summer in Kennebunkport Archives - Page 2 of 3

Posts Tagged ‘summer in Kennebunkport’

A Taste of Summer In Kennebunkport Maine

March 18th, 2012 by mainestayinn

Kennebunkport Maine gets ready for summer

Summer, Spring, or Winter?

After a day like today, it’s hard to believe that summer isn’t already here and that spring is, in fact, just on its way to Kennebunkport Maine. By the time we finished serving breakfast it was already well into the 50s, and more than a few guests of our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast donned on shorts for a midday walk. Granted, it was still a little too chilly for that in my book, but by lunchtime, I was definitely regretting the choice to wear corduroy pants today and had to shed layers all the way down to a tank top! The bright sunshine and still air made it feel even warmer than it actually was, but Mother Nature was definitely giving us a taste of what’s to come, which inspired me to think back on what some of my favorite summer activities are in Kennebunkport Maine. Now, it’s still a teeny bit to cool for a few of my faves – and by that I mean eating lobster on the beach (thanks to cold, wet sand), swimming in the ocean (ummm, it is still Maine in March), and taking a nap on the beach. But it’s absolutely ideal for exploring the outdoors (while staying dry, of course!), so this afternoon I decided to wander down to Laudholm Farm. While it is technically known as the Wells Reserve, that just sounds a little too formal for this incredible parcel of protected land. Just a few minutes down the road from Kennebunkport Maine, Laudholm Farm offer trails through a variety of terrain and vistas like you can’t imagine. Today, however, I explored some unfamiliar turf, but still ended up along the beach just as the sun was beginning to set. Images like the one here just reminded me so much of summer in Kennebunkport Maine that I couldn’t help but share – enjoy and get inspired!

Tags: Maine Summer Vacation, outdoor activities, summer in Kennebunkport
Posted in Seasons in Kennebunkport | Comments Off

Upcoming Events in Kennebunkport Maine

August 20th, 2011 by avadmin

August is a busy month in everyone’s lives, and the calendar of events in Kennebunkport Maine is no exception! So in between catching some rays at the beach, dining at our amazing restaurants, and checking out the new products in the adorable shops that Kennebunkport is famous for, here is a peek at some of the things that aren’t to be missed:

Philip H. Mathews Memorial Lobster Bake on Sunday, August 20. What’s better than a summer lobster dinner
Lobster's on the Menu at the memorial lobster bake!

with fireworks and dancing?
Enjoy a “Life Between the Tides” walk at the beautiful Laudholm Trust in Wells (10 am, free admission) on Monday morning.
Tuesday also brings fantastic activities, starting with a 5k run through Kennebunk and Arundel. The Run for the Fallen starts at 9 am and honors all the soldiers lost since 9/11. If running’s not your cup of tea, learn about horses at the Nonantum Resort, as Blixx horses Lexxie and Fritz interact with the audience. Itching to explore the Kennebunkport Maine coastline? Don’t miss out on kayaking the Little River Estuary through Laudholm Trust (reservations required).
On Wednesday, head south to Ogunquit for adventures in the arts – gallery tours, exhibits, and workshops. Or head north for a horticultural walk at Scarborough Marsh or Music in the Park in Biddeford.
Thursday brings another awesome guided walk through Laudholm Trust, as well as a celebration of its 25th anniversary. The 38th Annual Sidewalk Art Show and Sale commences in Ogunquit with over 70 artists – not to be missed!

But like I said, this is just a peek – it’s up to you to decide what to do on your vacation to Kennebunkport Maine!

Tags: Maine Summer Vacation, summer in Kennebunkport, Things to do in Kennebunkport
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Kennebunkport Sunset Picnic Locations

August 17th, 2011 by avadmin

On an evening jog through Kennebunkport Maine, I took in the glorious views of a stunning coastal sunset, which made me think about the ideal spots for a scenic picnic. Whether you choose to indulge in a glass of wine or a lobster feast, there are a plethora of incredible destinations while catching the sunset.

