Leg one of our honeymoon was spent exploring the quant New England town of Kennebunkport, Maine. After a long day of traveling from Seattle to the East Coast, we were excited to make it to our final destination. Before we did I had arranged a small surprise for my new husband. Excitedly walking to the rental car kiosk, he was about to find out that I had secured us a convertible sports car for our time in Maine. We checked in, signed the paperwork and were told what stall our car was in. I was excited I had been able to do this without him finding out and ruining the surprise. We walk to the stall and a Cheeto-orange mustang is sitting in the stall. After the long day, all we could do was giggle. To both of us, who tend to like to blend in and not bother others, this was the most ostentatious car we could imagine. Riley ultimately laughed appreciated the thought, even if it had gone a bit array.
Setting out for Kennebunkport, we were pleasantly surprised to find that Maine reminded us a lot of home. As we looked out the window in our Cheeto-orange mustang, the landscapes beside the highway mimicked what I would see looking out my window on the highway at home. Eventually we got off the highway was wound our way to our Inn in Kennebunkport. We rolled into our town and parked in front of the most beautiful two story, white colonial style Inn, I could imagine.
We were greeted by the very cheery Bob. He asked all about us and what brought us to the Maine Stay Inn. He told us all about the hotel and the town. He pointed out restaurants, shops and bars; paying particular attention to the ones that would be good for young people. Eventually he made a recommendation on a good restaurant for that evening and showed us to our room.
That night we ventured out into town. Stopping into a couple of stores to see what they had to offer and eventually winding up at one of the restaurants that Bob had suggested, Federal Jack’s Restaurant & Brew Pub. The place was lively and filled with people young, old and everything in between. We ended up finding two seats at the very end of the bar, basically squeezed into a corner. It ended up being the biggest blessing, as the bartender station was right there and he gave us the best suggestions of the trip.
Over the next few days, we spent our time exploring this little town. Each morning we ate our breakfast at the Inn. Being greeted by the friendly waitresses, learning about them and the inn and tell them about ourselves. All while enjoying a delicious and filling breakfast.
On our first full day we really wanted to get acquainted with the town. We started our day by taking a drive with the top down. Looking at all of the little houses and historic sites and stopping to take a walk on the beach. After a long morning of driving, we decided it was time for some lobster rolls. Per our favorite bartenders recommendation, we walked down to Port Lobster Co. and enjoyed a delicious lunch of lobster rolls, cole slaw and chips.
That afternoon, we walked down to explored the shops, stopping in at nearly every one in the little town. Exploring everything from clothing shops, to pet shops to little tourist traps. From time to time we would stop for a cup of coffee at Dock Square Coffee house or a beer and a snack at Batson River. By the end of the day we were ready for dinner, deciding on Old Vine Wine bar. We sipped wine and snacked on delicious food while listening to live music.
The next day we wanted to explore more of the area. We decided to take the backroads down to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. We took in all of the little towns and beaches on our way down. Marveling at the scenery and beautiful colonial homes.
Once we made it to Portsmouth, we found a place to park so we could walk around and explore. Living in Seattle, were aren’t many super historic buildings. To us Portsmouth was like a different world, filled with so much history. Much like we did in Kennebunkport, we explored shops and tried little treats here and there.
That evening was our last in Kennebunkport and we wanted to go out for a nicer dinner, ultimately deciding on Bandaloop. Riley has a special talent when it comes to finding great restaurants, pretty much anywhere we go. This was no exception. The wait staff was polite and friendly, while not being too overbearing. The drinks were refreshing and perfectly made. And the food. The food was unique and delicious. Every bite seemed to be better than the last.
While our time in Kennebunkport was short, it was also wonderful. It was the perfect way to start our honeymoon. It allowed us to destress and really get into vacation mode. It will always hold a special place in my heart. Until next time, friends… CML
WHERE WE STAYED
The Maine Stay Inn. This Inn was truly lovely. Historic, but well maintained. Rooms that were both beautiful and comfortable. Staff that was incredibly kind, friendly and helpful. The breakfast each morning was delicious and felt like a really wonderful version of what your mom would make you for breakfast. The Inn is close to town but not right in the heat of everything. I loved taking the little four block walk from the Inn to town each day. I highly recommend this as a place to stay. I want to note that since we stayed at the Maine Stay, ownership has changed hands. In is now owned by a small hotel group that owns three other Inns in Kennebunkport.
PLACES WE CONSIDERED STAYING
Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club.
The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel.
WHERE WE ATE
Federal Jack’s Restaurant & Brew Pub. Casual pub fare. Great for a casual dinner and a place to grab a couple of beers. This would be super fun with a group of friends!
Port Lobster Co. The perfect lunch stop. Pick up a lobster roll lunch combo and head to the beach or out on the water.
Batson River. An awesome local brewery with great bites to eat. We spent a great afternoon here just hanging out and trying the local brews.
Old Vine Wine Bar. SUCH a fun spot! We had the best time here. A great wine list and wonderful live music.
Dock Square Coffee House. I think I went here two times in two days. yummy coffee and friendly staff.
Alisson’s Restaurant. We only stopped in here for a snack, but can totally picture it being a great place to go out to on a weekend night!
Bandaloop. This was our “fancy” dinner while we were in town. We considered a few other restaurants (Mabel’s, The Boathouse Restaurant and White Barn Inn), but this one felt like us. The food was amazing and the service was great.
