Evah put yuh cah keys in yah khakis aftah pahkin’ the cah?
Yeah, me either. But when that thick Boston accent hits you right between the ears, it’s like a wake-up call to explore more of the action-packed East Coast.
Whether it be underrated beaches, charming small towns, or some of the world’s most iconic cities, this side of the country is teaming with cool spots to check out.
One of those being the great state of Maine. And yes, Mainers too have a distinct accent, but you don’t have to worry about wrongly pronouncing “clam chowdah” in a world of red crustaceans.
We all know Maine as the mecca for seafood, especially their succulent lobstahs (Ah, I mean lobsters!).
With the exception of locals in the know, what goes overlooked to outsiders are charming small towns lined with gorgeous coastlines.
Yes, there is more to Maine than Portland.
Home to New England charm and miles of beaches, Kennebunkport is the East Coast’s secret gem.
Forget Portland! This Centuries-Old Town Is The Perfect Retreat
Dating back centuries, well into the 1600s, this delightful town has stood the test of time.
I know so because I went on an East Coast road trip from Baltimore to Portland, where Kennebunkport was one of the biggest surprises, although small in size.
Most comparable to Newport, Rhode Island on this particular road trip, I gotta admit I loved Newport most only because geography had me stop there first.
By the time I reached Portland, however, Kennebunkport was the small town I wanted to return to most – a magical, timeless place surrounded by gorgeous scenery and endless shops to peruse.
Oh, and don’t get me started on the seafood.
Yes, you can indulge in all the lobster rolls you can imagine, but the best stop was an unsuspecting shack, rightfully named The Clam Shack.
It’s one of those places worth waiting in line for – it’s that good! Although a bit pricey, in my opinion, it’s worth the splurge if you’re a foodie like me.
Maine, in general, is undoubtedly a foodie destination, but there’s far more here in the Kennebunkport area to entice you to visit, especially history buffs.
Old World Charm: Time In Kennebunkport Stands Still
While you won’t find the same cobbled streets in Kennebunkport as you do in Portland, walking through the streets and observing the picturesque New England architecture takes you back to simpler times when this pretty town was simply a fishing village.
While time machines have yet to come into existence (come on AI, we’re rooting for you!), the closest comparison in Kennebunkport is the 1900s vintage trolley open to the public.
The Intown Trolley is a fun ride through town showcasing over 300 years of local history.
Costing $28 for adults and $22 for the kiddos, this is a great way to explore the city for all ages. You can also book private tours.
Better yet, the Seashore Trolley Museum is a first of its kind and the largest electric railway museum.
Kennebunkport is easily walkable and you never know what historic element of the city you’ll discover, but I have to say St. Ann’s Stone Chapel stood out like a sore thumb in the best of ways, quite impressive.
2 Beautiful City Beaches Spanning Miles
The 2 public beaches in Kennebunkport are:
- Goose Rocks Beach
- Colony Beach
Goose Rocks stretches 3 miles on its own. While it certainly doesn’t have powdery soft sand like the Caribbean or Cape Cod, it’s still a nice beach and one of locals’ favorites for sun and sand.
The water is clean, the beaches are easily walkable, and the scenery is astounding. Of course, there are views of a quintessential Maine lighthouse too.
Colony Beach, on the other hand, is more secluded yet close enough to enjoy close access to all the town’s delights through October before Maine’s frigid winters kick in.
Plus, there may be no better place to stay in the area than the historic beachfront Colony Hotel.
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