GUIDE: Kennebunkport, Maine
Annie recently visited with her husband on an anniversary trip. Take a look at where they explored-- and some editions from locals, hoteliers, and friends!
Annie and her husband went to Maine in mid-May and it was a little rainy, but coming from the south we soaked up the chance to wear a Barbour jacket past March.
We stayed at White Barn Inn and Hidden Pond and equally loved them for different reasons. We ate our weight in lobster rolls, and popped into some cute shops and of course, hotels.
Something important to note is the seasonality of a town like Kennebunkport- many of the boating options, as well as some of the lobster shacks are seasonal and open around mid /end of May to October.
I collaborated on this guide with Elizabeth Winn - one of my friends who owns an amazing local floral company, Buena Vista Blooms. She and her husband take an annual trip to Maine and were married in Kennebunkport. I also had great input from locals and hoteliers.
Where to Stay
White Barn Inn: definitely the most true 5-star in the area. Now part of Auberge resorts, this design darling is a few blocks from the main part of town. You can either stay in one of the inn rooms and suites, or where Annie stayed at the new boathouses (right on the wharf!) They even have a house boat where you can spend the night on the water. Loved their Mercedes program where you can borrow 1 of 5 house cars for a few hours to explore. The restaurant is the shining star of the property, and the prix fine gourmet dining experience is one you’ll remember.
Hidden Pond: About a 10-min drive from the town of Kennebunkport, you’ll find Hidden Pond. It feels like a secluded summer camp. They have 2-bed cottages, treetop lodges, and an adults-only section of the property with bungalows. The bungalows were my favorite for this trip with my husband, but if I came back with the kids I’d do the 2-bed cottage. The design was a bit more dated than the new bungalows and treetop lodges, but worth it for a kitchen and extra bedroom. They have sharing priveleges with Tides Beach Club, so you can take a shuttle to the beach, or use the complimentary bikes.
The Tides Beach Club: you can walk across the road to the water, if you’re a beach person, this is your spot. It’s on Goose Rocks Beach and they have bikes you can rent and will set up your beach chairs.
The Nonantum Resort: charming, family-owned waterfront gem set along the Kennebunk River, it’sa. great central location to explore Dock Square. There is a Victorian section and more modern section to choose from.
The Colony: Family-owned for four generations, guests here enjoy a private beach, heated pool, tennis courts, and lawns games and live music.
Cliff House *20 mins away* but it is a true large resort with multiple dining outlets, a spa, and a great place for a wedding! The cliff views are stunning. Open full time May through November. From December through April the hotel is open Thursdays to Mondays.
What to Eat
Nunan’s Lobster Hut: Best lobster in town! Casual dining, no reservations, and cash only. Get there before they open or around 6:15/30 (everyone sits down at the same time so the first wave of people will be finished) Opens at 5pm daily May-October. Located in nearby Cape Porpoise (must drive there).
Chez Rosa: Amazing French comfort food influenced by local seafood in the heart of Kennebunkport. Open 5pm-8:30pm Tuesday- Sunday. Reservations suggested
The White Barn Inn Restaurant: Fine dining at its best and perfect for special occasions! Highly recommend the Chef’s Tasting Menu. Open daily 5:30pm-9:00pm. Jackets are suggested, but not required. Reservations required (book early)
The Lost Fire: Argentinian Steakhouse Cuisine. Open Wednesday-Sunday (closed Tuesday) 4:30pm to close. Reservations are recommended. Located in nearby Cape Porpoise (must drive there). They have a cool outdoor area with seating and a firepit that is open seasonally on weekends
Earth: located at Hidden Pond, this was our favorite meal of the whole trip! Every single course was a delight, beautiful food, but not to pretty to eat or feel like you need a full burger after. The local ingredients are the highlights on this menu!
Allisons: 40+ beers on tap, we sat at the bar inside this cozy local joint and split a delicious lobster roll. Nothing fancy, but it’s an institution and was recommended by locals. Open year-round.
The Clam Shack: Award winning lobster roll from a small shack with a walk-up counter in the middle of town. Tables out front or in the building beside it. Great lunch spot, we had a small line even in the rain!
Casa Seventy Seven/Ultramar: Opened in the former Pier 77 location. Same owner as The Lost Fire. Casa Seventy Seven is simple yet delicious Mediterranean comfort food. Open Wednesdays to Mondays 11:30am-8:30pm. Ultramar is a local seafood grill (nicer than Casa Seventy Seven downstairs). Open every night for dinner 4:30-close. Beautiful view. Located in nearby Cape Porpoise (must drive).
Rosella: Sushi and sashimi restaurant located at The Grand Hotel. An extension of a NYC restaurant. Open Thursdays-Mondays 5-10pm. Reservations recommended
Arundel Wharf: great lunch spot and has a big patio on the water
What to do
Dock Square: Located in the middle of town. Fun place to walk around with cute little shops. My favorites are Daytrip Society and Daytrip Society Jr. and a cute new boutique called Sea Craft Vintage. Bliss Boutique has all the favorite quiet luxury brands. They now have a home good store too-brands like Saarde, etúHOME, Hawkins New York, and Floral Society–just to name a few! I’d shopped their online store (got this bag for my sister for Christmas) so it was fun to actually go in-Annie
Batson River Brewing: Great place to hang out with indoor and outdoor seating and firepits. A range of cocktails and Batson River craft beers. Great small bites as well. We had a fun lunch here!
Rococo Artisan Ice Cream: Best ice cream in town with unique, fun flavors
Just opened a new dessert bar that is AMAZING!!
Go to the Beach: Maine beaches are mostly rocky, but a great place to hunt for fun rocks and seaglass. Goose Rocks Beach is open to the public, but some hotels have a private beach access (although you can usually walk onto them anyways)
Walker’s Point: Summer home of the Bush Family You can’t visit, but you can walk or drive by.
Coastal drive to the charming towns of York and Ogunquit, end with a drink at Cliff House Hotel.
St. Ann’s Episcopal Church: Beautiful church overlooking the ocean. You can park and tour the church and grounds whenever there isn’t a church event going on during the open season (Sunday mornings and Saturdays are usually closed). Great place to watch the sunset
Sail on The Pineapple Ketch: Leaves from the Nonantum dock. Liz’s favorite way to see Kennebunkport’s rocky coast. They have morning, afternoon, and sunset sails available. You can BYOB for the sunset sail.
Rugosa Lobster Tours: A hands-on lobster tour where you learn more about lobster and lobstermen. Leaves from the Nonantum dock
Whale watching with New England EcoAdventures: We were bummed our trip with them got rained out this year, but it looks amazing. They have smaller boat so they can get you closer and move faster. They also rent kayaks and SUP’s!