Winter Traditions in Kennebunkport

This post is in partnership with The White Barn Inn.

It's become a favorite family tradition to head up to Kennebunkport, and more specifically, The White Barn Inn, every winter for a little weekend getaway. 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 for everything from date nights to birthday celebrations to our Americana themed baby shower. Kennebunkport is lovely in every season, but our winter visits are our most cherished and something we look forward to as a bright spot in our calendar at the start of each year.

One of the smallest properties in the fabulous Auberge Resorts Collection, White Barn Inn 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. This year was our first time visiting with our baby boy, and it's every bit as magical with children. There was a cute plush lobster waiting for us in the room which has become an instant favorite of his. Of course the centerpiece of any stay at the White Barn Inn is dinner in their beautiful old barn, complete with a pianist performing live and a giant picture window dressed beautifully for each season. The restaurant is straight out of a Ralph Lauren photoshoot and the menu is always cozy and inventive this time of year - I've said it before and I'll say it again, it's my platonic ideal of a restaurant and the most romantic spot in New England.

If you're planning a romantic getaway for Valentine's Day, I could not recommend the White Barn Inn more, and Auberge just launched their first ever gift card program, which can be used at any of Auberge's 28 exception properties worldwide. Such a wonderful way to carve out quality time with your loved ones to relax and create memories together!

PACKING LIST:

David is wearing a J.Press Shaggy Dog Sweater and J.Crew Factory Slim Flex Shirt.

Links to this baby cable knit sweater and hat.

Maine is one of my favorite destinations for antiques, especially so in winter. The shops are quieter and dealers have a bit more time to discuss the provenience of a piece and you can learn so much from them. One of my favorite stops in Kennebunkport is Carboni Antiques, run by a mother-daughter duo they just have the best eye. I wanted many of the pieces they had in store, and picked up a pair of antique maps from 1640 that were beautifully framed. (See below!) I'm currently debating which room to hang them in (they work beautifully in two spots) and was tempted by the painted ships wheel that was hanging next to them as well. Some of my other favorites in the area are Foreside Antiques and York Antiques Gallery, though if you search "antiques" in google maps there are tons of places to explore. With the loot in our trunk we decided to stop for lunch at the Bitter End. This restaurant is very popular in summertime but has a friendly local feel in winter. The bar is clad in lots of sports paraphernalia and makes me miss the Ramp in Cape Porpoise which closed a few years ago.

Another favorite destination near the hotel is Gooch's Beach. We love taking family beach walks in winter and Gooch's has a nice long stretch of sand perfect for working up an appetite. It's often very windy and cold so be sure to layer up appropriately. The duffle coat I'm wearing above is so incredibly warm, and fantastic insulation from the winter wind.

Since the White Barn Inn is only an hour's drive from our place in New Hampshire, we like to come up for a casual dinner every couple months. I especially love the rustic, Ralph Lauren ambiance of the old barn which is where they offer their fine dining menu, but our insider secret is if you want a casual night, you can sit at the bar which is at the entrance to the old barn and order off their casual "Little Barn" menu. It's such a beautiful space, and we have a lot of happy memories here, including our baby shower! Well, much to our surprise and delight on our second night we learned that during the winter months when their fine dining is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, they use the old barn to serve the casual Little Barn menu. So same gorgeous space with homey dishes like lobster dip and chips or chicken pot pie. Our little boy had a great time and highly recommends the focaccia bread they serve as a starter. He's already asking when we can go back.

I love using my Steamline Luggage for New England road trips. Find my set here.