Awol Kennebunkport

Worth getting out of bed for

Awol Kennebunkport puts you steps from Gooch’s Beach, where wave breaks draw surfers year-round. If you aren’t yet an expert on the board, Aquaholics run surfing lessons, and has kayaks and paddleboards to rent for anyone who’d rather stick to the calmer waters. Parson’s Beach is a slightly further 15-minute cycle, but worth the journey for its secluded coves and almost-empty sands. Sailboat cruises, on, say, the Schooner Eleanor take you along the Kennebunkport River and you can spy whales between May and October.

Bird-watchers will have their pick of the flocks, too, down the six-mile Bridle Path or at the Emmons Preserve, which runs along the Batson River. And Walker’s Point is a bikers’ and hikers’ haven. In town, there's plenty of antique shops and locally owned boutiques to mooch around in. Maine is big on beer, and buffs can follow the Beer Trail guide to sample some of its home brews.

Local restaurants

Where better to begin than with one of this State’s signature lobster rolls? The locally loved Clam Shack, just a short walk away serves them fresh, dripping in butter. The seafood is storied for its flavor at the Boathouse Restaurant, a laidback, waterfront spot on Ocean Avenue. Earth at Hidden Pond is just outside of town, but take the 15-minute drive there and you’ll be rewarded with a romantic setting, fresh oysters and homegrown fare.

Local cafés

Pack your picnic with freshly baked goodies from Cape Porpose Kitchen, or head to the long-loved Rococo Artisan Ice Cream shop for a mid-afternoon cool down.

Local bars

The Old Vines Wine Bar is a Kennebunkport institution, where locals gather to sip glasses from vintage bottles and sample light coastal bites. Immerse yourself in the beer scene with a perfectly pulled pint at Federal Jack’s, a pub-like restaurant with harbor views, where ales are handcrafted on-site.