Kennebunkport, The Kennebunk’s, Ogunquit, Perkins Cove, Portland, Maine
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Sunday Guides, Maine, August 2024
Cover
Maine
America’s Best Lobster Roll
Perkins Cove
The Marginal Way
Tides Beach Club
Plan a Party by the Water
Early Fall Fashion
Portland in a Day
The Best Nail Polish Ever
EDITOR’S LETTER
MICHELE ROSENTHAL, Follow me on Instagram @theparishouse
Maine’s beautiful and unique landscape entices people from all over the world to come visit. From its rugged cliffs and rocky terrain overlooking the Atlantic ocean to the most delicious lobster rolls in the world, there is something for everyone to enjoy. In this issue, we explore Kennebunkport, The Kennebunks, Ogunquit, Perkins Cove and Portland. You can stop for a day at the scenic Marginal Way at Perkins Cove, a quintessential fisherman’s village resembling a postcard that has come to life, or take quiet drives along the ocean with watercolor sunsets or head to a more hip and bustling town such as Portland. Enjoy fine dining in Kennebunkport’s superb restaurants, scenic drives along the ocean with views of Walker’s point the Bush Family compound. It is easy to see why Maine is like no other place in the world.
Our family and friends have been vacationing there for many years, so we have an insiders view of this beautiful state. In this article, we will highlight our favorite hotels, restaurants, shops, beach clubs, theaters, and more to help you plan the perfect getaway. Maine is also wonderful in the autumn where it’s quieter, the prices come down a bit and the ocean is surrounded by evergreens and vibrant fall foliage.
We have a wonderful New England, Canada, and Adirondack Autumn travel show on Joie de Vivre TV network which is based in Paris, France, more on that below in this magazine issue. We also have a more condensed Kennebunkport, Maine Sunday Guide from 2023 as well on our website.
Maine is the only place I go where my heart actually aches when we leave and I long to return each year. I have traveled the world and I love every place I go to and I often say they are all my “favorites” but Maine is extraordinary. Read below to see which restaurant received food and wine 2024 best lobster roll award in America and we couldn’t agree more. Read our tips on how to throw a party on your travels, where to find the best flowers in town, our favorite coffee shops, and the most charming little beach where we love to walk our dog Ernie.
Our favorite “Late Summer Early Fall Fashion” beauty products, local out and about day trips, recipes and favorite books are all here, in this month’s Sunday Guides!
Michele Rosenthal
Map by Courtney Palmer
Maine
Boats and Beaches
Maine is one of the most unique and recognizable places in the world. The pristine natural beauty is straight out of a novel that you can’t put down and never want to end. It’s so idyllic it seems unreal, but it is! Now we are sharing our favorite spots in Kennebunkport.
From the sound of waves crashing against the rocks along steep coastlines, to charming sailboats passing by in picturesque fishing villages, there are few places, if any, quite like Maine.
Kennebunkport is our favorite! It's incredibly quiet where we stay, and we are always met with many friendly waves saying hello from afar. We enjoy quiet evenings drinking wine on the patio before we are off to dinner. After having travelled the world on both business and pleasure, Maine is the one place we continue to return to each summer.
It feels like home. Mornings begin with coffee and pastries from the local shops, patisseries, and diners; followed by long hikes up the coast. Adventure awaits by foot, bike, car, or scenic trolley rides. The homes, ocean views, and rocky cliffs are quintessential Maine and New England. Just a few minutes up the coast, you’ll find Walker’s Point Bush Estate.
Goose Rocks Beach
Continue back down to the shopping area and you’ll find Goose Rocks Beach. It’s small and peaceful beach; perfect to read a good book, rest, or simply watch the boats pass by. It’s a short walk from several hotels including The Colony Hotel, which features grand views of the ocean.
The Colony Hotel
Foods
In our opinion, Maine lobster is the best in the world! We also love the lobster in Nova Scotia and various places in New England, however Maine lobster sets the bar very high. Homemade candy, quaint shops, and beautiful beaches are plentiful!
No visit to Kennebunkport would be complete without dining at Mabel’s Lobster Claw. It’s delicious and quite busy during the summer months. Don’t miss out on their homemade Maine blueberry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A reservation is recommended, however they always try their best to get you a table. They are open for lunch and dinner. They have an adjacent “shack” where we get our lobster orders to go when I do a catered dinner affair on our hotel patio. It’s superb!
For those who like a little nightlife, Kennebunkport is the perfect blend of peacefulness and fun activities like shopping and fine dining.
Maine Homes and Cottages
We love passing by charming cottages on our way into town with pink roses cascading over white picket fences, blue hydrangeas in gardens, and striped awnings setting the scene.
