The Best Small Town In New England For A 3-Day Weekend
Three days in Kennebunkport might just set a new standard for weekend getaways. This small town, located along the southern coast of Maine and the Kennebunkport River, somehow manages to fulfill every expectation you might have of a New England getaway. Waterfront restaurants? Check. A 19th-century lighthouse? Of course. Nature preserves and seaside inns? You bet. If you are ready for a weekend to recharge and bask in the beauty of New England’s history and scenery, you will love what Kennebunkport has to offer.
Downtown Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport perfectly embodies the classic New England feel, set along the Kennebunk River with buildings that date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. As travelers set off to explore town, they can begin their day at the Dock Square Coffee House, a boutique coffee shop near the river that serves European-style coffee and espresso, matcha lattes, chai lattes, teas, and other beverages. There is also a wonderful selection of pastries and donuts if you are hungry!
You’ll find plenty of boutiques and art galleries in the same area to browse, such as Minka, a handmade boutique that creates home goods and modern art from natural materials. A few of the items you might find here include pottery, candles, jewelry, notebooks, handbags, and body care products. The Northlight Gallery is just a short walk from Minka and is a great place to continue your art search. This gallery, operating in Kennebunkport for over 20 years, exhibits pieces from artists across the US. The gallery’s owner, Harry Thompson, is often found working on his next piece during operating hours! Once lunch rolls around, grab a table at the Boathouse Restaurant, which offers fantastic views of the Kennebunk River and a variety of Maine-inspired dishes.
Goat Island Lighthouse
First settled by Europeans in the 1620s, Kennebunkport is, as you might expect, filled with history. One of the town’s most iconic historic landmarks is the Goat Island Lighthouse, a light on Cape Porpoise Harbor that was established in 1833. Although the walkway that connected the tower to the keeper’s quarters was destroyed in a blizzard in 1978, the property underwent a massive restoration in 2011, returning it to its former glory. During the summer, visitors can view this historic light by boat or see it from the landing on Pier Road in Cape Porpoise. During high tide, there is a small dock available for boaters. The lighthouse keepers may also be willing to give you a tour, if available! Just keep in mind that their quarters are also a private residence.
Nearby Nature Preserves and Wildlife Refuges
Kennebunkport is fortunate to be near some beautiful nature preserves and wildlife refuges, making it a must-visit destination for hikers and bikers. The Edwin L. Smith Preserve is just a 10-minute drive north of town, covering 1,100 acres. 10 miles of trails weave through the preserve, passing by babbling brooks, forested landscape, bridges, and picnic rocks. It is also an important wildlife habitat, home to bobcats, white-tailed deer, coyotes, owls, partidges, turtles, hares, and many other species. Hiking, mountain biking, and birdwatching are some of the most popular recreational activities to enjoy here. Winter is also a great time to visit, with trails open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Travelers can begin their excursion at the Edwin L. Smith Preserve Trailhead.
The Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is another incredible natural marvel to visit near town, founded in 1966 to protect the area’s estuaries and salt marshes for its migratory bird species. Because it sits near the coast and between two major forest habitats, the boreal and the eastern deciduous, the refuge has some of Maine’s most unique biodiversity. A few of the most prominent species you might spot on the refuge include the saltmarsh sparrow, the New England cottontail, the least tern, and the piping plover. One of the best ways to learn about this refuge as you walk is along the Carson Interpretive Trail, a one-mile, mostly level path that has 11 interpretive stops along the way. Be sure to grab a trail guide from the kiosk at the trailhead for all the details!
Kennebunkport’s Cozy Inns
After spending the day shopping, exploring nature preserves, and enjoying a meal by the water, there is no better way to finish the day than with a stay at one of the town’s memorable inns. If you are seeking a night away by the water, the Breakwater Inn is a wonderful option. This inn is positioned right at the mouth of the Kennebunk River and is set in an 1880s-style cottage. Guests can enjoy amenities like an on-site restaurant, the Port Fish & Chop House, and complimentary tea and coffee to sip on the property’s waterfront lawn.
Another favorite in town, the Kennebunkport Inn, sits inside what was once a tea merchant’s private mansion from the 1890s. Located in the center of Dock Square, this inn is just steps away from boutiques and coffeehouses. It also offers a complimentary breakfast that guests can enjoy on the property’s scenic deck!
Your Memorable Weekend Awaits
Even if you only have a few days to get away, you can make the most of every moment. Kennebunkport is the perfect destination to do so, offering the perfect combination of cozy inns, coffee shops, and recreational areas to make your weekend a memorable one. You won’t have a hard time finding a souvenir at one of the local art galleries or boutiques, either! Regardless of the activities you plan in this town, you are almost guaranteed to have a wonderful time.
