I am not sure how many Bostonians realize just how close “The Kennebunks” (Kennebunkport and Kennebunk Maine) are to Boston. This also happens to be a perfect place for a dog friendly weekend get-away. Here is are our notes from our latest day trip with our dog to swim at Gooch’s Beach, shopping in Kennebunkport and dinner in Cape Porpoise.      

About The Kennebunks and Cape Porpoise

Kennebunkport Maine, is a beautiful New England town on the coast of Maine. The area is referred to as Down East and a very popular summer destination. Beaches in Maine are magnificent, strands of sand divided by gnarled black outcroppings of rock jutting into the pounding ocean surf. Country roads twisting along the coast offering stunning scenic views. For many, Maine is the only hunting ground, for the perfect lobster roll.

When we rolled out of bed early Saturday morning to discover a gorgeous day, we decided to take a drive up to the Kennebunks with the dog. An hour and a half after leaving Boston we pulled into the village of Kennebunkport. We started off with a stroll through the village, letting our dog play with the other dogs out for a walk as well. We checked out some of the shops which had just opened for the season, including Scalawags Pet Boutique.

A Great Resource for Dog People In Kennebunkport

Mary Beth Kvaka is the owner of Scalawags and could be described as the ambassador of Kennebunkport for dog people . She is a fantastic resource, pointing us in the right direction to more dog friendly Maine. You should check out her website for more information on pet friendly hotels, shops and things to do with your dog. Scalawags is a great shop with some great items for dogs I have not seen before. Check out some of the “Made in Maine” toys for dogs. Our dog picked out an antler which he is currently chewing on under my desk.

Lunch In Kennebunkport

We had lunch on the lawn of the Henry VIII Carvery. Great sandwiches and we made a few new friends while we relaxed in the sun. Our dog, not shockingly, played with another dog. This great little sandwich shop sits on a hill overlooking town. I think we saw more families with dogs than without.

Going to the Beach with your Dog

There are two main beaches in the area. One in Kennebunkport (leash only) and another in Kennebunk (voice control) called Gooch’s Beach, which is fantastic for people with dogs. If you have voice control of your dog then you can let them off-leash otherwise your dog needs to be on a leash. It’s the law. Starting June 15th, dogs are allowed on the beach before 9 am and after 5 pm.

There are poop stations and garbage cans on the beach, use them. You will find the beaches are clean. The people with dogs do a great job cleaning up poop and the other garbage that unfortunately does wash up from the ocean. During high tide the beach disappears but within an hour or two there is enough space between the wall and the ocean. You do have to have control of your dog as there is a busy road as well. During the summer, parking along the road is reserved for residents, just so you know.

Dinner in Cape Porpoise

After a thoroughly tiring day of playing on the beach and in the surf we loaded up the car and drove along the coast a little further north to Cape Porpoise to have dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Pier 77. The harbor that Pier 77 Restaurant sits on, has been voted one of the top two most beautiful harbors in Maine. And yes, it is that beautiful there. Our dog after having his own dinner had no problem sleeping in the car, while we enjoyed dinner and a stunning view of the Maine coastline.