The Wedding Cake House
Shopping & Dining in Maine
The Clam Shack
Continue over the little bridge into Kennebunk. There you will find new visitors and longtime travelers to the area. Food and Wine 2024 awarded The Clam Shack, another local favorite, with the best Lobster Roll in America award! It is our favorite too!
People travel from all over to visit.
Mornings In Paris
Continue up the street a bit to Mornings In Paris. They open early and make delicious pastries & coffee. By 8am the line is out the door, and for a good reason – it’s fabulous! Time it right and the warm straight-from-the-oven pastries will melt in your mouth!
Mike’s All Day Breakfast
About a three minute drive from town is another favorite of ours, Mike’s All Day Breakfast, an old fashioned diner. They have another location in Arundel with the cutest counter to sit at. We cannot recommend the lobster omelets enough! They are usually only available at the Kennebunk location, though. The spinach, cheddar cheese, fresh lobster, and herbs are outstanding! There are many things to choose from on their menu. They open at 8am, but get there early because the line gets long fast!
Snug Harbor Farm
If you love flowers, gardens, unique gifts and beautifully curated stores, Snug Harbor Farm is not to be missed. It’s a delightful way to spend an hour browsing the gift shop and grounds.
When it comes to shopping some of my favorites are Spaces, Bliss, and Dannah For Men. I always go to Spaces to find something perfect for entertaining at our hotel, an outfit to wear out, home accessories, unique gifts, and more. It’s visually beautiful and curated flawlessly for inspiration and not to be missed! When it comes to men's clothing, unique gifts, and accessories, Dannah For Men is perfection and one of the best men’s stores anywhere! Also, we recommend visiting La La Luna, which has a new women’s store up the road at 45 Ocean Ave.
Below is our curated list of some of our favorites! There are many more that can be found online!
Hotel Views
Hotels: Tides Beach Club Maine
A fresh beachy vibe with upscale interior design, fantastic food and cocktails, a gorgeous sunset and beach club!
Yachtsman Hotel and Marina Club
Yachtsman Hotel and Marina Club is our favorite. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming facade, the bungalow style rooms boast vibrant fresh interiors. The rooms overlook the water, with boats and ducks passing by. Read a book on your private patio, it is extremely peaceful and lovely. Enjoy their light complimentary breakfast.
Other Hotels
Kennebunkport Inn, The Colony, and The White Barn Inn are also very popular!
The Colony
White Barn Inn
Sights and Adventure
Sightseeing & Things To Do
Portland, Perkins Cove, Marginal Way, Walker’s Point Bush Compound, Ogunquit Playhouse, Sunset Sailing Tours, Lobster Tours, Catered picnics on the beach, The Wedding Cake House, Saint Ann’s Church, Dock Square, Cape Porpoise, Seashore Trolley Museum, Parson’s Way Shore Walk and more!
Restaurants
Mabel’s Lobster Claw, Ocean, Mike’s All Day Breakfast, The Clam Shack, Earth at Hidden Pond, Hurricanes, Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant, White Barn Inn, The Kennebunkport Inn
Shopping
Spaces, Bliss, Daytrip Society, Snug Harbor Farm, Dannah For Men, Copper Candle, Home Ingredients, La La Luna women’s clothing
Coffee Shops & Breakfast
Coffee Roaster of The Kennebunks
Dock Square
Mike’s All Day Breakfast
Satellite Donuts
Coveside Market
Candy Shops and Ice Cream
The Candyman
Aunt Marie’s
Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove is a charming fishing village on a quaint peninsula in Ogunquit, Maine within York County. Settled in the early 1600’s, it was originally called Fish Cove. Many years later, around 1900, it became Perkins Cove.
It still thrives as a fishing village, with an artist community and magnificent views of the ocean. It has also become renowned for its delicious seafood.
One of Perkins Cove’s most famous attractions is The Marginal Way, a 1-1/2 mile Cliff Walk with stunning views of the rocky coast and Perkins Cove. It’s a gorgeous stroll with many spots to take photos of the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. We visit every year we are in Maine.
Jackie’s Too restaurant is one of our favorite places to dine in Perkins Cove. The food is very good, the service is amazing, and the views of the water, with The Marginal Way in the distance are “picture perfect.” The coconut margaritas, ice cold local beer, seafood and the spicy fried shrimp are so good that I’m tempted to head back for lunch before next August. The best part: they allow dogs!
Portland
Portland is an eclectic vibrant city that is easily walkable. Here you’ll find delicious local beer from breweries and distilleries, cozy coffee shops, scenic walks, history, art, and food that draws people in from all over. Portland has great restaurants and an abundance of excellent seafood. If you like culture, there is an art scene and plenty of shopping too! There is something for everyone to enjoy.