A view of St. Ann's

Since Kennebunkport is known for its coastline, many of the best spots are, naturally, along the water. Recently I discovered Silas Perkins Park, a small piece of land preserved along the Kennebunk River. Just steps from our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, this park offers benches and picnic tables, making the park ideal for a meal or just enjoying the scenery. Although it provides a great view of the water and elegant boats moored in the marinas,

Summer sunset over Parson's Beach

looking towards Dock Square will afford you a spectacular sunset view over the water (just pick your spot carefully, because craning your neck to the right for long periods of time is not too fun). A little further along Ocean Avenue lies St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, a stunning stone edifice with spectacular gardens to match. This property, open to the public from sunrise to sunset (perfect for this situation!), also sits on what is arguably the most incredible piece of property in Kennebunkport Maine. Sticking out into the Atlantic, it provides views up the river, over to Kennebunk Beach, and out to sea. Only “w0w” will suffice. Looking to linger longer? The jetty along Colony Beach offers the next best view, but leaves a bit to be desired in terms of comfort an accessibility. That said, the rocks do make excellent natural seats for those uncomfortable sitting cross-legged on the ground.
Another personal favorite setting for a summertime picnic is Parson’s Beach, a private stretch of sands (open to the public through the generosity of the land owners) adjacent to the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. While it mostly faces east (can you say perfect for sunrise?), the view across the dunes and inlets is out of this world – and worth the five or six minute drive. But if you are merely meandering through downtown Kennebunkport Maine, and looking for a spot to enjoy the view before dinner, the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport bridge is a great pick. Solitude and serenity it does not have, but for convenience and camera-ready-ness, it tops the charts. Bon Appetite!

Tags: summer in Kennebunkport, sunsets
Posted in Things to do in Kennebunkport Maine | Comments Off

A Lazy Day – Getting Takeout in Kennebunkport

August 15th, 2011 by avadmin

In a town like Kennebunkport Maine that is full of incredible restaurants and food shoppes, it is hard to imagine feeling so relaxed or slothful that only takeout or delivery will do. But Saturday was one of those days! Victoria (a fantastic

Lunch without ever leaving your spot!

member of the staff at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast, as well as a friend) and I prepared to close up for the evening while we waited to greet the last few arriving guests. A light rain was just beginning and the sky grew dark, so together we were dreaming about our ultimate comfort foods. Suddenly we looked to each other and knew we just had to have some! Deciding to indulge, we turned to Lower Village Takeout, because we certainly couldn’t leave the inn and abandon our guests.
So a half hour later, a bag of thick french fries, a buffalo chicken pizza, and two greek salads showed up at our front desk. ”Which room?” the delivery guy asked. ”Uhhh… Here is fine!” We snatched the bag and tore into it. We were not disappointed. The small pizza had just the right proportion of cheese and sauce, with plenty of kick from the buffalo sauce, which was offset by the container of ranch dressing, conveniently provided. The fries were good, but exactly as expected. I’ve got to give them credit, though, because they arrived hot – something that’s hard to do with fries! But the icing on our takeout “cake” was the non-authentic Greek salad we had both been craving. With oodles of iceberg lettuce, slices of hothouse tomatoes, sliced olives, and, of course, feta, it was exactly what I wanted. The only better thing I could have imagined was eating it on the beach. Oh, wait! Now you can! Yup, Lower Village Takeout delivers to the beach! So the next time you don’t want to give up your parking spot or drag the kids away from their sandcastles, you can order and soda, subs, and salads will be on their way to you without ever leaving your beach towel! Somehow I think a day at the beach in Kennebunkport Maine just got better.

