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Kennebunkport, Maine; A Pristine Beach and Historic Village For Shopping.
By carlvaleri | October 29, 2009
The warm sun on my back was welcome on this cool Autumn morning as we strolled through the streets of Kennebunkport. The quaint protected harbor included many boutique shops soon to be busy with tourists darting in and out.
The Kennebunkport area, called the Kennebunks, includes a pristine beach with inviting bed and breakfasts, a hustling village full of unique boutique shops, and a town full of historic architecture and endless stories. Only 90 miles from Boston, it is easy to understand why the Kennebunks stay busy throughout the year.
History
As with most of Maine the name Kennebunk derives from the Native American language believed to mean “long cut bank”. Early Native Americans hunted seasonally in the Kennebunks up until European settlers arrived in the 1600’s. The Kennebunks quickly prospered due to abundant timber, an amicable treaty with the Native Americans, and a navigable river making many enterprising settlers wealthy through the timber industry.
From loading ships with timber to building ships the area prospered primarily from the shipbuilding industry well into the 19th century. Many rich sea captains and wealthy merchants built beautiful homes during this period which can be viewed today. One looks like a wedding cake. A wealthy captain built this unique home as a gift for his wife.
With the advent of railroads in the 1870’s and later the turnpike the area transitioned to a vacation spot for those wanting to get away. Large hotels and inns were built along with many old mansions, now converted to Bed and Breakfasts. Fortunately most of the old buildings and homes have been preserved and are now places to stay or historic buildings you can tour. This is a wonderful place to experience what old Maine was like.
Historic Tours
Want to learn more about the history, better understand the lifestyle during the 1800’s, and hear colorful stories about local sea captains and other prominent figures? I suggest your taking one of many walking tours.
The local historical society and other groups provide numerous walking tours details of which can be found through the websites below. For those wanting to see many of the sites including the Bush Estate and the Franciscan Monastery while enjoying an entertaining narrated tour I suggest the In Town Trolley tour.
Shopping
A variety of boutique shops and restaurants fill every conceivable spot in this tiny village. From inexpensive souvenirs to lavish jewelry and artwork this village has something for sale in every price range. Being a harbor many of the shops offer unique nautical gifts and t-shirts.
Tour buses come to the area so the shops can get very busy. Get to the shops early if you don’t want to deal with the crowds.
Dining
If I am going to come to Maine I want to eat overlooking the water. One of my favorite casual restaurants is Federal Jack’s located up a flight of stairs. Offering some outstanding fresh seafood this establishment stays busy year round. Being a Micro brew they offer Shipyard beer. While waiting for a table we sampled their locally crafted beer outside on the deck and watched the small boats maneuver below.
For a more secluded spot along the water you can take a short drive to Cape Porpoise where there are three distinct dining options. Take a casual walk to the Chowder House which offers outstanding chowder which you can enjoy while viewing the harbor and the Cape Porpoise lighthouse.
At the opposite extreme is Pier 77, on stilts overlooking the water they offer one of the best lobster rolls in Maine. For a moderately priced restaurant, walk down to the Ramp Bar and Grill. Before entering the bar we relaxed on the Adirondack chairs and enjoyed the view of the protected cove before walking inside.
A Great Beach for Walking and Swimming.
Kennebunkport Beach’s protect cove and white sand make this a perfect spot to enjoy the sun with your family. Easy access is provided with parking spots right next to the beach. It gets busy during the warm months so you will need to come early to find a spot. Don’t forget to pack a lunch if you are going to stay all day since there are no concessions. Fortunately there are public bathrooms.
Looking for exercise, the Kennebunkport Beach and the surrounding areas are connected by long sidewalks. If you are out for a short stroll or a long daily exercise walk the beach offers many wonderful views. You are sure to relax from the sound of waves lapping against the shore. Whether it is the waves crashing, children playing in the sand, or birds swooping down towards the ocean to capture lunch, there is always something to keep you entertained while walking.
Goat Island Lighthouse: Temporary Home to the Secret Service
With numerous lighthouses along the coast of Maine a vacation would not be complete without visiting a lighthouse. Kennebunkport is home to Goat Island Lighthouse a relatively short lighthouse atop a rock outcropping.
Establish in 1833 the 20 foot white lighthouse sits as a lone sentinel on the rock outcropping helping guide ships to the sheltered harbor of Cape Porpoise. Between 1865 and 1920 over 45 ships wrecked on the treacherous rocks. Not one death was attributed to these wrecks due in large part the the light keeper taking his small boat to sea and rescuing the unfortunate sailors and passengers.
In 1990 the lighthouse was the last to be automated by the Coast Guard. Up until this point the residents where able to convince the government to man the station to ward off vandals. I’m sure they did not have to worry about vandals because the Secret Service lived in the lighthouse for a time during George H. W. Bush’s presidency. Due to its good vantage point to Walker’s Point, the lighthouse was a temporary air-sea command post even outfitted with a radar beacon during that time.
Relax in a Historic Village.
Kennebunkport is one of the more popular places in the vacation state of Maine because it has much to offer a tourist. Unique shops, pristine beaches, historic buildings, museums, and a refreshing ocean breeze.
Only 30 miles from Portland, 75 miles from Manchester, New Hampshire, and 90 miles from Boston, and only miles off the Turnpike, Kennebunkport is an easy attraction find. Due to the ease of access and all Kennebunkport has to offer, I now know why this is such a popular destination.
For More Information:
Kennebunkport Community Website
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