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A lot of conjecture and mystery surrounds the history of Valentine's Day--and the story of its patron saint. February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and St. Valentine's Day contains shades of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition.

At least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus are recognized by the Catholic Church, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served in Rome during the third century. Emperor Claudius II supposedly outlawed marriage for young men during his rule, feeling that single men made better soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. 

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons. According to one legend, the imprisoned Valentine sent the first "valentine" greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl--possibly his jailor Asterius’ daughter--who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed "From your Valentine," an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is speculative at best, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and--most importantly--romantic figure.

From A Pagan Festival in February to A Day for Romance

While some hold that Valentine's Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine's death or burial--which probably occurred around A.D. 270--others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine's feast day in the middle of February in an effort to "Christianize" the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. 

Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity but was eventually squashed by the church. At the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine's Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became irrevocably associated with love. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London.

In addition to the United States, Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology and cheaper postage. 

In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as "scrap." Today, next to Christmas, Valentine’s Day is the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. According to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year.

Celebrate Valentine's Day Maine Style

During the month of February we are running a February is for Lovers promotion where folks who book a two night stay can request a complimentary reward of a fresh rose, a box of Harbor Candy Shop chocolates, and a half bottle of Prosecco. In addition, some local shops are offering special February discounts. At Nabos Apparel, any jewelry purchase comes with a 20% discount. At Carrots & Company, take 25 % off storewide and 30% off all jewelry. At Twigs, take 30% off all jewelry.

Who doesn't like a good chill going up and down their spine? It is the time of year where spooky happenings abound. We have put together a collection of events that offer folks interesting ways to learn about local history and even take in musical, storytelling, and dance performances that tap into the macabre. Enjoy!

ALL SOULS' WALK

This narrated historical walk with costumed interpreters begins at the museum and covers a half-mile loop through Kennebunk’s Hope Cemetery. Not too spooky, it’s a perfect activity for the whole family. Each tour lasts about one hour, and they run continuously starting at 1 PM. The last tour departs at 4 PM.  Costumed interpreters cast from the local community will portray the historical figures at the gravesites. Participants will learn local history through the fascinating and often tragic tales of residents from bygone eras. There will be stories about ill-fated sea captains, a Civil War soldier killed in battle, children lost at sea, a Kennebunk girl’s calamity atop Mount Washington and other Kennebunk notables from the past 250 years. Tours conclude back at the museum, with cider and treats.

The event will take place rain or shine. Tickets are $10 per person or $30 per family; no advance reservations required except for large groups.

ALL SOULS' DINNER

In conjunction with the All Souls' Walk, the third annual All Souls' Dinner will be held at Duffy’s Tavern and Grill, 4 Main Street, Kennebunk. Cocktails will be available starting at 6:30 PM. Dinner (choice of four entrées) will be served at 7 PM. In the ancient All Souls’ tradition, an empty chair will be left at each table in honor of the dearly departed. The cost is $25 per person with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Brick Store Museum. Advance reservations are required by calling the museum at 207-985-4802.

The Brick Store Museum is located at 117 Main Street in Kennebunk’s historic district. For more than 70 years, the museum has been dedicated to preserving and exhibiting the region’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday Year-round. For more information visit www.brickstoremuseum.org or call 207-985-4802.

9th ANNUAL OGUNQUITFEST

Featuring the Bridge to Beach Bed Race, scarecrow contest, haunted house, classic car show, scavenger hunt, ghost stories and tours, wagon rides, marketplace, pumpkin and cookie decorating, costume parade, high heel race, crafts and more. October 19 through October 21. Sponsored by the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce. For more information: 207-646-2939 or www.visitogunquit.org.