Portland is situated on a peninsula in Casco Bay on the Atlantic Ocean. At Gulf of Bay you can enjoy a beautiful ocean view with a delightful breeze of salty air off the water. Take a quick ferry over to Peaks Island for lunch and treat yourself to ice cream.
A must for us is going to a pub on a gorgeous Wharf Street lined in charming cobblestones. Get a coffee and a delicious cinnamon bun at Rigby Yard or a cold beer and lunch. The Staycation beer is a favorite of ours.
We had lunch on the water at The Porthole, a lively restaurant with a casual vibe overlooking the bay. On the weekends, there is music and plenty of screens showing all types of sports. They are pet friendly too! If you are bringing your dog, there are beaches, parks, and other restaurants that are also pet friendly.
Explore
Take a Ferry ride
Shop in town
Eat lobster
Stay fit with a nice walk around town
See the lighthouse
Entertainment
Video: A Summer Party by the Water in Maine
We love a good party, and even more than that, we love hosting a party! Take a look at our tips on how to throw the most stylish and delicious party in town. Each year we visit Maine, we set up a beautiful cabana tent with fresh flowers, linens, cocktails, and snacks from local businesses. Our entire family has cocktail hour as the boats pass by. You can pickup treats nearby at Coveside Market and The Coffee Roaster in town. If you are looking to cater dinner, we highly recommend Mabel’s. They can put together a lobster dinner and more! Their takeout window is fantastic, and you can order directly there for lobster and more to go. However, remember to bring your own lobster crackers! There are many good lobster kits online, and occasionally in the pharmacy in Kennebunkport center of town. We like to add them to our picnic basket so they are always with us when we need them. We get flowers from Fleurant and Snug Harbor Farms to set the scene. I also like to pack a bag with items such as linens, dishes, and various pieces to pull my table design together. I even plan my outfit around the decor. If you forget anything head over to Spaces and Bliss in Kennebunk for some stylish entertaining accoutrements. Our tents are from Business and Pleasure, which can be purchased in our “Shop the Paris House Boutique” party section.
Paris House Flowers and Events
Client Testimonial
“Michele is simply Wonder Woman! She just makes it happen with such a pleasant feeling! Highly recommend her and her beautiful home and property! What a wonderful experience!” - Charles S. (August 11, 2024)
A Gender Reveal Party designed by Paris House
Photos by Kristine Esposito
The Summer Menu
- Chunky Fresh Garden Salsa and Chips
- Sweet Corn Zucchini Torta
- Blackberry Blueberry Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Recipe: Sweet Corn Zucchini Torta with Crema
PREPARATION
-Roast 2 poblano peppers over the stove to char or in an oven
-Then chopped them up along with one chopped/diced white onion
-melt 1T. olive oil and 1T. Butter in a sauté pan.
-Add poblanos and onions cook for about five minutes, toss with some salt and pepper being careful to not burn or over brown.
-Add 2-3 fresh sweet corn kernels that you carefully cut from the corn. Toss gently to warm through.
-Remove to a plate/bowl
-Add one and a half pounds of small tender squash, zucchini sliced very thin and sauté those together in the same pan (add more butter & olive oil if need be) add a pinch salt and pepper to taste along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook until they are golden brown.
-Grate one block of Monterey Jack cheese and one crumble one block of Cotija cheese.
-layer your zucchini on bottom of oven safe gratin casserole pan. Top with onion, corn, poblano pepper mixture.
-optional- we like to sprinkle a teaspoon of a homemade taco seasoning we make, it adds a great flavor! (Cumin, chili powder, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, cayenne, garlic powder, chipotle powder, Mexican oregano) you can use any spices you like!!!
-crumbled and shredded 1/2 of the two cheeses over the top
-add 5 lighten beaten eggs, seasoned with a little sea salt or kosher salt to the top and add remaining cheeses.
-Bake in a 375 degree oven for approximately 30 minutes depending on your oven, until bubbly and golden
-Serve with a scoop of crema
We make ours with full fat Face Greek yogurt with chipotle in adobo from the can, I typically chop up one pepper and a teaspoon of the sauce, I like spicy food, add about 1 teaspoon of lime juice and some chopped cilantro.
Shop The Paris House Boutique: A Summer Party by the Water
www.shopltk.com/explore/The%20Paris%20House
Casual Stylish Looks
Early Fall
Late Summer Fashion
New England
Oceanside Style
Out for Cocktails
White Dresses
Beauty
Out And About with Paris House
Terrain Garden Party
Natirar lobster fest
Saratoga Racetrack
Newport, RI
The Hildene Vermont
Enjoy High Tea at The Madison Hotel, on the luxurious 1890’s Parlor Car
Vassar Tour of The Duke Gardens
Reading with The Paris House
The Shoemakers Wife
Adriana Trigiani
A lovely read that I wished would never end.
