Perhaps best known as the summer retreat of the Bush family, the town of Kennebunkport and neighboring Kennebunk are located on the Kennebunk River, some 30 miles north of Portsmouth and nearly the same distance south of Portland.
The river mouth is flanked by a pair of stone jetties, and caution should be used on the outgoing tide, especially when the current opposes an easterly wind. Mean low water depth in the channel is around 6 feet. Some 500 feet north of the river mouth, on the east bank, is a small public dock for temporary tie-ups. This dock provides access to several shops and a few restaurants south of downtown; however, there are no public bathroom or shower facilities.
Continuing north past daymarker “R12” and approaching buoy RN “12A,” you’ll notice the manicured lawn and buildings of the Nonantum Resort, which offers moorings and a dinghy dock for its boating guests. The family-friendly resort is also home to an acclaimed restaurant, 95 Ocean.
For a fascinating and entertaining tour of the surrounding area, hop aboard the Intown Trolley for a look at Kennebunkport’s interesting historic sites, including Saint Ann’s Episcopal Church, the Colony Hotel, various ship captain’s homes, the Customs House, the St. Anthony’s Franciscan Monastery, Gooch’s Beach and, of course, the Bush estate.
