Welcome to Kennebunk, Maine, the perfect weekend getaway.
People of all ages will enjoy the scenic views, down-home culture, and local cuisine. History buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike will have their fair share of fun exploring lighthouses, and the old-fashioned Main Street is perfect for the whole family. So, pack up the car and set your GPS for N 43.3845°, W 70.5440°.
Food
Every small town in America boasts a local eatery you just can’t miss, and Kennebunk is no different—in fact, it has loads.
Rosella
Rosella is a sushi restaurant with a mother company in New York, featuring specialty menu items like the Maine yellowtail amberjack roll. Before making your way out, don’t forget to order the coconut milk sorbet for a refreshing dessert.
The Clam Shack
Open since 1968, the Clam Shack is the perfect fast, casual eatery. World-famous for its fabulous lobster rolls, this joint is also a great place to spot a celebrity—Patrick Dempsey, Quentin Tarantino, and every member of the Bush family have eaten here.
Mike’s All Day Breakfast
Mix it up and end your day with pancakes at Mike’s All Day Breakfast. Great for the whole family, this community staple serves classic American breakfast foods all day and even allows you to enjoy some fresh air as you eat out on the veranda.
Lighthouses
After you’ve had your meal, you’ll be ready to do some exploring. Like much of Maine, Kennebunk is your gateway to a plethora of lighthouses within driving distance.
Wood Island Lighthouse
Just past Goose Rocks Beach, Wood Island Lighthouse makes for a lovely excursion. Tours are available from Vines Landing in Biddeford, and the tower is open for guest exploration. But be warned, you may hear voices in the wind—Wood Island is notorious for its ghost inhabitation.
Portland Head Light
The oldest lighthouse in Maine, Portland Head Light is home to an excellent museum about the technological progression of lighthouses through the last 200 years. Tours are available, and there’s even a gift shop on your way out. However, you’ll have to come on Maine Open Lighthouse Day in early September to see inside the tower.
Nubble Light
Nubble Light was commissioned in 1874, and it remains an active lighthouse to this day. Originally run by the Lighthouse Service, the town of York purchased Nubble Light in 1997. You can now visit the lighthouse and the beautiful park around it thanks to the local parks and recreation department.
Activities
If you bring your kids along for the weekend, there are tons of enriching and exciting activities to try together.
Riverhurst Farm
Two hundred years ago, Riverhurst Farm was a dairy barn, but today it’s full of well-trained horses ready to take you on a scenic ride down Parson Beach.
Garden Street Bowl
If you get rained in for the day, this local gem is the perfect recovery. Garden Street Bowl features not only bowling but unique modern decor and a great menu.
Maine Art Hill
Maine Art Hill is a collection of art galleries along Chase Hill Road, featuring a huge variety of art, from oil paintings to glassworks.