Kennebunkport, Maine is a New England town that holds centuries of history. Since incorporating in 1653, it has always been known as a fishing and shipbuilding community. Kennebunkport lies along a river, which empties out into the Atlantic Ocean about a mile downstream.
Kennebunkport remains a worthy fishing port. But in time, it has become a very popular tourist destination. My name is Anthony. I will be narrating our visit throughout this Historic township. Our adventure started as we crossed over the Mathew J. Lanigan Bridge. The original bridge, which was replaced in 2016, used to swing out to let boats in and out of its harbor. The water flowing under the bridge is the Kennebunk River.
Most of the structures that house the shops and restaurants have a traditional New England look. Several of these buildings were constructed in the 18th & 19th centuries.
The wood shake siding, cottage-like features, and multi-frame glass windows are just a few of the attributes that give the buildings their colonial flair. Since I love homemade fudge, the “Candyman” shop quickly caught my attention.
After crossing over the bridge, we found an ideal parking space. But like any other small touristy town, parking can be difficult. But no worries, everything is within walking distance.
The Dock Square is the center piece of Kennebunkport. It sits in the heart of the town’s business center. There are a variety of locally owned restaurants, gift shops, and boutiques. No franchise or big box stores here!
We visited as many shops as possible. There were shops that had a variety of clothing, handmade crafts, nick knacks, custom jewelry, wall art and more. Kennebunkport, Maine is a shopper’s haven!
Not only were the shops uniquely decorated inside, but their storefronts showed a lot of character as well. The sidewalks were lined with colorful flowers and potted plants. The sun was shining, fall was in the air, and not a worry in the world. Life is grand!
If looking for a specific store, restaurant or attraction, you won’t have to wander in different directions. Why you ask? Just kitty-corner from the Dock Square is a totem pole looking sign that can simplify your inquiry.
Besides having a variety of restaurants and plenty of shopping opportunities, there are also water tours. Just before the Mathew Lanigan Bridge is a company that offers boat trips, fishing charters, and whale watching tours. If time permitted, we would have definitely gone on one.
Staying with tours, the Kennebunkport “Intown Trolley” is a popular way to see the town without fighting the crowds and traffic. The trolley starts its tour at 21 Ocean Ave. There are a few trolley stops around town, but getting on is only possible if there is available seating - cash only.
The trolley has been a popular attraction for over 30 years. You hop aboard the open-air trolley and make yourself comfortable. The tour takes approximately 60 minutes and is narrated by the driver. He takes you all around the town and across the bridge pointing out historic landmarks.
As we walked around the harbor, it wasn’t hard to feel it’s nautical vibe. This feeling is one of many attributes that gives Kennebunkport it’s traditional seaside charm. As we explored the harbor’s boardwalk, we marveled at the vessels from decades past to current times. Let’s not forget that many of the buildings along the waterway served as warehouses that stored goods from far away countries.
If you want to retire, have a second or vacation home in Kennebunkport, Maine, why not stay on the water? Just think about having breakfast, visiting with family and friends or watching the sunrise or sunset on your patio that overlooks the water.
Not only are there bungalows and boutique shops all along the water, but there are also a variety of eateries as well. We chose The Boathouse to have our afternoon meal. We enjoyed fresh crab cakes with coleslaw and a local crafted brew. Being on the water brought a euphoric feel to this special day.
Even though we came to Kennebunkport, Maine from south Massachusetts, which was only a 2-and-a-half-hour drive, the overall experience of spending time in one of New England’s most unique townships was well worth the trip. From the older styled streetlamps and the potted plants that lined the narrow streets to the historic port, it took us back to early America and its colonial beginnings. It was a great way to spend the day.
“Thank you for following along with us and hope you stay tuned for more exciting adventures.”
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Destination Booking: Courtesy Maureen Scopel
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provided By: You, Me and The Dock
