Located along the southern Maine coast, the Kennebunks offer the visitor a variety of places to see, things to do, and local cultures to experience. Whether you enjoy fine dining, beach going, whale watching, museum hopping, or great shopping – Kennebunk and Kennebunkport have it all for you.

10 things to do:

1. Wild Things Exhibition – 117 Main Street, Kennebunk, 985-4802. This August, visit this display of objects of animal folk art at the Brick Store Museum, 117 Main Street. All artwork is from Maine art collector and dealer Kate Manko’s Collection of American Folk Art Animals. Many pieces originated in Maine and date back to the late 19th century. The exhibit is open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays all month long. Suggested donation is $5.

2. Traditional Irish Music at River Tree Center for the Arts – 35 Western Avenue (Route 9), 967-9120. Lower Kennebunk Village, Paddy Homan, a tenor from County Cork, Ireland, will be performing in concert on Saturday, Aug. 4. Cost is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 14. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information on the artist, visit www.paddyhoman.com.

3. Goose Rocks Beach – Dyke Street, Kennebunkport. Goose Rocks is a quiet beach in Kennebunkport where visitors can enjoy the natural charm of a Maine beach, without the commercialization that comes with many Maine beaches. Look for sand dollars or walk out to Timber Island when the tide is low. Parking is $10 per day for non-residents. Parking permits are available at the Kennebunk Police Department. Arrive early to get a parking space.

4. Cape-Able Bike Shop Guided Tours – 83 Arundel Road, Kennebunkport, 967-4382. Based in Kennebunkport, Cape-Able Bike Shop provides more than rentals. Guided tours of Southern Maine are offered during the summer for beginners and experienced bikers. Visit www.capeablebikes.com/tours/index.htm to learn more about the different tours and pricing.

5. Cape Arundel Golf Club – 19 River Road, Kennebunkport, 967-3494. Cape Arundel Golf Club is a 6,000-yard, 18-hole golf course and driving range, situated along the scenic shores of the Kennebunk River. Public tee times are available every day. www.capearundel.com

6. Kennebunk’s Big-Leaguers Exhibition at the Brick Store Museum – 117 Main Street, Kennebunk, 985-4802. This exhibit features two major-league baseball players, who were one-time residents of Kennebunk. “Colby Jack” Coombs and his nephew, Bobby Coombs were each accomplished players, playing in Philadelphia and New York respectively. Learn more about the pair at the exhibition, which will run throughout August. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Suggested donation is $5.

7. First Chance Whale Watch Storybook Cruise – 4 Western Avenue (Route 9), Lower Kennebunk Village, 967-5507. Kids will be entertained by storytelling while parents can sit back, relax and take in the scenery aboard the 65-foot boat, “Kylie’s Chance”. Cruises are Wednesday evenings, Aug. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for children. Reservations are recommended.

8. A Garden Party With The Artist – 95 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, (800) 552-5651. Join artist W. Robert Paine for this show at Nonantum Resort on the water, Sunday, Aug. 12, 1:30-4:30 p.m. There will be a champagne and blueberry martini bar. There is a minimum donation of $5. All proceeds will benefit Hospice of Southern Maine.

9. The Nott House – 8 Main St., Kennebunkport, 967-2751. Nott House is open to the public, with guided tours running all summer, from 10 a.m. 4 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Come see this charming and historic example of Greek Revival. Adults, $5. Members and children under 18 are free. Call to book a group tour.

10. Schooner Eleanor Sailing Cruises – 43 Ocean Avenue, Kennebunkport, 967-8809. Sail with a licensed captain aboard this traditional gaff rigged schooner. Two-hour trips depart daily this summer at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4:30 p.m. Private charters are available. The Eleanor is docked at 43 Ocean Ave. in Kennebunkport. The cost is $40 per person. Call for reservations.