Help with Maine Summer Vacation Please...Kennebunkport?

[amyy]

After Acadia my second pick would be the Boothbay area. Maybe because we know it well as DF mother lives on Southport Island. You can take a drive to Freeport and hit the outlets one day and a ferry boat out to Monheagan Island another day. There are some nice beaches but you would have to drive to them. Boothbay itself has lots of little shops.

 

[aprilvaca04]

Oooh, I just though, check out Biddeford Pool and Fortunes Rock Beach rentals as well - short drive to K'port, but lovely, quiet beaches....I especially love Biddeford Pool, but not sure what you will find there for rentals

Good idea! Such a beautiful area. As a family we happen to love York Beach, I would also recommend the Short Sands area, the beach is smaller but atleast there is some left at high tide. Long sands is beautiful to walk, either on the beach or use the sidewalk above. We stay at Short Sands all day and whe we want a walk we head to Long Sands. another place to look for rentals in most of Southern Maine is seasiderentals.com We have used them in the past and found them very nice and helpful.

 

[englishteacha]

I've been to Acadia in June several times. Yes, it's "north" but it's not particularly colder than anywhere else in Maine! Every where on the coast will be a bit cooler than inland, no matter where you go. Be aware: The ocean is COLD. Very cold. If you enjoy actually swimming, you might seek a place with a heated pool.

 

[Kate and Pete]

I've been to Acadia in June several times. Yes, it's "north" but it's not particularly colder than anywhere else in Maine! Every where on the coast will be a bit cooler than inland, no matter where you go. Be aware: The ocean is COLD. Very cold. If you enjoy actually swimming, you might seek a place with a heated pool.

True! The ocean temp if too cold to swim any time prior to the end of July or so, and even then, it's coooold. Old Orchard does have warm water (although, I've only ever been there in August, and only once...), but I agree with all other posters - avoid it if you don't like dirty beaches and old men in thongs...

Later today I'll look at your links that have to do with Bar Harbor/Acadia and I'll be able to better advise!

 

[aprilvaca04]

True! The ocean temp if too cold to swim any time prior to the end of July or so, and even then, it's coooold. Old Orchard does have warm water (although, I've only ever been there in August, and only once...), but I agree with all other posters - avoid it if you don't like dirty beaches and old men in thongs...

Later today I'll look at your links that have to do with Bar Harbor/Acadia and I'll be able to better advise!

I have to agree and disagree with some of this...old men in thongs/really small speedos, sure you'll see some. Cold ocean water, yup pretty much unless you luck out and the jet stream sends up some nice tropical water ten it's sooo much nicer. As far as dirty beaches, I have to disagree...crowded yes, dirty no. I don't know when you have been there last but there has been a lot of effort put forth to change the image of Old Orchard Beach. It's a slow process but you can see changes for the better IMHO

 

[dougsmom98]

I just want to defend Old Orchard Beach for a minute. Yes, the pier area is not an area that I would want to stay at, but they have 8 miles of sandy beach. We stay about 1/2-3/4 of a mile from the pier and the beach is lovely. You can not even tell that the pier exists down there. I grew up going to Ogunquit because my aunt owns a house there. As we got older and my sisters and I got married and had kids, we grew out of my aunts house and started staying in Wells and Moody. The problem with Ogunquit, Wells and Moody beach areas is that the accommodations are super expensive and you have to drive to get to the beach and then pay a hefty fee for parking once you are there. They do have houses on the beach to rent in Moody, but the cost is very high. We rent a house 300 feet from beach in Old Orchard and it is wonderful not to have to pack up sandy kids in the car. We can walk back to the house for lunch, we can go down to the beach for a few hours in the afternoon or for an evening walk. It is the best. We use www.seashorepropertymanagement.com to rent our houses. You definitely don't want to rent too close to the pier though. If anyone decided to go this route, please PM me and I will help you decide if you are in a quiet area. Also Ocean Park and Kinny Shores in Saco are great areas where you can get within walking distance of the beach too. Even though I wouldn't want my accommodations on the pier, we go down there at least twice on our trip. The kids love to go on the rides at Palace Playland and then we let them each have $5-10 dollar to play in the arcade another night. They love it. You are also really close to Funtown Splashtown amusement park and Aquaboggon water park. Aquaboggon has $12 Mondays. It is well worth the price.

