Virginia1990

Hi all,

We are in the final stages of booking everything for our early June 2016 honeymoon to Quebec City and Kennebunkport, ME. Will post in Canada forum for more info on Quebec City.

As for Kennebunkport, we are looking into spending some time on the water and some time exploring the lighthouses. I've looked into whale watching cruises, lobster boat tours, and the Schooner Eleanor. Any recommendations for which ones to do or not do (which ones are worth the time and money), and companies to go with? I've read some bad reviews on First Chance Tours, but also some good ones. Rugosa Lobster Tours is another company I've looked into that seems reputable.

As for lighthouses, I have a list of: Goat Island, Nubble, Wood Island, Boon Island, and Whaleback. Any reason to choose one over the others, or are all as good as each other?

Anything else I am missing besides just relaxing in the town? We are planning to go to the Clam Shack as well. Also, we are staying at the Nonantum Resort.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

dfrostnh

You can walk up to Nubble. York has two lovely sand beaches. It's traditional to stop at the Goldenrod to watch the taffy pulling machine. But we haven't been there in years.

If you went to the lighthouse in South Portland at Fort Williams Park and the Bite Into Maine food truck was there, you could buy a lobster roll (they make about 5 different kinds) and get a seat overlooking Casco Bay to watch the boats. To be on the safe side, we carry bag chairs in the car so we have our seats with us. Highly recommend the Maine Roots root beer, too.
Here's a link to lighthouses you can drive to
http://gonewengland.about.com/od/mel...ighthouses.htm

But our best ever cruise was years ago with the Maritime Museum in Bath. At the time they offered an all day cruise and there was great narration. I would go on a half day cruise but Bath is quite a bit north f Kennebunkport. It could be a day trip if you got on the road early.
http://www.mainemaritimemuseum.org/e...ture-cruises//

So far, I have not been on a whale watching trip in New England. Long boat rides on the open water can be boring. In early June it will probably be quite cold.

Instead of a lobster tour, I would consider checking the cooking class schedule at Stonewall Kitchens in York for one of their seafood classes. It's really a demonstration, not hands on so you can expect a 3 course sit down meal.

You could also do a day trip to Rockland about 2 hours north of Portland for the easy hike out to Owl's Head Light. Then, after working up an appetite head to our new favorite lobster shack McLoone's https://mcloonslobster.com/

View is better than Clam Shack and less people. But, the whole point of being in Maine is trying as many lobster places as possible so you can compare them. Sorry to keep recommending places north of Portland but we think mid-coast is prettier and less crowded. At least with Kennebunkport you are easy drive to both Portland and Portsmouth NH for additional things to do and places to see.

LizQ

We loved spending time in Portland and Camden. Regardless of where you spend time in Maine, lobster dinners are a must. There is no place on earth where you can get a better lobster dinner than in Maine!

emalloy

If lighthouses are of interest, check out this site which lists lighthouses you can stay in. Many are in Maine.

http://www.newenglandlighthouses.net...modations.html

Inakauaidavidababy

You cannot walk to nibble. It is on an island a stones throw from the mainland

dfrostnh

sorry, it's been years since I did the walk and thought we got as far as the Nubble. I'm pretty sure we got as far at the ice cream stand.