"The Kennebunks" off the coast of Maine offer a grown-up beach going atmosphere. Photo: Gerard Sperry RELATED LINKS Panama City Beach, Florida St. Barthelemy, Caribbean Coronado Island, California Tamarindo, Costa Rica

By Caren Baginski

Vacationing at the town of Kennebunkport, Maine is like stepping back in time. There are no hokey beachside t-shirt shops or proliferations of scantily-clad beachgoers. Instead, you'll find grown-up romantic charm in a town that has lobster on its mind. And while temperatures only peak at 75 degrees in summer (and reach a chilly 30 in winter) there's plenty to explore indoors at "The Kennebunks:" Kennebunk, Kennebunkport and the surrounding Cape Porpoise, Goose Rocks Beach and Arundel.

Separated by the Kennebunk River, Kennebunkport is lined with waterfront clothing boutiques and fine dining restaurants. The "port" is on the east side of the river, while the west is home to the Lower Village. Dock Square is a popular pass-through on the way to the Lower Village, and is home to a variety of New England restaurants and shops. Relax on the peaceful Kennebunk Beach that borders the Atlantic in the Lower Village, or go north to the larger Goose Rocks Beach, a three-mile crescent with sand dunes. The area is accessible via the Maine Turnpike or the Portland International Jetport, just 30 miles away.

Beach Guide

• Things to Do


• Places to Stay


• Where to Dine

Things to Do

First Chance Whale Watch
Get glimpses of Finbacks, Humpbacks, Minke's and the rare Blue Whale as you set sail on a 4 and a half hour trip from Kennebunkport to whale summer feeding grounds. Captain Gary has snack items and drinks on board, but you can bring your own refreshments. Be sure not to forget the camera.
4 Western Ave., Kennebunk, ME 04043
800-767-2628
www.firstchancewhalewatch.com

Seashore Trolley Museum
The non-profit Seashore Trolley Museum seeks to restore, preserve and exhibit a collection of more than 250 electric transit vehicles from the United States, Canada and other countries. Visitors will ride along a portion of the early 1900s Atlantic Shore Line Railway, which carted people and coal from Kennebunkport to Kittery.
195 Log Cabin Rd., Kennebunkport, ME 04046
207-967-2712
www.trolleymuseum.org

Kennebunk Book Port
Although this local book store is located in the loft of a 1775 rum warehouse, all you'll smell is books. The store carries books on local landmarks as well as recent bestsellers.
10 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
207-967-3815
www.kbookport.com

Places to Stay

The Breakwater Inn & Spa
This nautical themed 150-year-old inn has chic, contemporary rooms, apartments and cottages overlooking a pebble beach. Take in panoramic views when you dine at the waterfront seafood restaurant and top off your day with a spa package.
127 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, ME 04046
www.thebreakwaterinn.com

The White Barn Inn & Spa
Romance is definitely in the air at the White Barn, where a five-star restaurant and full spa await. Each room (choose from a loft suite, cottage or inn room) includes details like a flat screen TV, fresh fruit and terry robes and all include a continental breakfast and afternoon tea.
37 Beach Ave., Kennebunkport, ME 04046
207-967-2321
www.whitebarninn.com

Nonantum Resort
Open since 1883, this two-building resort is close to Parson's Way Coastal Walk, a scenic path along the rocky Maine coast. Set sail on a scenic lobster tour during lobster season, right from the resort's marina, or hop on the local trolley to go shopping at Dock Square.
The resort is not open during the winter months.
95 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, ME 04046
800-552-5651
www.nonantumresort.com

Where to Dine

Alisson's Restaurant
Serving fresh seafood and the award-winning lobster roll, Alisson's is a casual, local favorite located on Dock Market Square. The quaint blue restaurant has a bar and two dining rooms open for lunch and dinner.
11 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
207-967-4841
www.alissons.com

Federal Jack's Restaurant & Brewpub
Federal Jack's serves up classic New England chowder and other American eats along with some local beers. The beer is made downstairs in the seven-barrel Kennebunkport Brewing Company. Enjoy house brews like the Goat Island Light, named after the lighthouse in Cape Porpoise.
8 Western Ave., Kennebunk, ME 04046
207-967-4322
www.federaljacks.com

Hurricane Restaurant
Owned by a husband and wife team, this lunch and dinner eatery serves crispy crab cakes, broiled lobster and treats made by an in-house pastry chef. Husband Chef Brooks actually started his career in this very kitchen, when it was the Riverview Restaurant.
29 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME 04046
207-967-9111
www.hurricanerestaurant.com

On the Marsh Restaurant
Named after a tidal salt marsh on the property, this converted barn and farmhouse restaurant offers European country cuisine with excellent wine choices. You can even dine in the kitchen and watch your food being prepared. After dinner, browse the home's two floors, filled with art and antiques for sale.
46 Western Ave., Kennebunk, ME 04043
207-967-2299
www.onthemarsh.com