Kennebunkport Maine is known for its maritime charm, beautiful Kennebunk River, fishing/lobstering, beaches, charming downtown, and small-town feel. It’s just “one of those places” that you don’t want to ever leave and that you can enjoy time and time again in every season.
Cameron and I visited the Kennebunk’s for the first time in 2018. We were so impressed with the beauty of the area and the sweet town that we started making it an annual trip every summer! I remember Cameron saying for the first time in a long time ” I feel like I can truly relax here”.
Things go a little slower when you’re here. You start to meander and slow down when driving so that you can take in the views, you chat with the owners of local shops and ask about their summer, or get a little too carried away on that dog walk and end up at a local beach to check out the surf.
Where to stay
One of my favorites hotels in the area is the beautiful Kennebunkport Inn. Admittedly I’ve been photographing the Inn since the first time we ever walked through town! It instantly grabbed my attention with its cute as can be charming New England exterior.
I was beyond excited to get to stay at the Kennebunkport Inn for a few nights this past week with Cameron and get the full experience that this gorgeous inn has to offer!
The inn was built in the late 1890s and was once a tea merchant’s mansion.
-Kennebunkport inn
You can learn more about the history of the inn, here!
The inn’s decor is some of my favorite in all of New England. I love the colors, art selection, and design pieces that are so thoughtfully placed around the hotel. It’s incredibly stunning and exactly what you would hope to find when traveling to coastal Maine.
One of the best things about staying here was the service! The staff truly was outstanding our entire stay and didn’t miss a beat. Between Casey’s professionalism and kindness to us at the front desk to Nick, the manager of The Burleigh, checking on us during our meal (and Maggie our server!) – we felt incredibly well taken care of and comfortable.
We stayed in a Dock Square King room and it was beautifully furnished with nautical decor and fun coastal colors. The bed was so so comfy and we really appreciated the coffee maker, wine glasses, and bottle opener in our room! Here’s a peek at our room!
The natural window light in this room was so beautiful in the mornings and flooded in while we ate our breakfast in bed.
Herringbone light blue blanket by Chappy Wrap
Travel weekender duffle by Shore Bags
The hotel staff places the cutest bagged breakfast outside your door on a hanger each morning. It’s filled with delicious goodies that you can either eat in bed or bring with you on your day of adventuring KPT.
Where to dine
While we were at the Kennebunkport Inn we had the chance to try their restaurant, The Burleigh.
“The Burleigh is a cozy gastropub offering shareable small plates, hearty entrees, creative craft cocktails, local beers & wines. Diners will enjoy fresh Maine seafood, signature burgers and meats, and unique takes on classic, home-style fare.”
-KENNEBUNKPORT INN
The Burleigh’s decor is so beautiful and you can be seated in one of the lovely rooms in the Inn or outside on the patio.
We started with cocktails of course! Since it was a nice evening we opted for the lovely patio.
For our starter, we had the grilled flatbread, and then for our entrees, we had the lobster melt and herb-roasted chicken. For dessert, we had the creme brule! It was all so delicious!
They also have a super cute outdoor lunch spot for a casual dining experience called, Captain’s Landing! Newly launched in 2021, They specialize in Maine comfort foods such as lobster, chowders, burgers, and fried clams.
Ready to head into town and see what there is to do around Kennebunkport, Maine? Leeeeet’s go!
Things to do:
Walk downtown Kennebunkport
- There is so much to see and do in downtown KPT. Dock Square is always bustling and there are so many amazing shops to go through! One of the best things about the Kennebunkport Inn is that it’s located in the heart of downtown!
Head to the beach!
Head over to Kennebunk, Gooch’s, or Goose Rocks Beach for a perfect day at the beach! We tend to see surfers at Gooch’s If you like to surf and we love to go kayaking in Goose Rocks! Be sure to pop by The Tides for a cocktail or bite to eat when in Goose Rocks!
Dress, hat, and clutch by Vineyard Vines
Go on a Lobster boat tour
We had a fantastic time on the Rugosa Lobster Tour in KPT. From the informative tour guide to the lobster holding experience – they truly made it fun for the whole family!
You also get a gorgeous view of the Kennebunk’s from the water! Another fun thing that they do is take you by the Bush compound to learn about where George Bush Senior would summer with his family.
Enjoy a picnic in Cape Porpoise, ME
Cape Porpoise is the cutest little town and I hope that you take the short drive over! A few favorites are Bradbury Market, Farm + Table and the beautiful public library. We grabbed some sandwiches and soups from Cape Porpoise Kitchen for our picnic and always love this place. Highly recommend for a quick bite!
Visit Snug Harbor Farm
One of Cameron and my favorite things to do in Kennebunk is to visit Snug Harbor Farm. This farm is filled with greenhouses, farm animals, plants, and the cutest farm store. It’s a special place and I think when you go you will know why!
Relax at the Kennebunkport Inn with a book and a blanket or go for a bike ride around town…
I’m always up for some good porch time! Grab a drink, your best book, and enjoy the sunset from the outdoor patio at the Kennebunkport Inn.
Grab a bike from the Kennebunkport Inn‘s onsite bicycles for guests and explore the town/beaches/paths!
Other Ideas:
- Go antiquing in Kennebunk and KPT – there are so many good antique shops in Maine. One of our favorites is Antiques on Nine and The Old House Parts Company.
- Head to downtown Kennebunk! Visit nearby Kennebunk for more small-town charm! Lots of great stores and restaurants.
- Head to Morning Walk street in KPT and visit the beautiful Apres Sea Maine and Seacraft Vintage!
- Take a boat ride on the beautiful Schooner Eleanor sailboat for a sailing excursion!
Another really fun thing that the Kennebunkport Inn is offering is Club Cumming! This nightclub just opened up this summer and is by Allan Cumming! This club wasn’t open yet when we visited, but I do hope to go over there later this summer to watch a show!
Join us this summer as award-winning actor, singer, philanthropist, LGBTQ+ advocate, and nightclub owner, Alan Cumming brings his East Village cabaret bar, Club Cumming,
– Kennebunkport inn
We want to give the Kennebunkport Inn and The Burleigh restaurant a big heartfelt thank you for hosting us last week! We just had the best time and made such great memories together. We can’t wait to visit KPT again later this summer – it truly is the perfect spot for a New England summer vacation.
Happy traveling!