 

[surfergirl602]

Being a Mainer myself, if you're looking for a good Maine summer vacation, I would avoid all those places you mentioned like the plague. Sorry, but its true. Head for a national park, or "down east maine". You'll be pleasantly surprised. Go on a whale watching cruise. Go fishing. Go hiking. Just don't go to Kennebunk during the summer. LOL The area is pretty buts its just one big tourist trap. If you're looking for pretty coastal beaches, check all of coastal route 1. OOB is nice, but I wouldn't want to spend more than two days there. You can find a nice summer house further up the coast for waaaaayyyy less than what you'd pay in the Kennebunk area. The water is very cold, even in the summer, so most people that swim there have wetsuits. You'll see a few "surfers", but a lake would be warmer. Bar Harbor is nice. Eclectic, somewhat pricey, but I have found not as bad as others, and there are many things to do there. Whatever you choose, enjoy our wonderful state!

 

[TnTWalter]

surfergirl...can you give me some towns to look into please? Thanks so much.

Trish

 

[hipchickie]

Just don't go to Kennebunk during the summer. LOL The area is pretty buts its just one big tourist trap.

I am sorry, I have to completely disagree.
Kennebunkport may be crowded, but it is really not a "tourist trap". It has no chain stores, very nice to walk around - personally I only go 1-2 x a year because I am not into that, but if you enjoy browsing fun little shops, or just getting an ice cream and strolling, it is tailor made.

With the exception of OOB (I just don't know, I have never been to the beach there) , all of those beaches are pretty quiet, don't allow drinking, etc. The old guys in speedos are from Canada, that is just what they wear for swimsuits
Goose rocks, in particular, has pretty warm water (especially as the tide comes in) because of the bay it is in and the shallow water. It does not get big waves due to that, but with your age range it would really be perfect. My kids are 9 and 5 and they LOVE it there, we could easily stay there a week, never go into K'port, and be very happy

I just personally don't do lakes blech

 

[MichelleinMaine]

surfergirl...can you give me some towns to look into please? Thanks so much.

Trish

Not surfergirl, but Scarborough would fit the bill. (Higgins Beach, Scarborough Beach, Pine Point Beach {PP is the other end of Old Orchard Beach, but completely different world.) All of those would have rentals on the beach. There's really nothing on-the-beach north of Scarborough until you get up to the Bath area. (Popham Beach- which is beautiful) More of a drive though, of course (hour and a half or so past the NH border.)

As said, the water will be freezing that early in the season (and not too warm come August .

Another option would be to stay in the Portland area- could do a harbor cruise, see the lighthouses, shop the outlets/LLBean in Freeport if that is your thing (1/2 north of Portland.) Several easy options for state park/public beaches you could hit for a day or two of walking the beach if you want to do that as well. (Option too- if you're flying, can obviously fly right into Portland.)

 

[cmrules]

I go to Maine every summer and although I cannot tell you anything about the beaches (not a beach person) I can tell you...eat at MOODY's! It's on route 1 trust me just ask and you will find. You must see Pemaquid Point it is a one of the most beautiful places in the US and you can eat at Moody's on the way. We stay in Midcoast Maine in a beautiful town, Camden. Probably not what you are looking for because it lacks beaches, but it has everything else you named. It is lovely and not yet too busy in June. Enjoy Maine, it is wonderful, I look forward too it every year just like I do Disney! It's my slow vacation.

 

[surfergirl602]

I go to Maine every summer and although I cannot tell you anything about the beaches (not a beach person) I can tell you...eat at MOODY's! It's on route 1 trust me just ask and you will find. You must see Pemaquid Point it is a one of the most beautiful places in the US and you can eat at Moody's on the way. We stay in Midcoast Maine in a beautiful town, Camden. Probably not what you are looking for because it lacks beaches, but it has everything else you named. It is lovely and not yet too busy in June. Enjoy Maine, it is wonderful, I look forward too it every year just like I do Disney! It's my slow vacation.

Hee hee... I'm originally from Rockland!

 

[Kid in Me]

Glad to hear you are spending your Summer vacation in Maine. I live in Wells and enjoy all the surrounding towns in the Summer. There is something special about the salty Maine air. There are some brand new cottages that were just built here in Wells and it is a resort community. They have a poolside television for the kids at night as well as campfires. Trolley's run from there as well. Here is the link http://www.summer-village.com/

Good luck!

 

[TnTWalter]

I'm even more confused now. LOL.

Thanks for all the wonderful ideas....

I'll dive through them tomorrow.

 

[TnTWalter]

Any opinions on the bar harbor homes yet?

