MAINE
They don’t call it vacationland for nothing. Here are some of my favorite summer things about the Kennebunks.
SNACKS
Mornings in Paris– located in Lower Village MIP is the place to start your day. Crepes, coffee drinks and macaroons. Their patio is located a few blocks from Gooches Beach . They also own/operate the General Store at Goose Rocks Beach. Lots of Gluten free options too.
The Candyman and Sugar Shack– a trip to the coast just isn’t the same without a trip to the candy store. These shops are located at opposite ends of the Port. Saltwater taffy for days, nostalgic candy and fudge!
Satellite Donuts– bacon and chocolate, Trix cereal, S’mores..these bite size donuts are addicting. Every ice coffee order is topped with their signature pink sprinkled donut.
Rococo Ice Cream– run to this extra ordinary ice cream shop NOW. Rococo Ice Cream has been featured in national publications such as Woman’s Health, Food and Wine. Their goat cheese Blackberry Chambord is delish. Each cup/cone gets their own little box of sprinkles.
Boulangerie– located in downtown Kennebunk this hot spot offers fresh breads, coffee drinks and wine tastings. On Saturday mornings you can grab your snacks and walk over to the farmers market.
CAMPS
KBIA-Kennebunk Beach Improvement Association is the cutest and oldest camp in town. They have been around for 100 years. Sandwiched between the cove and ocean, they offer a la carte activities as well as full week options. Art, fishing, paddle boarding, swim lessons, leather making…
GRB Community Center– corn hole tournaments, kids camp, 4th of July bike parade, art shows. Check out their calendar for info on upcoming events and art shows.
Laudholm Farms-technically in Wells but they have some pretty amazing day camp options. Their trails lead right to the ocean.
SHOP
Kennebunk Outfitters– family owned. Everything you needs from tennis whites to new running sneakers. They also have the cutest doggie mascot!
Daytrip Society & Daytrip Jr– Maileg Mice, destination crewnecks, everything Sarah Fitz, trucker hats, hosted gifts, jewlery…all the beautiful things!
Old House Parts– looking for Architectural Salvage and Architectural Antiques like French doors, antique windows, antique doors and other architectural salvage for exterior and interior design. This is the place for you.
F8 Gallery– Brad Maushart’s studio and gallery, f8 gallery, sits in the heart of dock square, and serve as a hip, cultural hub of Kennebunkport. He is welcoming to art loving kids who can apprentice the art gallery setting. Fun fact- Brad used to be a photographer and we had the same color photography professor!
KW Contemporary Art– Kiersten Wilcox knows her art. Located in lower village, KW Contemporary Art is focused on the exhibition of work from emerging, mid-career, and established contemporary artists from around the world.
SPACES Nicki Bongiorno– Located in the heart of Lower Village this shop has a whimsical and playful collection of unpredictably stylish gifts and home furnishings.
Saxony Imports– get your lobster pot keychains, magnets, sailor bracelets and Maine coffee mugs at Saxony.
Lower Village Frame Works– drop your newly purchased artwork with Megan and she will make it wall worthy. Located behind Kennebunk Outfitters and next to Hurlbutt Designs.
PLAY
Rugosa– known as one of the top-rated boat attractions in the region. They are the only lobster boat tour in Kennebunkport, Maine, hosted on a traditional wooden Downeast-style lobster boat.
Aquaholics– the place to go for everything surfing. Rentals and lessons.
Kennebunk Pilates– Martine is AMAZING! Her lower village studio offers classes, private sessions and duet/trio private session. Located in Lower Village.
The Fifth Om– offers holistic skincare treatments, integrative massage & healing therapies. Located next door to the Boulangerie.
Sea Love- a candle bar and boutique. create your custom candle (they offer 100 different scents) then shop till you drop. They also have a shop in Biddeford and Freeport.
Franciscan Monastery– disconnect stroll around the grounds. Their trails hugs both the coastline and forest. Located across the street from the beautiful White Barn Inn.
