The borders of the towns in Southern Maine have changed about a million times over the years, and Kennebunkport is no exception with Cape Porpoise now a part of town and Arundel, ME as its own town. Cape Porpoise has been part of Kennebunkport for a long time but has its own Post Office located right inside the Bradbury Brothers Market. When you drive into Cape Porpoise, you’ll see the teeny tiny fire station, Atlantic Hall, and the local market, as well as a few other shops, restaurants and art galleries – it’s almost like a small downtown. Despite its small size, there is lots to do, and a great place to explore.
One of our favorite spots to stop in Cape Porpoise is Cape Porpoise Kitchen, a staple for gourmet prepared foods and cute kitchen and home goods that make the perfect hostess gifts. If you are heading out to Goose Rocks Beach or a picnic on the pier, this is the perfect spot to stop for a delicious meal (complete with an assortment of wines and cheeses). Need some staples like carrot sticks or a case of Coke? Head across the street to Bradbury Brothers, a local market that is known to locals for its excellent butcher, baked goods, and, of course, the Post Office! It has been the community grocery store for over 70 years, and is our go to when we find we’re missing ingredients for breakfast!
Just around the corner sits Farm + Table, an incredible shop in a classic New England red barn. Featuring the work of local artisans and emerging artists, this is the spot to find gifts and souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else. And at a reasonable price, no less! Their stock varies with the seasons and for every holiday, so you’ll rarely see the same things twice. It is definitely a shop to come back to time and time again. The Wright Gallery is another spot not to be missed. It has been 17 years since my first visit, and I will never forget it. This gallery is home to the works of incredibly talented artists, and offers much that evokes reminders of the Maine Coast, but you will also find pieces with whimsy and plenty of fun.
But no visit to Kennebunkport’s Cape Porpoise would be complete without visiting the pier, at the very end of Pier road. Really. It’s a working fish pier and if you time your visit just right, you’ll see fishermen unloading their hauls. In the evening, boats dot the harbor as they are moored for the night. From here you can see out to Goat Island which is home to our local lighthouse, and while not the smallest on the Maine Coast, it’s demure size does rank it near the bottom of the size list. But what it lacks in size it makes up for in cuteness – so don’t miss out on a chance for a great photo op. While the small park at the end of the pier is perfect for a picnic, the Cape Pier Chowder House and Pier 77 Restaurant offer excellent alternatives with the same beautiful view. Whether you come to enjoy the food, the view or the shops, Cape Porpoise definitely brings a lot to any Kennebunkport Maine vacation and should definitely find its way to your getaway “to do” list!
