Walkers’ Point is one of the most popular sites in Kennebunkport, the summer home to the Bush family. As you drive out Ocean Avenue, past St Anne’s church where the Bush family goes to church, by Blowing Cave and Spouting Rock, you are led to the spectacular peninsula where President George H W Bush, and his wife Barbara, spent every summer with their family from mid May to mid October each year. The people of Kennebunkport love the Bush family, affectionately referencing the two Bush presidents as 41, and 43 – President George W. Bush who spends summers in Kennebunkport with his wife Laura and daughters Barbara and Jenna (from the Today Show).
At Walker’s Point, as you look across to the Bush Compound, visit the Anchor to Windward, a beautiful anchor monument that was given to the Bush family from the town of Kennebunkport for their generosity and charitable local efforts. In town, you can visit Ganny’s Garden, a beautiful tribute to Barbara Bush on the Village Green – this lovely garden is marked with beautiful birch trees and flowers and bronze commemorative books, she was all about literacy, plus First Lady Barbara’s famous hat and Ked sneakers.
Beside taking photos of Walkers Point, or The Bush Compound as some refer to it, one of the best displays of Bush family memorabilia is at Kennebunkport Historical Society’s “White Columns” at 8 Maine Street (pictured below). For years referred to as “The Nott House,” this grand 1853 Greek Revival in Dock Square is now called “White Columns”. Inside White Columns are remarkable authentic period decorations including French hand-painted wallpaper, beautiful antiques, linens and gorgeous chandeliers.
The Museum Gift Shop located in the carriage barn of the Nott House is a must, here you will find nautical gifts, presidential gifts and games, and hand-crafted Kennebunkport treasures for sale – all to benefit the Kennebunkport Historical Society. During the holidays, White Columns is beautifully decorated in Christmas splendor with garlands and Christmas trees in each extravagant room.
At Christmas Prelude, the Champagne Gala Reception at White Columns marks the kickoff to the first weekend of Preludes as locals and visitors gather in the splendid mansion for champagne cocktails, live classical music, hors d’oeuvres, and tours of the gracious homes. For White Columns Hours and Tours call 207-967-2751 or visit www.KPortHS.com.
White Columns – 8 Maine Street
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