Don’t assume that the Maine coast rolls up the sidewalks after summer. Be a savvy traveler and come to Kennebunkport in the “off season” and you will love it for all new reasons! Kennebunkport Maine’s “off-season” could be our best kept secret as it’s really Vacationland… or “staycation” without the crowd! Just fun locals and the best deals… Our Kennebunkport blog offers ideas on romantic places to stay, popular events, Kennebunkport best beaches and tours, but today, we’re going to talk about how to have fun like a local all year round
Sure, foot traffic in Dock Square slows after summer and some top restaurants no longer require reservations after Columbus Day weekend, but it’s still happening here in Kennebunkport.
Locals and tourists taking advantage of the open parking spots in Dock Square and Lower Village. Of course the tourist hot spot in the summer is a year round attraction: Dock Square and of course – the beaches. We locals love it off season. You can enjoy your favorite restaurants and funky bar scenes without waiting for a table.
Happy Hours – For a laid back pub scene with the best clam chowder, check Pilot House or go to Old Vines Wine Bar for Happy Hour drinks. Locals love lounging in Adirondack chairs overlooking the Kennebunk River for cocktails at Stripers. The Boathouse Waterfront Bar is a really beautiful waterfront bar and restaurant open and serving year-round, with the best happy hours and specials in the “off season”. See our Happy Hour reviews.
During the winter, there are plenty of shops and restaurants open and serving happy customers. Bands and live entertainment continue all year in Kennebunkport at lively places like Alisson’s, The Boathouse, Batson River, Hurricane, Pedros, Old Vines and The Pilot House in Lower Village.
Dock Square is also the place for locals to shop til they drop. I know what you’re thinking: that’s such a touristy thing to do. Us locals love to do our shopping in Dock Square, not just for souvenirs, but for gifts, clothing and jewelry, nick knacks, art, or simply to browse. After peak summer, shops offer sale prices and you can browse boutiques without bumping in to anyone.
After Labor Day, into the beautiful fall – its perfect weather still for some outdoor activities. You’ll find anglers at Kennebunk Beach fishing for stripers, on the Pier or casting off the Cape Porpoise Pier. Kennebunkport’s bike trail system and quiet winding roads contouring the coast like Ocean Avenue provide a great pastime for locals where you have your choice of rugged terrain to the Eastern Trail well manicured gravel and safe roads all with beautiful scenery.
Kennebunkport has splendid nature walks with peaceful and memorable coastal vistas maintained by the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, and ocean walks along Parsons Way and the Wells Preserve. Also the Franciscan Monastery walking paths are seaside and serene. If you love the change of seasons like we locals do, you should stay in Kennebunkport in Mid Fall where the turning trees reveal a beautiful contrast of bright foliage against the blue ocean.
If you thought Kennebunkport closes up shop and hibernates after the summer, then you owe yourself a visit in the “off-season” to see the real deal! Did we mention the lodging deals are better this time of year too? Kennebunkport is a year-round playground for locals and tourists that have taken the opportunity of visiting this seaside town for old fashioned flair, shopping, dining and hanging out with the locals.
Best Year Round Dining in Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport Year Round Events
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