WALK AMONG THE SHADOWS IV: SOULS AT SEA

Hear tales of long-dead residents inside the oldest resting place in Portland.
WHEN: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. October 18-20 and October 25-27; tours leave every 15 minutes
WHERE: Eastern Cemetery, Congress Street, Portland
HOW MUCH: $10; $5 for kids under 12
INFO: spiritsalive.org

WICKED WALKING TOURS

Learn about Portland's dark legends and ghostly tales during a twisted tour through the Old Port.
WHEN: 8 p.m. October 19-20, October 23, 25-26, 29, and 31
WHERE: Meet at Bell Buoy Park near Casco Bay Lines, Portland
HOW MUCH: $15; reservations required
INFO: wickedwalkingtours.com

TALES OF TERROR AT VICTORIA MANSION

Victoria Mansion would like to invite you to the 6th annual Tales of Terror! Spine-tingling stories from nineteenth-century writers are read and performed as the Mansion's lights are dimmed to gaslight levels.

There are four performances:
Friday, October 19 at 6 & 8pm (general audiences).
Saturday, October 20 at 6pm (kids 10 & under) & 8pm (general audiences). 

On Friday night, storyteller/playwright Lynne Cullen will tell two frightening stories by great writers of Victorian horror fiction: The Family of the Vourdalak by Aleksey K. Tolstoy and Louella Miller by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman.
To learn more about Lynne, please visit her website HERE.

On Saturday night, storyteller and actress Brittany Cook will perform Poe’s Menagerie: A Radio Play featuring some of the Writer’s Best-Known Beasts. Saturday’s 6pm performance is especially for families with kids 10 & under and includes The Conqueror Worm followed by Hop-Frog, both by Edgar Allan Poe. Saturday’s 8pm performance is for general audiences and will include The Black Cat, followed by The Raven.

To register for a seating, please click the appropriate link below. Registration opens September 21, 2012

Admission:  Adults $20, Museum Members $15, 17 & under $10
Friday, October 19
6pm
8pm
Saturday, October 20
6pm (for children 10 & under) SOLD OUT
8pm

'PHANTOM OF THE OPERA' WITH THE KOTZSCHMAR

Watch the classic 1925 silent film accompanied by organist Scott Foppaino. The Portland Ballet performs "Danse Macabre" before the film.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28
WHERE: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland
HOW MUCH: $18
INFO: tickets.porttix.com

SYMPHONY SPOOKTACULAR

Hear some of the best-known spooky music under the direction of conductor Robert Moody. Portland Ballet will dance during a piece from "Twilight" and lead the audience in the zombie dance from Michael Jackson's "Thriller."
WHEN: 2:30 p.m. Oct. 30
WHERE: Merrill Auditorium, 20 Myrtle St., Portland
HOW MUCH: $10
INFO: tickets.porttix.com

Kennebunkport is a very pet-friendly town. Many shops, restaurants, and lodging establishments actively welcome dogs, putting out water bowls and sometimes even treats. We have five pet-friendly rooms here at the Inn so we have done some homework to suss out places where folks can dine, lounge or play with their pets.

Beaches

Kennebunk Beach is extremely dog friendly. From June 15th until September 15th dogs are allowed on the beach before 9am and after 5pm. Dogs must either be on a leash or the owner must be carrying a leash.

Goose Rocks Beach requires that dogs always be on a leash. Dogs are allowed before 8am and after 6pm. At all other times of the year there are no restrictions at either beach other than leash requirements and clean-up.

Trails

The Bridle Path - Flat dirt path about two miles long that parallels the Mousam River. This is a lovely walk through the woods along the water. Accessible from Sea Road (parking at Sea Road School) and Route 9 (limited parking), Kennebunk.

Kennebunk Land Trust Preserves are open to the public for recreational enjoyment. Properties are marked clearly by signs and trail blazing. Motorized vehicles, fires and camping are not allowed. www.kennebunklandtrust.org.

1. Alewive Woods Preserve, Cole Road, West Kennebunk. Nearly 626 acres, the forested preserve features a 45-acre pond. Access to the pond is via a loop that is 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 miles depending on trail chosen.

2. Clark Preserve, Emmons Road, Kennebunk. The forested 90-acre tract has frontage on the Kennebunk River and a half-mile trail for hiking.

Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, 321 Port Road (Route 9), Wells. 
The Carson Trail is a one-mile walk with salt marsh and river views. Leashed dogs are allowed. The trail is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Handicapped accessible. A trail map is available online: www.fws.gov/northeast/rachelcarson/aboutus.html.

