Category Archives: Kennebunkport

The Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport, Maine

Turning “welcome into welcome back”

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Kennebunkport, being a short 1.5 hour drive north of Boston, is a wonderful place for a quick getaway. I had the pleasure of visiting in the off-season and recently returned at the beginning of the high season to have a peek at the contrast. While I believe Kennebunkport is a fantastic place to go in any season, summer is the BEST season. Even better is discovering one of the town’s nicest resorts, The Nonantum Resort, which is perfectly matched with the casual elegance of this great town.

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I was thrilled to be invited by The Nonantum Resort to come check out their beautiful property in June and enjoy a bit more of the Maine coast. One of the largest of resorts in Kennebunkport, The Nonantum has 110 rooms ranging from the classic & historical in the Carriage House to the recently added more modern rooms in the Portside Lodge. The Nonantum’s atmosphere is hip yet relaxed and is an ideal place to stay for couples, families or even a getaway with friends. With a range of activities from swimming pool fun to sailing & sport fishing to stand up paddle boarding & kayaking, there is plenty to keep you busy at The Nonantum. Also a short walk from the property are the popular shops and restaurants all around Dock Square in Kennebunkport.

Portside Lodge (2)

The Nonantum Resort is open from mid-April to mid-December but just because the doors are closed doesn’t mean work isn’t getting done. This is a historical property that’s 128 years old which means upkeep and also bringing new life to the place. For example, to celebrate the 125th anniversary, the resort added Heckman’s Pub, named after the original family that opened the Inn back in 1884. Continuously operated as an Inn, the Ginn family took over ownership in 1996. Today, The Nonantum is still family owned and run. It is everything you could hope for in an ideal family operation. The care and compassion that ownership has for the property, staff & guests is immediately felt as soon as you enter through the doors. There is a warmth about The Nonantum that is seen in the smiles, welcomes and enthusiastic interest in making sure you are having the kind of stay you planned.

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During my visit I was greeted by the friendly reception, of course, but had been invited up by the Director of Marketing, Kyle, to enjoy the grand opening of their restaurant, 95 Ocean. Not only was I welcomed by Kyle but also Owner & Innkeeper, Jean, as well as Tina, General Manager of The Nonantum Resort. I honestly couldn’t imagine nicer hospitality. All made sure to introduce me to the Executive Chef of 95 Ocean, Steve, as well as other invited guests. During the grand opening party of 95 Ocean, the hors d’ourves were spectacular but, to me, the gracious welcome extended from the staff is something I will never forget. Once the party ended, all three wanted to show me a newly opened hotspot in Kennebunkport. It was like meeting old friends so I can see how they turn “welcome into welcome back”. The next morning, I had a brief meeting Jean who greeted & said goodbye to me with a hug. WOW! This endearment definitely makes me want to return to The Nonantum Resort.

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A big notable aspect is The Nonantum Resort’s concerted effort toward being environmentally friendly and going more green over the past 2 years. This project is still being continued as they have a long-term plan and their efforts can be seen all over the property. Also noteworthy is the resort’s participation with ‘Clean the World’ who takes bath amenities and sends them to 3rd world nations in need. I really enjoyed learning about the property’s commitment to their community as well by having several fundraisers throughout the year to support various initiatives and charities.

View From Portside Lodge

Some of the events you can look for are the weekly wine dinners offered throughout the season. The Nonantum Resort’s Executive Chef customizes every menu on a weekly basis taking into consideration the freshest and most creative ingredients and wine parings all at a tremendous value. This year, The Nonantum put on their first annual Paddle Battle, an outdoor paddle festival done by kayak, canoe, stand-up paddle board or any vessel without a motor, that races down the Kennebunk River. Look for this to be a summer highlight in Kennebunkport from here on out! And, in the off-season, the very popular fundraiser, Fire & Ice is hosted by The Nonantum. 2013 dates are December 13-14th. Held the second weekend of Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude, Fire & Ice is a holiday celebration featuring themed ice bars, a huge bonfire (thus Fire & Ice), several live bands and delicious food from 95 Ocean and other local food vendors with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. Who couldn’t love a fun party for a good cause?!

If you haven’t discovered The Nonantum Resort for yourself, consider making a quick trip up to Kennebunkport, Maine for a wine dinner, special event or a long weekend stay. I think you’ll be as impressed by this fabulous family run property as I am. I look forward to my “welcome back” to The Nonantum and hope it’s sooner rather than later!

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kickin’ off summertime with seaside mini-escapes!

summertime – my favorite time of year

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WHY? well, in the Northern Hemisphere it is when things warm up and the sun shines the most. i’m a sunshine girl all the way and am happiest when by a pool or the ocean. so, nothing pleases me more than to return to some of my favorite summertime spots to kick off the season. it’s time for me to get footloose and fancy free because we’re knocking on summer’s door.

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this week i’m excited to be heading back up to Kennebunkport, Maine. i’ve been invited to come check out the stunning Nonantum Resort. with a history in Kennebunkport since 1883, Nonantum Resort is close to the shops, galleries and restaurants of Dock Square as well as some of the most pristine beaches on the East Coast. i’m super excited AND it just so happens they are having a little fete the evening i’m there. Nonantum Resort is opening their new waterfront restaurant. did someone say waterfront? um, yes please! 95 Ocean has been highlighted on The TV Diner and received the show’s “Platinum Plate Award.” some specials highlight Maine’s local farm produce as well as fresh herbs from The Nonantum’s garden and local seafood. sign. me. up!

