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These are just some of the unique activities and events
our area has to offer during this month. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if
you have any questions or would like assistance with your plans. When you
arrive at the Inn, we'll have brochures with information on local attractions
and suggested driving routes to help you see the most beautiful places along the
coast.
Enjoy!!
Leigh and Rob, Innkeepers
Dock Square and Lower Village - Take a leisurely
stroll around downtown Kennebunkport, called Dock Square, where you’ll find
boutiques, galleries, and fine gift shops. Cross the bridge into Lower Village
Kennebunk where the shopping continues.
Historic Kennebunkport and Village Walking Tours -
Wander around the area between Ocean Avenue and Maine Street. The Captain
Fairfield Inn is among the many historic homes that have been restored and
maintained to their original splendor when shipbuilding thrived and the shipping
trade made the town one of the wealthiest in New England. Along the way you’ll
see some truly pristine examples of Colonial, Federal, Greek Revival, and
Victorian Homes. You can take a guided tour of this area, given by the
Kennebunkport Historical Society. Tours begin July 5, and are Thursday and
Saturday at 11am, departing from the Nott House at 8 Maine Street. Tickets are
$5. Guide books for self-guided walking tours are also available at the Nott
House Gift Shop. 967-2751
Ocean Avenue – Walk or drive along Ocean Avenue
heading away from Dock Square, and you’ll follow the Kennebunk River out to the
open ocean. Colony Beach, a small beach near the breakwater, will be on your
right, and just past the beach there are several benches where you can take in
an amazing view of the river and the Kennebunk beaches beyond. As you continue
on Ocean Ave you will pass by the palatial homes of many of Kennebunkport’s
summer residents, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, and finally, the Bush Estate at
Walker’s Point, summer home of the former President George H. W. Bush. It’s
about 2 miles out to the Bush Estate which makes it a great walk, but there is
also some parking along the way.
Beaches and the Outdoors – The Southern Maine Coast
is unique in having many long sandy beaches, unlike the rest of Maine where the
coast is mostly rocky. There are several beautiful beaches in the area and
we’ll be happy to give you directions and parking permits, and maybe a
suggestion for picking up gourmet sandwiches or snacks on your way. Feel free
to bring along the tote bag and beach towels from your room. Or, if you seek a
more active day, enjoy the scenery and wildlife at the
Wells Reserve at Laudholm
Farm, which has seven miles of trails providing
access to woodlands, fields, wetlands, beach and dunes.
Sailing – Two traditional sailing vessels set sail
from Kennebunkport. One a gaff-rigged schooner and the other a ketch with
crimson sails, both have large teak cockpits and spacious cushioned cabin tops
to stretch out on. They’ll give you the feel of yachting in the 1930's.
Usually sailing daily, weather and tides permitting. 2 hour trips, $40 per
person.
Schooner Eleanor – leaves from the dock next to the
Arundel Wharf Restaurant, on Ocean Avenue (between Green and Pearl Streets, but
across the street). 967-8809
Pineapple Ketch – leaves from the Nonantum Resort, 95
Ocean Avenue. 967-4050 or 468-7262
Lobster Cruises – First Chance Cruises will take
you down the Kennebunk River and out onto the Atlantic Ocean along the coastline
of the Kennebunks. The captain gives a brief history lesson and highlights
points of interest, including the summer home of former President George Bush
and Bumpkin Island, home to a colony of harbor seals. A demonstration of lobster
harvesting is given on most trips. Usually cruising daily at 10am, noon and 2pm.
1½ hour trip. Departs from the docks on the far side of the bridge in Dock
Square. 967-5507
Whale Watches – Whale watches typically travel
approximately 20 miles off shore to Jeffery's Ledge, a feeding ground for
several species of whales throughout the summer. Resident whales include minke,
finback, white sided dolphins, humpbacks, and the very rare and highly
endangered right whale.
Usually sailing daily at 9am and 2pm, but departure times
do vary. 4½ hour trip. First Chance Whale Watches. Departs from the docks on
the far side of the bridge in Dock Square. 967-5507
Nott House Guided Tours – This gem of Greek Revival
architecture is a veritable time capsule, unique in that all the carpets,
furnishings, wallpaper, and artifacts are original to the house. After your
tour, you can ramble and relax amid the restored Victorian Gardens. Tours
conducted by the
Kennebunkport Historical
Society. Open Wednesday through Friday
10am-4pm, and Saturday 10am-1pm. Tickets $5. Located just 4 blocks from our
Inn at 8 Maine Street. 967-2751
Explore the Shore – The
Shoreline Explorer trolley and shuttle system can take you from Kennebunkport
all the way down the coast to Wells, Ogunquit and York. You can also travel to
the center of Kennebunk. You’ll find the coast to be filled with beaches,
lighthouses, shopping and dining, and you can leave your car behind!
Pick up a Shoreline Explorer Guide in our pantry for
schedules and information. The closest shuttle stop is at The Landing, located
on Ocean Avenue on the
way into Dock Square (before you get to the monument).
Lighthouse Tour - There are over 60 lighthouses in
Maine, and you can see six of them between Kennebunkport and Portland. As you
look for these landmarks, you can also see more of the beautiful coast and visit
beaches, sanctuaries and state parks. Check out our “Suggested Driving Routes”,
and we’ll be happy to give you a copy of the directions to take with you.
