Kennebunkport, Maine Might Just Be the Most Romantic Small Town in America
Is it too early to start thinking about Valentine's Day?
It's safe to say we know a thing or two about small towns. We know which small towns have the best main streets and which ones are best for Christmas. We know which have the prettiest fall foliage and which are best for a girlfriend getaway.
That's how we knew, upon a recent visit to Kennebunkport, Maine, that we had stumbled upon one of those small towns that's worth visiting more than once. Need some convincing? Don't mind if we do.
The inns are like something out of Hallmark Christmas movie.
Stay at places like the Kennebunkport Inn or the Cape Arundel Inn and Resort to get a heaping serving of holiday charm. Take in the sights and holiday lights around town before cozying up by the fire with some tea and a good book.
The town goes all out for Valentine's Day.
Every February, Kennebunkport kicks off its Paint the Town Red event with a month's worth of culinary experiences, mixology classes, brewery tours, and wine tastings. Even better, restaurants, hotels, galleries, and shops all offer dining specials, hotel packages, and sales geared towards couples.
Stay at The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel to take advantage of its "Cupid Concierge" (it's a real thing, we promise) to arrange couples' massages, dessert in bed, and late check-out.
Have we told you about summer yet?
Winter might be romantic, but summer is where outdoor enthusiasts can really flex their muscles. Bike rides to the beach are par for the course in Kennebunkport, as is kayaking, whale watching tours, horseback riding, and sailing. Spend a day at Goose Rocks Beach, then pop into the Tides Beach Club for an afternoon cocktail.
There's shopping, too.
People might not come to Kennebunkport with the intent to spend their time shopping, but the bustling main street—filled with art stores, gift shops, and clothing stores—certainly makes that difficult. Stop into The Good Earth to pick up one-of-a-kind pottery pieces or women's boutique Green Tangerine for a bit of shopping.
You can indulge in a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Just north of Kennebunkport's main streets lies Earth at Hidden Pond, a farm-to-table restaurant that prides itself on having the freshest fish, vegetables, and other culinary offerings. Book a table in their main dining room, or opt into reserving one of its garden shed-turned-private dining areas for a more intimate experience.
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