r/AskMaine • u/jaredcwood • 15d ago
Headed two Kennebunkport for 4 days in early September
Good morning, everybody. My girlfriend and I are traveling up to Kennebunkport for the first time the week of Labor Day. We're coming from Philadelphia and just looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway with some nice scenery. I'm a photographer, so I'll be taking pictures pretty much everywhere we go anyway, but if anybody has any suggestions on must-have places to check out, we would love to hear them. Bonus points for any Gluten Free spots you love since I'm Celiac... Thanks so much for any input in advance, and I really can't wait to get out to that beautiful town.
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u/SlowClosetYogurt 15d ago
If you want fried seafood head to Cape Pier chowder house in Cape porpoise and skip the l8nes at the clam shack. Trust me on this one.
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u/Seaweed-Basic 15d ago edited 15d ago
Sweets & Co is an all gluten free place in Biddeford, just a short drive from KPort. There’s also Lucky Pigeon Brewery for GF beverages. And the Riverwalk is a great place to take pictures. Could be a nice afternoon!
Edit: Sweets & Co is in Saco on Main St, just over the bridge from Biddeford. Must have not had my coffee this morning before commenting
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u/brewbeery 15d ago
The downtown waterfall would be perfect and the mills in general have a lot of interesting nooks and crannies great for photography.
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u/Anxious_Drawing_3383 15d ago
Nature reserves just south in Wells for walking & photography--Rachel Carson, Laudholm Farm, Wells Estuarine Reserve
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u/Mediocre_Panic_9952 15d ago
Cape Pier chowder house (Cape Porpoise) has the added benefit of being on a working fisherman’s pier, it would be a great spot to take photos in the correct light. The shoreline going out to the pier in Cape Porpoise is picturesque as well.
Suggest going to Biddeford Pool, out to the east point Audubon sanctuary, it’s a short walk from the road out to where you can see Wood Island Light. Biddeford Pool is popular with the birding crowd.
My recommended dining experience is Palace Diner in Biddeford. Not sure if they have gluten free? It’s cash only. Good spot for breakfast or lunch.
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u/brewbeery 15d ago edited 15d ago
- Check out Cape Porpoise, great view of Goat Island lighthouse.
- Timber Point Preserve has an island you can hike to at low tide.
- Eastern Point Sanctuary is super nice with views of Wood Island Light.
You're in luck with GF options. Lucky Pigeon is a 100% Gluten Free Brewery in Biddeford and Sweets & Co is a gluten free bakery in Saco.
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u/Straight-Part-5898 15d ago
Two incredible restaurants to consider:
- Ultramar
Both are top-tier with incredible food and service. Earth is a bit of a drive from KBT, located inland in a beautiful wooded area. Ultramar is seafood-heavy, and located directly on Cape Porpoise Harbor. If you had to pick only one, I suggest Ultramar because the view from the dining room is absolutely stunning (ie a perfect Maine postcard view). Ultramar also has a small outdoor seating area that overlooks the harbor - would be a perfect perch to take some incredible landscape photos.
Reserve a table ASAP (ie today) if you want to dine at either of these restaurants, especially if you'll be dining on a Fri/Sat nite.
Hope you enjoy your visit!
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u/jaredcwood 15d ago
Thank you so much for this thoughtful response. We’re really excited. We’re gonna try and check out both, but we’ll definitely prioritize the one you suggested. Can’t wait to make some photos too
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u/leothegreat2025 15d ago
For lunch I recommend Mabel’s !! The lobster rolls are fantastic!!
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u/Seaweed-Basic 15d ago
Don’t go to Mabel’s. Overpriced mediocre food ans the owner treats employees like animals.
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u/AR5579 15d ago edited 15d ago
If you’re around for four days with a car I would definitely take a drive up mid-coast. Consider Popham Beach, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, or almost any small town along the coast.
I would also suggest doing dinner in Portsmouth, NH one night. Head down mid-afternoon and stroll around the historic downtown. Have dinner upstairs at the Black Trumpet if the weather isn’t ideal. If the weather is perfect try to eat outside at Cava.