While Kennebunkport receives the most visitors in peak summer, the charm and allure of the Port continues year round. In fact, locals love the off-season, fall and spring especially when you can enjoy summer like weather with far less vacationers in Dock Square, the beaches and boating. Also the best dining and lodging spots in Kennebunkport adjust their prices after peak season with special promotions, happy hours deals, and of course more availability – even at luxury hotel properties.
When it comes to lapping up the sweetness of luxury, the weather doesn’t even matter. Rain or shine, warm or cool, there’s always a place for you to sit pretty in Kennebunkport, to spa, to shop, to sip cocktails, to savor lobster! Here’s how to lavish in luxury in Kennebunkport…
Luxury Stay
The Nonantum Resort combines history, sumptuous comfort, and prime proximity to Dock Square with a coveted riverfront location.
Fine Dining
Old Vines Wine Bar offers great cuisine, and a setting in Kennebunk. Craft cocktails, and extensive wine list along with creative tapas small shareable plates make for a perfect date. Old Vines has the best bartenders too.
If you want a romantic, intimate experience with your dinner, go to the White Barn Inn – Maine’ s most lavish five-star dining, five-course prix-fixe menu at a beautiful setting, just across the Kennebunk River in the Lower Village. Oh, and it’s a romantic place to for an intimate dinner with your lover too. Many-a-proposals have been made here after relishing in elegantly presented menu items.
Earth at Hidden Pond, though a cool casual vibe, has award winning cuisine too. Sit at the bar and enjoy the twinkling lights under birch trees, or ask for the private potting shed and prepare to be amazed by the food, prepared in the open concept kitchen over a wood fire.
Chocolate
Maine is known for its saltwater taffy, and homemade maple candies, and chocolate covered blueberry. The Candy Man in Dock Square certainly lives up to the hype, offering all these unique Maine-made treats, plus the penny candy you remember as a kid. But it’s also expert in chocolatey treats, some of which sound like something from a cocktail menu including the Kahlua White Russian. These turtle-y delights come in two sizes: a small bite or a larger turtle for sharing (or not). Also got ot Rococo for Italian gelato with clever Maien ingredients…rosemary thyme sea salt, Maine blueberry cream, you get the flavor.
Night Life
Most incorrectly assume that the Kennebunks are not for the place to howl at the moon, but people know how to let loose in the Bunks. The Pilot House is where the lobster fishermen and locals go for a drink (or 3) and to listen to live music like Pat Foley or the Lower Village People. Old Vines Wine Bar is a classic tasting room style gathering spot with a fabulous wine list, delicious tapas food and live local music. The bartenders here are fantastic too. For a contemporary cocktail setting, Burleigh at the Kennebunkport Inn sets a hip tempo in a pub club atmosphere. Pedros is the Mexican joint in town with great tacos and margaritas.
Best Luxes in Life are Free
The last taste of luxury in Kennebunkport is one you don’t have to pay for. Free it may be, but sunsets in Kennebunkport will make you feel like the richest man/woman in the world.
Best Sunsets in Kennebunkport
The best sunset view is from Stripers Waterside Restaurant at The Breakwater Inn. Or drive to St Anne’s Church along Parson’s Way, there are park benches and limited parking, and watch the sunset over the sea… priceless!
Better yet, stay on Kennebunk Beach at Seaside Inn and enjoy sunset from their oceanview hot tub! Breakfast at this 9th generation inn is special too!
For a small town that attracts families with its beaches and adult visitors for its slow paced atmosphere (I refrain from using “older generations” here because 60 is the new 40), the Kennebunkport Dock Square/Lower Village is a happening place. It’s the place for any generation to spurge and live in luxury.
For lodging in The Kennebunks, see our Kennebunkport Lodging Guide.
See our Kennebunkport Events Page for all the goings on all year long in the Kennebunks.
Photos and Content Copyright KennebunkportMaineLodging.com
