Overview

With sandy beaches in the summer, flaming red trees in the fall, snow-frosted river banks in the winter and vivid font-yard flower gardens in the spring, Kennebunk is among the most charming year-round destinations in New England. Its rich history began in the early 1600s when Europeans began exploring the Kennebunk River and settling the coast of Maine. Although its first industry of shipbuilding is now a memory, its harbors are still crowded with fishing and recreational vessels. If you paddle a canoe down the river or plunge into the refreshing surf at the beach, you’ll be experiencing Kennebunk’s modern industry of tourism.

Tourists are happy walking through the old Maine charm of Kennebunk but there are many ways to occupy your time. The Brick Store Museum archives the region’s history, and the Seashore Trolley Museum maintains the largest electric railway collection in the world. After riding in a trolley, shop for gifts, antiques, art, jewelry and clothing in brightly painted specialty shops. From coffeehouses to waterfront restaurants, guests are always pleased with the dining choices, too. There is no excuse to leave without trying lobster and clam chowder! You can’t skip town until you take a picture in front of The Wedding Cake House and Maine’s rocky coastline either.

When you visit Kennebunk, you will surely pay a visit to her sister cities of Kennebunkport and Arundel. Each has its own beach, restaurants and shopping. Kennebunkport is known for its Christmas Prelude with a full calendar of events to get you in the holiday spirit. Even if you aren’t in town for the tree lighting ceremonies and bonfires, you can still catch glimpses of the home of Kennebunkport’s most famous resident: former President H. W. Bush. Commonly referred to as the 41, the family summer home juts ceremoniously into the ocean on Walker’s Point. Dotted with antique barns, Arundel’s fanfare, on the other hand, is an ode to farmers of the past. Inside Arundel Barn Playhouse, you can enjoy a talented performance in a century-old refurbished barn. Needless to say, quintessential Maine will win you over just as it has captured the fascination of explorers, sea captains, farmers and the Bushes.