7 Ways to Enjoy Winter in Arundel and the Kennebunks

Winter in the Kennebunks is nothing short of magical. A short drive down Summer Street and you may begin to feel as though you were being transported into a life-sized snow globe. While the low temps often keep visitors indoors there is plenty to get out and do in the winter months. From the beautiful natural landscape to the rich and storied history you can create a unique and memorable experience. Below are some of our favorite winter activities to enjoy in the Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport area.

1. Ice Skating at the Waterhouse

Grab your ice skates and head to the Waterhouse located off Main Street in Kennebunk. Be sure to swing by Boulangerie to pick up a coffee (or hot chocolate) and some fresh baked goods! Don’t worry if you forgot your skates, Gorham Bike & Ski in Kennebunk (near Hannaford) offers skate rentals for the day. For more information please visit: https://www.kennebunkmaine.us/595/Ice-Rink

2. Walk Welch Woods and Watch the Ice Flows

Welch Woods, part of the Arundel Conservation Trust, is located off River Road in Arundel. It is a short and scenic trail that leads you down to the Kennebunk River. This is one of our favorite spots to sit and hang out watching the ice flows on a cold winter day. The local boy scouts built two sturdy and beautiful benches that overlook the river.

3. Winter Hiking at Emmons Preserve

The Emmons Preserve is a beautiful space that is part of the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust. For a longer hike hop on the Batson River Trail, those looking for a shorter hike should hop on Learning Trail. Parking is available at the Conservation Trust Headquarters located at 57 Gravelly Brook Road. For more information visit: http://www.kporttrust.org/emmons-preserve

4. Snowshoe at the Alewive Woods Preserve

The Alewive Trail is a beautiful piece of land that is part of the Kennebunk Land Trust off Cole Road in West Kennebunk. Grab your snowshoes and hit the trails that wind through 625 acres of land and lead to a scenic and peaceful Alewive pond. Don’t forget to pack gloves, a warm hat, hand warmers, wool socks and some hiking poles. For more information visit: http://kennebunklandtrust.org/preserves/alewive-woods-preserve/

5. Visit the Classic Car Museum at Motorland

For those frigid days where you are looking to stay indoors, we recommend swinging by Arundel’s Classic Car Museum at Motorland. The museum features an amazing collection of antique cars that will take you back in time. The car museum is open daily from 10am-5pm and is only $10/person for entry. For more information visit their website: http://motorlandamerica.com/classic-cars-for-saletrade/about-us/

Image courtesy of Chris Larochelle of Minka.

6. Visit the Brick Store Museum

The popular museum, open year-round, is an ideal place to dive into the local history, art, and culture through exhibitions, education, and programs celebrating the human experience in the Kennebunks and surrounding communities. For more information visit: http://www.brickstoremuseum.org/visit/

7. Eat Local

Looking to recharge and refuel after your adventures? Grab a warm bowl of homemade soup or a seasonal special at Bandaloop restaurant. One of our favorite restaurants relocated in fall of 2019 from Kennebunkport to Arundel and is open year-round offering fresh, local vegetarian and vegan options. The cozy fireplace in this renovated historic barn makes it the perfect stop for a bite to eat on a winter Maine day. For menu and restaurant information: https://www.bandalooprestaurant.com/