October 5, 2005
Romantic Kennebunkport, Maine
By: Norman P. Goldman
Norm and Lily Goldman are a husband and wife team who meld
words with art focusing on romantic destinations.
Norm is the Editor of the team’s travel site, Sketchandtravel.com,
where you will find Norm’s travel articles and Lily’s
art work. Norm is also the Editor of the book reviewing and author
interviewing site, Bookpleasures.com.
The latter comprises over twenty five international book reviewers
who come from all walks of life and who review all genres.
Kennebunkport- what an unusual name for a town!
According to the town's historical society the name is of Native
American origin. It translates from kini-banek "long cut bank,"
and refers to the "Great Hill" or a grassy high cliff
projecting into a large body of water.
Located on the southern coast of Maine, about twenty five miles
below Portland, it is 88 miles from Boston, 298 miles from New York
and 188 miles from Hartford.
History tells us that at least five centuries before the first
Europeans arrived here, and perhaps even thousands of years earlier,
Native Americans inhabited Kennebunkport.
In 1630, it was called Cape Porpus (Porpoise), and in 1719, it
was changed to Arundel.
Finally, in 1820, when the town was a very busy port playing a pivotal
role in the maritime industry second only to Portland, it became
known as Kennebunkport.
Prosperous sea captains, merchants and shipbuilders vastly contributed
to the town's fortunes, and were instrumental in building some of
the prettiest homes and churches in the region.
They also were influential in creating one of the wealthiest villages
in the state.
Seizing the many opportunities, the Europeans believed that the
new world was only an extension of their old homeland. Consequently,
the homes they built, the communities that evolved and the names
they gave to the various villages and towns only reflected their
own cultural heritage.
Today, you can still view some of these Colonial residences if
you meander along the tree- lined streets that surround Dock Squarein
the center of its historic district.
When the shipbuilding era ended in the 19th century, the age of
the summer visitor followed. During the latter part of the 1800s
the idyllic and romantic image of Maine with its rugged and scenic
beauty played an immense role in attracting Kennebunkport's earliest
summer visitors.
The Boston and Maine Railroad transported several thousand-summer
visitors to Kennebunk, where a station had been established. In
1900 the Atlantic Shore Line trolley system was constructed carrying
visitors to their various destinations and making access easy.
Interesting to note is that Maine's publicity slogan, "Vacationland,"
can be traced to the publicists of the Maine Central Railroad in
the late 1890s.
These summer visitors, as do the visitors of today, enjoyed the
various beaches located in and around Kennebunkport, such as Gooch's
Beach, Goose Rocks Beach, Mother's Beach and Middle Beach.
It was fishing that attracted the earliest settlers, and this attraction
has continued today, as the excellent fishing spots located in and
around Kennebunkport lure many a traveler. Only minutes away is
Cape Porpoise, where you can watch lobster fishermen unloading their
catch for the day and even purchase all the fresh lobster you can
eat right out of the traps.
ATTRACTIONS
One of the most popular attractions of this seafaring town is a
drive along Ocean Avenue, where you can participate with many others
in Bush-watching. The 11-acre estate of former President George
Bush and his wife, Barbara, is located on Walker's Point overlooking
the ocean.
How about experiencing an old fashion trolley ride? Check out the
the Seashore Trolley Museum, where you will be able to catch one
of these rides.
Take a scenic cruise down the Kennebunk River for a romantic jaunt.
There are also the many art galleries to explore, guided kayak
tours, whale watching and nature charters, the Kennebunkport Brewery,
and summer theatre in and around Kennebunkport.
In Kennebunk just minutes away from Kennebunkport you will find
the most photographed home in Maine, the Wedding Cake House.
ROMANTIC DINING
Once you have explored this charming little town, you may want
to experience a dining establishment that according to its owner,
Denise Rubin, "is not only a feast for the palate, but also
a feast for the eyes." And that it is.
On The Marsh, located in a restored farmhouse and barn on three
acres of tidal marsh, has been named for the past two years by People's
Choice as the most romantic restaurant. It has also been honored
with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for superb cuisine,
wine cellar and ambiance in 2003'.
If you have a glance at its European country classic cuisineyou
can well understand the magic quality that makes discriminating
diners zero in on this restaurant.
As soon as you step into the front door you are amazed at how a
dilapidated building, previously known as the Salt Marsh Tavern,
had been transformed into a first class dining establishment by
its owner Denise Rubin. In one word it can only be described as
"magnifique."
Rubin, with a keen eye and a very vivid imagination, realized the
potential of having a restaurant overlooking marshes, where tiny
white lights adorning the property's cedar and pine trees, would
be nothing less than stunning.
What caught Lily's artistic eye was Rubin's knack of incorporating
a Harlequin touch in the restaurant's décor, such as the
black and white diamond table clothes, and some of the collection
of art, antiques, furnishings and collectables. Apparently all of
these items are ever changing, and all are available for purchase.
Add an elegant and exciting menu together with an outstanding wine
cellar, and you have an unbelievable romantic ambience. For that
special romantic rendezvous you can even request to be seated at
a table hidden away in an alcove, where many a wedding proposal
has transpired.
On the other hand, if you are curious about what goes on behind
the scenes, the restaurant's staff will set you up in the kitchen,
where you can experience how one of the finest chefs and his staff
carry out their culinary skills.
There is also the owner's table where the chef will prepare a special
menu for you including the opportunity to savor various wines from
their extensive collection.
What makes On The Marsh one of the most outstanding restaurants
in the State of Maine is its creative dishes and perfect presentation.
This was quite evident when we had the opportunity to sample some
of the Sushi Entrees followed by the house salad of assorted greens
and crisp romaine marinated red onions, and grape tomatoes. The
principal entrée consisted of the potato and basil crusted
Atlantic Salmon Filet, horseradish-thyme beurre blanc, crushed Yukon
Gold potatoes.
The pièce de resistance was the trio of crème brulée
and the lemon cheesecake.
There is no doubt that anyone who has had the opportunity to experience
this fine restaurant will return time and time again.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
On The Marsh
46 Western Avenue-Rte 9
Lower Village-Kennebunkport, Maine
Tel: 207-967-2299
Fax: 207-967-3456
Email: info@onthemarsh.com
Kennebunk-Kennebunkport Chamber of Commerce
PO BOX 740
Kennebunk, Maine, 04043
Tel: 207-967-0857
Email: info@visitthekennebunks.com
See also: The White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport
See also: The Colony Hotel, Kennebunkport
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