Tags: Maine Summer Vacation, summer in Kennebunkport
Posted in Kennebunkport Dining | Comments Off

Celebrate National Goat Cheese Month in Kennebunkport

August 12th, 2011 by avadmin

Did you know that August is National Goat Cheese Month? I sure didn’t! But as usual, I can’t think of a better place to celebrate than in Kennebunkport Maine. Some of our favorite restaurants offer fantastic dishes featuring goat cheese, as do some popular entrees at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast. One of my favorite things about summertime is the plethora of fresh, juicy berries, something that we feature regularly on the morning menu. And conveniently,

Our Strawberry Goat Cheese Bruschetta with Fresh Thyme

strawberries go great with goat cheese! So later this week, in honor of National Goat Cheese Month, we will be serving broiled strawberry goat cheese bruschetta. As we typically do, we’ll serve this delightful breakfast with a lightly oiled baby arugula salad, giving you a little extra bite and nutritional punch!
But there are plenty of other opportunities to get your goat cheese fix in Kennebunkport Maine, not the least of which are the amazing restaurants in town. For all you goat cheese fanatics out there, here’s a peek into some menu items that might be up your alley, but are surely in the spirit of the month! In case you didn’t get your fill of strawberries and goat cheese at breakfast, you can indulge (without the guilt, of course) in a strawberry goat cheese salad at Federal Jack’s Brew Pub, which comes dressed in a basil vinaigrette and sprinkled with sunflower seeds for extra crunch. Top it with some grilled chicken to make it a balanced meal. Just down the street, Alisson’s Restaurant does their take, adding blueberries (for authentic Maine flavor) and slivered almonds, but take a sweeter approach with a strawberry dressing. As long as you don’t mind a quick drive (the view is more than worth it, I promise), a trip to Pier 77 and the Ramp for an out-of-this-world spinach salad topped with softened goat cheese is a must. No matter the month, this is my go-to order and it is always fabulous! If a salad just won’t cut the mustard, the traditional bruschetta or four cheese pizza in Grissini‘s Grotto might just hit the spot. Looking for a romantic setting? How about On the Marsh Bistro and their Tagliatelle pasta with, what else, but delicious goat cheese! But if nothing but straight up cheese will do, head to Old Vines Wine Bar for a glass of wine and the finest aged bucheron. No matter what you choose, Kennebunkport Maine is clearly the perfect place to celebrate National Goat Cheese Month this August.

Tags: Kennebunkport restaurants, summer in Kennebunkport
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A Kennebunkport Getaway Before School Starts

August 7th, 2011 by avadmin

It’s hard to believe that, while August has just barely begun, many people are facing the dreaded “back-to-school,” so instead of squandering summer, it’s time for a vacation to Kennebunkport Maine! To make your summertime getaway

Now who could pass this up?

even sweeter, we’ve decided to offer 15% off stays from August 28 through September 2 when staying for two nights or more. That means that a fantastic escape could start at just $194 per night! As always, we’ll include gourmet breakfast daily, afternoon tea and freshly baked snacks, and everything you need for a trip to the beach. Plus, what better time is there to enjoy breakfast served on our wraparound porch? It’s the perfect spot to watch Kennebunkport Maine wake up with a steaming mug of coffee or tea (or cocoa, if that’s your preference!).
Whether you’re taking the opportunity to reconnect with your other half, relax with the whole family, or just unwind after a whirlwind summer, Kennebunkport is the perfect destination! The beaches are begging for sandcastles, seaside naps, and frolicking, and our scenic streets are ideal for meandering. But, best of all, this quaint New England village is sure to bring you back to a simpler time. A visit to the Seashore Trolley Museum, with its antique and vintage trains and trolleys (yes, you can even ride the rails on these beautifully preserved trams), is a must for old-fashioned fun. Nothing, however, revives yesteryear quite like the horse-drawn carriage rides through the historic district, home to our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast. As you clip-clop past beautifully preserved historic mansions you’ll learn about the rich past of the area and some of the quirky characters that made Kennebunkport Maine such a unique place! So to de-stress before the school year begins, there’s no better destination than the Maine Stay Inn – don’t miss out!

