obersee1

Please advise first-time visitor to Maine on how best to enjoy it for 4 days & 3 nights. I am traveling solo, flying into Portland, and renting a car. I am wondering if I will be bored basing myself in Kennebunkport for all 3 nights. I am open to staying in Portland for 1 night and in a seaside town for the other nights. On this trip, I would like to hike/bike/go to the beach/sightsee/eat out and have somewhere fun to go for after-dinner drinks/music. Thanks for your help!

janie

I'm not sure what choices you'll have left so close to your trip, assuming you haven't already booked something

Portland is a small city that acts like a big city. Amazing food choices and music places. You can base yourself there and do your outdoor stuff elsewhere.

Kennebunkport is a much much smaller upscale but still laid back beach town It still has great restaurants and is ideal for beachgoing and biking. There are some good places for drinks and probably music (I don't know the music places)and you can also travel to Wells or Ogunquit for more choices.

You don't mention your age. Portland seems like a younger crowd generally. In Kennebunkport, some places definitely appeal to an over 40 group, and if that's not you, you just need to do a little checking to find the places that would be more your style.

nytraveler

Agree that for next weekend you might fine 1) very slim pickings in terms of lodgings and 2) places that require you book for at least the whole weekend and perhaps longer

tracys2cents

I don't think you'll be bored in Kport if you can find accomodation. Try the Fontenay Terrace Motel or the Turbat's Creek Lodge.

Portland is an easy drive, you can take the scenic route 9 to route 1 on the way up, through Cape Porpoise and Biddeford Pool, then just take the freeway on the way back. Spend a day exploring Ogunquit too, and be sure to drive the Shore Road from Ogunquit to Cape Neddick for some nice photo ops.

What's your arrival time into Portland. Maybe you could explore the Old Port area on your arrival day? Or take a drive out to Cape Elizabeth and Two Lights Park? Then head down to Kennebunkport about 35 minutes south.

dfrostnh

I would base in Portland as long as you can get a hotel within walking distance of the Old Port area. You could do a day trip north to Rockland for some hiking and exploring. I wouldn't think with the traffic, Kport area would be safe for biking. You can also do a day trip south to the beaches. A friend has urged me to spend a day on Peak's Island which you can get to from Portland by mailboat. The mailboat cruise is nice and relaxing if you just go along for the ride. The foodie tour of the Old Port Area is great fun and interesting.

obersee1

thank you, all, for the great advice!