So many top spots in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, the “must be seen” from Dock Square to Walker’s Point,
the beautiful beaches and out to sea. But this is a guide to the hidden gems, off the beaten path, the road less traveled in the Kport, the Bunks, Cape P and Arundel. Add these cool outings to your
Kennebunkport Bucket List… for a fun diversion and excursion…
Pull a Lobster Boat Trap
Do not miss a ride aboard on The Rugosa with Captain Bob. This 1.5 hour tour will take you past Walkers Point, pull a few lobster traps and maybe see a seal or two. Rugosa departs from the docks at Nonantum Resort, on Ocean Ave, daily.
Set Sail
Take a 2 hour sailing excursion aboard the Pineapple Ketch. Feel the wind in your face and enjoy views from Mount Agamenticus to Nubble Light and Goat Island Lighthouse from this beautiful sailing vessel with burgundy sails.
Bike around Kennebunkport and Kennebunk. The best way to see the road less traveled is on a bike. You can rent bicycles locally for a day or the week to explore seaside roads, quiet bike paths along rivers and marshes, and local land trust, plus the Eastern Trail.
Cruisin’ through the years
Car buffs should cruise out to the Maine Classic Car Museum in Arundel – at Motorland – the antique car showcase lot on Route 1. Unveiled in 2019, this impressive Auto Museum is a motorhead’s dream with a collection of over 100 unique antique cars and memorabilia inside – even matchboxes. Each beautifully preserved or restored car tells its own story, like traveling back in time to when these rides ruled the road and turned heads with their fabulous big fins, bright white walls, and mirror chrome mags. Like the 1948 Tucker, the so called “Car of Tomorrow” at the time, valued at $1.8 million. This may be the trophy car of the museum’s classy collection, Preston Tucker was a visionary ahead of his time, and while his American car company didn’t surpass the big three – Ford, Chrysler and GM, his concepts were timeless and still being copied today. Other rad roadsters are the bold yellow 1936 Hudson Super 8 and a 1939 Alfa Romeo, to name few. The 10,000 sq ft museum showroom is the creation of Motorland co-owners Tim Stentiford and Tom Marshall. The Mural as you enter the Maine Classic Car Museum is super cool too. Browsing the inventory at Motorland is fun as well, you might find yourself saying “they don’t make ‘em like they used to” and wanting to buy a new old car …
Stroll the historic streets of Kennebunk
Brick Store Museum will bring you back in time with their narrated walking tours of Kennebunk’s National Register Historic District, highlighting homes built as much as 300 years ago. You will see historic architectural examples of Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival along serene Summer Street. To complement the architectural observations, you will learn a bit of lore and legend of Sea Captains’ widows that haunt these charming old homes that line the Kennebunk River. During October, The Brick Store offers especially “spirited” All Souls Walks where the topic is much more in depth of the deep dark mysteries of this spirited town, the haunted widow’s walks and more chilling tales. Tours depart from the beautiful brick building – The Brick Store – on Main Street Kennebunk.
Ding Ding Goes the Trolley
If you share a fascination with trolleys, streetcars and transit vehicles, then all aboard at the Seashore Trolley Museum. Now in its 80th year collecting and preserving vintage transportation on tracks, this living history hub is on Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport. Seashore Trolley Museum is actually the largest and oldest electric railway museum in the world with over 250 vehicles that span the decades of public transportation. Marvel at these authentic mass transit vehicles, cable cars to trains and streetcars on display dating to the 1800’s, and take ride on a real antique street car on a two-mile track. The Trolley Museum also has special events: ice cream social evenings, a pumpkin patch trolley ride in the fall, and Prelude trolley rides in early December. It’s a fun place for families, kids and streetcar buffs alike, and the detailed catalogue of each trolley is carefully archived for the real collectors. And if you are lucky, you may even spot a rare Albino Porcupine on the grounds (first seen July 2019).
A Spiritual Path to the Sea
Walk the Monastery paths along the Kennebunk River, at St Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery just off Beach Ave in Kennebunk- before the White Barn Inn. The beautiful Monastery grounds are open and free to the public during the day, to walk through the woods and out to the scenic shores of the Kennebunk River. Founded in 1947, the Franciscan Order of Lithuanian Monks was established here, and the Friars welcome visitors to their peaceful paths and English garden grounds. Mass is held daily here, and caroling is a particularly special celebration each Christmas Prelude in December when hundreds gather at the impressive outdoor grotto for candlelight singing with the monks.
Maine Art Walk
Lovers of paint, pottery, photography, jewelry and wind sculpture should visit the many art galleries in town. Just a short walk from Dock Square beyond the bridge that divides Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, Maine Art Hill offers browsers a large Gallery, plus nine unique gallery spaces on the same block. Start at The Gallery, then stroll up Chase Hill to the cute artist cottage colony where you will find rotating Pop-Ups and mixed media of art on display from photos to jewelry, painting, framing and sculpture.
Thirsty after browsing cars, trains, homes, local art, and walking paths along the shore? We’re sure you’ll enjoy a cocktail at one of best bars in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport.
Old Vines Wine Bar is a favorite for lovers of wine and craft cocktails, served in the cozy convivial bar or their outdoor patio. Small plates are served as well, and live entertainment is often on tap at Old Vines here too … on Port Road.
Alisson’s is a classic, like the Cheers of Kennebunkport, in the heart of Dock Square – a casual place for a beer, a lobster roll, sports on TV, and amiable local conversation.
Want a water view? The Boathouse is a beautiful spot for happy hour, lunch, dinner or a late night bite. Sit outside on the deck with a view of the River and the Whale Watch and fishing boats coming and going.
Out Ocean Avenue, Stripers at Breakwater Inn is a lovely place for sunset and cocktails in their Adirondack chairs looking out at the namesake breakwater and the sea beyond. Striper’s often hosts Lobster Bakes with a view in summer.
For an authentic Lobster Bake?
Head on over to Rhumb Line Resort and order their Famous Downeast Feast by the pool. This Lobster Bake is complete with 1-1/4 lb. Lobster, Drawn Butter, Steamed Clams, Clam Chowder, Corn on the Cob, Red Bliss Potato, Shortcake (in Season Berry). Open Daily mid-June to Labor Day.
See our lodging guide for the top Inns, BnBs, hotels and resorts in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport and plan your Maine getaway today!
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