Kennebunkport is one of New England’s quintessential summer destinations. It’s ideal for long weekends near the beach or relaxing in its lush countryside. That’s what makes the destination so unique and compelling—take a lobster tour in the morning, go for a bike ride in the afternoon, and catch the sunset during beachside happy hours. Here’s how to have a perfect weekend in Kennebunkport, Maine.
How to get there
For the majority of visitors, Kennebunkport is a relatively seamless drive. Bostonians can arrive after 90 minutes on I-95; other New England towns average about three hours; even New York City dwellers can make it in under five hours (likewise for out-of-country tourists from Montreal). But for those coming from farther afield, there’s also Portland International Jetport (PWM). It’s just under 30 minutes south of Kennebunk, and a convenient option for connecting the rest of the nation to this coastal town.
Where to stay
Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club
Yachtsman Hotel & Marina Club
As a port town, inevitably people flock to Kennebunk to experience its seaside scenery, including beaches, harbors, and lighthouses, but also a charming downtown aptly named Dock Square. Built around the Kennebunk River that flows out to the Atlantic—and some of the region’s famed beaches like Goose Rocks—it’s the ideal place to start for any first-timer. In which case, checking into the Yachtsman is your best bet; slightly removed from the main square, the harborside property is an eight-minute stroll to town. It’s only a three-minute bike ride into the center (doubling as a popular pastime and mode of transport in Kennebunk).
The nautical bungalows offer a playful pop of color against glass sliding doors that open up to your private patio along the hotel’s onsite marina. For guests looking to mingle, the Yachtsman offers a private marina bar for guest’s only, or their floating “pool boat,” the S.S. Sundaze, which is the place to be on a summer weekend. And for any guests looking to break away from marina life, Yachtsman partners with Kennebunkport Marina next door, to provide rentals for exploring the area’s waterways at your own speed.
Hidden Pond
About 15 minutes from Dock Square exists a stark contrast to Kennebunkport’s waterfront allure, yet it has a complete appeal of its own—one you won’t want to miss. Spread over 60 acres, Hidden Pond offers 36 private cabins in the form of treehouses, bungalows, and two-bedroom cottages for the ultimate secluded getaway, all with the amenities of a luxury resort (like a daily morning delivery of coffee and pastries at your doorstep).
Each accommodation has a name—rather than an impersonal number that another guest has checked in and out of—and is surrounded by up to four acres of lush woodlands. Cabins offer outdoor showers, gas fireplaces, and a screen porch equipped with snuggly blankets for a cozy experience. As for decor, 20 of the bungalows were just revamped by menswear designer Todd Snyder, depicting three of Maine’s prominent themes—countryside, mountainside, and seaside—once again tying the distinct locale of Kennebunkport together. There are two pools on property, multiple outdoor fire pits with daily s’mores kits provided, and a farm-to-fork restaurant concept that serves up breakfast, but is renowned for its evening tasting menu.
What to do
Beach it
Regardless of when you visit Kennebunkport, you simply must visit the beach—Goose Rocks Beach, to be specific. The three-mile stretch of fine sands along a calm inlet is an idyllic way to waste away a few hours on a sweltering summer day, just as it is for an off-season beach walk. You’ll notice beachfront properties are few and far between, as the lots are ordinated, which ensures views and privacy are protected along this popular site.
Rugosa Lobster Tours
Lobster tour
Though lobsters are a year-round menu item throughout Maine, June is the unofficial peak season for the namesake variety of this red crustacean. Summer visitors should take advantage of the warmer weather and book an excursion on a lobster boat. They can learn more about the specificities of the Maine lobster and the restrictions surrounding the permits, measurement requirements, and more. Captain Bob Danzilo at Rugosa Lobster Tours puts you out into the Gulf of Maine, pulls up a few traps, walks you through the basics of lobstering, and provides a fun yet informative 90 minutes that’ll give you an entirely new appreciation for the lobster you’re bound to eat during your Kennebunk trip.
