The town of Kennebunkport gets all the claim and fame, but the reality is that sister town Kennebunk, has some of the best beaches, a beautiful downtown, great walking trails and great lodging properties in the too.
Funny, many folks visiting Kennebunk and Kennebunkport don’t realize they’re in Kennebunk, the border is the bridge in Dock Square and The Kennebunk River separating the two seaside towns. That’s what makes Kennebunk a treasure – like a local’s secret.
An ideal place to stay is beachfront at Seaside Inn right on Gooch’s Beach – the largest stretch of sand on Beach Ave in Kennebunk not far from Kennebunkport.
Downtown Kennebunk is also a special and historic place to visit, with shops and restaurants along the tree-lined classic New England Main Street with brick sidewalks, art boutiques, shops, a weekend farmers market, and a covered ice rink. Don’t miss the Wedding Cake as you drive Summer Street, Route 35, from Lower Village to Kennebunk.
Kennebunk is a very vibrant community with festivals and parades year round, from May Day to Memorial Day, Fireworks on Kennebunk Beach for the 4th of July, and outdoor concerts and Shakespeare festivals in the summer months. Kennebunk also hosts fall festivals, an amazing Halloween display on Summer Street, and a tree-lighting ceremony plus Christmas Prelude events during the holidays.
For outdoor adventurers, Kennebunk is loaded with nature walks and Bridal Paths for walking, or biking. Boating in Kennebunk is along the Kennebunk River, with several marinas, boat yards and boat excursions depart for fishing, whale watching and sightseeing lobster boat tours from Lower Village Kennebunk. You can rent kayaks, Stand Up Paddleboards or canoes to explore the Kennebunk River and the Mousam River.
History buffs will love seeing the grand mansions of Summer Street, centuries old sea captains’ homes and the famous Wedding Cake House that are described in the Brick Store Museum’s architectural walking tour.
Kennebunk also has two golf courses in town: Hillcrest Golf and Webhannet Golf Club.
Beaches are the biggest draw to Kennebunk. Gooch’s Beach, more commonly known as Kennebunk Beach, is over 3,000-feet long of sand and surf. Middle Beach is more rocky – best for strolling the 1 ½ mile sidewalk with spectacular ocean views. Mother’s Beach is popular amongst young families with small children given its gentle surf, tidal pools and incredibly scenic playground right on the ocean.
Kennebunk has an award-winning dining scene, with the only 5-star restaurant in Maine – The White Barn, and many great local restaurants serving Maine seafood, organic and farm raised cuisine at 50 Local, Kennebunk Inn, Village Tavern, plus Mexican at Pedros, Old Vines Wine Bar, Via Sophia by the Sea and Wandby Landing.
The art scene in Kennebunk is ever growing, with numerous galleries in Lower Village, along Western Ave and Port Road and in downtown Kennebunk. In fact, The Kennebunks offer an Art Trail connecting the local artists and galleries from downtown to the Galleries at Morning Walk to Maine Art, Dock Square and out Ocean Ave.
So be sure to note when you are in Kennebunk on your next Kennebunkport visit. You will be in the know that the Kennebunk River is the divider, and this town and Kennebunkport plus Cape Porpoise and Goose Rocks Beach blend to offer an amazing vacation in the Kennebunks.