Kennebunkport Conservation Trust, Gravelly Brook Road, Kennebunkport. A variety of trails are offered in three locations. Trails maps are available online: www.kporttrust.org.

1. Emmons Preserve, Gravelly Brook Road. Mark and Gail Roller Trail, Jeremy’s Trail and Jenne’s Trail feature short interconnnecting walks through woods and fields and along the Batson River. Parking is available.

2. Tyler Preserve, Tyler Brook Road, just off Mills Road and south of Beachwood Road, Kennebunkport. Access is on the paved road to left side of a private drive with parking available for four to six vehicles. The trail is one mile long with scenic, river views including waterfalls. There are benches and picnic areas.

3. Town Forest, Guinea Road, Kennebunkport. Over 1000 acres of pristine wildlife habitat with large ledge outcroppings, vernal pools and rare flora and fauna, the yellow-marked Jim and Agnes Steel Trail is 1 ½ miles long and one-way. Parking is available for four to six cars.

Vaughan Woods State Park, 28 Oldsfields Road (off Route 236), South Berwick. The 250-acre wildlife sanctuary has three miles of walks through old-growth stands of pine and hemlock and along the Salmon Falls River; one trail leads to the 18th century Hamilton House. Trails are steep and uneven in some sections. Resources: parking area, outdoor cooking facilities, picnic tables, restroom. Leashed dogs allowed. Admission fee. A trail map is available online: Maine State Parks.

Mount Agamenticus, Mountain Road, York. At 692 feet, Mt. Agamenticus was once a radar lookout during World War II and later a ski resort called the Big A. It offers spectacular views from the summit where migrating hawks can be spotted and offers a variety of trails from the summit and the base. For hikers with just a short time to spend, there are two loops: from the summit, Witch Hazel to Ring Trail (north/left) to Horse Trail, 0.8 mile, intermediate; from Mountain Road, Ring Trail (east/left) to Witch Hazel to Sweet Fern to Ring Trail (west/left), 1.5 miles. Eight trails range from moderate to difficult. Ring Trail is good for families. Open during daylight hours. Seasonal portable restrooms. Trail maps are available online: www.agamenticus.org.

Restaurants

What better way to enjoy your stay than to go out to eat with your pooch. The following is an unofficial list of local restaurants with pet friendly outdoor seating. We would highly recommend you contact the restaurant to confirm your furry friend is welcome.

Cape Pier Chowder House
207-967-0123
79 Pier Road, Cape Porpoise

Old Vines Wine Bar & Tapas Restaurant
207-967-2310
173 Port Rd, Lower Village Kennebunk

Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant
207-967-5544
181 Port Rd, Lower Village Kennebunk

Ryan’s Corner House Irish Pup & Restaurant
207-967-3564
17 Western Ave., Lower Village Kennebunk

The Colony Hotel
207-967-3331
140 Ocean Ave. Kennebunkport

The Kennebunk Inn
207-985-3351
45 Main Street, Kennebunk

50 Local
207-985-0850
50 Main Street Kennebunk

Shops

Scalawags - Scalawags is a neat shop with some great and unique items for dogs. Check out some of the “Made in Maine” toys for dogs. Mary Beth Kvaka is the owner of Scalawags and could be described as the ambassador of Kennebunkport for dog people. She is a fantastic resource, and can point you in the right direction for more dog friendly Maine places. Check out her website for more information: www.scalawagsonline.com.

Fetch - If you head north out of town for a drive along the waterfront, Portland is a worthwhile destination and FETCH is a can’t miss shop. You'll find the most innovative, well-constructed or just plain fun toys and gear from companies like RC Pet, Ruffwear, Upcountry, Lupine, Bison, Silverfoot, Ella Dish and more. Dive into their bins of dog coats and sweaters in wool and fleece, booties for city walking and mountain hiking. Then try out their lofty, sturdy beds that look great and keep their shape after many washings. Don't forget about their latest addition, a self-serve dog-wash station! www.fetchportland.com.