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THEN, over the weekend, my dear friend Mrs. O Around the World is coming to visit and we plan to have a fun overnight in Boston, sampling the best that Beantown can offer in 24 hours. it’s been 7 years since Ana visited Boston so i’m excited to show her some new things around town. Boston is definitely one fantastic city that gets better all the time!

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AND after a quick ‘Best of Boston’ tour, Ana and i are off for a lovely drive down to Newport, Rhode Island. i was in both Newport and Kennebunkport over the wintertime. both have amazing things to offer in the off-season but truly the BEST season is the summertime. Mrs. O has never been to Newport so i’m thrilled to show her the ‘City by the Sea’ and all of its splendor. some of what is on deck for us there? i don’t want to make you jealous but a grand tour of the mansions from the sky! that’s right, a VIP helicopter tour because how else would you see the mansions of Newport if you are Lola and Mrs. O?! oh, AND a sailing cruise aboard an America’s Cup yacht with 12 Meter Charters. Ana and i are excited to have a special visit in Newport discovering its roots as the ‘Queen of Summer Resorts’ and the ‘Sailing Capital of the World’.

you can follow our tweets for both cities by searching the hash tag #TwoPlayBoston and #TwoPlayNewport.

 

 

 

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One Day Stay: Kennebunkport, Maine

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With a state slogan like VACATIONLAND you know that Lola likes Maine. Kennebunkport is an hour and half north of Boston in Southern Maine. A perfect place to go for a ‘One Day Stay’. Here you will find arts & entertainment and pristine beaches plus fun places to shop, dine and drink.

Cape Porpoise harbor

DROP YOUR BAG

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Captain Fairfield Inn, a cool 9 guest room boutique bed and breakfast, is located in the heart of historic Kennebunkport, Maine. In a quiet neighborhood overlooking the river green and one block from the Kennebunk River and lively Kennebunkport harbor, this beautiful home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Captain Fairfield Inn was built in 1813 and will celebrate its 200th anniversary this year. One of the things I love most about this inn is its mindfulness to the historic charm of this Federal mansion yet breathing NEW LIFE into it with a modern twist in decor. Lark Hotels, the innovative hotel company that owns Captain Fairfield, also just launched a unique partnership with lifestyle brand, Vineyard Vines. They are collaborating together to create designer suites within the Lark Hotels group. Captain Fairfield has the very first of these suites now available. The idea is to infuse a mix of coastal preppy chic with modern & playful touches. I can’t wait to return so I can experience this one-of-a-kind VV beach vibe! Complete with deluxe amenities, a fantastic locally sourced gourmet breakfast & a wine tasting room, Captain Fairfield Inn would satisfy any discerning traveler. LOLA APPROVED all the way!

DO

Goose Rocks Beach

You can’t go to coastal Maine and not mention the beaches. The Southern Maine Coast is unique for having many long sandy beaches unlike the rest of Maine where the coast is mostly rocky. If you’d like some seclusion, Parson’s Beach is for you or perhaps you prefer to be in the middle of the action at Kennebunk Beach. No matter what, Kennebunkport has a perfect spot for you to spend a sunny summer day at the shore. This beach bunny likes that!

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During my quick visit I discovered a great little wine shop, Down East Wine, located in the lower village of Kennebunk – a short walk from downtown Kennebunkport. Dedicated to the discovery and enjoyment of unique wines, Down East Wine’s tagline is affordable quality. LOVE THIS! They were hosting a little wine tasting this particular Saturday and I’d like to think this a somewhat regular occurrence to help you discover delicious, well priced bottles.

DRINK

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Always in search of a good local watering hole for yummy drink, my visit to Kennebunkport was no different. I was recommended a couple of spots, Bandaloop and Pilot House, but decided on Old Vines Wine Bar as I heard stories about their legendary bartenders. With a name like Old Vines you can be sure they offer many incredible wines by the glass. Coming from dinner where I was enjoying a Negroni cocktail, I just wanted to stick with the same. Ben made me their version ‘Old Vingroni’ which is made with gin, Aperol instead of Campari & dash of rhubarb bitters. OUTSTANDING!

DINE

50 Local Kennebunk Maine

Forever seeking out the hip & happening, Lola was recommended 50 Local to try for this One Day Stay. Located in buzzing Kennebunk, as soon as I walked in I knew I was going to like this spot. Using the best of the area’s resources working with local farms & fisheries, 50 Local is downtown Kennebunk’s newest neighborhood establishment. I enjoyed oysters from the Bagaduce River and a pork chop from local Breezy Hill Farm. UNBELIEVABLE! 50 Local offers traditional French Bistro dishes with an American twist, all served in a friendly atmosphere.

PS – Kennebunkport is SO GOOD I actually have three honorable mentions.

1) Alisson’s for its award-winning famous lobster roll and bacon bloody mary. Perfect for a lunch option. MMMM

2) Daytrip Society for its eclectic offerings in gifts & home decor. I could have literally spent hours in this store finding all kinds of treasures. It certainly inspires the adventure of travel.

3) Kennebunkport Inn for its fun renovation of their common rooms creating vibrant social spaces. You’ll wish to sit down and relax in this salty, sea captain environment inspired by Kennebunkport’s fishing & shipbuilding history. PLUS they offer a Big Girls’ Slumber Party package including cocktails, chick flicks and a four course dinner. All you need to add are your BFFs – adore it!

 

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Filed under Kennebunkport, Maine, one day stay, travel