Another trip to Kennebunkport in the books, and a trip recap that looks completely different from the last. That’s the beauty of a place like KPT, it simultaneously feels like home and yet keeps you on your toes with hidden gems and new-to-you places around every turn. And the best part is, we’ve only just scratched the surface - I’ve already got a full list for next time! Read on for our favorites from our 48 hours in Kennebunkport this month.
W H E R E T O S T A Y
The Cottages at Cabot Cove: The second we pulled into this charming little cottage enclave, I was smitten. Sixteen little cottages in beachy shades of blue, teal, and tan surround a lush green lawn with white Adirondack chairs, and just beyond - a view of the cove. Fresh baked cookies awaited us in the office when we checked in, and in the mornings - a breakfast basket is delivered to your door with fresh pastries, fruit and yogurt. Basically my dream come true.
Each cottage was decorated by a different interior designer (which of course means I need to go back to experience another!). We stayed in Infatuation Cottage, which was nautical perfection with its bright whites, stripes, and touches of navy. Infatuation will be tough to beat, but on my list for next trip is Float In Cottage or Harbor Cottage.
W H A T T O D O
Relax: Not typically my strong suit, but Cabot Cove made it pretty easy. With our choice of the private patio outside our cottage, the Adirondack chairs out on the lawn, or the lounge chairs overlooking the cove, this place just invites you to sit and stay awhile. (And the kitchen in the cottage is stocked with wine glasses, so…).
Bike Ride: Borrow one of the beach cruisers at Cabot Cove and pedal into town for a drink or ice cream (or both!). It’s also my favorite mode of transportation for admiring the historic homes lining the side streets in Kennebunkport.
Kayak: Cabot Cove provides rowboats and kayaks for guests to use, so you can launch just steps from your cottage and explore the Kennebunk River. The staff were great with letting us know what timeframe was safe to paddle (it’s a tidal cove fed by the sea, so you don’t want to get stuck out there at low tide!). The cottages look even cuter from the cove.
…and kayak again: It’s been on my wish list to get out to see Goat Island Lighthouse in Cape Porpoise for a few years now. With a couple of hours to spare and a beautiful day, we finally made it happen this trip. We rented a tandem kayak from Coastal Maine Kayak and Michael (who was the nicest ever, by the way) made everything super easy - loading the kayak on the Jeep, providing fitted paddles and PFDs, and pointing out the best route. There’s a kayak launch on the left side of the road just before you get to The Ramp in Cape Porpoise, and we set out from there for a quick 20 minute paddle to the lighthouse. The water was calm and there was no boat traffic, which made for a perfect trip. The views of the ocean front homes from the water weren't half bad either.
Kennebunkport Festival: We were lucky enough to be in town for Kennebunkport Festival, which is a week long art, food, and wine festival and so much fun. There are cocktail parties, food and wine tastings, a music and craft beer festival, and big fun parties. If you’re planning a trip next summer, the Festival runs June 4-9, 2018, so that would be a great time to go!
W H E R E T O E A T
Cabot Cove: There’s something pretty special about breakfast showing up just outside your door. Our first day, we were treated to fresh baked muffins, yogurt, and mason jars filled to the brim with fruit. We devoured those muffins before we had a chance to take a photo, but snapped a picture before we dove in to our goodies the next morning - a baguette, soft cheese and strawberries - perfect way to start the day.
The Ramp: A fan favorite. We love this place, and we come here every trip. Vintage pennants, sports memorabilia, posters, and you name it cover the ceiling and the walls. Not to mention awesome clam chowder and lobster rolls. Get there early and snag a yellow Adirondack chair outside overlooking the harbor!
Earth at Hidden Pond: Our first time here, and certainly not the last. We grabbed a pre-dinner drink at the Farm Bar outside, and as luck would have it, a table popped up overlooking the fire pit. We enjoyed the best wood oven pizza, and I stole a few bites of Tom’s wood fired lobster - so good. We lingered after dark, and the staff brought out blankets to wrap up in while we finished our cocktails and listened to the chorus of the frogs and insects in the woods. Also - Hidden Pond looks like such an amazing place to stay - basically summer camp for adults. Adding it to my list for sure.
The Tides Beach Club: We had lunch here on our last day, and were it not our last day, we would have eaten lunch here every day until further notice. Right across from Goose Rocks Beach, you can feel the ocean breeze come through the window behind your table. They have an amazing cocktail list (try the Citrus Kiss!), and the food was awesome. A bucket of fries, buffalo fried shrimp, a lobster roll...and a second cocktail, please! Another one to add to my list of places to stay, this classic yellow beach house is a total charmer - and that ocean view!
Until next time, Kennebunkport! We can't wait for our next trip.
IN MY BAG: Stripe Ruffle Tank // Huarache sandals // Greetings from Maine tee // Embroidered Chambray Tank // Ankle strap wedge sandals // Stripe Ruffle Top //
*This trip was in partnership with the Kennebunkport Resort Collection. Thank you to the KRC for welcoming us as their guests. As always, all opinions are my own.