Maine's Southern Coast: St. Anthony's Franciscan Monastery

Every day when we drove from our vacation house into town, we passed the entrance to St. Anthony's Franciscan Monastery.  Noticing a sign that welcomed the public and seeing only glimpses of some lovely stonework, my husband and I became more and more curious about what was beyond the entrance.  So one evening just before dark as we were driving home from town, we decided to take a peak beyond the gate.  

We didn't go far or stay long because daylight was almost gone, but what we saw was enchanting.  We returned the next day to explore, and I'm so glad we did!  The Franciscan Monastery is located just off of Beach Road in Kennebunkport, and it's a lovely, peaceful spot to stretch your legs and be inspired.

Beautiful trails run through the property.

A small statue and prayer to St. Anthony

We saw beautiful ferns along the trails at the monastery & throughout the area.

Flowers were tucked into tree trunks and rocks along the trails.

Benches & a swing that overlook the Kennebunk River

Wander through the marsh to this quiet spot

From the bench in the marsh, you can watch the boats come and go.

Kateri Tekakwitha

Observing the harbor and downtown Kennebunkport

Lily of the Valley

Rhodedendron

Lilac

Maine's Southern Coast: Kennebunkport

Each of the towns we visited along the southern coast of Maine had it's own unique charm, but my favorite was Kennebunkport.  The people I encountered there were friendly and obviously took pride in their town.  There was a variety of restaurants, shops, and activities to keep us busy and happy, and there were many more that were within a 30-45 minute drive.  Located where the Kennebunk River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Kennebunkport's natural setting was simply beautiful.  We visited in early June before the summer tourist season really got started, so we were able to enjoy the town's easy-going, fun, and peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrived.  Kennebunkport is a great little town that is a nice blend of classy and quirky.

"Love Locks" on the bridge entering downtown Kennebunkport

Kennebunkport Harbor

Planters in downtown Kennebunkport

Take a carriage ride and see the town

The wood slices on the side of this hotel seemed to fit well
with the driftwood along the shore of the river.

Cider Mill Press

Lobster, anyone?

The Nott House, 1853
National Register of Historic Places

Mermaids and Seahorses

Lovely homes everywhere

Love these creative planters!

An adorable fairy garden. . .

. . .and fairies arriving by hot air balloon!

Evening on Kennebunkport Harbor

Maine's Southern Coast: Our Vacation Rental

Just returned home after a week on the beautiful southern coast of Maine. Traveling with my husband and me were my sister-in-law and her friend.  I wanted to find a rental home centrally located on the coast that was close to a nice beach as well as close to a quaint town for shopping and eating out.  A pretty house with a bright, beachy feel and spaces for both gathering together and enjoying some private time is what we needed.  After searching VRBO and Homeaway, I found just such a place.

"Northerly Cottage" is located in Kennebunk Beach in a small, quiet neighborhood just off Beach Road.  Less than a mile from Kennebunkport and only about 100 yards from Gooch's Beach, the house has wonderful views of both the Kennebunk River and the Atlantic ocean.

The front of Northerly Cottage in Kennebunk Beach, Maine

View of Kennebunk River from the front of Northerly Cottage

View of Kennebunk River and Kennebunkport from the front of Northerly Cottage

Back of Northerly Cottage

View of dunes, beach, and ocean from the back porch of the cottage

The cottage layout worked well for our group of four.  My sister-in-law and her friend had the entire upstairs of the house to themselves.  Each lady had her own bedroom and her own bathroom.  One of the upstairs bedrooms was the largest in the cottage and had a queen bed and an alcove with a desk and chair. The adjoining bathroom had a HUGE shower.  The other upstairs bedroom contained two twin beds and had an adjoining bathroom with a combination tub/shower.  The views are beautiful from the upstairs rooms, and there is even a small balcony off the upstairs hallway that overlooks the river.

Downstairs is a queen bedroom with a television and two closets and an adjoining bathroom with a shower.  My husband and I stayed in this room and enjoyed the ocean view from our window.

Downstairs bedroom with queen bed

Downstairs bedroom details

Pretty hardwood floors are all through the cottage.

Downstairs bathroom that connects to bedroom

Marble counters and shower

Also downstairs in Northerly Cottage are the combined living and dining room, the kitchen, a screened-in porch, and a powder room off the hall.  The living/dining area is open, bright, and comfortable, and the kitchen, though quite small, is equipped with all we needed.  The screened-in porch is connected to the living area with french doors, and had it been a little bit warmer this would have been my favorite place to read and relax.  The whole cottage is decorated in shades of blue, gray, white, and tan, and combinations of wicker, wood, chrome, and soft fabrics create a casual, pretty home that is very inviting.

Cozy gathering area in front of the fireplace and TV

The rustic mantle 

Wonderful combinations of colors, textures, and patterns

Northerly Cottage was a great base for exploring Maine's southern coast! To learn more about the house,  check out http://www.vrbo.com/987822ha.  For more about our travels in beautiful Maine, check out my blog posts in the coming days.