The Champagne Travels: Things to Do in Kennebunkport, Maine

Ah, the first travel post of 2018: Things to Do in Kennebunkport, Maine!

A few weeks ago, Allie and I were invited to Kennebunkport, Maine to attend a few of their Paint The Town Red events. Every year for the last four years, Kennebunkport hosts a festival that “romances” up the town. All of the local businesses are decked out in red, and restaurants/hotels have great deals during this time! It’s a great way to get more people to this charming town during the “off season”.

Things to Do in Kennebunkport – Where We Stayed

I was so excited to stay at The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel in Kennebunkport! Although it was freezing, I was really looking forward to being on the water. It was so refreshing to be able to open my curtains in the morning and look at the harbor side of the Kennebunk River! This adorable hotel is in the perfection location and the luxurious rooms are an amazing bonus! If I’m not mistaken, there’s about 30 rooms on the property, which makes me love it even more. I’m all about the small, cozy vibes, and I love how much more attentive the staff is when you’re in a smaller environment.

There’s an outdoor area on the harbor side (where the big Ice Bar party was on Saturday night), where guests can just sit and enjoy a cocktail. Allie and I actually posted up out there during the party (before we started dancing) because there were fire pits and blankets. It was SO nice!

I really had SUCH a pleasant experience with my stay at The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel!

Things to Do in Kennebunkport – What We Did

We got there early Friday morning (yay for vacation days), and didn’t have anything on our agenda until dinner. So what did we do? Well, first we took photos of our hotels — Allie stayed at The Grand Hotel — and then we immediately went out exploring!

We headed to Pier 77 and The Ramp because we knew we wanted to take some photos by these cool buoys (are we bloggers or what?). Again, just being on the water was so refreshing and peaceful because it was quiet. Afterwards, we kind of just drove around looking for places to shoot our looks. The town was so adorable, and I just kept imaging how perfect it is once warm weather comes around.

Saturday was a really fun day too! During the afternoon, we went to an event called “Bubbles & Truffles”. We learned about the history of chocolate, and then did a little chocolate tasting/wine pairing! This was my favorite part because I’m a HUGE chocolate fan, especially dark chocolate. After the tasting/pairing, we made our own truffles while sipping on the rest of our wine and champagne. It was such a fun event and a great afternoon!

On Saturday night, there was the Frozen! party, complete with an ice bar and festive drinks. When we sat down at the fire pit, we began talking to two older couples and two girls. We all hung out the rest of the night, sipped on wine and cocktails, and even danced to the AMAZING DJ that they had at the party. Seriously, that dude KILLED it. I’m pretty sure Allie got a photo of us (hey, Allie, send that pic to me. K thanks.).

Things to Do in Kennebunkport – Where We Ate

Not going to lie, I was a little bummed a lot of people’s recommendations were closed. BUT, there were still great options for Allie and I.

Mornings In Paris Seriously the cutest little local coffee shop! I walked in and the aromas literally put me in heaven, and then I looked at the menu. OMG. The latte and hot chocolate choices were UNREAL. It was so hard for me to choose between the two, but I went with the nutella latte. It was DELICIOUS. Allie had the hot chocolate, which she raved about. I also could not stop looking around to see the locals grabbing their morning coffee, and there was a group of people just there for breakfast. It was so adorable and made me love Kennebunk (yes, there’s a difference…see below)!

The Burleigh Okay, not going to lie, Allie and I ate dinner there TWICE. It’s located in the beautiful Kennebunkport Inn. We couldn’t resist the menu. The first night, we ate delicious crispy chicken wontons, and I had lobster mac n’ cheese for dinner. SO GOOD. So good that we went back the next night where I had the pastrami burger. Literally pastrami on a burger. It was delicious. I highly recommend, clearly.

The Ramp We needed a lunch spot to go to after the chocolate tasting event, and decided to go back to the pier. Tucked away in a little nook under Pier 77 restaurant, The Ramp was the cutest little hole in the wall! And I mean that in the most endearing way. I was skeptical about ordering lobster in winter, but everyone assured me it was still good. So I got a lobster roll, and it did not disappoint. Again, highly recommend for lunch!

Bar @ The Boathouse Oceanfront Hotel Okay, we didn’t actually eat here, but we did have a cocktail and some dessert the first night we were there. I had the El Diablo, which was jalapeno-infused tequila, ginger beer, and blood orange. Honestly, one of the best cocktails I’ve ever had. I LOVE a good spicy drink. And what did I pair that drink with? A fudge-y brownie with ice cream. Solid.

Fun Facts About Kennebunkport

• Kennebunkport and Kennebunk BOTH exist. They are two separate places (steps apart), and I had NO idea
• The most-known thing about Kennebunkport is its beaches — including long, sandy Goose Rocks Beach
• Kennebunkport is the home of the summer estate of President George H.W Bush and his family
• One of the best lobster rolls in New England can be found at the famous Clam Shack
• Local homes and businesses feature historic architecture (period homes, majestic inns, and oceanfront mansions)

And I think that just about wraps up our weekend trip to Kennebunkport, Maine! I can’t believe I fell in love with this little beach town in the WINTER. This makes me extremely excited to head back there this summer. Have you ever been to Kennebunkport, or looking to go?

photos by allie provost