Bridal Path– this path stretches from the Parsons beach area and branches off to the sidewalk on Sea Road that will lead you to Mother’s Beach and KBIA.
Seacoast Trolley Museum– a must for everyone especially those in your group who are crazy about trains. The volunteers who operate the trains have such amazing stories.
Garden Street Bowl– a family favorite. Call ahead to reserve your lane or just let the kids play in the arcade, Their gastropub Crotux is a favorite and is where locals go year-round. Ask for the forest pizza with white sauce.
Kayak Excursions– rent a paddle board! Do it
EATS
Nunan’s Lobster Hut– is family owned (this is their 70th year) local landmark. If you want a real Maine lobster experience this is the place to go to.
Langsford Road Lobster & Fish House– is my go-to for shucked oysters and sushi grade tuna. The have 3 small tables and provides no frills table service. Cooked lobsters, corn and fish chowder.
The Clam Shack-pair their award winning fried clams with some of their fresh squeezed lemonade. Get in my belly! This establishment is famous for a reason. We love their lobster rolls.
Cape Porpoise Chowder House– a family favorite. CPCH serves up fresh fried seafood, lobster rolls, steamed lobster dinner and fresh chowder. Located on a working pier, overlooking Goat Island Lighthouse.
The Tides Beach Club– the place to be while summering at Goose Rocks Beach. Watermelon Cosmo please. Beautiful coastal-chic decor. Dogs are allowed on patio. Even better, book your vacation at their inn. They have a Instagram worthy path to the beach right across the street.
Batson River– the Batson burger is hands down the best in KPORT. They have amazing craft cocktails. Dogs allowed on patio.
Lost Fire– meat lovers this place is for you. This chef/owned open fire grill hotspot is located in the Cape Porpoise village of Kennebunkport. It is a bit off the beaten path but totally worth it. Lost Fire offers a true culinary experience. The patio is dreamy!
Wandby Landing– homemade pastas and pizzas. Located on the marsh in Lower Village. The interior decor is stunning. Wednesday is pizza night.
The Boathouse– lobster tacos, lobster tacos, lobster tacos. located on the banks of the Kennebunk River. Surrounded by working marinas. They also offer valet parking.
Transportation
Amtrak Downeaster– skip the traffic and hop on a train. You can get to the Maine coast from NYC/Boston via the Downeast. With stops in Wells and Saco why not skip the Route 1 summer traffic.
Ride Maine– the cutest taxi service in all the land. From golf carts to multi passenger cars they will get you where you need to go.
Stay
Nonantum Resort– overlooking the Kennebunk River and within walking distance of Dock Square’s shops and restaurants, the Nonantum is one of the most popular family resorts in Maine. They have on-site watersport equipment, and a full activities program for kids of all ages. Trolley service all around town too!
The Cliff House– Luxury. From the moment that you step onto this property you know that you are somewhere really special. One of my favorite places to create images and to create memories with my family.
Sandy Pines Campground– not your parents’ camping experience. The options- gaming tents, RV sites, cottages and hides-way tents. Heated saltwater pool, Kid’s Kamp, bikes for rent, lawn games…
The Colony Hotel– dogs allowed everywhere. The view from the pool is breathtaking. Their kids menu is the best in town. Pool is for guest use only.
Hidden Pond– if you are looking for luxury this is your place! Bungalows, cottages tree top lodges. Surrounded by 60 acres of woods and minutes from Goose Rocks beach. Organic dining, craft cocktails, 2 swimming pools…heaven!
The Wanderer Cottages– just named a “Best New Hotel” on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2023 Hot List. The Wanderer is a stylish cottage getaway brought to you by the founders of Batson River Brewing & Distilling. It is all about the details, lounge pool, fire pits, lawn games, and complimentary breakfast. Very cool and casual surfer vibes happening here.
If you are looking for a more elevated experience than Airbnb or VRBO, Shoreside Hosting and KPORT Concierge can help you not only find your vacation home but also make sure that your stay has all the extra amenities so you can have a real vacation.
