How to Spend a Weekend in Kennebunkport, ME
I don’t know about you, but I start planning my summer vacations in my head on January 1. Ever since then, I could not stop thinking about the trip I had taken the previous summer to Kennebunkport, Maine. It was everything I had wanted out of a summer trip. Amazing food, calming scenery, and relaxed vibes all the way from the people to the style. I love a New England summer trip because it’s a perfect, wholesome escape from your day-day. I can’t wait to go back this year, and when I do, this is exactly what I would do, eat, stay, and wear.
Arrive on a Friday night after work - check into the White Barn Inn, an Auberge Resorts Collection Hotel.
This hotel put Kennebunkport on the map for me. The rustic, coastal charm is unlike anything I’ve experienced before and will have your heart by the time you leave. It’s tucked away on a side street that is walking distance from town, which makes for a great stroll to and from if you so choose.
For a casual, post travel day dinner on Friday, I would go to Mabel’s Lobster Claw. Which is my personal favorite restaurant in town. It’s casual, but has the best food and best vibes. Patrick Dempsey is known to frequent Mabel’s, so how could it not be amazing? Do not leave here without ordering the Lobster Cobb and Lobster Mac & Cheese.
Saturday - I’d take a morning walk into town and go straight to Dock Square Coffee House for whatever specialty latte they have that day and a whoopie pie. This place is in the dead center of town so you can walk around with your coffee to all the little gift shops and stores around.
For lunch just down the street from Dock Square Coffee is The Clam Shack. It’s a legendary spot and it has a slightly unique take on classic lobster and crab rolls, serving theirs on a round bun. You have to get one of each and no matter how full you are, you can’t skip the blueberry hand pie at the end.
After a long day of walking, shopping, and eating lobster rolls and blueberry pies, I’d drive to Nunan’s Lobster Hut for more lobster rolls and blueberry pie. This might be my favorite lobster roll I had. The ratio was perfect and the vibes were everything you wanted out of a side of the road lobster hut. Side note - get the pie a la mode.
After dinner, there’s a campfire at the hotel that’s always lit at night. You can request wine and a smores kit to the room and bring it down to the fire. This is literally the most perfect way to end your night. There's nothing better than getting lost in the late night conversations around the fire before bed. It’s perfect.
Sunday - After waking up slowly, I’d request a pot of coffee to the room and have a morning sipping and relaxing by the pool. The pool here takes you to a different world. It’s the epitome of serenity.
For lunch, I’d go to the Boathouse Restaurant for great views of the Kennebunk River and great food. I love the cold lobster roll and spinach dip.
If it’s a nice day, I’d spend it on the beach. There are four main beaches that are all connected by a sidewalk. It’s a nice and scenic 3 mile walk there and back if you wanted to walk it. I love people watching at the beach so this is a great thing to do during the day.
Finish your night back at Mabel’s (because it’s THAT good) and end it at Rococo’s for gelato. To me, this is the most perfect, wholesome, relaxing weekend I can dream of. I cannot wait to relive this again soon.
WHAT I’M PACKING
