25 Things to Do in and around the Kennebunks

• Drive Ocean Ave - view the rock-bound coast, watch the waves crash into the blow holes, and see the impressive shingle-style "summer cottages" including Walkers Point - President George Bush's summer estate.
  
• Visit Kennebunk Beach, Goose Rocks Beach, Mothers' Beach and several other beautiful area beaches.
  
• Shop Dock Square and its vast array of fabulous boutiques and craft shops, located just three short blocks from the Mansion.
  
• Ride the In Town Trolley for a fabulous narrated Tour of the Kennebunks.
  
• Tour the Nott House and visit The Kennebunkport Historical Society.
  
• Walk the Kennebunkport Historic District and view the period architecture.
  
• Visit The Landing Boat School and see classic wooden boats being constructed.
  
• Visit Cape Porpoise, a classic Maine fishing village and view Goat Island Lighthouse from the Cape Porpoise Pier.
  
• Tour Federal Jack's Brew Pub and watch how micro-brew beer is crafted.
  
• Visit the Brick Store Museum in downtown Kennebunk.
  
• Tour Laudholm Farm, a 1600-acre research, education, and public recreation facility.
  
• Visit the Seaside Trolley Museum - Home to the National Collection of American Streetcars, it is the world's largest and oldest museum of mass transit vehicles. Ride the trolley's four-mile circuit and drive one of the 20-ton trolleys yourself.
  
• Go Horseback riding.
  
• Ride a bicycle around Maine's most famous town (your own or rent locally).
  
• Go Sailing on a Windjammer from the docks of the Kennebunk River.
  
• Go on a Scenic Lobster Boat Tour, view Walkers Point, see seals and pull lobster traps from the Atlantic.
  
• Go on a Whale-Watch Trip.
  
• Go on a Sea Kayaking Tour.
  
• Rent a Canoe and paddle the Kennebunk River, once the launching site of large ships and now home to an impressive fleet of personal yachts.
  
• Play Golf at Cape Arundel Golf Course or The Webhannet Golf Club, both celebrating over 100 years of golfing tradition.
  
• Play Tennis.
  
• Cross-country ski or snowshoe through Maine's beautiful fields, woods and snowscapes.
  
• Dine at one of dozens of fabulous area restaurants.
  
• Visit the Portland Museum of Art, an extensive collection of fine and decorative arts dating from the 18th century to the present.
  
• Shop at world-famous LL. Bean in Freeport or Kittery Outlets in Kittery.

Five Ways to enjoy Memorial Day Weekend in Kennebunkport

Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional start to the tourist season and there are several activities that begin this weekend which offer you different experiences to enhance your enjoyment of Kennebunkport.

1. The Lobster Boat Rugosa begins giving scenic cruises along the beautiful and rugged coast. See lobster harvesting up close and personal! This weekend, the Captain Lord Mansion begins offering a special package whereby you may take this interesting cruise and then enjoy a "Lobster Shore Dinner" at Mabel's Lobster Claw restaurant.
2. The Whale Watch boat Nick's Chance offers you an opportunity to visit Jeffery's Ledge which is a feeding area for whales. It is located 20 miles from shore in the gulf of Maine. Several species of whales are resident throughout the summer, feeding primarily on herring. The twin, high output, diesel engines with a cruising speed in excess of 20 knots, allows the boat to reach the feeding grounds in about one hour.
3. Ride the Rails at The Seashore Trolley Museum. Just minutes from Dock Square, Kennebunkport's shopping district, the museum is a world apart, a place where history comes alive. Enjoy the sights and sounds of a bygone era as you ride restored historic electric railway vehicles and explore the world-famous international transportation collection and beautiful grounds.
4. Step aboard the Schooner Eleanor at the docks of the Arundel Wharf. Your trip begins with a short ride down the historic Kennebunk River, passing lobster boats and luxury yachts. Once clear of the harbor, the sails are set and the wind takes charge. A typical course will take you along the scenic coastline from Cape Arundel to Cape Porpoise. Watch lobstermen at work and seabirds glide by. Learn a little local history. Help work the sails or sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh salt air. The peace and quiet of cruising under sail will put a smile on your face.
5. Kennebunkport celebrates Memorial Day on Monday, May 28th with an old-fashioned parade of veterans and the high school marching band. You might see George H. W. Bush (#41) giving an address at the ceremonies. Finish your weekend with this solemn celebration of the men and women who gave their lives for our freedom.

We always look forward to Memorial Day as an unofficial start to the tourist season. Even though the real rush begins about mid-June, we want our gardens and rooms to be ready by the holiday. Rick Litchfield, your innkeeper