Believe it or not, my first introduction to Kennebunkport was at Thanksgiving. In fact, I hadn’t seen Kennebunkport not covered in snow until I moved here! Southern Maine is, of course, known for its summertime appeal and fantastic fall foliage, but my favorite times in the Kennebunks are in the winter. The streets are quiet and the beaches deserted, both begging for a morning stroll or afternoon jog. Our gem-like restaurants are all open for the winter, albeit on slightly more limited schedules, but fine dining abounds.
My first Kennebunkport Thanksgiving was quite cold, with plenty of iced-over puddles to crunch and heavily frosted grass in the mornings. On one evening walk through the historic district, where the houses were ablaze with newly hung Christmas lights, it began to snow. It was wonderful. I spent the evenings with my family nestled before a fire playing cards and reading books. Thanksgiving dinner was also a delight – not unexpected, as the area’s restaurants open for the holiday are known for their cuisine.
My next Thanksgiving in the Kennebunks was similarly charming. Although it was warmer, encouraging more oceanfront meandering, it was a quintessential New England experience. Again, the historic homes were decorated to put us in the holiday spirit, and the solace of the area provided a much needed respite from the hustle of daily life. It was a getaway in every sense of the word, even though I was less than 90 minutes from Boston!
What mother nature has in store for this Thanksgiving I do not know, but this holiday season in Kennebunkport is sure to be delightful. I hope to see you this season and share soup, salad, and dessert by the Maine Stay fire!
