Kennebunkport, Maine
winter getaway to a snug coastal town
I have lived in New England all my life and never spent any significant amount of time in Kennebunk/port, Maine.
Discoveries of a beach town in late February are just that, and I love what we have found here.
If you’ve been around you know I am happy to explore a summer destination in the middle of winter. I’m happy to turn around and see what I’ve never seen in my own backyard.
Give me off season vibes and let me flock when the tourists do not. It might be a chilly season, but the towns offerings are cozy!
STAY @ Lark Hotels
Kennebunkport Captains Collection (6 Pleasant St) — Four historic Maine homes turned one boutique hotel are clustered on an elegant property within easy reach of downtown on a short stroll. The creaky haunted mansions of former Sea Captains and Ship Builders have been carefully curated in that signature Lark ambiance: well thought out and inviting to the maximum.
I have been inside / wandered around / had drinks at a few Lark Hotels (looking at you Summercamp and Block Island Beach House) but never had the pleasure of their accommodations until now.
The 200 year old buttery yellow with rich black shutters Nathaniel Lord Mansion is the main house on the property. It is here where you check in, where you sit in front of a roaring fire, and where you eat breakfast.
Our room was also here, in Captain Nathaniel Lord and Phoebe Walkers Federal Style home built in 1812, where they raised 9 children! (Apparently, the 9th child was from an affair he had with the maid!)
There is something about a chubby, round, velour, tufted pillow am I right?
The KCC Lark Hotel design team has captured a modern aesthetic surrounding the homes original architecture. Marked with antiques and a lavish compilation of dark hued textiles and patterns, this parlor in its entirety begs: L I N G E R.
Which we did on numerous occasions over books, breakfast, chess, champagne (our own) and chocolate chip cookies (Lark’s daily sea salted batch).
Breakfast is a noteworthy homecooked + fresh baked spread.
This is 40.
A tour of our space savvy room on the third floor complete with a sitting area and mini fridge.
SHOP
La La Luna (45 Ocean Ave) — colorful boutique with a good sale rack, situated at the bottom of the street where KCC is located — next to the Arundel Yacht Club + Silas Perkins Park. I scored:
KUT Meg High Rise Fab Ab Wide Leg Jeans — (what a name). buttery soft + very comfortable. I’ve been living in these.
Z Supply Do It All Flare Pant — classic chic black pants at a great price point.
Sea Lustre Journey Blouse — pretty colors for spring (+ got it for 1/2 off)!
Daytrip Society (4 Dock St) — aesthetically pleasing curation of whose its and whats its galore. Loved the Froot Loop candle + Maine sweatshirt but I did not splurge here.
DINE OUT
Earth at Hidden Pond (354 Goose Necks Road) — Our 5 course meal was exceptional by all standards.
Boathouse Waterfront Hotel (21 Ocean Ave) — popped in on an afternoon whim, found where literally everyone in KBPT/ME was hanging out. Decided to do the same at the light popping off the harbor white quartz bar with cocktails, draft beers, mussels and chowder.
Federal Jack’s Brewpub — making our way to dinner on Saturday we stopped in for “great Maine brews with great Maine views!” But not really as it was dark out and we did not drink beer this round. With live music and a relaxed atmosphere, this is the spot for families and convivial gatherings.
Via Sophia by The Sea — across the river in Kennebunk, an easy walk from KCC. This modern Osteria was bustling, service was strained / slow though our waiter was nice.
The beef carpaccio was very good, the bucatini carbonara was ok and Bob enjoyed the sirloin steak. Bucatini is hollow pasta and the light overcooked noodles eventually drowned in a too heavy carbonara sauce. The focaccia bead course and the red wine were excellent — we did have a great night!
PLAY
Gooch’s Beach — the magic happens here. Find a parking spot along Beach Avenue and walk the seawall. The surfers out in February are as impressive as the waterfront homes.
Incidentally, many homes here were devastated with a recent (back in January now) storm surge that the concrete seawall failed to protect. The torrential rain and floods appeared to have done a number on driveways, landscapes, and first levels.
On our walk the sun came out. We observed in awe of the waves and their recent destruction.
Kennebunk + Kennebunkport, Maine are a cozy costal team. Even in wintertime they draw you in to illuminate their shores — and now with the coldest days of the year behind us their attributes sing vacationland.
If you have been, share in the comments your favorite KBPT, ME spots!
If you know anyone travelling in that direction, be sure to share this post with them!
More Maine?!
Portland Restaurants // Eventide Oyster Co. // The Honey Paw // Liquid Riot // Duckfat // Street & Co. //
Ahh Kristen this was such a fun post to read! All of my senses were awakened from the food to the beach (I could feel the mist coming off those waves, the sea-spray!!) to the beautiful interiors. Love the photos that you took, too. Really captured your trip and the Maine vibe!
How about that vibrant yellow with birds wall paper in the foyer! 40 looks amazing on you❤️