Travel Guide For 24 Hours In Kennebunkport, ME

Our first stop on our recent road trip to Maine was Kennebunkport! I’ve been wanting to visit this quaint seaside town for some time and I’m so glad we were able to stop for a night. I just wish we would have had longer! We stayed at The Lodge On The Cove and it was the perfect family-friendly setting for us. Really, we couldn’t have asked for a better location or amenities for our time in Kennebunkport. After driving for 9 hours it was the best stopping point before heading further North to Acadia and Bar Harbor. I did a bit of research before our trip and had a list of places I wanted to visit, since I knew our time was limited and wanted to make the most of it. Today I’m going to share how we spent our short time in Kennebunkport and I’m hoping we can return next year as a family of 4!

STAY

Lodge On The Cove is an adorable resort set in the woods that feels like a modernized campy inn. It has a swimming pool, bikes, clubhouse for kids and restaurant/ bar on site. Its an ideal place for families with kids of all ages and it’s only a short walk into the town. Piper had a great time and I can see older kids loving the experience, too. When we arrived we went straight for the pool for fries & burgers and blueberry lemonades from the on-site restaurant, The Dory. Piper loved jumping into the pool and it was such a picturesque setting nestled in the woods overlooking the cove. I loved every detail of the interior design in this hotel — just look at the gorgeous styled bookcase you are greeted with upon arrival at the check-in desk!

After we checked into our adorable room — with a cute little porch and blooming hydrangeas (it really felt like a cottage), we freshened up before heading into town.

DO

VISIT THE BEACH:  Top of my list after taking a dip in the pool was hitting the beach, Piper had been asking for the beach our ENTIRE drive, so we owed it to her! There are several beaches nearby (Goose Rocks Beach, Gooch’s Beach, Mother’s Beach and Arundel Beach) but unfortunately the weather had different plans and we ended up looking at the beach from the window of our car during a down pour! Keep in mind all of the beaches except Arundel Beach require parking permits — many hotels offer them to guests, as ours did but be sure to look into this ahead of time. They can be picked up at the police station.

GET A DRINK: My plans were also scuffled for getting a drink at The Tides Beach Club, which so many people suggested! We drove by, and I highly recommend stopping in for happy hour or a glass of wine during your stay in Kennebunkport after a day on the beach.

WALK AROUND TOWN: We enjoyed a leisurely stroll around the quaint downtown area — be sure to stop in Day Trip Society + Day Trip Society Jr. — both are not to miss! I also loved the local pottery store next door. Kids will love to stop into the candy store! Also be sure to drop into Snug Harbor Farm which is just outside of town.

GET ICE CREAM: We had my favorite ice cream of our entire trip at Rococo Ice Cream .The flavors are mouthwatering and its all homemade (a requirement of mine)!

BUSH COMPOUND: Another thing we didn’t have a chance to do was drive past the Bush Compound on Walker’s Point. I love Jenna Busch Hager and really wanted to see their summer home!

Eat

Clam Shack: By far, the most recommended spot to eat was the local seafood shack right at the base of the bridge in town. They offer outdoor seating — but plan your meal there around non-peak hours as it gets crowded and a long line will form. We ended up getting our food to go (Lobster Roll, Clam Chowder, Fried Clam Strips) and ate it on the porch of our hotel room.

Earth At Hidden Pond: For a nicer meal, many people recommended Earth — their menu looks incredible as does the ambiance!

After we explored town and ate our dinner we “played” some games in the main house – so fun! Piper loved it.

The bar in this space is so beautiful and where they serve blueberry muffins, fruit, coffee and juice in the mornings!

Piper was desperate to ride a “bicycle” so we let her sit on one!

 

 

Here’s a picture of the clubhouse – complete with a ton of games and movies for kids.

*Thanks to the Lodge On The Cove for hosting our stay in Kennebunkport!