Also....BIDDEFORD Pool? It was recommended to me on tripadvisor...and it's quite affordable...

here's an example:

http://www.vrbo.com/54444

 

[PrincesCJM]

I am guessing the "A" place was Arundel, that is right near kennebunkport.

Arundel was my first thought too but I couldn't imagine where one would stay in it.

Consider the Sebago Lakes area - off the beaten path a little bit but I hear it's a pretty area with water warm enough to swim in. Clearwater Pond/Lake in the Farmington area is also nice. I went to college in Farmington and my friends and I spent many summer days at Clearwater.

The fall, late September and early October, is a very pretty time to visit Maine. The foliage looks incredible, it's not hot or cold (yet) and not nearly as many tourists.

 

[hipchickie]

Also....BIDDEFORD Pool? It was recommended to me on tripadvisor...and it's quite affordable...

here's an example:

http://www.vrbo.com/54444

Biddeford pool is very very nice, if you found something affordable I would totally jump on it.
It sounds like this rental is on the penninsula part of The Pool - My sister used to live there, it has a small dock, a little general store, a lovely quiet beach, a small restaurant on the road between that and Fortunes rock beach (Mile Stretch Road on that map) Really beautiful, I love it there

 

[tekoa]

I would also like to suggest Boothbay Harbor very quaint and beautiful. You could go to L L Bean in Freeport on the way. Harbor cruises, lobster bakes I love it there. Many islands with rental properties in the area. I also do not like Old Orchard. Very honkey tonk.

 

[TnTWalter]

Biddeford pool is very very nice, if you found something affordable I would totally jump on it.
It sounds like this rental is on the penninsula part of The Pool - My sister used to live there, it has a small dock, a little general store, a lovely quiet beach, a small restaurant on the road between that and Fortunes rock beach (Mile Stretch Road on that map) Really beautiful, I love it there

Thanks. I need to get a map of the area. Do you have to pay to go to the beaches there?

 

[TnTWalter]

I think York and Wells sound best for what we're looking for [quaint beach town, cute restaurants, ice cream, beach for sand castles and possibly searching for creatures on rocky beach, ideally trolley or easy access for little kiddos, close to some adventure outings but really don't want to have to leave, watching fishermen, doing some nature stuff]. But Kennebunkport seems to have more options.

We will be 2 families with 3 kids each. Their kids will be 4,2,and baby. Ours will be 11,9,7. We obviously need some room and >2 bathrooms ideal.

What would you pick of the choices listed?

______________________

OGUNQUIT

Very few big enough and in my budget. But here's a condo for $2K we'd go earlier in June.

http://www.vrbo.com/32696


KENNEBUNKPORT

This one is near the wildlife preserve...6 acres....? crazy. $2k-$2500. It's pretty but is it in middle of nowhere?

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p229116

WALK TO DOCK SQUARE $1100 early June! or $1900 late June.

http://www.kennebunkbeachrentals.com/php/listing.php?pop=y&Print=yes&Read=yes&ListingNo=00578

GOOSE ROCKS

Only has 2 baths and 3 bedrooms but unique layout might work and it's COOL.
BUT $2500 for little space.

http://www.kennebunkbeachrentals.com/php/listing.php?pop=y&Print=yes&Read=yes&ListingNo=00135

1 MILE FROM GOOSE ROCKS only $1700...like that...a little small...only 2 bath.
but 4 BR.
http://www.vrbo.com/60573

Also 1 mile to GRB $1900 only 3BR but big room for all kids....
http://www.vrbo.com/236596

WELLS

5 Bedroom near Wildlife Refuge $1700
http://www.vrbo.com/236596


YORK BEACH

Near Nubble Lighthouse. Not sure if layout would work. $2k
http://www.vrbo.com/152723

Nubble Ledges...small but 4BR/2.5BA so might work. $2300
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p106777


SEE HOW HARD IT IS....everything is 'almost right'.

Just to see the sticker shock...we stayed at Anna Maria Island FL last year [HIGHLY recommend]. And look what you can get for the price? I know this house. It's a great location and it's really very pretty. FREE trolley a couple houses down. POOL. EASY walk to BEAUTIFUL beach and restaurants. Not much shopping but we won't be shopping....

http://www.annamariaparadise.com/410pine.htm

We stayed across the street in little 2 bedroom Pineapple Cottage for $1k! Loved it.
http://www.annamariaparadise.com/PineappleCottage.html

I might have to send the 4 bedroom in AMI to them just in case. :O)

THANKS SO MUCH FOR TAKING TIME TO HELP ME!!!