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Bring: Camera, fishing gear, bathing suit, bicycle, spending money, and your copy of the ubiquitous "Who Are These People: A Guide to the Bush Presidency."
Kennebunkport is a short 15-minute drive from Ogunquit, but, since it's just up Route 1, give yourself plenty of time to stop at all the antique stores along the way.
Veer right onto Route 9. When you get to Kennebunkport, your tour starts with a turn onto Ocean Avenue. This takes you right past Walker's Point, the home of President Dubya's parents, George and Barbara.
Kennebunkport Beach, located on Beach Avenue, is small but attractive. The huge pier off Ocean Avenue is dramatic with its granite stones. It attracts fishermen, and, let's face it - there's nothing like a sun-drenched Mainer with a long pole. They really reel you in!
Heading over the bridge from Kennebunk to Kennebunkport brings you to Bartley's Dockside Diner, a great place to park the car, have lunch, and even check your email!
The dock is home to marinas with beautiful pleasure boats, working boats and whale watching and tourist fishing tours. Restaurants and shops built on the edge of the dock have incredible views.
Just ahead is the center of town, called Dock Square, with its famous eagle statue. Marked by narrow streets, Kennebunkport is known for its traditional New England architecture. Shopping and dining really doesn't get much better than this!
Stores are funky and fun, with merchandise ranging from clothes to toys, novelties and souvenirs to candy. One of our favorite stores, just across from the monument is All About Me. It features art, candles and fun items made in Maine. We also had a great time at Pirate (check out the hats!) and Shoot the Moon Art Gallery.
At the center of Dock Square is a tide pool. Stores and houses are built on stilts and hang over the pool, giving Kennebunkport the flavor of European cities like Venice or Amsterdam (well, sort of. You won't find any red light district here!)
To maximize your enjoyment, take a cute boy with you, sit on the edge of the water, and have some coffee or a piece of candy. Ducks on the water swim right up to greet you. Guess they like candy, too!
Speaking of all things cute, Kennebunkport is just one of those towns that makes you glad that you ventured out of Ogunquit for a few hours. Rustic yet elegant, it's what New England is all about.
By the time you've finished enjoying the scenery it will probably be cocktail hour. Might as well take one last look and head back to Ogunquit!
