Things to do in Kennebunkport Maine Archives - Page 4 of 7

Archive for the ‘Things to do in Kennebunkport Maine’ Category

Searching for Sweets in Kennebunkport Maine

June 25th, 2012 by mainestayinn

If you’re anything like me and have more than just a single sweet tooth (I’d say I have a whole mouth full!), look no further than Kennebunkport Maine to quell your cravings. Fortunately, though not for my waistline, there are lots of great options for candy, cookies, and frozen confections just a short stroll from our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast. But if you find yourself hankering for a sugar fix before you even arrive, Yummiescandy store in Kittery is a great place to stop. Not only are they conveniently located for

Check out that candy on display!

some extra retail therapy, they’ve got over 10,000 pounds of sweets on their shelves at all times. You’ll never see anything like it! Assuming you have a teeny bit more control that I do, and you actually make it into Kennebunkport, the very first thing you’ll likely encounter is the Sugar Shack. Located right next to the area Chamber of Commerce, it’s brightly colored sign and inventive window display are sure to catch your attention. And their traditional assortment of sweets come in just as striking tones. Nearby, you’ll find the new Chase Hill Bakery, a once famous bakery, whose owner retired, only to reopen recently. It’s well on its way toward reclaiming its former glory.

As you drive deeper into town, you’ll pass a brand new frozen yogurt shop (stay tuned for more on that one at a later date!) and a great new artisan ice cream shop called Rococo. With rich and flavorful varieties, its definitely a new fave! But if some good old chocolate is what you crave, don’t miss out on the Candy Man. Not only do they offer a mix of sweet munchies by the bin, but their chocolate assortment is out of this world, with the items made at their very own shop in York, ME. No matter what you’re craving though, Kennebunkport Maine has got you covered!

Tags: Kennebunkport Dining, Things to do in Kennebunkport
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Kennebunkport Designer Show House at the Kenneth Roberts Estate

June 23rd, 2012 by mainestayinn

The Designer Show House has finally opened in Kennebunkport! While it’s the first of its kind in town, Designer show houses seem to be a new trend in getaway destinations, and this one is truly incredible. The fact that this is the home of acclaimed author Kenneth Roberts just adds interest to a piece of property folks in the area have been dying to see for years. Situated on nearly 100

Kenneth Roberts Estate Kennebunkport

acres of land between Wildes District Road (just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Maine Stay Inn) and Ocean Avenue, this 6,000 square foot stone mansion prevails over rolling fields, coastal marshes, and a lovely lily pond. A fire destroyed the interior of the entire building in 1977, but was lovingly restored to create the perfect backdrop for the show house. And despite the fact that each room has been designed by a different creative genius, the home remains cohesive and delightful.

So for the next three weeks, visitors can enjoy the Kennebunkport version of Extreme Makeover Home Edition in one of the most spectacular settings in the area. And fortunately, due to its proximity to the Maine Stay, outdoor adventurers can plan to stroll over and enjoy a delightful morning (or afternoon) on the grounds before touring the home. But best of all, ticket sales for this event support the Kennebunkport Historical Society. So not only is visiting the house a wonderful opportunity to experience spectacular design inspiration first hand (or just satisfy your inner nosiness, if you are anything like me), but ticket sales benefit a wonderful cause! Yes, the historical integrity of Kennebunkport is part of what makes this community so charming, and much gratitude is due to the organization for its work over the decades. So with ticket prices just $20 for this incredible experience, it’s well worth it! I hope you enjoy the tour as much as I did - and I am already asking about next year!

Tags: Things to do in Kennebunkport
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Spending Father’s Day at a Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast

June 16th, 2012 by mainestayinn

I don’t know about you, but there are only a few things that my dad cares about on Father’s Day – good food, good beer, and good golf – and fortunately all three are things you can find in and around our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast. And while I feel like I harp on it a lot while blogging, there is such great food in Kennebunkport! Whether you’re looking for an elegant steak dinner or

A beautiful Father's Day weekend in Kennebunkport!

just a great burger, you’re certain to find a fantastic meal for every taste and every budget very nearby. When it comes to beer, however, there are two places in particular that bear mentioning. Federal Jack’s pumps house-made beers up from the Kennebunkport Brewing Company, located directly beneath them (along with other brands in bottles, cans, and kegs), and serves as the largest craft brewery in Maine. But if imports are more his thing, Ryan’s Corner House is a great spot to check out for an assortment of brews served at an awesome bar with quite a variety of great Irish blends. Plus, since both are walking distance to the Maine Stay Inn, he can imbibe without worrying about finding a DD!