Planet Dog - The Planet Dog store is a real treat for pet owners. It's a fun place to take the dogs whether you're getting food, toys or visiting the groom shop. Planet Dog makes their own "orbee-tuff" toys which are mint scented as well. These toys are durable, fun and even float! This store also has an incredible selection of high quality food and treats. www.planetdog.com.

Is there really anyone who doesn’t like ice cream or its close cousins? What could be more perfect than cooling off on a warm day with a palate pleasing cone of Chai Cardamom ice cream or a delectable dish of Vanilla Bean gelato. If you are looking for something a bit less guilt inducing, you can even score fat free frozen yogurt. Kennebunkport and the Lower Village of Kennebunk are fortunate to have a wealth of frozen treat establishments. While not a comprehensive list, below are some of the many places in town to indulge in cold, creamy comfort food.

Rococo Artisan Ice Cream - 6 Spring Street, Kennebunkport, ME - 207-251-6866
Rococo Artisan Ice Creams are made from fresh, real ingredients and hand-crafted in small batches at their shop located in Kennebunkport. They are committed to using only the best ingredients and all natural dairy from local farms to create unique flavors like Honey Vanilla, Ginger Trifecta, Strawberry Basil and Chai Cardamom.

Aunt Marie’s - 10 Ocean Ave., Kennebunkport, ME - 207- 967-0711
Aunt Marie’s features Maine-made Gifford’s ice cream.  Made from fresh cream and top-quality ingredients, it has an old-fashioned, super-rich “ice cream stand” flavor. The history of Gifford’s Ice Cream goes back five generations. Flavor favorites include Maine Maple Walnut and Maine Wild Blueberry.

Ben & Jerry’s - 5 Union Street, Kennebunkport, ME - 207-967-2322
Ben & Jerry’s is a New England original offering unique flavors of ice cream and frozen yogurt. The ice cream has a high milk fat content that makes it super-creamy. Though it has grown exponentially from its humble beginnings in a converted gas station in Vermont, the company maintains its mission to create high quality all-natural products while promoting business practices that respect children and families, the environment and sustainable agriculture on family farms.

Willard Scoops - 21B Western Ave., Kennebunk, ME - 207-232-3618
Willard Scoops offers homemade ice cream and ices made fresh daily on site. They use specialty ingredients in many of their flavors and strive to be as all natural as possible.

Dock Square Coffee House - 18 Dock Square, Kennebunkport, ME - 207-967-4422
Dock Square Coffee House features gelato from The Gelato Fiasco’s Creation Kitchen in Brunswick. The gelato is created in small batches using only the best ingredients. From Stracciatella to Strawberry and Vanilla Bean to Rocky Road, you’ll find a rotating list of flavors that is simply delicious.

H.B. Provisions - 15 Western Ave., Kennebunk, ME - 207 967-5762
H.B. Provisions serves up Shain’s of Maine premium ice cream. Cones, cups, shakes, etc, take your pick as you dive into unique flavors like Maine Survivor or familiar standbys like Butter Pecan or French Vanilla.

Yo Goody’s - 13 Western Ave., Kennebunk, ME 04043
Yo Goody’s features five self-serve machines that hold either fat-free frozen yogurt or soft serve ice cream. Flavors can be dispensed individually or combined in a “twist” to create combinations like Strawberry Cheesecake.  Yogurt and ice cream are sold by weight and a wide array of mix-ins are available, including things like Cocoa Puffs cereal, Snickers, Oreos, almonds, and fresh fruit.

We always look forward to Memorial Day as an unofficial start to the summer season. Kennebunkport celebrates Memorial Day on Monday, May 28th with an old-fashioned parade of military veterans, floats, and the high school marching band. You might even see George H. W. Bush (#41) and Barbara participating in the ceremonies. The celebration brings the community together and is equally enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Another fun upcoming event is the 3rd Annual Flower Power Fashion Show - Caring in Full Bloom presented by the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, May 31^st from 5-8:00pm at The Colony Hotel. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served from 5-6:30pm. The event will feature a runway style fashion show showcasing the latest styles from Kennebunk’s finest in fashion. There will also be a silent auction and goody bags with many great prizes! Some proceeds from the event will benefit the Maine Cancer Foundation. Tickets can be purchased through the Chamber website: http://www.visitthekennebunks.com/events/2012_flower_power_fashion_show/

