosure.
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