Tags: Maine Stay specials, Maine Summer Vacation, summer in Kennebunkport
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Circus Smirkus Returns to Kennebunkport Maine

August 5th, 2011 by avadmin

Two of the most fun-filled days of summer in Kennebunkport Maine are fast approaching, as Circus Smirkus plans to return to Rockin’ Horse Stables on Monday and Tuesday. While this is a youth performance with all of the acrobatics

An aerial silks performance

accomplished by kids aged 6 to 18, it is not intended exclusively for children. I just bought my tickets and you should too! Especially since all four shows were sold out in 2010, purchasing tickets in advance are key. But don’t make the mistake that I did for too many years – Circus Smirkus, while run by tykes, is nothing short of incredible. The entertainment provided by these talented tots flying through the air rivals the big leagues.
Though there won’t be any animals (at least not real ones!), the show is sure to be jam-packed with amazing performances. Last year’s production included a team of hysterical clowns, incredible (and, in my opinion, death-defying) unicyclists, jugglers, and acrobats. Just think – tightrope walking, aerial ring, and aerial silks! These kids

Rockin' Horse Stables in Kennebunkport Maine

The horses feed at Rockin' Horse Stables

fly higher than I would ever dare and all the while suspending themselves upside down from ropes hanging from the top of their enormous tent. Despite the portions where children from the audience are invited into the ring, this is an activity that is truly fun for the whole family, as kids, parents, and non-parent adults are sure to enjoy every moment of the shows, which earn every penny of their $19 ticket price ($16 for matinees, reduced prices for kids, and lap-seated toddlers are free). Plus, you’ll have the unique opportunity to explore Rockin’ Horse Stables‘ farm as their horses relax and feed in the fields (these draft horses pull the charming carriages through Kennebunkport Maine, so it is great to see them frolicking in the grass). If you still need arm-twisting, there’s always freshly spun cotton candy, which is a sure bet in my book!
Circus Smirkus comes to Kennebunkport Maine on Monday, August 8 and Tuesday, August 9, 2011, and will offer two shows each day (1 and 6 p.m.). Tickets can be purchased online or at various locations in town. Again, advanced ticket purchases are highly encouraged!

Tags: Activities for families, summer in Kennebunkport
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Best Summer Storm Watching In Kennebunkport Maine

July 26th, 2011 by avadmin

Tonight, as a summer thunderstorm rolled through Kennebunkport Maine, I started to think about where the best spots in town are to view these gems of summertime. Yes, there is sometimes nothing better than a sudden rainstorm

Watch a Summer Storm in Kennebunkport Maine (Photo courtesy of Flickr user 802)

that brings enormous droplets of water that leave half-dollar splats on your windshield, bringing down the humidity levels that had steadily risen through the afternoon. This evening’s violent squall happened to bring Skittles sized hail to some areas, but our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast (and each of our guests’ and their cars) was fortunately spared.
Walking out of the inn, I noticed several couples enjoying our wraparound porch with pre-dinner cocktails in hand. They picked the ideal place to

Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast wraparound porch

Our porch is just one great spot to watch the storm roll in!

watch the storm roll in! Granted, I might be a touch biased, but a protected wraparound porch with an Eastern view - what could be better? Plus, the warmth and comfort of your room is right there!
But if you are out and about in Kennebunkport Maine, there are plenty of other places that make for ideal storm chasing. The balcony at Federal Jack’s Brew Pub is another stellar location. Protected from the elements and high above the water, you’ll see the storm approaching up the Kennebunk River, but will even have time to grab a beer or spirit before the “show” arrives. Plus, since they serve late, you’ll be sure to leave satiated, no matter how long that summer thunderstorm lasts! However, if you’ve already eaten or are willing to wait until after Mother Nature’s fireworks, the ultimate viewing spot is Narragansett Point along Kennebunk Beach. If you could drive up to the very edge, the vista would be perfection. Unfortunately, you can’t, but you can come pretty darn close with any of the closest parking spots overlooking the Atlantic as the waves crash against the rocks and retaining wall.
So now you’ll have to find your favorite spot to enjoy the fury of a summer evening thunderstorm in Kennebunkport Maine. Will it be one of my faves or will you blaze your own trail? Whatever the verdict, I hope you’ll share your findings!