You also won’t want to miss the opportunity to check out the Designer Show House at the former Kenneth Roberts Estate, Rocky Pastures, in Kennebunkport. From Saturday, June 23, through Saturday, July 14, the Kennebunkport Historical Society is sponsoring the Show House. The Kenneth Roberts Estate is a sprawling stone house that was built for Kenneth Roberts in 1938 by the architect Frazier Forman Peters of Westport, CT.  Set in rolling meadows and wooded areas with ancient stone walls, Rocky Pastures is a 6,000 square foot house with 12 rooms that was recently updated, combining old world charm with modern conveniences.  The property is a stone’s throw from Kennebunkport’s picturesque Ocean Avenue.  It was here that Kenneth Roberts penned his popular novels of historical fiction that earned him a 1957 Pulitzer Prize in the Special Awards and Citations category. This is the first time the house has ever been open to the general public.  Tickets are $20 per person and are available through the Society, the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce, and the Nonantum Resort.

As crocus and daffodils begin to muscle their way through the soil after their long winter nap, another kind of awakening is taking place in town. After taking breathers of anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, many local restaurants are throwing their doors open again for business. We are very fortunate to have an absolutely amazing selection of restaurants in the area, ranging from humble lobster shacks to white tablecloths and china to pretty much everything in between. So wake up your palates and come sample some of the wonderful food that can be found in and around the area.

Some places that recently opened for the season or will open soon are:

Arrows - Opening April 7th - Arrows is a true country restaurant:  proscuittos and charcuterie are created on premise, fish of all types are prepared in the onsite smoke house, breads and pastries are created by a master pastry chef, and Arrows organic garden provides up to 90% of the restaurant’s produce needs. www.arrowsrestaurant.com

Bandaloop - Opening April 17th - Bandaloop is known for its use of organic and local foods, many vegetarian and vegan options, and an array of appetizers, entrees, and sauces to choose from. Everything is created in house, from the organic bread and sauces straight through to the desserts. www.bandaloop.biz

Cape Arundel Inn - Recently extended their hours to include Tuesday - Saturday from 5:30-9 PM and Special Sunday Suppers from 4-7 PM. - Cape Arundel Inn offers a combination of inventive Maine cuisine paired with warm, professional service and breathtaking ocean views. Be sure to arrive early to have a cocktail in their cozy living room or on their ocean view porch. www.capearundelinn.com

Hurricane - Opening April 6th - Hurricane serves only the freshest seafood and lobster and they feature many satisfying vegetarian dishes. Steak and chop lovers will easily find something on the menu to tempt them and their in-house pastry chef will delight your sweet tooth. www.hurricanerestaurant.com

Kennebunkport Inn's One Dock - Opened March 30th - After a total off-season makeover One Dock is now open with a fresh new look. Situated in a wonderful location overlooking the Kennebunk River, One Dock offers creative, contemporary New England cuisine and traditional Maine favorites with a bold fusion flair. www.onedock.com

Mabel's Lobster Claw - Opening April 5th - Owners Stephanie and Robert Fischer take great pride in serving the freshest quality pieces of  fish, steaks, and lobsters available.  Homemade pies, blueberry bread, and corn muffins are baked every morning on the premises. www.mabelslobster.com

On the Marsh - Opening April 5th - Ethnicity of cuisine flows through On the Marsh's menu which features the freshest products from local growers. All of their cuisine is prepared in house with a focus on the individual's palate. www.onthemarsh.com

Ryan's Corner House Irish Pub - Opened March 17th (of course!) - This Irish Pub is the real deal, serving up plates of Bangers and Mash, Shepherd’s Pie, and loads of potatoes!

If you primarily associate March in Maine with mud and the still real and present danger of snow squalls, you may want to recalibrate your thinking. Marking its fourth year of providing a late winter culinary pick-me-up, Maine Restaurant Week kicks off February 29th and runs through March 10^th, offering the perfect opportunity to cozy up and flirt with all of those restaurants with whom you keep meaning to make a date.

