Winter: Christmas by the coast can be had if you make your plans now to travel to one of Maine’s most scenic and well traveled seaside towns. Kennebunkport is an idyllic place to visit anytime of year but, it comes alive with the spirit of the season in the weeks leading up to the holidays. With so many romantic inns to pick you should definitely book an overnight stay. The White Barn Inn is not only one of the most romantic locations to stay in Kennebunkport but, it also has the best dining in the area. The inn’s rooms are impeccably decorated and offer all the amenities to make your stay absolutely unforgettable. Another great reason to make Kennebunkport a to do on your winter list is the shopping that can be done among some of the best little shops around. Grab a cup of hot cider or a latte at Dock Square Coffee House to keep you warm along the way. Even if you aren’t into wondering around all the shops there is still plenty to do with the festive Christmas Prelude which happens during the first two weeks of December and attracts people from all over to enjoy caroling, crafts and holiday cheer. You could end your weekend with a winter sleigh ride that pulls you through snow covered forest trails on the outskirts of Kennebunkport at Rockin Horse Stable. Kennebunkport during the holidays is magical and remember it’s only twenty minutes away from all of the outlet stores in Kittery so why not enjoy the weekend on the coast this time of year, you will be glad you did!
Tag: Winter
York Holiday Celebrations: Lights, Parades, Carolers & Santa Too!
Winter: York is a tourist hotspot in the summer months with visitors flocking to the beach and the village just to catch a little piece of Maine at its peak season. York during the winter months is a much quieter place to be and it’s a time for you to really discover what the true attraction is all about, especially during the holidays. York kicks off their holiday celebration with the Festival of Lights Parade which happens each year the first weekend in December. Grab a blanket, pack a thermos of hot chocolate and find a spot to enjoy this holiday celebration parade as it lights up the night sky. The village comes alive with thousands of glistening lights as well as the arrival of Santa Claus for all the children to enjoy. Join the carolers who gather around the Christmas tree in the center of town or browse around some of the craft tables all while enjoying some hot mulled cider. Many of the local churches offer bean hole suppers open to the public. The York holiday celebrations have a real down home feel to them and visitors are welcome to attend whether near or far. Another great thing to do in York during the holidays is to catch the lighting of the Nubble. Join the crowds in counting down to the lighting of the Cape Neddick Lighthouse while you enjoy complimentary cookies and hot chocolate. After, head over to Frankie & Johnny’s and enjoy some of the best and freshest food around. Definitely try the Cajun crab cakes and the homemade pasta is out of this world. Make York one of your to do’s this holiday season and see what makes York so special during the holidays.
Saco: Five Fun Things To Do
Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall: Saco is home to some of Maine’s largest amusement parks and the neighboring town of the ever famous Old Orchard Beach. You will find some great things for you to see and do in this town. First, be sure to head over to Ferry Beach. You will find a great beach that isn’t crowded unlike nearby Old Orchard Beach. The beach is tucked out of the way but, it is worth the trip and offers beautiful white sand and miles of hiking trails through a nicely wooded area that eventually opens up to the beach area. Close by, you will also find Tupelo Swamp which is filled with all kinds of critters to be discovered plus, it is home to the rare black gum tree. After spending some time at the beach, head over to Huot’s Seafood Restaurant. This family owned restaurant has been serving up the freshest seafood since 1935 and I have never left disappointed. A day at the beach, a great dinner, why not head to Saco’s Drive-In Theater. How fun is it to roll into this nostalgic drive-in, kids loaded in the back with sleeping bags and munchies. Nothing says summer more than a night at the drive-in theater! If you are looking for some entertainment, head toward Old Orchard Beach where there are plenty of night clubs, live music venues and of course the Pier. Saco is also home to the Saco Museum which is located on Main Street and is home to some great collections of art and regularly changing exhibits. The museum offers walking tours, workshops and classes and is a great place to stop in to enjoy art and history. Saco is more than amusement parks, take some time to enjoy the other amenities this town has to offer visitors and residents alike.
Wildlife: Just Seeing Things Is Fun To Do (Whales, Moose, Eagles, Seals etc.)
Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall: In a state like Maine you will find so much natural and undisturbed beauty and wildlife if you know where to look. Many folks travel to Maine to see a moose. Believe it or not, you don’t need to travel too far across the border to have a close encounter with one of these amazing creatures. Travel down any one of Maine’s back roads through the Eliot and South Berwick area and you just may run into one. Keep your eyes open and your camera ready! There are definitely parts of the state that have greater populations such as the Moosehead Lakes region and the Rangley Lakes region but, really a casual drive down Route 9 between Wells and Kennebunk may just be the place to have your first Maine moose encounter. Another thing people come to Maine for is to spot a whale along the miles of Maine’s wonderful coastline. Why pay top dollar to go on a whale watch cruise when you can spot one of these amazing creatures from the rocks overlooking Frenchman’s Bay. Find your spot, bring a pair of binoculars and settle in for a wonderful and awe inspiring afternoon of whale watching. You will have better luck if you are there during the summer months as this is when they come closer to shore to feed. After spending some time observing the whales in Frenchman’s Bay head over to Mount Desert Island and make your way to Seal Harbor. Head over to Seal Harbor Beach where on the rocks it is not unlikely to see seals basking in the afternoon sun. Maine also has bald eagles which are a national treasure and protected asset of this country. You can get a birds eye view of one if you head to Freeport and hike into Wolfe’s Neck state park. Along the hiking trails plan to spend some time sitting on the rocks overlooking the water where you will find nest along the shore high in the trees where you can observe these majestic creatures take flight. There are plenty of places to spot some of Maine’s amazing wildlife. Just get in the car and drive!
Beach Day: Visiting The Coast During The Winter
Winter: During the winter months, the rush of summer visitors is all but gone. This is a great time to go to one of the state parks along the ocean and take a long walk and enjoy the beach. The rocky coast line is sprinkled with snow, the wintery gray sky and crashing waves makes for a wonderful setting to take a stroll. Bring a camera along in order to capture some great photos of Maine’s wintery wintery landscape. The ocean takes on a new look during the barren months of winter. Despite the cold, you will find others out in search of some quiet space but, in general, it is a quiet reprieve from the rush of everyday life. Take a beach day this winter, it’s a “to do” no matter what season.