Unfortunately, this year my dad didn’t get a chance to hit any balls, because, instead, he helped me clean and move to my new house! But we still got in some quality father-daughter time, right? Since Father’s Day isn’t quite here yet, I am holding out hope that he might be able to sneak in a round at one of the great area courses. Both Webhannet Golf Course and the Cape Arundel Golf Course offer 18 holes and incredible views and even take reservations for non-members (though not more than a week in advance)! But if the kiddos are tagging along for this Father’s Day getaway, you might consider the par-3 course, called Hillcreast, or even one of the cute mini-golf courses in Wells like Wonder Mountain. But no matter what Dad likes, he is sure to enjoy an escape to a Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast!

Tags: Activities for families, bed and breakfasts for families, Holidays in Kennebunkport Maine
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Soaking Up Sun in Kennebunkport Maine

June 12th, 2012 by mainestayinn

One of the best things about summertime in Kennebunkport is soaking up some rays (with sunscreen on, of course!) without overheating – it’s just one of those perks of being a seaside community in New England. And as the weather has heated up, more and more visitors of the Maine Stay Innare looking for the best tips on where to catch some sun. So I thought it might be helpful to

The beach is just one of many great spots to enjoy the weather!

keep you in the loop too!

The beach. I would say “Duh!” but then I’d run the risk of sounding like a snotty pre-teen. While this one might be obvious, there are enough beaches in the area, that this bears narrowing down. Gooch’s Beach, just across the bridge in Kennebunk, offers the widest stretches of sand, but also tends to be a favorite spot for families, surfers, and groups playing games. Maybe you’re looking for something more peaceful for your Kennebunkport vay-cay? If so, Middle Beach tends to be the least populated, mostly because it has the least sand – so bring a chair (we’ve got plenty for you at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast) and dig your toes into the most incredible flat, smooth stones you could dream of!
On the water. During calm seas, many guests choose to head off-shore with one of the many boat rides available in town. The Schooner Eleanor is probably the most popular choice, as trips stay close to shore (offering incredible views), minimizing the chilly air off the sea and embodies the classic and charming feel of Kennebunkport with this hand-crafted 55′ triple masted ship. Others prefer to go sightseeing under their own steam and rent canoes or kayaks for some on-the-water fun – but definitely make sure you slather up well – those reflected rays sure are strong!
With a meal. Fortunately, Kennebunkport has quite a few wonderful waterfront dining establishments, but Tia’s Topside and the Arundel Wharf to an excellent job of providing wonderful outdoor dining areas along with some great food.
At the Maine Stay. Our big backyard and comfy loungers are calling your name! Plus, with the shade of a handful of 100+ year old pine trees, you can plan a quick escape if the sunshine gets to you. Need I say more?

But whatever and wherever you choose, there are infinite incredible spots to catch some sun this summer in Kennebunkport Maine!

Tags: Maine Summer Vacation, summer in Kennebunkport, Things to do in Kennebunkport
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Music in Kennebunkport: Live at the Hive

May 25th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Check out The Hive for live music near Kennebunkport

While Kennebunkport hasn’t exactly been known as the music capitol of Maine, the area has certainly seen an upswing in the variety and caliber of performers coming to the area, especially with the opening of The Hive. Located in downtown Kennebunk, this unassuming storefront houses a “swarm” of activity ranging from after school arts programs for kids as young as kindergarten to emerging musical performances. But while I knew this new arts center was fully operational and getting rave reviews, I hadn’t yet had a chance to check it out for myself. Until tonight.

So since Dairy Queen called to me for dessert, I decided to indulge – and then enjoy an evening stroll through downtown Kennebunk before returning to the Maine Stay Inn. Slowly, the sound of music grew louder, until I reached the entrance to The Hive. While it initially appeared that only a few folks had gathered around the small elevated platform, a closer look revealed a good sized gathering of people in the back. Honestly the atmosphere was great, and tickets to see the best R&B group in Maine were just $10. Obviously, the value was there – Kenya Hall and the rest of the group offered incredible music and wonderful accompaniment just a mere inches from the patrons. The lighting was done perfectly, and the proximity to two great restaurants (and Dairy Queen, of course!) means that you can make a full evening out of it. My only complaint was that the tunes were a bit too loud for my liking, especially since things are low key around our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, but that won’t stop me from going back and staying longer (I’ll just come prepared next time!). So if you’re in the mood for some live musical performances, look no further than The Hive – it won’t disappoint!