Restaurant Week is more than just a celebration of the depth and breadth of Maine’s fantastic food scene. The buzz it generates gives restaurants a much-needed boost by getting people excited about eating out during what can be a slow time of year. Plus, thousands of dollars have been raised for local non-profit organizations since the inaugural Maine Restaurant Week in 2009.

A list of participating restaurants is available at www.mainerestaurantweek.com.The list will continue to expand through March 1, 2012. At this point, over 70 restaurants throughout the state are confirmed for this year from towns including Portland, Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Lewiston, Auburn, Camden, Brunswick, Bangor and more. As in years past, the three-course dinners range in price from $20-$40 per person and some restaurants will be offering three-course lunches for $15. Restaurants also have the ability to identify vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options on their menus.

The Signature Event will launch Maine Restaurant Week on Wednesday evening, February 29th from 5:30-8:30 pm at the Portland Harbor Hotel, 468 Fore St., in Portland. This event will once again feature a People’s Choice competition for best cocktail and a People’s Choice competition for best dessert. New this year is the introduction of a professionally judged cocktail and a People’s Choice award for best table display. Tickets to The Signature Event start at $35.

The Incredible Breakfast Cook-off will take place Friday morning, March 9th at the Seadog Brewing Company, 125 Western Ave in South Portland, 7 am - 9 am. The Good Table, Cape Elizabeth, will return for the third year to defend its two-year title of People’s Choice winner with its decadent Crème Brulee French Toast.

For more information go to www.mainerestaurantweek.com.

Event tickets are available through www.mainerestaurantweek.com/events or www.brownpapertickets.com.

Stay informed through www.facebook.com/mainerestaurantweek and www.twitter.com/dineme.

Maine Restaurant Week is sponsored by the Swan Agency-Sotheby’s International, US Cellular, L.L. Bean, Down East Magazine, Shipyard Brewing Company, Native Maine Produce, Maine Today Media and Cumulus Radio.

 I drove down River Road in Kennebunkport one day and this is what I saw!

It seems as though there is a compost pile under this tree where the owner has disposed of pumpkins in years past. The vines then climbed the tree, seemingly unassisted and now it seems as though we have our very own pumpkin tree. Authentic and so cool! Just a little confusing when I try to explain to the three year old I nanny for that pumpkins grow on a vine on the ground and all he sees is them growing on a tree!

When I moved here I thought I would desperately miss my proximity to all my favorite retail stores. I am by no means a shopaholic, if I had to pick between shopping or walking on the beach, the choice would be easy, sand over shopping any day. But let’s face it, there comes a time in every girl's (and guy's) life where they need or would like a new piece of clothing to spice up their wardrobe. Little did I know that this fabulous town I was moving to had everything I needed within walking distance!

Yesterday I had an hour break during nannying and I was able to walk into town, get a gorgeous vineyard vines top, cute white capris, and black peep toe heels for the next night’s charity event. The whole shopping experience was effortless and relaxing. Now it does help that I'm a local so I know Caroline who owns Green and Pink Tangerine and she knows exactly what I love, but regardless she is good at what she does. She knows clothes, she knows fashion, and she carries all the designers I could hope for! And to top that off, she’s nice, personable and has great taste!  At Port Shoe I didn’t know the girl that helped me personally but she too was knowledgeable, accommodating, and extremely friendly.

The Closet, in downtown Kennebunk is always advertising the new in-style jeans, along with great tops and dresses for a fun night out on the town. Zen and Company in lower village Kennebunk has the most comfortable dress, shirts and skirts anyone could ask for. Then there is Carla’s, a unique boutique with fine clothes for everyone, and where my mother got her “mother of the bride” outfit, which was fabulous by the way! For the men, it is more limited, but what man needs numerous options anyway! Green Tangerine carries the essential vineyard vines men's wear, Dock Square Clothier has a great men’s section and for the more sophisticated man, Kings Wharf always has something for an outing. Portmanteau also carries great weekend and sports outside gear for men and women!  The list can literally go on and on.

So whether you need a Kennebunkport memento or a fabulous outfit it's all within a short walk into town (or a quick car ride away if you want to go to Kennebunk) and the experience will always be enjoyable.