Calling All Landlubbers and Lobstah Roll Lovers: Your Guide to Escaping NYC for Kennebunkport, Maine
Ah, Kennebunkport, Maine. The land of glistening lighthouses, quaint harbor villages, and enough lobster rolls to sink a battleship (but hopefully not your vacation budget). You've dreamt of strolling the salty shores, breathing in that crisp Maine air, and maybe even catching a glimpse of a certain presidential family (or at least their summer digs). But here's the thing, my friend: between the concrete jungle and that picturesque coastline lies a bit of a distance. Fear not, weary traveler! This guide will be your compass on the high seas of travel planning, guiding you from the neon lights of Broadway to the charming streets of Kennebunkport.
Take Flight, Fancy Pants: The Speed Demon's Delight
Let's face it, in today's world, sometimes you just gotta get there fast. For those who view travel as a means to an end (namely, stuffing your face with lobster rolls), then setting your sights on the sky is the way to go. Flights from NYC to Portland International Jetport (PWM), the closest airport to Kennebunkport, are plentiful and can whisk you away in under two hours. Just be prepared to, you know, actually be at the airport on time and deal with potential security lines (those TSA agents are no joke). But hey, you'll be in beach bum mode before you can say "chowdah."
Pro tip: Pack light! Airlines love to nickel and dime you for extra baggage, so channel your inner minimalist and cram everything into a carry-on. Unless, of course, your travel essential is a life-sized lobster costume. In that case, all bets are off.
Hitting the Road: A Scenic Adventure (with a Side of Traffic Jams)
For those who crave a bit more adventure (and maybe the freedom to blast your lobster-themed Spotify playlist at full volume), then buckle up, buttercup, because a road trip is on the horizon! The drive from NYC to Kennebunkport is roughly a five-hour journey, but fear not, intrepid explorer, there's plenty to see along the way. Cruise down the ever-scenic I-95, stopping for kitschy roadside attractions, indulging in questionable gas station snacks (those deep-fried Oreos are calling your name!), and maybe even taking a detour to explore charming New England towns. Just be warned: traffic, especially during peak season, can turn that five-hour estimate into a seven-hour odyssey. So pack your patience and maybe a good audiobook (unless you secretly enjoy the dulcet tones of your backseat driver arguing with the GPS).
Bonus points: If you're feeling fancy, consider a convertible. There's nothing quite like feeling the wind in your hair (and the lobster roll crumbs flying everywhere) as you cruise down the coast.
Bus It, Babe: The Sociable (and Budget-Friendly) Option
For the social butterflies on a budget, there's always the bus! Greyhound and Flixbus both offer routes from NYC to the Kennebunkport area, and hey, who knows? You might just meet your new travel BFF along the way (just try not to be the person with the overflowing backpack that keeps poking the seat in front of them). Plus, with the money you save, you can splurge on that extra-large lobster roll you've been eyeing.
Word to the wise: Bring entertainment! Bus rides can be marathons of questionable movies and questionable fellow passengers. Pack a book, download some podcasts, or strike up a conversation with your neighbor (but maybe avoid mentioning your questionable gas station snack choices).
So there you have it, folks! Your one-stop guide to getting from the Big Apple to the heart of Maine lobster country. Now get out there, breathe in that salty air, and don't forget the wet wipes for those inevitable lobster roll drippings. Just remember, no matter how you choose to get there, Kennebunkport awaits with open arms (and hopefully, open lobster shacks).