Shop
Local boutiques and a fair share of classic souvenir stores populate Dock Square. If you’re a shopper, you could make a day out of it. If you’re more of a stop-in-if-it-catches-my-eye type, you could easily visit all the stores in just a couple hours. Either way, it’s worth strolling around the town area for a sense of traditional Kennebunkport. If you catch a stretch of fickle New England weather, you might want to take your shopping inside; there are a number of antique stores surrounding Kennebunkport that are worth popping into for unique finds.
Where to eat and drink
The Clam Shack
A symbol of Kennebunkport, The Clam Shack is recognizable by its original Coca-Cola-clad signage and the flurry of customers lined up underneath it awaiting fried clams and a lobster roll. Though there is certainly no “right” way to order a lobster roll, there is a Maine way. And that’s cold, with lobster and mayo. If you’re more of a butter connoisseur (this is the Connecticut way), The Clam Shack won’t judge. They have a “both” option, which combines a spread of mayo and a drizzle of warm butter to combine the best of both styles. Grab a local beer on draft and settle into a picnic bench while you wait for your order. Dive into the hot fried clams first, then tackle the roll.
Earth at Hidden Pond
Whether you’re staying at Hidden Pond or simply seeking a taste of the wooded-property’s specialty farm-to-fork restaurant, be sure to arrive hungry. Earth uses farm-fresh ingredients, some produce even grown on property, to create an indulgent three- or four-course menu that rotates with the season. Both the decor and cuisine reflect its namesake, with one bite reminding you what fresh ingredients really taste like. Arrive early to enjoy an aperitif with house-infused spirits at the picture-perfect Farm Bar. Or, stay later for a nightcap by one of the private fireplaces overlooking one of the resort’s three ponds.
Arundel Wharf
With an expansive wooden deck, Arundel Wharf is a casual wharfside restaurant ideal for a sun-drenched lunch, cheeky midday cocktail and snack, or a sunset happy hour. There are plenty of shareable appetizers for a large group, or even a smaller one looking to try the bounty of seafood available here. Think traditional New England steamers, shrimp cocktail, lobster-stuffed avocado, and mussels.
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White Barn Inn
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, or just celebrating that you snagged a reservation at this fine-dining hot spot, the restaurant at White Barn Inn sets the tone for an elegant evening. The AAA Five Diamond, Forbes Five Star eatery is helmed by executive chef Mathew Woolf. It showcases the best of Maine’s farmers, fishermen, and foragers. It’s an old-school spot for the area, still encouraging gentlemen to wear jackets, and why not? Again, it’s an occasion in itself to eat here.
Rococo Ice Cream
Every coastal town needs a celebrated ice cream storefront, and in Kennebunkport, it’s Rococo. On any given day, this outpost scoops up 14 different flavors. You’ll find signature flavors like goat cheese blackberry chambord and maple fig jalapeño, as well as seasonal options. They also do an incredible affogato; espresso served over your choice of ice cream for a midday pick-me-up.
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There’s no doubt when the weather turns colder as we settle into winter, stouts take center stage. And while we enjoy all its iterations: standard stout, imperial stout, and robust barrel-aged stouts, we think this malty, chocolate-filled beer’s close cousin deserves a little respect as well. Of course, we’re talking about the oft-overlooked porter. And the best porters, oh buddy, they’ll have you rethinking your seasonal bevvie of choice.
For those uninitiated, the porter style had its genesis in England like many other iconic beer styles. It first appeared in the 1700s and is (you guessed it) named after porters—individuals tasked with transporting luggage.
A confusing origin story
“Stout is the direct descendant of porter. In the 1700s, it was common to use the word ‘stout’ to refer to a bolder, higher-alcohol version of any beer style, much in the same way we use the word ‘imperial’ today,” says Zach Fowle, advanced cicerone and head of marketing for Arizona Wilderness Brewing Co. in Phoenix, AZ. “Porter was the most popular beer of the day, and over time, “stout porter” became a popular variant. But by the late 1800s, demand for regular porters evaporated, and stout porter shortened simply to stout.”
