Kennebunkport or Boothbay Harbor for romantic spring getaway weekend?
 

Hi I'm looking to schedule a romantic weekend and drive from Boston to a town in Maine: Boothbay and Kennebunk come to mind. We're looking for recommendations on the town and also specific inns. Since we're looking to make a springtime trip, the quality of the room in which we stay will be important. We're looking for more of an "inn" than B&B. Water views are a big plus. We will look to enjoy some nice restaruants, walks on the beach, maybe go for a drive, and check out the town.

Not looking for tacky, hoping for charming and gracious. Thanks!

For hotel sub-$200/night

They are both very nice towns in their own way. Kennebunkport has some fabulous beaches, Boothbay has a scenic and busy harbor.They both have lots of charming inns and places to explore. In the spring, they will be fairly empty. Realize you may get some foggy, raw days in the spring, but that could be part of your Maine experience.

Last October I stayed at the Hodgdon Island Inn in Boothbay, a restored victorian sea captain's home, which I loved. It's not right in Boothbay Harbor, it's about a five minute drive away, but that makes it quieter. It's on the water, with beautiful views of two coves and a lawn leading down to one of them. It's right next to the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden, and very near a couple of Land Trust Preserves with lovely walking trails which have excellent water views. The rooms are beautiful and comfortable, the breakfasts were delicious, and the young couple who own the inn are delightful. You can check out their web site at www.hodgdonislandinn.com.

In Kennebunkport, try Captain Lord Mansion, it gets great reviews. www.captainlord.com. I'm actually staying there next weekend, so I can tell you better on the 21st! The rooms are in your price range.

The Ocean View on Ocean Avenue in Kennebunkport is on the beach; I'm just not sure when they re-open in spring...

If you do go to Kennebunkport, I highly recommend White Barn Inn for a special romantic dinner. Very expensive, but worth every penny.

York Harbor Inn

We were in Portland in January and went down to Kennenbunkport for a Saturday and sll the shops were closed. This was during the afternoon. I am not sure if they normally close for the winter but if you are looking for activity you might want to verify with the Chamber of Commerce that things will be open when you are there.

Captain Lord Mansion in Kennebunkport - wonderful!!!!

We stay at either The White Barn Inn or it's sister property, The Beach House, with views of the ocean, both in Kennebunkport. The White Barn Restaurant is the only 5* restaurant in ME, yet it is in a cozy barn. We've dined there 14 times, coming from LA.
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I'd change beanweb's description however, from "very" expensive to "very VERY expensive".

Many of the places in K-port are starting to reopen. By May things are pretty much in full swing, especially on weekends. I'm not familiar with Boothbay, but believe it is a significant drive beyond Kennebunkport.

If you're looking for inns, I'd recommend the Captain Jefferds (in town) or the Cape Arundel (overlooking the ocean and Walker's Point).

As for restaurants (besides White Barn), check out Hurricane (they have a nice happy hour on Fridays around 5:pm) and On the Marsh (which is now offering a lovely Sunday brunch, too). The funky Bandaloop is fun for casual fare. And Pier 77 out on Cape Porpoise is great; The Ramp downstairs is a small casual pub full of locals.

Have fun!