June 2015

by Jeffrey D’Amico, account manager for Maine magazine

Photographs + stories by Maine magazine staff

I was ecstatic 
when I heard I was assigned 48HRS in 
the Kennebunks. My years here in Maine have allowed me 
to explore so many different towns and
at the top of my list
 are Kennebunkport and Kennebunk. For a variety of reasons, from the Kennebunkport Festival to Christmas Prelude and the friends I have made along the way, these towns are special to me and are great destinations for a weekend trip.

Friday

6:00 p.m. @ Innat English Meadows

Innkeepers Kate and David Parisi warmly greet me. Enjoying a few moments in the main part of the inn, I scroll through the guest book to read the number of positive comments
from guests past. David then takes me to my room, which is the perfect balance of modern decor and amenities and comfort. After I settle in, a bottle
of white wine on ice is delivered to my room.

7:00 p.m. @ Pierre’s Table

Every month at Ocean at the Cape Arundel Inn, chef Pierre Gignac cooks for a small group of people. Guests are seated around the table and are treated to appetizers and a three-course meal, and are educated by Gignac, who emerges from the kitchen
to explain each dish. This night, I am lucky enough 
to pull up a chair. As each course is served, everyone at the table is having a great time. Outside the window of this restaurant on the coast, the moon’s bright light glistens on the water.

9:00 p.m. @ The Down Low

After dinner, I meet up with some friends at this cozy bar. As I walk in, music is playing and it’s only a matter of time before everyone is dancing the night away.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. @ Inn at English Meadows

My room is so relaxing that I could lie there all day, but instead of being lazy I head to the dining room, where I find Kate and David. Breakfast starts off with a fresh cup of coffee and a freshly baked muffin. The next course, an English muffin breakfast sandwich, was prepared perfectly with avocado and bacon.

10:30 a.m. @Quest Fitness

After breakfast, I decide to stop into the local gym for a quick workout. Quest Fitness in Kennebunk is a top-notch facility where they have an indoor swimming pool and offer classes such as spinning and Zumba to keep you motivated.

12:00 p.m. @ Mornings in Paris

On my way back to the
inn, I stop by one of the town’s most popular coffee shops, Mornings in Paris. The shop feels like an Old World cafe and seems like an ideal place to meet a friend or read the paper over a steaming mug. Isabelle greets me with a smile and I order a coffee.

12:15 p.m. @ Hurlbutt Designs

I am looking for some inspiration for a room in my house, so I walk down the block to visit one of my favorite stores. While in the store, I notice the coffee- table book Kennebunkport, Maine by Tim Harrington, which has breathtaking images of summer in the village.

12:45 p.m. @ Gallery at the Grand

After heading back to the inn to get ready for my lunch plans, I stop into this art gallery located in the Grand Hotel. I pause in front of
a beautiful lighthouse painting by Allen Bunker.

1:00 p.m. @ David’s KPT

As I walk
to lunch, I run into friend and Sea Bags owner Beth Schissler, who is walking out of David’s KPT with
a new custom-designed Sea Bag. I catch up with local builder Kevin Lord
of Thomas & Lord over a delicious plate of oysters and some fine spirits. As we eat, Kristin Fuhrmann- Simmons is teaching a cocktail class organized by Table, a local organization that offers hands-on culinary courses, and today the course takes place at David’s KPT.

3:00 p.m. @ Daytrip Society

I visit this great boutique that features a mix of
gifts, home decor, and accessories. Just around the corner the owners have another shop, Daytrip Jr., which is filled with toys and other treasures for kids.

3:30 p.m. @ Beach Grass

I walk down the block to this store that I have always loved. If you appreciate homegrown and handmade, you will enjoy the innovative talents of Maine and New England artisans that are showcased at Beach Grass. As I walk in the door a sign says “Mermaid Crossing,” so I look both ways hoping to see one.

4:00 p.m. @ Inn at English Meadows

I decide to rest before the evening begins and I enjoy the comfort of the inn’s social room, which is outfitted with reading materials and midday snacks and beverages.

6:00 p.m. @ One Dock + Alisson’s

I walk through Dock Square to get to One Dock, where
I soak in the ambience and enjoy a glass of wine by the fireplace. Then I make my way to Alisson’s, where I try one of the signature drinks, the Kennebunkport, which is similar to a high- end mimosa—I highly recommend it.

8:00 p.m. @Abbondante

Ever since Abbondante opened, I have wanted to come enjoy the authentic Italian cuisine. Chef David Ross hit a home run with this location. I dive right in with some bread and olive oil. After chatting with my friendly server, Noel, I decide to stay traditional and opt for the homemade rigatoni and meatballs. The hearty dish turns out to be exactly what I was craving after a day of shopping and exploring.

Sunday

10:00 a.m. @ Innat English Meadows

Before checking out I sit down and talk to Kate and David Parisi. They are a lovely couple and have put their heart and soul into providing me and all of their guests the best experience, whether just for a night or a two-week vacation.

12:00 p.m. @ Federal Jack’s Restaurant and Brew Pub

Fed’s, as the locals call it, is the birthplace of Shipyard beers and is a great experience no matter what time of day you visit. I choose lunch. The extensive menu gives you and whoever you are with plenty of options. Out the windows and from the deck are views of the Kennebunk River and the docks below.

1:30 p.m. @ Maine Art Gallery

In front
of the gallery, Lyman Whitaker’s sculptures spin in the breeze. I stroll in and enjoy the work of numerous artists whom the multi-level gallery represents.

3:00 p.m. @ Benoits

In the heart
of Dock Square is this beautiful store. Owner Jeff Benoit shows me around the store, which features fine jewelry and clothing. Benoit runs the store with his daughter Heidi, and they are always bringing in new items.

4:00 p.m. @Dannah

I drive to Dannah, which is located just down the road. My daughter Aubrey loves this store because it’s filled with stuffed animals, colorful blankets, and other fun things to discover. The store’s owner, Dannah, greets me before she is whisked away by customers who stop in one right after the other.

4:30 p.m. around the Kennebunks

Before heading home, I take a scenic drive along the coast. I notice places like Mabel’s Lobster Claw, the Ramp, and the Wayfarer that I want to visit next time I am in town. I stop for a photograph at Walker’s Point and inhale one last breath of the fresh ocean air. Until next time.