A Winter Weekend in Kennebunkport at the White Barn Inn

Recently David and I have been discussing which of our favorite experiences we want to establish as annual traditions. From summers at the lake to leaf peeping road trips through the mountains to to ski getaways, there are so many seasonal delights in New England. In fact, one of our favorite things about living here is how distinct each season is, and the way a destination is transformed throughout the year from winter into spring into summer into fall.

One destination that never fails to charm us is Kennebunkport, but specifically the White Barn Inn. You may think of this coastal Maine hotspot as a summer escape but there is something so beautiful and peaceful about a winter weekend here. We were first invited in January 2022 to work with the hotel, and have returned many times since to celebrate David’s Birthday or raise a pint for a special Oktoberfest celebration (complete with polka band!) Kennebunkport is lovely in every season, but our winter visits are our most cherished and something we look forward to in the deepest days of winter.

While one of the smallest properties in the fabulous Auberge Resorts Collection, WBI has a uniquely personal touch that we can’t get enough of. Now that we’ve been back a few times we’ve gotten to know several of the staff and everyone exudes a warmth and hospitality you can only find in a small, more intimate property.

We’ve always stayed in the main building on past trips and loved trying out one of the harborside cottages when WBI invited us back for another stay. Clad in nautical blue and white textiles, with views of Kennebunkport Harbor and a wonderful fireplace, Friendship Cottage is tucked away from the others and feels like the perfect honeymoon suite. (Or space for a family with kids if that’s more your speed!)

During the day we loved walks on Gooch’s Beach, snowshoeing through the nearby nature preserves, browsing the stores in town (especially Daytrip Society!), ordering lunch by the living room fire before a game of backgammon, antiquing at R. Jorgensen or Carboni’s Antiques, unwinding during a massage in the spa or rubbing shoulders with locals at the bar. By night few restaurants are as cozy or romantic as The Barn. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again The White Barn is my platonic ideal of a restaurant, and one of the most romantic spots in New England. From the rustic-yet-refined interiors, live piano performances on the weekends, and elevated take on classic New England cuisine (not to mention the incredibly attentive staff) we always make the best memories here. While we love their fine dining experiences, it’s also fun to grab a seat at the bar and order off the casual Little Barn menu.

As a special offer for my readers, you can get 20% off midweek stays through May 25th 2023 with code "WBISF"