Tags: Kennebunkport activities, Things to do in Kennebunkport
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A New Kennebunkport Addition: Galleries at Morning Walk

May 14th, 2012 by mainestayinn

About six months ago, a construction site popped up in a field along Route 35 in Kennebunk, just under a mile from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast. We passed it at least once daily as we check off items on the “to-do” list – grocery store, FedEx, hardware store, etc. – each time wondering what would become of this strange collection of shed-like buildings. Could they be

Galleries at Morning Walk in Kennebunkport

Now Open - the Galleries at Morning Walk!

some kind of house? Nah, they’re too small for that. How about storage? Nope, the beautiful french doors on each one killed that idea. Finally, though, a sign was posted for “The Galleries at Morning Walk.” This collection of art galleries and retail spaces are a perfect way to greet visitors to town, as the unique, elegant, and still charming vibe perfectly represents all that Kennebunkport offers.

So about a week ago, we decided to venture out of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast on a rainy evening to check out the grand opening of this great collection. We were all pleased to see that the community had come out in droves to support these groundbreaking merchants. As we strolled from cottage to cottage, we enjoyed a great assortment of wares, from photography and paintings to housewares and jewelry. But we were never so pleased as when we stepped into one, tucked into the far corner. A new branch of Calluna Fine Flowers! This unique floral design, gift, and clothing shop has become a staple for us, and a place we turn to for inventive and stunning floral arrangements. And while guests ask often where they can find these great products, a trip to Ogunquit (while just 12 miles away) is sometimes just not in the cards. So now, guests of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast can just stroll across the bridge (or drive – there is parking) and check out all of the amazing things she has to offer. We are all so excited about the Galleries at Morning Walk, and can’t wait to go back and explore, this time when it’s not raining!

Tags: art galleries, Shopping in Kennebunkport, Things to do in Kennebunkport
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Celebrating Cinco De Mayo in Kennebunkport

May 5th, 2012 by mainestayinn

The fifth of May was certainly a fun and exciting day in Kennebunkport, but not too many people actually decided to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Nevertheless, it was definitely a festive day in town! Unfortunately, at our Kennebunkport bed and breakfast, we got the date confused in menu planning, which meant that the carefully chosen huevos rancheros ended up on plates yesterday and not

Even the rooster outside Pedro's celebrated Cinco de Mayo in Kennebunkport!

today. Don’t worry, we explained to a group of wonderful guests that “quattro” de Mayo should be just as good! Nevertheless, the morning started with the 14th Annual May Day celebration, held in downtown Kennebunk. Complete with fun activities, great artisan displays, and a parade, it was loads of fun, but proved to be no match for beautiful sunny weather and our great beaches. Yes, we even had to break out the beach chairs for a few guests. They did pass on the towels, though – the water’s still just a bit too cold for that! And while quite a few decided to drink in the outdoors, others went the cultural route, enjoying an exhibit by Maine Women in the Arts and a musical performance by Zemya!, hosted by River Tree Arts.

By dinner time, however, the reality that Cinco de Mayo was coming to a close seemed to sink in, and quite a few visitors left our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast for dinner at Pedro’s, our local Mexican restaurant. And, boy, was it ever hopping! Serving killer margaritas with house-made syrups and zesty tacos (along with other entrees), it’s always a favorite, but this Mexican holiday definitely inspired some more traffic. Plus, their outdoor fire pit definitely calls on a chilly night. But whether they enjoyed a relaxing Maycation or a margarita-fueled fiesta, everyone enjoyed a great Cinco de Mayo in Kennebunkport!

Tags: Holidays in Kennebunkport Maine
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Golf Getaway in Kennebunkport Maine

April 30th, 2012 by mainestayinn

For many people, any getaway is not complete without a round or two of golf, and fortunately Kennebunkport Maine has a variety of courses that won’t disappoint! No matter your skill level, there are great options just a short drive from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast.

The Cape Arundel Golf Club on a sunny spring day!

If the beaches are calling and you don’t have time for a full 18 holes, you should check out Hillcrest Golf Course and Driving Range. It’s the only place around with a mini-par 3 course, which means you can enjoy 9 or 18 holes without all the walking! But even experienced golfers will enjoy the driving range and the option to work on their short game, as each hole ranges from 25 to 40 yards. Much of the time, though, only a full-out game will do, so there are three other excellent courses in the area to make sure you’ve got plenty of options. Just around the corner from the heart of Kennebunkport Maine, visitors will find the Cape Arundel Golf Club. This course, designed by Walter Travis, is a bit short, but offers ample hazards and few trees, meaning more breezes to challenge your game. It is perhps best known for being the choice course of former President Bush (41), but in my book is especially desirable for its location and ease of access. Closer to the beach you’ll find Webhannet Golf Club. It is conveniently located just a block from the Kennebunk beaches, which means you can drop the family off for some fun in the sun and sneak in a game without ever being missed! Now I don’t have a clue what a 71 par course means, but hopefully you do, but apparently the front 9 are pretty tough. And despite being just across the bridge from Kennebunkport Maine, it’s less than a five minute drive to the club, so convenience is certainly not an issue. Now, while these are the closest spots to grab a game of golf, there are plenty of other options nearby, including (of course!) a few spots for mini-golf with the family. Looking forward to seeing you in Kennebunkport Maine!

