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Melding words with art as travel writer Norm Goldman
and his
artist wife, Lily Goldman, seek out unique romantic destinations
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for more "A Brush with Romance" articles
Romantic
Kennebunkport, Maine
by Norm Goldman
Artwork by Lily Azerad-Goldman
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.
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 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 cuisine
you 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 collectibles. 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 ambiance. 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 piece de resistance was the trio of creme
brulee 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.
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"
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History
of Kennebunkport
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
Square in 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.
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