Portland -
Portland is a diverse city situated on a peninsula
jutting out into spectacular Casco Bay. Here you’ll find a wealth of historic
and cultural offerings, boutique shopping along cobblestone streets, and fine
dining featuring regional and international cuisines. We recommend beginning in
the Old Port neighborhood, but in strolling through the West End and other parts
of the city, you can stumble onto interesting architectural gems and the locals’
favorite eateries.
Antiquing - The Southern Maine Coast is known for
its high concentration of antiques shops. Pick up an antiques map in our
pantry, which will guide you to Route 1 South, Wells and Ogunquit. There are
plenty of other things to see and do along this route; see our “Suggested
Driving Routes” if you’d like to spend the day exploring this part of the coast.
Summer Theatre - The
Arundel Barn Playhouse
is housed in an 1800’s farm barn recycled as a live theatre complex. The
Playhouse offers live, professional, musical theatre productions throughout the
summer. Treat yourself to "an evening in the Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland
tradition". The 2007 summer season begins on June 12. You will find brochures
with current performance information in our pantry.
Traditional English Tea – Treat yourselves to a
relaxing afternoon at The Tea Room at the English Meadows Inn. Traditional
English Tea, complete with homemade scones and sweet treats, served in their
perennial garden, or in the charming Victorian dining room in inclement
weather. Thursday through Saturday, 2-4pm, reservations required. 141 Port
Road, Lower Village Kennebunk, 967-5766.
Blueberry Picking – Depending on the year, the
season for picking Maine blueberries can start just after July 4th
and run into September. These farms will also give you a glimpse of the
beautiful historic and pastoral areas that can be found as one travels inland
from the coast. You can’t get more “Maine” than this!
Merriland Farm, 545 Coles Hill Road, Wells. Call for more
details. 646-5040
Dragonfly Meadow Farm, Rt. 1, Arundel (look for signs).
Daily, 8am – 6pm.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Fourth of July Celebrations
– Kennebunkport is the perfect place to experience this American holiday in
small-town, Normal Rockwell fashion. Please check back as we are still
verifying dates for some of these events.
Founders’ Day Trolley Parade – Saturday June 30,
1pm
Seashore Trolley Museum, 195 Log Cabin Road. 967-2800.
Annual Concert and Picnic
With the Casco Bay Concert Band. Pick up sandwiches or
snacks in town and enjoy this terrific evening of festive music. On the River
Green, just across the street from the Inn!
Fireworks – Wednesday July 4, 9pm
Celebrate the
Fourth with fireworks over the Atlantic Ocean! Set off from
Kennebunk Beach, they are best
viewed from spots along Ocean Avenue.
Annual Craft Fair – Saturday July 7, 9am-4pm
Sponsored by the School Around Us. River Green, Ocean
Avenue.
Private Gardens of the Kennebunks Tour
– Saturday July 14, 10am-4pm
Get a peek inside some of the spectacular private
gardens in Kennebunk and Kennebunkport. This event is a benefit for the Child
Abuse Prevention Council of York County. Tickets are $20.00 each, or for $50.00
also enjoy the preview party held at a private home the night before the tour.
For ticket reservations call 985-5975.
Opening Reception for William B. Hoyt at The
Gallery on Chase Hill – Saturday July
14, 5-7pm
William B. Hoyt produces evocative and inspired
paintings of interior scenes and still lifes. He received national recognition
last year as his show at this gallery was covered in American Art Collector
Magazine. Also, be sure to check out the new Sculpture Garden at The Gallery,
which for 13 years has featured paintings, drawings and other pieces of work by
renowned artists. 10 Chase Hill Road, Lower Village Kennebunk. 967-0049
A Painterly Day and Fresh Paint Auction at the
Wells Reserve - Sunday July 15, 8:30am -
7:30pm
Ninety artists paint pastoral landscapes, historic
farm buildings, and quintessential Maine beach and marsh scenes while visitors
stroll among them. The completed artworks are featured at an evening reception
and auction that benefit coastal research, education, and stewardship at the
Wells Reserve. $2 admission to view the artists at work; $25 for the catered
reception with live music (purchase tickets in advance). The Wells Reserve at
Laudholm Farm, Laudholm Farm Road in Wells. 646-4521
Moxie Day at the Seashore Trolley Museum
– Sunday July 15, 10am-5pm
Moxie, an edgy, caffeinated beverage invented by a
pharmacist in Union, is Maine’s official soft drink. Celebrating Moxie is a
well-established tradition in Kennebunkport. Spend this unique holiday at a
very unique museum! 195 Log Cabin Road. 967-2800.
The Kennebunks: Views from Within
Lecture Series - Wednesday July 25,
7 pm
Arthur Douglas Stover, author of Eminent Mainers:
"Succinct Biographies of Thousands of Amazing Mainers, Mostly Dead ... Who Have
Done Something Useful Within the State of Maine", will be
speaking about some colorful local personalities. A book signing will follow the
presentation. Lectures are free to the public, donations accepted. At the
Nonantum Resort Ballroom, 95 Ocean Avenue. For more information, call the
Nonantum at 967-2751.
31st Annual Blueberry Fair
– Saturday July 28, 9am-5pm
Featuring blueberries, crafts and lunch. At the
First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church, Main Street in Kennebunk.
Entertainment at the Kennebunk Coffeehouse
– Saturday at 8pm, date yet to be announced
Welcome to the premier venue for acoustic music in Southern Maine! This
month’s performer will be announced soon. $15 in advance, $18 day of the show.
Doors open at 7:30 or thereabouts.
Refreshments available. At the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church,
corner of routes 1 and 35 in downtown Kennebunk. 229-0212.
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July 2007