Tags: Kennebunkport activities, summer in Kennebunkport, Things to do in Kennebunkport
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The First Day of Summer in Kennebunkport Maine

June 21st, 2011 by avadmin

Beautiful in Bloom!

The summer solstice in Kennebunkport Maine was met with spectacular weather, which just begged for a visit to the beach. Parson’s Beach is a personal favorite, particularly in the evening. Yes, the beach is especially lovely, but its shortage of parking means that desertion is practically guaranteed. The beach roses (Rosa rugosa) are in full bloom and emanate a deliciously soft odor that I have associated with summer for as long as I can remember. A short, sandy path through the flowering bushes leads down to the water, which, even on the first day of summer, was barely sprinkled with people. During my evening walk, I passed perhaps a half dozen people, all of whom left by the time the sun set over the dunes. In all honesty, Parson’s Beach is probably the most romantic spot in all of Kennebunkport Maine. Fellas, that hint’s for you!
As the light began to fade and the sun set behind my back, the air remained warm on my face. I returned to our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast still enjoying the colors of the evening sky. Yes, summer has officially arrived in Kennebunkport Maine!

Summer Sunset over the Beach Grass

Tags: Maine Summer Vacation, summer in Kennebunkport
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Best Places to Eat Lobster in Kennebunkport Maine

May 6th, 2011 by avadmin

Kennebunkport Maine is a quintessential Maine town, and when I think of Maine, I think of two things – lobster and blueberries. But since nobody makes gluten-free blueberry pie, I’ll have to tackle lobsters (not that I mind, of course!). At age two, my parents decided to expose me to this New England treat and let me share my mother’s dinner.

Kennebunkport Maine gets creative with traps!

Unfortunately for her, I ate the whole thing. That started me on the road to becoming a crustacean connoisseur.

Frankly, it’s pretty convenient that I find myself in Kennebunkport Maine – it keeps my appetite well satiated. Particularly at this time of year, the options for lobster abound. So whatever atmosphere you fancy, I’ve got the spot for you. Rather, Kennebunkport Maine has the lobster restaurant for you!

While not my preferred way to consume these crustaceans, many guests at our Kennebunkport Bed and Breakfast really want to experience incredible lobster in a fine dining atmosphere. I suppose since somebody else will be laundering the table linens, go ahead and make a mess! So if this is on your bucket list, we should make dinner reservations for you at the Cape Arundel Inn. Here, get your lobster lazy-man style and enjoy the succulent meat while overlooking the Atlantic.

Another oft-requested item is lobster pot pie, and while I wouldn’t choose that variation (and not just because it isn’t gluten-free), the Kennebunk Inn is know for its lobster pie. In fact, it was recently featured on the Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” I must say, however, it sure wins bonus points for creative presentation, as a portion of claw is served poking out of puff pastry.

But for a purist like myself, lobster is best served by a shack. Mabel’s Lobster Claw, a long-term staple in Kennebunkport Maine, is a more refined shack. The menu offers a fair amount for non-seafood eaters and servers really do serve you, right at the table! Unfortunately, you’ll pay for the ability to have options, so Mabel’s certainly isn’t a buget-traveler’s pick. Nunan’s Lobster Hut, however, will bring you the cheapest and best around. Granted, if you don’t eat seafood, the pickings are rather slim. That said, the Nunan family has been lobstering in town for generations, and they know how to cook a lobster. If you’re not in the mood to sit inside, take a trip down to our local fish market and ask them to cook yours for an instant picnic. We’ll even supply the crackers! Honestly, though, Kennebunkport Maine does lobster, so you really can’t go wrong.

Tags: Kennebunkport restaurants, summer in Kennebunkport
Posted in Cuisine, Kennebunkport Dining | Comments Off

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