Tags: golf, Kennebunkport activities, Things to do in Kennebunkport
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Pedicure Pampering in Kennebunkport Maine

April 11th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Just as the flowers are beginning to peek out in Kennebunkport Maine, so too are tootsies, and plenty of those on display are boasting spanking new pedicures for the start of sandal season. I hadn’t noticed quite so much as I did this evening in line for

time for pedicures in Kennebunkport Maine

The beach is calling - are your toes ready?

check out at our local Hannaford grocery store, but all those around me had already broken out their flip-flops and peep to heels. What truly caught my eye, however, was the array of fun colors being sported on their toenails. It got me thinking – what better time to pamper yourself with a summer-style pedicure than while on vacation at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast? So whether you’re sneaking away for just a night and need an extra few moments for yourself or you want to prep your paws for their beach debut, there are lots of options for a fabulous and relaxing spa session right in the area.

Given the season, appointments for pedicures are in rather high demand, so visitors to Kennebunkport Maine might find that their first choice location is booked solid. Cottage Breeze Day Spa and Boutique is a favorite of locals and travelers alike, and its convenient location just a half mile from the inn makes it a natural fit. Plus, with incredible services in a serene (and a more beachy than “zen” style) atmosphere, it can’t be beat. And, even better, it’s situated perfectly to grab some lunch on your way back. But when this small spa is full, there are lots of other great spots to turn your feet from raunchy to rockin’. Along Ocean Avenue heading out to the Bush Family compound sits the Breakwater spa, which offers a seaside vibe in a less personal environment. A little outside of town (and just over the bridge into Kennebunkport Maine) you’ll find the All Seasons’ Day Spa, a location frequented by many, but one I haven’t had the pleasure of testing out personally (though since I am certainly not sandal- ready, that might just be my next stop!). Also nearby, you’ll find the Spa at River’s Edge with a modern and Zen-like vibe with a location perfect for those day-tripping along I-95. Clearly, you won’t find yourself without spa services in Kennebunkport Maine if you want them, but don’t hesitate to ask us to help find the best match and book your appointments for you!

Tags: Kennebunkport Spas, spring getaway
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Stargazing at a Maine Bed and Breakfast

March 21st, 2012 by mainestayinn

This evening as I was walking from one of the cottages to the main house of our Maine bed and breakfast, I looked up and saw an incredible array of constellations in the night sky. It is indeed a very clear night, but there was little ambient light pollution to

maine bed and breakfast stargazing ideas

The stars come alive when viewed from the field just past this towering tree at Laudholm Farm

detract from the natural beauty in the night sky. Yes, the cupola was lit up, as it is every night, but that didn’t seem to hinder the bright glow of the stars. But as I marveled at Orion’s belt and the Big Dipper, I began to think about other fantastic places for stargazing while staying at a Maine Bed and Breakfast.

Just over the border of Kennebunkport Maine in the town of Wells lies a wildlife refuge called Laudholm Farm. A working farm until the 1980s, there are ample fields, waiting to be explored. Plus, the only light pollution you’ll encounter here is the lights running up and down the coast. And yes, you will actually be able to see them from the fields. It’s a two-fer! You’ll get in some great sightseeing and some excellent stargazing. But it’s important to remember that the gates close at sunset, to make sure to check it out on foot or leave your vehicle along a neighboring street.

A visitor with real knowledge (or just appreciation) for the night sky will surely enjoy the expanse of fields and clearings available at the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. With locations and trails all around Kennebunkport Maine, there is a new spot for you to test out during each night of your getaway. But the wide fields at the Trust headquarters make for prime watching – of the stars that is! The dim lights in the main building are the only ones around for what seems like miles, making sure that you’ll return to your Maine Bed and Breakfast having seen all the stars you could imagine!

So whether you’re the adventurous sort or just hoping to spot a few familiar constellations, there are ample opportunities for stargazing in Southern Maine, starting right at your very own Maine bed and breakfast!

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Welcome to Maine Stay Inn, a Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast Inn and Cottages.