KENNEBUNK — From locals to tourists, the Kennebunk area has summer wonders for every kind of adventurer. Whether it’s a family outing at the West Kennebunk Family Fun Day or an evening stepping into the 1960’s at Martinis and Mad Men held at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, there’s something for everyone. Other local treasures including beaches, museums and farmers market treats can be enjoyed in the Kennebunks throughout the summer and even into the fall.
Events
Concerts in the Park are held at 6:30 p.m. every Wednesday in Kennebunkʼs Lafayette Park through Aug. 8. Admission is free. For cancellations due to weather, call the program update line 985-6890, ext. 1607, or visit the website www.kennebunkrec.com.
Seashore Trolley Story Time will be held at the Seashore Trolley Museum every Wednesday through Aug. 30 at 10:30 a.m. It features transportation-themed stories for children and family trolley rides. For more information, visit www.trollymuseum.org.
National Night Out with the Kennebunk Police Department will take place Aug. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Waterhouse Center.
The West Kennebunk Family Fun Day will take place on Aug. 4. This fun, family event is held on the first Saturday in August in the “village center” in West Kennebunk. Join for a pancake breakfast, children and adult games and activities, contests, parade crafters/vendors, baked goods, bean supper and more.
Martinis and Mad Men — A Mid Century Evening at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport — will be held in the evening on Aug. 18. The evening will include music from the era, a 1960s-themed BBQ meal and 1960-style cocktails. Period dress is encouraged. For more information, visit www.trollymuseum.org.
Museums
Brick Store Museum
— Located at 117 Main St., Kennebunk, this museum is dedicated to preserving the heritage of the Kennebunks. Museum hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 985-4802 or visit www.brickstoremuseum.org for more information.
Kennebunkport Historical Society
— Located at 8 Maine St., Kennebunkport, the highlight of its collection is the 1853 Greek Revival Nott House, a Doric colonnade built in 1853. Nott House tours are given July 1 through Oct. 13. The Pasco Exhibit Center, 125 North St., is home to permanent and changing displays reflecting the history of Kennebunkport, and is open year-round, Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 967-2751 or visit www.kporthistory.org for more information.
River Tree Center for the Arts
— Located at 35 Western Ave. in Kennebunk, galleries are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 967-9120 or visit www.rivertreearts.orgfor more information
Seashore Trolley Museum
— Located at 195 Log Cabin Road in Kennebunkport, features hundreds of trolleys from all over the world, authentic restorations and rides. Take in the sights and sounds of a bygone era in American transportation history. The museum and store are open daily, from Memorial Day to Columbus Day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trolley rides and museum tours are every day, rain or shine. Call 967-2800 or visit www.trolleymuseum.org for more information.
Farmers Markets
The Kennebunk Farmers Market is held on Saturdays through November, at the Garden Street parking lot from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Beaches
KENNEBUNK
Parsons Beach — A sandy stretch backed by dunes off Route 9 near the Wells town line. This beach is privately owned, with public access to the left of where the road ends. Limited free parking.
Kennebunk Beach — Includes Motherʼs Beach, a short, sandy section; Middle Beach, a rocky strip; and Goochʼs Beach, a curved, sand expanse along Beach Road off Route 9. Parking permits between June 15 and Sept. 15 required, available at Town Hall and at Chamber of Commerce for visitors. The cost for non-residents is $15 for one day, $50
for a week and $100 for the season. Residents can get permits for up to three vehicles registered in their name, $2 for the first vehicle and $5 each for a second and third vehicle. Residents, hotels and motels can purchase an unlimited number of seasonal guests card for $20.
KENNEBUNKPORT
Goose Rocks Beach — Expanse of sand, open ocean and shallow tidal pools on Kings Highway off Route 9. Lifeguard. Stickers may be purchased at Town Hall or the police station: $5 for residents per season; and for non-residents, $15 per day, $50 per week and $100 per season.
Colony Beach — A small area across from The Colony Hotel on Ocean Avenue. There is a free, off-street parking area that accommodates about 20 vehicles.
— Complied by Staff Writer Angela Paolucci.
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