But more has changed between the 1800s and today than just our penchant for wearing top hats. “Today, most brewers seem to market beers as either stout or porter based on vibes, rather than on any notable stylistic differences,” he says.
Specifically, porters are known for their dark, almost pitch-black color and rich, sweet flavor profile. If you were to drink a porter and a stout side by side, you might even have difficulty discerning the differences between the two.
Stout versus porter is an enduring topic of discussion in the brewing industry. “While there’s no debating the porter came first—and stout used to be called stout porter, so it was a stronger version of a porter—the lines have become very blurred over the years,” says Rob Lightner, co-founder of East Brother Brewing in Richmond, CA.
“I would venture that even among professionals, a blind taste test would often yield inconclusive results,” says Lightner.
The difference between porters and stouts
Porters tend to be on the milder, more chocolatey end of the spectrum, Lightner says, whereas stouts are typically a little stronger and more roasty. Of course, this isn’t a hard and fast rule
Fowle agrees, “Porters tend to be fruitier, sweeter, and less bitter than stouts, with cocoa and caramel flavors in balance with dark malt bitterness. And stouts are usually hoppier, drier, maltier, and more coffee-forward—and may even have a touch of acidity.”
Whether or not they fit neatly into boxes, one thing’s for sure: both make for incredible cold-weather brews.
“As the nights grow longer, drinking a light, summery beer just doesn’t seem right,” says Fowle. “Porter is the perfect style for the transition to winter: warming and toasty yet not too heavy, with flavors of coffee, chocolate, and pie crust that correspond with autumn weather and holidays.”
It’s the perfect time to broaden your repretoire. Sweet, robust, warming, and well-suited to the season, here are the best porters to drink now.
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1. Deschutes Black Butte Porter
There are few porters more well-respected than Deschutes’ iconic Black Butte Porter. It’s brewed with Cascade and Tettnang hops as well as 2-row, Chocolate, Crystal, and Carapils malts as well as wheat. This 5.5% ABV year-round offering is great for cold-weather drinking because of its mix of roasted malts, coffee, and chocolate. It’s a robust, subtly sweet beer perfect for imbibing on a crisp fall night.
The key to 360-degree muscle: 90-degree eccentric isometrics. It might seem like we’re throwing a lot of geometry at you, but the concept behind time under tension (TUT) is simple, says Joel Seedman, PhD, owner of Advanced Human Performance: “Perform the lowering phase of a movement in a slow, controlled fashion, usually 3 to 5 seconds; pause in the stretched position, typically around 90 degrees; then perform the lifting phase in a powerful yet controlled fashion.” Believe us, a time-under-tension workout can humble even seasoned lifters…Eccentric isometrics are like the pressure cooker of training.
“Rather than mindlessly performing slow-tempo reps, you’re using the increased time under tension as a means to fine-tune your body mechanics and alignment, which requires more mental engagement and focus,” Seedman adds.
If you want to forge functional muscle mass and strength while simultaneously bulletproofing the joints and connective tissue, give this 10-move, full-body eccentric isometrics workout a go.
Directions
Perform the following moves as 90-degree eccentric isometrics following the above protocol. Use heavy weight, but not at the detriment of proper form. Rest 60 to 90 seconds between sets and 2 minutes between circuits. Perform once every 2 to 4 days for optimal results.
