UPDATE: Kennebunkport Resort Collection’s annual Hotel Week runs November 15-24, a time when KRC hotels will offer room discounts and waive resort fees, while restaurants will have dining specials, culinary classes, and other news-worthy events.

Hotel Offers: The Boathouse Waterfront Hotel, Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club, The Grand Hotel, & Kennebunkport Inn: room rates as low as $99/night + waived daily resort fee.

Cape Arundel Inn & Resort: room rates as low as $169/night + waived daily resort fee.

Events/Classes

November 16: Via Sophia Espresso Martini Class

November 16 & 23: Rosella-Style Pickling 101 Classes

November 16: Earth Wines for your Thanksgiving Table

November 16: Burleigh Smoked Bourbon Cocktail Masterclass

November 21: Ocean Beni Di Batasiolo Wine Dinner

November 23: Via Sophia Italian Cocktail Class

November 23: Burleigh Holiday Cocktail Class

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To savor summer in New England, a road trip to Kennebunkport, located in the southern part of Maine, has become my annual tradition. Each year, the goal is to immerse myself with a few new experiences while concurrently keeping solid traditions, such as walking Dock Square and peeking inside the unique art galleries, boutique shops, and charming cafes. This summer, I've uncovered three hidden gems that provide incentive for others to book a stay – and these three stops are too good not to share.

#1 – Stay and Dine at Cape Arundel Inn & Resort

A short drive outside of Dock Square, perched on a rocky cliff, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Arundel Inn & Resort offers unobstructed views of the cerulean waters dotted with sailboats gracefully navigating their way through the waves. This property is part of the Kennebunkport Resort Collection and offers an incredible backdrop to set the stage for a truly unforgettable getaway.

The inn's story dates back to the late 19th century when it was initially built as a seaside retreat for a wealthy family. Today, it continues to uphold its legacy with elegance and a touch of New England charm and timeless grace.

Inside, hospitality reigned supreme with prompt attention and a complimentary flute of Prosecco. My appointed seaside bungalow presented a stage for tranquility and comfort. With two wingback chairs facing the view and a deck overlooking the front garden leading to the ocean, I longed to absorb the meditative energy of the water for hours on end. Despite the rainy weather that prevented a deck experience, the room's gas fireplace created a cozy ambiance, and I eagerly anticipated our dinner reservations at the on-site Ocean Restaurant, just a stone's throw away.

Price-fixed menu options tempted me to order three courses with wine pairings. Our experience began with an amuse bouche of a tiny piece of Nori-wrapped tuna sushi. Kennebunkport Resort Collection's Culinary Director, Joe Schafer, curated a menu of the ocean’s treasures, from a smoky lobster bisque garnished with Cape Porpoise lobster tail, to tortellini stuffed with short rib and garnished with chanterelle mushrooms, and each dish was a gustatory celebration. The halibut with saffron lobster sauce was a standout, and dessert of strawberry-topped cheesecake and a plate of European cheeses left an impression. This enchanting retreat weaved its magic, and we left feeling grateful for the experience.

#2 - Rococo: The Scoop Shop & The Dessert Bar

Arriving early with plenty of time before our dinner reservations, the goal was to experience this newly relocated ice cream shop I first discovered a few years ago, when I encountered Rococo's goat cheese blackberry Chambord ice cream. Imagine my delight when I discovered that they now resided within walking distance of Dock Square, combining their ice cream offerings with a cocktail lounge. Ice cream and cocktails, an unexpected but intriguing pairing!

Lady finger-shaped booths and ornate rococo décor brought a sense of drama and elegance to this sweet haven. Founder and owner Lauren Guptill's brilliant idea to create unique cocktails that perfectly complement their ice cream menu items was a stroke of genius. Indulging in the visually stunning Baked Alaska – goat cheese blackberry Chambord ice cream atop a citrus chiffon sponge cake, all encased in a fluffy brûléed meringue – was a delight for my taste buds. Accompanied by The Queen Has Spoken, an ice cream cone-shaped glass filled with a cocktail blend of vodka, Chambord, earl grey, lemon, and bergamot, was topped with a smoke bubble assembled with a bubblegum-pink squirt gun at the table. This experience was truly a dream come true for anyone with a sweet tooth. Our desserts and cocktails were savored until the last bite and sip, leaving us eager for our next visit to Rococo's.

#3 – Honey Lane boutique shop

No trip is complete without a shopping excursion, and Honey Lane boutique shop on Western Avenue adds a touch of magic to the experience. This newly established shop offers a curated selection of handcrafted goods, artisanal products, and one-of-a-kind clothing finds that perfectly reflect the unique and charming spirit of Kennebunkport. Stepping through the doors, I discovered a treasure trove of beautifully crafted items, from clothing gracing the racks to unique trinkets adorning the shelves. The shopping experience at Honey Lane is as captivating as the town itself, and I could not resist purchasing two of these curated treasures as mementos of my time in Kennebunkport.

This southern Maine destination once again proved to be the ultimate summer escape. From the exquisite beauty and hospitality of Cape Arundel Inn & Resort to the dreamlike indulgence of Rococo’s, and the curated wonders at Honey Lane boutique shop, this town continues to capture my heart. As the summer draws to a close, I find myself eagerly anticipating my next adventure in Kennebunkport, where new experiences and cherished traditions await.

Charlene Peters is a travel, food and wine writer and author of "Travel Makes Me Hungry."