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With a state slogan like VACATIONLAND you know that Lola likes Maine. Kennebunkport is an hour and half north of Boston in Southern Maine. A perfect place to go for a ‘One Day Stay’. Here you will find arts & entertainment and pristine beaches plus fun places to shop, dine and drink.
DROP YOUR BAG
Captain Fairfield Inn, a cool 9 guest room boutique bed and breakfast, is located in the heart of historic Kennebunkport, Maine. In a quiet neighborhood overlooking the river green and one block from the Kennebunk River and lively Kennebunkport harbor, this beautiful home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Captain Fairfield Inn was built in 1813 and will celebrate its 200th anniversary this year. One of the things I love most about this inn is its mindfulness to the historic charm of this Federal mansion yet breathing NEW LIFE into it with a modern twist in decor. Lark Hotels, the innovative hotel company that owns Captain Fairfield, also just launched a unique partnership with lifestyle brand, Vineyard Vines. They are collaborating together to create designer suites within the Lark Hotels group. Captain Fairfield has the very first of these suites now available. The idea is to infuse a mix of coastal preppy chic with modern & playful touches. I can’t wait to return so I can experience this one-of-a-kind VV beach vibe! Complete with deluxe amenities, a fantastic locally sourced gourmet breakfast & a wine tasting room, Captain Fairfield Inn would satisfy any discerning traveler. LOLA APPROVED all the way!
DO
You can’t go to coastal Maine and not mention the beaches. The Southern Maine Coast is unique for having many long sandy beaches unlike the rest of Maine where the coast is mostly rocky. If you’d like some seclusion, Parson’s Beach is for you or perhaps you prefer to be in the middle of the action at Kennebunk Beach. No matter what, Kennebunkport has a perfect spot for you to spend a sunny summer day at the shore. This beach bunny likes that!
During my quick visit I discovered a great little wine shop, Down East Wine, located in the lower village of Kennebunk – a short walk from downtown Kennebunkport. Dedicated to the discovery and enjoyment of unique wines, Down East Wine’s tagline is affordable quality. LOVE THIS! They were hosting a little wine tasting this particular Saturday and I’d like to think this a somewhat regular occurrence to help you discover delicious, well priced bottles.
DRINK
Always in search of a good local watering hole for yummy drink, my visit to Kennebunkport was no different. I was recommended a couple of spots, Bandaloop and Pilot House, but decided on Old Vines Wine Bar as I heard stories about their legendary bartenders. With a name like Old Vines you can be sure they offer many incredible wines by the glass. Coming from dinner where I was enjoying a Negroni cocktail, I just wanted to stick with the same. Ben made me their version ‘Old Vingroni’ which is made with gin, Aperol instead of Campari & dash of rhubarb bitters. OUTSTANDING!
DINE
Forever seeking out the hip & happening, Lola was recommended 50 Local to try for this One Day Stay. Located in buzzing Kennebunk, as soon as I walked in I knew I was going to like this spot. Using the best of the area’s resources working with local farms & fisheries, 50 Local is downtown Kennebunk’s newest neighborhood establishment. I enjoyed oysters from the Bagaduce River and a pork chop from local Breezy Hill Farm. UNBELIEVABLE! 50 Local offers traditional French Bistro dishes with an American twist, all served in a friendly atmosphere.
PS – Kennebunkport is SO GOOD I actually have three honorable mentions.
1) Alisson’s for its award-winning famous lobster roll and bacon bloody mary. Perfect for a lunch option. MMMM
2) Daytrip Society for its eclectic offerings in gifts & home decor. I could have literally spent hours in this store finding all kinds of treasures. It certainly inspires the adventure of travel.
3) Kennebunkport Inn for its fun renovation of their common rooms creating vibrant social spaces. You’ll wish to sit down and relax in this salty, sea captain environment inspired by Kennebunkport’s fishing & shipbuilding history. PLUS they offer a Big Girls’ Slumber Party package including cocktails, chick flicks and a four course dinner. All you need to add are your BFFs – adore it!
I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess you haven’t been here recently, from your lovely beach photos 🙂 – we’re still freezing up here! But in all of the travel blogs I have been reading, it’s been really nice to see someone talk about Maine! Next time you should head up just a little further and come to Camden – it’s even better than Kennebunkport, and I can show you around!
Lpeg recently posted…Test Post 1 – Chicago
oooo thanks for the offer! i hope to get back up to Maine in the next couple of months. it’s so pretty there and so much to discover 🙂
I am so sad that I have yet to explore this part of the US! I’m dying to visit!!! That boutique hotel looks amazing.
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted…Andi’s Pick: Old Edwards Inn And Spa
don’t be sad, i know you’ll get there…maybe even this summer!!
beautiful! i have only had the chance to explore portland in the state but am dying to eventually see more of maine. think ill start in kennebunkport (since it is pretty and fun to repeat the name over and over).
Megan recently posted…Stereotypes and Expectations Squashed in Belarus
hahaha! it really is pretty. i want to explore more of Maine too. i’m lucky it’s close by and so maybe i can squeeze in some visits over the summer when i’m not elsewhere.
