Discover the charm of the Kennebunks in Maine
Set sail aboard the Pineapple Ketch, a restored 38' Downeaster Ketch along Walkers Point in Kennebunkport, Maine. Credit: Images of Kennebunkport/Robert Dennis
Separated by the Kennebunk River, Maine’s Kennebunkport and Kennebunk, colloquially known by locals as "The Kennebunks," or "The Bunks," are famous for their dramatic shorelines, quaint fishing villages, beaches, storied histories, the Bush family compound and much more.
What makes the Kennebunks really special is the gorgeous scenery, notes Laura Dolce, executive director of the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce.
"No one who comes here is unaffected by the very blue ocean and the green pines," says Dolce, adding that southern Maine boasts beautiful sandy beaches.
Beyond being a tourist destination, there’s a genuine authenticity to the area.
"We have Cape Porpoise, which is still a working fishing village," Dolce says. "There are still lobstermen and women that go out every single day to earn a living. There are some families that are on their fourth and fifth generation of lobster people."
At the same time, The Bunks offer a sophisticated social and dining scene, including several art galleries featuring coastal art and unique contemporary creations.
Just about five hours from Long Island, Maine is easily accessible by car. To break up the drive, take the Port Jefferson ferry to Bridgeport or the Orient ferry to New London.
SIGHTS TO SEE
St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport, Maine. Credit: Images of Kennebunkport/Robert Dennis
History lovers can explore the streetcars of yore at Seashore Trolley Museum (195 Log Cabin Rd., Kennebunkport 207-967-2800, trolleymuseum.org); tour White Columns (30 North St., Kennebunkport, 207-967-2751, kporths.com/white-columns), which has its original 19th century furnishings; or learn the history of Kennebunk at the Brick Store Museum (117 Main St., Kennebunk, 207-985-4802, brickstoremuseum.org).
St. Ann’s Episcopal Church (167 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, 207-967-8043, stannskennebunkport.org) has a stone chapel with magnificent ocean views, as does Walker’s Point, the Bush family compound and Gooch’s and Colony beaches.
The active set can walk, hike or bike along the trails at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge (321 Port Rd., Wells, fws.gov).
You can check out the Goat Island Lighthouse from the waters of Cape Porpoise.
"On Lighthouse Day [the second Saturday in September], once a year, you might be able to get out to it, but it’s very tide dependent," Dolce says.
THINGS TO DO
The Wedding Cake House in Kennebunk, Maine. Credit: Images of Kennebunkport/Robert Dennis
There are history tours, ghost tours and foodie tours, as well as a self-guided tour of Kennebunk, where you can explore the town at your own pace.
You can board the Intown Trolley to get an overview of the area and also see the sights by bike, e-bike or scooter.
"You can actually rent golf carts now as well," Dolce says.
If art is your thing, try a self-guided — walk or drive — Art Trail of the Kennebunks.
Out on the deep blue, take a lobster cruise or go on a whale watch or sail on a schooner. You can also explore the coast via kayak and stand-up paddleboard.
Shoppers will find quaint coastal shops, artisan pop-ups at The Shops at Morning Walk, as well shops selling clothing, toys, candles, jewelry and art books.
EXCURSIONS TO BOOK
The rocky coast of Southern Maine. Credit: Images of Kennebunkport/Robert Dennis
If you care to explore Maine beyond the "Bunks," drive a half hour to Portland for its great shops and nationally known food scene.
Just 20 minutes down the coast is Ogunquit, a charming, tiny coastal village. Bar Harbor, to the north, is famous for the spectacular 49,000-acre Acadia National Park.
"A lot of people come here and spend half their week here in the Kennebunks and then go three hours north and spend the other half in Bar Harbor," Dolce says.
WHERE TO DINE
Dock Sqaure in Kennebunkport, Maine features restaurants and shops. Credit: Images of Kennebunkport/Robert Dennis
You can still sit at a picnic table and barehand a freshly caught lobster or spring for high end, inventive culinary offerings at the White Barn Inn Restaurant (37 Beach Ave., Kennebunk, 833-242-8847, aubergeresorts.com), or choose anything in between.
The Kennebunks offers all types of cuisine, from Italian to Thai, with almost every establishment offering some type of lobster dish.
Originally a small fish market dating back to the 1930s, The Clam Shack (2 Western Ave., Kennebunk, 207-967-3321, theclamshack.net) has been a local dining institution on the Kennebunk River since 1968. Famous for its lobster roll and fried seafood, the restaurant continually attracts celebrities, like Billy Joel and Seth Rogen.
"We still have the very same lobster tanks that were here back in the '50s and '60s," says Steve Kingston, who has owned The Clam Shack for 25 years. "We still cook in the same kettle that’s been here since the '30s."
Other eateries to try: Alisson’s Restaurant (11 Dock Sq., Kennebunkport, 207-967-4841, alissons.com) for pub fare and craft beers; The Lost Fire (62 Mills Rd., Kennebunkport, 207-204-0123, thelostfire.com), a Patagonian grill and bar; Earth at Hidden Pond (354 Goose Rocks Rd., Kennebunkport, 207-967-6550, earthathiddenpond.com) for farm-to-table fare; and Mabel’s Lobster Claw (124 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, 207-967-2562, mabelslobster.com) for lobster and other seafood.
WHERE TO STAY
Located a half mile from the center of town and a quarter mile to the beach, the Nonantum Resort (95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, 888-205-1555, nonantumresort.com) features 109 guest rooms, many overlooking the water.
The family-friendly resort has "an activities program that runs seven days a week from 8 in the morning until 8 at night that will include everything from face painting to lawn games to campfire sing-a-longs at night to Bingo. We have a Fun Club, and we also have activities for teens and adults," general manager Tina Gordon says.
The hotel also offers a sailboat charter, sports fishing and a lobster boat tour, as well as a floating sauna and daily yoga.
Also to consider: The Colony Hotel (140 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, 207-967-3331, colonymaine.com); Harbor Inn (90 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, 207-204-0234, theharborinnkennebunkport.com); Casa Bella (2 Maine St., 207-604-9672); The Grand Hotel (1 Chase Hill Rd., Kennebunk, 800-597-9408, thegrandhotelmaine.com); King’s Port Inn (18 Western Ave., Kennebunk, 207-967-4340, kingsportinn.com) and Franciscan Guest House (26 Beach Ave., Kennebunk, 207-967-4865, franciscanguesthouse.com).
