A week in Kennebunkport, Maine
This past week my family traveled to Kennebunkport, Maine for a vacation filled with beach hangs, long chats around the fire pit, homemade dinners, strolls through town, long walks, and some much-needed quality time together. Below, I’ve rounded up my favorite activities, where we stayed, and my top recommendations for the perfect New England getaway. It was rainy and foggy most of the time we were there, but honestly, the weather only added to the magic of this coastal town and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Kennebunk/Kennebunkport Towns
We spent a whole day strolling through the coastal towns of Kennebunk and Kennebunkport (connected by a walkable bridge). There is some free parking and paid parking was easy to find as well. The towns are filled with places to eat, art galleries, clothing shops, craft stores, book sellers, scenic views, and quaint inns. Even though it was a bit rainy, the towns were crowded with people, cars, and bikes. We found it pretty easy to push a stroller around and meander between shops. Per usual, I took many photos since everything was so cute and picturesque.
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
This walking trail was one of my favorite activities we did on the trip. The Rachel Carson trail is 1.4 miles long and wheelchair/stroller accessible which was perfect for us since we had two babies with us. There were many lookout points along the way to stop and take in the beautiful salt ponds and greenery. The trail was flat and super easy to walk - the perfect place to stroll or even stop to read a book at one of the lookout points on a bench. My baby fell right to sleep in her carriage which was a plus!
Gooch’s Beach
Gooch’s beach was the closest beach to us and is the quintessential Maine beach with sandy shores, big waves, rock formations, and jetties on either side. There are benches along the top of the beach and lifeguards throughout. One thing to note is that there is a huge tide variation, so make sure to set up camp far back or you will have to keep moving your spot as the tide comes in (which is what happened to us).
Kennebunk Outfitters
I wouldn’t normally mention a single store on a travel guide, but my family loved this store so much that I would be remiss not to add it. Kennebunk Outfitters is a bit of a way from town, however there is parking for the store itself. With two floors and the cutest shop dog, (hi Boomer!) this store sold clothes and shoes from our favorite outdoor brands and has everything you need to be decked out in Maine style. I bought my new favorite pair of Tevas here and the service was great.
Candle making at Sea Love Candles and Company
We didn’t have time to do this, but were so close to pouring a handmade candle at Sea Love Candles and Company right in town. I wish we were able to, so if you end up doing it please let me know! The store’s “Pour a Candle” activity is perfect for the whole family and you can choose from 100+ fragrances. It’s such a great trip memento that you’re sure to use back at home.
Honey Maker Mead Room
My husband and brother-in-law had a great time here, tasting different types of Mead on their outdoor patio (an alcoholic drink made of fermented honey). The Mead is from Maine Mead works and they have another location in Portland, Maine as well. They brought some bottles back for the rest of the family to try with dinner and it’s safe to say that we were drinking it all week long.
Snug Harbor Farm
Just a short distance from where we were staying is Snug Harbor Farm, the cutest greenhouses with a wide selection of plants, shrubs, and trees. Even if you’re not in the market for new foliage, it’s still a great place to pass the time and take pictures of beautiful flowers and gather inspiration for your own garden.
Airbnb - Life At Sea
The Airbnb we stayed in was perfect for our family. With four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an outdoor shower, good sized kitchen, fire pit, outdoor seating area, and garage, we had everything we needed for the week. We spent a lot of time at the house relaxing since the weather was rainy and we were very comfortable. The house came with beach passes, outdoor toys, a grill, all kitchen gadgets, air conditioning, two pack and plays (essential for us), and a tv that had Disney+, Netflix, and Roku (great for movie nights).
