For the past two weeks, I’ve been traveling around the Northeast trying to catch up with friends one last time before we leave for our trip in January. I moved from California to Massachusetts in 4th grade and, though we only lived on the East Coast for 4 years, New England has held a special place in my heart ever since. So for my first stop, I met up with my childhood friend, Lydia, for a girls’ getaway to Kennebunkport, Maine.
If you follow me on Instagram you may have noticed how much I love a collection of hotels called Lark Hotels. I’ve stayed at both of their California properties in Mendocino and Napa, and I was excited to experience their hospitality in Maine since they started on the East Coast. Their beautiful colonial-style bed and breakfast, the Captain Fairfield Inn, was the perfect place to hole up for a few days. The hotel has been described as “a Hilfiger ad come to life”, and it’s true. The living room and entry are full of bold, punchy color grounded by antique persian rugs and oil paintings. The guestrooms are all unique but have a more muted color palate. Lydia and I stayed in the Lark Suite on the ground floor which was perfect for us since we had our own sitting area, soaking tub, back porch and fireplace. Just a 5 minute walk from Dock Square and the center of town, we loved walking and biking everywhere during our three day stay. At night, we’d enjoy wine by the fire in our room and talk until the weeeeee hours of the night. (I did a better job of getting Lydia on Pacific time, than adjusting to Eastern Time myself.)
Though it’s technically the off-season, Kennebunkport is still a popular destination with plenty to do and see. Even though we were only there for a few days, here are some of our must do/see/eats from our trip:
- Wake up early and head to Goose Rocks Beach for sunrise. Wear lots of layers and when you return to the Inn the most glorious small plates breakfast will be waiting for you. Enjoy it by the fire in your room or in the dining hall.
- Rent bikes and ride along the water to The Ramp on Cape Porpoise for lunch. (Thanks for the recommendation, Jackie!) Stop to admire Wildwood Chapel, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church on the water, and the Bush Compound.
- If you’re like me and forget how cold Maine can be in November, stop by Daytrip Society to stock up on beanies, mittens and grab a Thermos to carry around your hot beverage of choice.
- Check out Old Vines Wine Bar in Kennebunk. They often have live music on weekend nights, and a fun-loving local crowd that likes to sing along with the band.
- Spend an afternoon antiquing along Western Avenue. Our favorites are: Antiques on Nine and Snug Harbor Farms.
- Take in a sunset from Mathew J. Lanigan Bridge in the center of town by Dock Square. If you’re lucky you’ll see the colors of the sky reflected in the bay in the most extraordinary way!
From Kennebunkport I met up with college friends in Boston. I’ll be sharing details from my Boston trip later this week – leave me your email here and I’ll send it to you as soon as it’s ready!
Thank you to innkeepers Rodolfo and Marianne for an amazing stay, and to Lark Hotels for partnering on this post!
xx, SF
Photos by Lydia DeWitt and Stacie Flinner for Stacieflinner.com
