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Kennebunk, ME

Frequently asked questions

Kennebunk, ME

Kennebunk is a town in York County, Maine, United States. Kennebunk is home to several beaches, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, the 1799 Kennebunk Inn, many historic shipbuilders' homes, the Brick Store Museum, and the Nature Conservancy Kennebunk Plains (known locally as the Blueberry Plains), with 1,500 acres (6 km2) of nature trails and blueberry fields.

The municipality includes the constituent villages of Kennebunk Village (Town), the Lower Village (Lower Kennebunk), Kennebunk Landing (the Landing), Bartlett Mills, West Kennebunk, Kennebunk Beach, Lords Point, Coopers Corner Crossing, Sea Roads Crossing, Webahennet Grove, and Vinegarhill, Cheshire Commons, Kennebunk Meadows, and various newer neighborhoods. It does not include Kennebunkport, which is a separate town.

First settled in 1621, the town developed as a trading and, later, shipbuilding until 1918, and a shipping center with light manufacturing. It was part of the town of Wells and Arundel until 1820 when it was incorporated as a separate town. "Kennebunk, the only village in the world so named," was featured on a large locally famous sign attached to the Kessler Shoe Mill on Route One. To the Abenaki people, Kennebunk means "the long cut bank," presumably the long bank behind Kennebunk Beach.

The Lafayette Elm was a tree that was planted to commemorate General Lafayette's 1825 visit to Kennebunk. It became famous for its age, size, and survival of the Dutch elm disease that destroyed the hundreds of the other elms that once lined Kennebunk's streets. The elm is featured on the town seal.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 43.87 square miles (113.62 km2), of which 35.05 square miles (90.78 km2) is land and 8.82 square miles (22.84 km2) is water. Kennebunk is drained by the Kennebunk River and Mousam River.

The town is a popular summer tourist destination, which drives the local economy. Summer Street was Maine's first Historic District that was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Lower Alewive Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

Kennebunk contains fine examples of early architecture, the most noted of which is the Wedding Cake House, a Federal-style dwelling extensively decorated with scroll saw Gothic trim. This was added to the house for his wife of many years by George Washington Bourne late in his life, and not as legend has it by a ship captain for a young bride lost at sea.

The town places a strong emphasis on health and wellness, with Southern Maine Health Care serving as a prominent healthcare provider for residents. The town's proximity to the Atlantic Ocean provides opportunities for outdoor activities, with sandy beaches and scenic trails attracting locals and tourists alike. The Kennebunk Land Trust actively works to preserve natural spaces, ensuring that the community has access to green areas for recreation and relaxation. The town's commitment to wellness is evident in its promotion of an active lifestyle and access to healthcare services.

The top sites in Kennebunk, ME are the Brick Store Museum, Kennebunk Free Library, and Wedding Cake House.

Population: 11,536 (2020). ZIP Code: 04043. Area code: 207. Elevation: 92 ft (28 m). Incorporated: June 24, 1820. Area: 43.87 sq mi (113.62 km2).

FAQs

What is Kennebunk, ME known for?

Kennebunk is home to several beaches, the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, the 1799 Kennebunk Inn, many historic shipbuilders' homes, the Brick Store Museum, and the Nature Conservancy Kennebunk Plains (known locally as the Blueberry Plains), with 1,500 acres (6 km2) of nature trails and blueberry fields. Kennebunk contains fine examples of early architecture, the most noted of which is the Wedding Cake House, a Federal-style dwelling extensively decorated with scroll saw Gothic trim. This was added to the house for his wife of many years by George Washington Bourne late in his life, and not as legend has it by a ship captain for a young bride lost at sea.

What is the difference between Kennebunk and Kennebunkport, ME?

A lot of people don't know that Kennebunk and Kennebunkport are two separate towns. The Kennebunk River separates the two towns, and you can walk on the bridge between them. They share a middle and high school and some other things, but they are mostly governed separately. This area of Maine has been a popular vacation destination for a long time, especially in the summer months.

Is Kennebunk Maine a nice place to live?

The Kennebunks are the best community to call home! In 2015, Down East Magazine named the Kennebunks a Reader’s Choice “Best Places to Live” community; in 2014, the honor went to Arundel! The communities offer all the necessary components for a good quality of life — superior education, low crime rate, superb beaches, rivers, parks and trails, and great neighbors. It’s also rich with architecture, boutique shopping, art galleries, and a variety of restaurants.

Sources

Wikipedia

Town of Kennebunk

Southern Maine Health Care

Kennebunk Land Trust

The Town of Kennebunkport, ME

Brick Store Museum

Kennebunk Free Library 

Wedding Cake House

Southern Belle in Training

Go Kennebunks

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