Back in the late 90’s when I lived in North Andover, MA, a nice getaway destination was Kennebunkport, ME. It was and still is a very popular spot for tourists and shoppers. The beach is quite nice as well. During the summer months, it is slammed with people and I made it a point to go there late fall or during the winter when accommodations were far cheaper and the crowds were long gone. Our visit was relatively early in the fall, so the crowds were present and in town hotel prices were still sky high. We found an affordable and decent motel located in a forested area about 15 minutes out of town.
One of the most striking homes in Kennebunkport is Walker’s Point Estate which is the summer retreat of the Bush family. President Bush spent much of his childhood here. G.H. Bush, his wife Barbara, and their children George W., Jeb, Marvin, Neil, Dorothy, and Robin often spent summers at the estate. The estate has hosted family weddings, holidays, and receptions. While at the estate, Bush welcomed world leaders including Margaret Thatcher and Mikhail Gorbachev for informal and private meetings. Unfortunately, we did not have time to see Walker’s Point. I can recall seeing it just over two decades ago when walking the beaches. Word to the wise: don’t get too close or you will attract the attention of the Secret Service.
We had an early dinner at the Maine Diner where I had eaten a number of meals back in the day. It has hardly changed and that’s a good thing. Kennebunkport was the final destination on our New England road trip. The following morning, we had a great breakfast at the Portland Diner and drove over 10 hours back to our home in Prince Edward Island.
I really enjoyed our time in ME and MA. After a 22 year absence, it brought back a flood of memories seeing all these places I used to enjoy visiting when I lived in Massachusetts from 1994 to 2000. I do not miss living in the Boston area, but I do enjoy being a tourist once more.
