Carly's Kennebunkport getaway (steal the itinerary)

Carly here (the middle Beyar sister). Last week, Billy and I just celebrated our 5-year anniversary in one of our favorite places on Earth: Kennebunkport, Maine.

Back during the wild COVID days, our wedding was originally supposed to be in Italy. We obviously had to cancel it, but we ended up having the most magical backyard wedding at Billy’s parents’ house instead. After so many people recommended Kennebunkport, we decided to sneak away there for a quick minimoon. Since then, it’s become one of our favorite places to visit.

It’s hard for me to explain what makes this little town so special, but every single time we go back, I fall in love with it all over again. I put together the exact itinerary from our 2-day getaway so you can steal it for your own trip!!!! Let me know if you go :)

Day 1

We drove up midday and checked into the AWOL hotel. It’s an adorable older house with brand new cabins built in the back. We had our own little cabin with a king bed and soaking tub. 10/10 recommend a cabin vs. staying in the house!

We immediately walked into town (huge points that it was so SO close). I’ve been to KPT so many times and never tried the famous Clam Shack, so we had to do it. I am not the biggest lobster fan so please take what I’m about to say with a grain of salt, but I was rather underwhelmed. I would have preferred my lobster to be warm with waaaay more butter. But people rave about this place for a reason…

We ended up really wanting iced americanos so we grabbed coffee at Mornings in Paris. This place is cute if you sit outside with some pastries.

Afterwards, we kept exploring on foot and came across Zen & Supply Company. It was a crystal shop and metaphysical supply store…right up our alley. We popped in to grab some oracle cards I’ve been eyeing. How cute are these?

By the way, oracle cards are a deck you pull from for guidance or reflection… kind of like tarot but looser, no fixed system, just an image and a message on each card. My metaphysician recommended I grab some as a simple daily practice, a little way to check in with myself! So far I’ve loved it!

After that we wandered Dock Square. The galleries and boutiques here are so much fun. I got the cutest Maine sweater at Kate Nelligan – truly obsessed with it. Maine has a really special place in my heart, so it felt right to get a keepsake with the state flag on it.

We headed back to the AWOL for their 3pm cookies, and honestly, they might be the best, saltiest cookies I’ve ever had. No exaggeration – I could not stop eating them. I took NINE. They leave them in the main kitchen every day.

To put all of that sugar to good use, we hopped on the free bikes and biked along Ocean Avenue. We stopped at St. Anne’s Church by the sea. I couldn’t get over how gorgeous the stones of the church were. Then we continued down the road, enjoying the fresh breeze, the cedar mansions, and the workout! We obviously had to stop and take a picture at the Bush compound, too.

Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel and got ready. We walked back into town for drinks at Boat House bar at 5pm. It was rainy so we sat inside and it was still so nice. Usually, on a beautiful night, they have the best outdoor dining. Highly recommend!

Dinner at Rosella at 6:15pm. This hidden gem sushi spot BLEW US AWAY last time we were in KPT so we had to go again. Everything feels so innovative and creative. We swore the miso soup was healing us. The sushi was delicious and the vibes were high. One thing to note is that they do not have a traditional bar, so wine, beer, and saki are your choices (no cocktails).

Ended the night with a soaking tub bath at AWOL, watching House of Dragons, and went to bed early. Does it get better than that? No mam, it doesn’t.

Day 2

Because we are so used to getting up at the a$s crack of dawn because of the kids, we couldn’t sleep in. We headed to Dock Square Coffee for iced americano coffee. It was delicious. I didn’t get any of their pastries but I was eyeing their homemade pop tarts (so fun!). I do regret not grabbing wild blueberry jam!

We biked to KPT Bagels for a bacon egg and cheese on everything bagel, obviously. I have never been to this place before! I loved the local artist gifts and cute kids’ activity bags they had in there, too. Also highly recommend Fiafia Smoothie Shop & Café if you want something healthy. Their smoothies are creative and delicious.

This was the most gorgeous, sunny day so we knew we had to go to the beach. Previously, I’ve been to Gooch’s beach and it was way too rocky and crowded for me. I really wanted to spend the day at Goose Rocks instead. Smooth sand, large beaches, when the tide rolls out there is so much space for the kids to run. They weren’t with us but it was fun to watch other families have a blast! It’s a very short drive from the AWOL and 100% worth the $40 parking, just go early to snag a spot. Also HUGE plus that the AWOL sent us with beach chairs, towels, everything — they think of it all.

There is a place called the Tides Beach Club there that has awesome cocktails and healthy lunch. We grabbed tacos, chicken over a big salad, salt and vinegar fries and two margs (obvi salt on the rim). *Lunch options are very slim pickings over there! Definitely pack lunch or head to the Tides.

Back to AWOL to shower and unwind, then drinks at Luca. The cocktails here were fire – maybe a little too strong for me (hahah) – but the outdoor fire pits and vibe were unreal.

We had dinner at 7:15 at The Lost Fire. My husband said it was his favorite meal ever. It’s Argentinian, and the steak and chorizo were insane. The beef empanadas were also very delicious. I wasn’t really feeling well that night, so I barely ate (was dealing with an oncoming cold). I need to go back and redeem myself.

On the drive home, we swung through Cape Porpoise Harbor for sunset. It was such a pretty little stop as you’re driving past the houses that sit up on the hill overlooking the water. Cape Pier Chowder House is right there for chowder or lobster bisque with harbor views, watching the lobster boats. We didn’t eat there but heard it’s a great lunch spot too.

Day 3

Ugh, already sad we were leaving at midday!

We ate breakfast at AWOL, then headed on over to the sea sauna at Nauma Hotel. This was SO WORTH IT. We had a 10:45am res for the floating sauna and cold plunge into the water. At the last minute, we checked the tide charts and it said we were at mid-tide. When we got there, it wasn’t too bad. We could still touch the bottom if we stretched our legs down. Highly recommend booking when the tide is high so you can jump in!

On the way out, we stopped at Bennett’s for sandwiches.

I think it’s safe to say we squeezed every last minute out of this trip. We packed in so much fun, great food, long walks, and quality time together.

Kennebunkport just has this magic to it. Every single time we visit, we leave wondering why we don’t come more often. It’s the perfect little getaway for you and your partner, but honestly, I think it’d be just as special with kids too.

Two days was exactly the reset I needed. Can’t wait to go back. Maybe next time we’ll bring the girlies along.

Where are your favorite places in Maine!? I am eyeing the Dunes in Ogunquit next!

Chat soon!!

Carly

PS. Here is everything I packed!