We Are Experiencing a Slight Delay
Gary Janetti
A witty, humorous and slightly snobby book on travel adventures that will have you laughing out loud.
The Joy of Cooking
Irma S. Rombauer
Marion Rombauer Becker, Ethan Becker, John Becker and Megan Scott
A classic cookbook that generations have embraced and learned the craft of cooking from.
The Goldfinch
Donna Tart
A heart wrenching profoundly beautiful masterpiece.
People We Meet on Vacation
Emily Henry
One of the most fun books I have ever read, especially if you love to travel.
Vacationland
Meg Mitchell Moore
A family’s secret unfolds in idyllic Maine, a great summer read.
Brunch at Bobby’s
Bobby Flay
A cookbook that delivers one easy delicious recipe after another straight to your table.
Chez Panisse Café Cookbook
Alice Waters
Alice led the fresh food to table mission in the States and created a restaurant phenomenon in the process. Dining at Chez Panisse, in Berkeley CA, remains one of the most evocative glorious food experiences of my life.
To Binge Watch
Midnight at Pera Palace
A fascinating and educational series especially as I stayed at Pera Palace in Istanbul Turkey.
Bridgerton
Visually beautifully and delightfully scandalous.
The Gilded Age
As I have been to many of the locations filmed in the series it’s only fitting that my curiosity would lead me to watch.
Emily in Paris
I love Paris, I love fashion so obviously this is a must.
House of Dragons
I never realized how much I like dragons, drama and battlefields!!!
Joie de Vivre
Watch our Lifestyle show on Joie de Vivre TV Network. Use code MICHELE10.
Sponsors/Advertisers
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Perfectly Pressed Dry Cleaner and Tailor
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Here’s Why I Like It, Sarah Siems
Sarah Siems is a luxury travel advisor providing her clients with bespoke experiences and perks. From hotels, actitivies, and favorite products, Sarah shares recommendations to create your favorite future memoires.
Love VIP treatment? Booking with Sarah means receiving unwavering support, high-value research, and exclusive perks at your hotel. Thanks to her partnerships with thousands of hotels worldwide, you can enjoy benefits such as complimentary breakfasts, resort credits, welcome amenities, room upgrades, early check-ins, and late checkouts. Experience the best in luxury travel with Sarah’s expectional service and connections.
Email: sarah.siems@fora.travel
Website: www.foratravel.com/advisor/sarah-siems
Instagram: www.instagram.com/hereswhyilikeit
YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/FitStyled
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Paula Tosonotti
Dedicated Realty
Real Estate Associate
908-256-9436
973-991-9093
Coldwell Banker Chester NJ
191 Main St Suite 2 Chester NJ
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Skyland World Travel
Located in Hackettstown, NJ. Be part of the Skyland World Travel Family. Where it is all about you! “1 phone call (908-852-7081) for all your travel needs”. https://skylandworldtravel.com/
Christen Holly Photography
The best part of being in New England in the fall is seeing all the beautiful fall colors. Capture these special moments with a photographer who embraces vibrant colors in photos that will last a lifetime!
Contact Christen at christenhollyphoto@gmail.com
View samples of work at https://www.facebook.com/christenhollyphotography and https://www.instagram.com/christenhollyphotography
About The Paris House
The Paris House, Luxury Lifestyle Brand
The Paris House is your one-stop-shop for travel destinations, unforgettable events, and editorial and personal fashion styling. Their floral arrangements are sourced from New York City’s Flower District and elevate the beauty of your events and hotel rooms. Michele’s international travel show, “The Paris House, Luxury Travel and Lifestyle Show”, is featured in the Paris based “Joie de Vivre Network”.
Whether designing in Rome, Reykjavik, NYC or beyond, Michele is always creating gorgeous moments for her clients and partners. The Paris House’s locations range from elaborate sets at its rooftop studio near NYC, events of all scales across the Northeast, and Michele’s historic New Jersey country home and gardens which has hosted parties, music videos, and photo shoots.
Company founder, Michele Rosenthal, has 30 years of experience and studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Travel and Tourism at Endicott College and holds degrees in Interior Design and Business Marketing. She helped launch a multi million dollar division of Saint Clare’s hospital in the early ‘90s.
Whatever your needs are, our company will make your vision come to life. We are content creators, portfolio builders and memory makers.
Michele is the Editor of Sunday Guides, Luxury Lifestyle & Travel media. https://theparishouse.com/