I spent one day there many years ago. It was March and despite being a comfortable spring back home in Tennessee there was a foot of snow on the ground in Maine! But that made it so much more beautiful. I’d post a photo but it’s been so long ago those pictures are all film and not yet scanned (yes, I’m old)!
We were visiting friends in Boston and decided to drive up to Kennebunkport for the day. I definitely would like to have more time there, but cherished the afternoon we did have. It’s such a beautiful community on the coast. I love the Maine coast, but also enjoyed the drive along the Massachusetts coast and all the quaint fishing villages on our way up to Maine.
tripsbylance recently posted…Giverny, France: Can it be Done With Children?
YES Lance!! i live in Massachusetts near all those fishing villages on the North Shore. come back soon 🙂
Maine is one of those places I’ve never even thought about travelling to – until someone posts about it! Looks gorgeous xx
Scarlett recently posted…Twenty-Five.
thanks miss Scarlett. you will visit me one day and we can take a little side trip up to Maine!
Isn’t this where the Bush compound is? If it’s good enough for them then it’s good enough for me. I’ve never been to Maine. I’d like to go if only to eat a lobster roll.
Leah Travels recently posted…Next Up: Camels, Cars, Colorado, Canucks & Kahakai
YES the Bush compound is in Kennebuckport. the lobster is good…so are the oysters. YUMMMMMM
Good to see you have your priorities right. Get to a new place, drop your bags and find a good local wine store 🙂
Arianwen recently posted…Death on the Lapa steps
hahaaha – thanks!! yes, well i enjoy the good life and by that i mean some vino, some great food, some fab cocktails.
I LOVE Maine, but I’ve only been to Bar Harbor. This is proof, I have to go back. Kennebunkport sounds like paradise to me. You had me at lobster roll and bacon bloody mary.
The World Wanderer recently posted…History on the Hudson: Photo Essay.
the bacon bloody mary was really good. kinda been dreaming about it lately.
So many of my friends cycle down to Kennebunkport…I will have to get down there one of these days!!! Maybe a perfect weekend getaway this summer! I could see myself sitting on that beach, soaking it up!
Anita Mac recently posted…French Quarter Bike Tours – two wheeling it through New Orleans
yep. i could see that too. come!! i’ll drive up to see you 🙂
Maine is SOOOOOOOO on my list!! I love this post 🙂 When can we go?
whenever you say darling Mrs. O!
That Inn is soooo up my alley – uber cute! I’ve always wanted to visit Maine for lobster rolls. LOL
Kieu ~ GQ trippin recently posted…How We Stay: Hostels, Hotels and Apartments
i’m really loving the Lark Hotels brand. they have such cool properties that have the best decor. amazing staff. delicious breakfasts. they are truly onto something.
Looks SO nice. I haven’t been to Maine though I traveled in New England a lot when I was young. That b&b looks lovely.
Jenna recently posted…Traveler of the Week: AFAR Ambassador Kirsten Alana
great B&B. i often think of B&B’s as stuffy and boring. not the case with Lark Hotels. otherwise, i wouldn’t be going to stay with them or tooting their horn!
This looks so classically American. Love it!
hehehe i agree.
Looks like a great town. All I knew about Kennebunkport before now was that President H.W. Bush has a home there. I’m thinking I could do a long weekend instead of a day:)
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted…Gloria Estefan’s Costa d’Este Resort – Picture of the Week
you and MJ would love it for a long weekend. there’s a lot nearby to see and do.
Leave it to you to make Maine look exciting!
Bethaney – Flashpacker Family recently posted…Baggage Fees for Airlines in the US (2013)
ahhhh thanks miss Bethaney. i try 🙂
these photos make us think we just might have something in common with the bush family… oh god, how to feel?
the lazy travelers recently posted…no travel required
hahahaha you kill me.
I have never been to Maine, but never thought of a beach when I think of Maine. Thanks for opening my eyes to Kennebunkport, Maine.
Traveling Ted recently posted…Atavism, nature, and outdoor adventure travel
oooo Maine is a place i could see you really loving. and for far more than the beaches – you’re right. you should get it on the list!
I love that part of Maine and, now, I have a wine shop to check out should I return which is part of my master travel plan! lol
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted…Top 6 Reasons Why It Is Hard to Break Up with Washington, D.C.
hahaha of course you wino! i miss you!!
Maine is one of those US states that we don’t hear much about in Europe – thanks for sharing this wonderful guide Lola – am tempted to to check it out. Captain Fairfield Inn looks so cute too …
Fiona recently posted…Dublin in a Nutshell: The Little Museum of Dublin
come check it out. New England is so pretty in the summertime…
I’ve always wanted to explore this side of the US and if they have hotels like this then that’s even more of a reason to go!
Becky Padmore recently posted…10 of the most beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria
so many reasons to come to this side of the US. #1 – i’m here!!!! come visit me 🙂
We’re headed to Portland this summer (basically to eat lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner all weekend) but now you’ve inspired me to tack on a few days and check out Kennebunkport while we’re in the area. Cute B&B! Thanks for the tip.
3onthego recently posted…Off The Grid: Chamico’s Lobster Shack
AWESOME!! i hope you make it to Kennebunk/Kennebunkport.
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