KENNEBUNKPORT, KENNEBUNK BEACH, MAINE
 Kennebunk/Kennebunkport
Your Year-Round
Vacation Destination
The Kennebunks are known the world over, for the seafaring
heritage and as the summer home of two US Presidents. The five
towns, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Cape Porpoise, Goose Rocks and
Arundel, are rich with arts, architecture, luxury lodging,
shopping, boating and much more.
 A seaside drive over the Kennebunk River bridge into Dock Square
and along Ocean Avenue will quickly demonstrate why the seaside
haven of Kennebunkport has attracted dignitaries, celebrities
and sea captains for centuries. As you continue out the famed
Ocean Avenue you will pass the grand hotels of The Colony and
The Nonantum
Resort – the regal resorts of yesterday that continue to
host guests, galas, and weddings on their glorious waterfront
grounds.
 Parsons’ Way is a delightful seaside path that takes you by
Saint Anne’s gothic stone church and by the summer cottages –
which are mansions to most. You will delight in seeing the
Blowing Cave and Spouting Rock – nature’s phenomenon as the sea
crashes into the shore in a dramatic fashion. You will be
rewarded too with a fantastic view of Walkers’ Point, summer
home of the 41st president of the US, George Herbert Walker Bush
and his wife Barbara. The Bush compound is protected by secret
service but entirely viewable for passers-by that want a glimpse
of the past president,
 and an occasional visit by his son the
current President George W. Bush, as they board their fishing
boat, The Fidelity, and head out to sea.
Both
Kennebunk and Kennebunkport have historic districts steeped in
local lore, and offer tours of the homes of sea captains and
shipbuilders, some are even thought to be haunted. The Nott
House in Kennebunkport is home to the Historical Society and is
open to visitors. In Kennebunk, start your tour at the Brick
Store Museum and then take a guided tour of the grand homes on
Summer Street many of which were built by sea merchants when the
Kennebunk River was a major boat launching locale.
 Shoppers in
search of unique gifts and treasures will find them in the
charming boutiques and galleries Dock Square and in shops that
line downtown Kennebunk on Main Street and Route 1.
Train and
trolley lovers should take time to visit the Seashore Trolley
Museum in Arundel – you can even ride an old fashioned open air
trolley through the Maine countryside or learn how to be a
motorman.
Visitors to Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise can
explore the scenic area on bike, foot, by car or by trolley. Or
explore the seas aboard a lobster boat, on a whale watch, a
charter sailing schooner, a kayak or a canoe – with tours and
boats departing the Kennebunk River daily. Don't miss Cape
Porpoise, a classic Maine fishing harbor, and the view of Goat
Island Lighthouse, a real working lighthouse.
 There are several beaches in The Kennebunks. In Kennebunk, the
most popular for young families is Mother’s Beach because of the
gentle surf and fun tidal pools, plus the waterfront playground.
Next is Middle Beach which offers great views of the Atlantic
and soft pebbles that click softly together under the crash of
the waves. Gooches Beach (often referred to as Kennebunk Beach) is a broad stretch of sand that
beachcombers love. There are lifeguards in season, surfers during
big wave times, and you can stroll all the way to the breakwater
to watch the lobster boats and pleasure craft exiting the River
to the sea.
Traveling Northeast beyond Cape Porpoise is Goose Rocks Beach– a
beautiful natural sand beach worth exploring.
 The Kennebunks are lively and inviting in all four seasons.
There are family and pet-friendly resorts, luxury hotels and
romantic bed and breakfasts. Near Kennebunk Beach is New
England’s only five star restaurant, The White Barn Inn. For
waterfront dining, you can choose from Hurricane, Federal Jack’s
where they brew their own Shipyard beer, Arundel Wharf, The Cape
Arundel Inn, Mabel’s, On the Marsh, and the list goes on. There
are also delightful bakeries and cafes, seafood shanties and the
famous Clam Shack, plus the River House Irish Pub, Italian,
Chinese and Thai restaurants.
 The Kennebunks celebrate each holiday with flair, from a
traditional Memorial Day parade attended by the Bush Family,
fireworks on the 4th, to the biggest seaside holiday celebration
– Christmas Prelude when the town is decked with pine boughs,
carolers fill the Square, a tree lighting ceremony is held and
hot cider and cookies are served to the season’s shoppers. Santa
even arrives by Lobster boat.
 February is for Lovers in the Kennebunks, this month long
celebration of romance includes horse drawn carriage rides
through the Port, candlelight dinners, Jacuzzis, flowers and
chocolates in your room as part of your getaway. Spring is a
time for special savings in the Kennebunks as the prime summer
season approaches. Fall and winter bring quieter, more serene
seasons for spectacular foliage, a dusting of snow on the rocky
coast and walks along the deserted beach, plus great deals on
lodging.
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