Guide to Kennebunkport, Maine | Eat, Stay, Shop & Play

When people think of the seaside village of Kennebunkport, Maine, they often picture a charming New England summer paradise, but Kennebunkport is a year-round destination with so much to see, do, and enjoy. In the November/December 2020 feature by Meg Lukens Noonan (“Christmas on the Maine Coast”), we explored Kennebunkport during its annual Christmas Prelude, one of our favorite New England coastal Christmas celebrations. Planning your own visit? Here’s a guide to where to eat, what to do, and where to stay when you visit Kennebunkport, Maine.

Guide to Kennebunkport, Maine | Eat, Stay, Shop & Play

Kennebunkport Restaurants & Where to Eat

Bandaloop:Founded in Kennebunkport in 2004, the area’s primo organic eatery is now just up the road in a three-story barn in Arundel.

Batson River Tasting Room: Pouring beer crafted from local hops that travel just minutes from farm to distillery, this is one of the preeminent tasting rooms on the southern Maine coast.

The Boathouse: Executive chef John Shaw features a “lobster bar” at this maritime-themed restaurant in Kennebunkport’s luxury Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, just steps away from Dock Square.

The Lost Fire:At this open-flame Argentinian-inspired steak and barbecue eatery in Cape Porpoise, chef-owner Germán Lucarelli wants patrons to feel like they’re “invited to my house, where I’d watch my uncle in front of the grill.”

Musette: In the fishing village of Cape Porpoise, former White Barn Inn chef Jonathan Cartwright oversees this bistro serving up family-friendly food from breakfast through dinner.

Old Vines Wine Bar:Set in the Lower Village, this has been a Kennebunk favorite for more than a decade for its fine wines, smart cocktails, and tapas-inspired menu.

Pedro’s:This is Kennebunk’s go-to for lovers of south-of-the-border cuisine.

Village Tavern:A devoted local following suggests this upscale tavern restaurant on the site of a former West Kennebunk village market is one of the best under-the-radar spots around.

Kennebunkport Hotels & Inns

Boathouse Waterfront Hotel: A member of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection, whose nine boutique properties also include Hidden Pond and the Kennebunkport Inn, this luxury hotel on the Kennebunk River would likely dazzle even the wealthy ship captains who first built the town.

Nonantum Resort: This classic 19th-century beach-town resort puts on a show for guests during Christmas Prelude before hibernating until May.

Waldo Emerson Inn:At the 18th-century home of shipbuilder Waldo Emerson, legend has it that great-nephew Ralph Waldo Emerson spent summers here writing in the parlor. The inn is one of seven members of Historic Inns of Kennebunkport, along with the Inn at English Meadows and the 1802 House.

Kennebunkport Shopping

Dannah/Dannah for Men: Just a year after buying the venerable Ocean Avenue gift boutique Dannah, Laura McCullough opened a second store filled with gifts for him.

Daytrip Society: Roam the aisles for the kinds of home decor, gifts, and specialty items you find tucked away only in places like this Dock Square fixture.

Farm + Table: Browse artisan crafts in a late-19th-century Cape Porpoise barn.

Fine Print Booksellers: For reading both on summer beaches and by winter hearths, this is a year-round Dock Square stop.

Jak Designs: Socially conscious artisans Tanya Alsberg and Jennifer Armstrong are the creative forces behind the handcrafted knitwear at this shop, which also carries an array of jewelry and accessories.

Minka: Boasting “all-natural, modern, and handmade” wares that range from home goods to handbags, Minka was dubbed one of the most beautiful independent shops in Maine by Architectural Digest.

Sea Glass Jewelry Studio: The craftsmanship of local and international artisans shines at this boutique jewelry store.