Best Time-Under-Tension Workout for Total-Body Strength
Circuit 1
Marius Bugge
A. Barbell Back Squat
Set a squat rack up with heavy weight, then grasp bar and step under it. Squeeze shoulder blades together, then stand to unrack bar and step back with feet shoulder-width apart. Inhale, hinge at hips and slowly bend knees to 90 degrees. Pause, keeping natural arch in low back, then extend through hips to powerfully stand. 3 x 4-6 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Renegade Row
Start in the top position of a pushup with hands shoulder-width apart on moderate-to-heavy dumbbells (shown). Explosively drive right elbow back to row dumbbell toward ribs while balancing on opposite hand and feet. Pause, then slowly lower weight, stopping a few inches above floor. Switch sides after all reps are done. 3 x 5 reps each side
Circuit 2
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bentover Row
Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding two moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in front of thighs, palms facing you. Push hips back and hinge torso forward so it’s nearly parallel to floor, soft bend in knees. Dumbbells should be near shins. Drive elbows back to row weights toward ribs. Pause, then slowly lower down for 3 to 5 seconds. 3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Incline Dumbbell Chest Press with Legs Raised
Set an adjustable bench to a 30- to 45-degree angle and lie back with dumbbells in either hand. Engage core and lift legs off floor, flexing feet. Press weights overhead, palms in. Slowly lower to 90 degrees, staying tight and compact. Pause, then drive weights up directly over chest. 3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 3
Marius Bugge
A. Dumbbell Bulgarian Squat
Stand lunge-length in front of a flat bench, holding heavy dumbbells in each hand by your sides, palms facing in. Rest the ball on top (shoe’s laces) of your right foot behind you on the bench. Slowly lower your body until your front thigh is parallel to the floor. Pause, then drive through your heel to stand. Switch sides after all reps are complete. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Marius Bugge
B. Single-leg Romanian Deadlift
Stand with feet hip-width apart holding dumbbells or kettlebells. Drive right leg up, foot flexed, knee aligned with hip, making a 90-degree angle. Hinge at hips as you slowly lever your torso toward floor, lowering weights and driving right leg back for counterbalance. Hold, then squeeze glutes to reverse. 2 x 3-4 reps each side
Circuit 4
Marius Bugge
A. Pullup
Hang from a pullup bar using an overhand grip with legs extended and feet flexed. Engage lats and draw shoulders down your back, then pull yourself up until chin is higher than hands. Pause at the top, then slowly lower. Pause at bottom, then reset before your next rep. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Marius Bugge
B. Kneeling Overhead Barbell Press
Hold a bar with moderate-to-heavy load at shoulder level with forearms perpendicular to floor. Kneel at end of bench with feet flexed to grip edge for support. Inhale, engage your core and glutes, then press the bar overhead, pushing your head forward so it passes your face, exhaling at the top. Slowly lower until elbows are at 90 degrees, then hold to maintain tension. Begin your next rep from here. 2-3 x 4-5 reps
Circuit 5
A. Dumbbell Pushup
Place hands on dumbbells (this provides greater range of motion) at shoulder width and feet wider than shoulder width with just toes touching the ground. Keep head neutral and hips high to increase tension on core, chest and tris and reduce stress on spine. Slowly lower to the floor. Stop once elbows hit 90 degrees, pause, then push up to start. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
B. Biceps Curl
Stand with feet hip-width apart with moderate-to-heavy dumbbells in each hand hanging by sides. Engage biceps to curl the weights up, keeping upper arms still. Pause at the top, then lower slowly. Don’t let arms drop all the way down to keep greater time under tension on biceps. 1-2 x 6-8 reps
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If you haven’t picked up a jump rope since elementary school, you’re missing out on a fantastic cardio workout. Not only will you burn a ton of calories in a short amount of time—200 to 300 calories in 15 minutes—but jump ropes can also improve your coordination and agility. Better yet, jumping rope doesn’t require much space, so it’s easy to do at home, and it’s often more mentally stimulating than jogging or swimming.
Choosing a Jump Rope
When deciding which jump rope is best for you, it’s important to determine what your goals are. While lightweight speed ropes are popular for cardio-focused training, weighted or drag ropes will be best for those focused on strength training.
No matter what your training goals are, we’ve got you covered with this roundup of 10 jump ropes from top brands including Crossrope, TRX, Rogue, and more.
The Best Jump Ropes of 2022
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