Without pretending to be complete, we offer the following thoughts for possible activities before
or after the meeting:
The Nonantum Resort: The resort offers the pleasures of a day spa for those who wish to
take advantage of it.
Golf: Maine has many golfing destinations and some lovely smaller courses to the west
designed by some of the most famous names in golf. Seven local courses are www.dutchelmgolf.com,
www.dunegrass.com, www.capeneddickgolf.com, www.ledgesgolf.com, www.outlookgolf.com,
www.sanfordcountryclub.com, and www.pointsebago.com and all offer golf within 30 minutes of the
resort.
Fishing: There is a wealth of ocean fishing opportunities from smaller boats that can
be rented for individuals to head boats that cater to large groups. Some local boats include:
www.mantarayadventures.com, www.captaingregmetcalf.com, www.ladyjcharters.com,
www.tidewaterfishing.com, www.bunnyclark.com, www.uglyanne.com. All offer some of the area's
charter fishing opportunities. In addition, there is fine fly fishing in the area's rivers,
streams, and lakes that only require a license and a map.
Ocean Kayaking: This seems to be the growing passion for the coast of Maine and you
can not travel the state without seeing canoes and kayaks on car tops wherever you go. At least
these 4: www.southernmainekayaks.com, www.excursionsinmaine.com, www.harboradventures.com, and
www.worldwithin.com offer day trips via kayaks for students of all ages and levels in the
Kennebunkport area. There must be others.
Scenic Cruises: There are many boats offering scenic cruises of the coast. At least two:
www.finestkindcruises.com and www.cascobaylines.com are located close to town and can be found on
the web.
Whale Watching: Both www.firstchancewhalewatch.com and www.deborahannwhalewatching.com offer
boat trips to see the whales and there are other companies up and down the coast who offer much the
same experience. Early June may be a bit early for the whales. It is best to check if the whales
have arrived and what species are now being seen before booking a ticket.
Other Points of Interest:
General desinations include:
Boston: About 90 minutes south of Kennebunkport, the city of Boston offers a great
variety of museums, restaurants and major universities. It is also home to the "Freedom Trail"
which recounts some of the early days in the American Revolution. It contains a major public
aquarium, a world-famous symphony, and the U.S.S. Constitution.
Boston also provides Logan Airport, a major air hub and likely entry point for participants
coming from more distant locations.
Portsmouth: The town of Portsmouth, New Hampshire is small, manageable, and offers
a great array of places to stay and eat. It also offers whale watches, nature cruises, and
is a quieter location for those who want to stay and make use of the New Hampshire beaches
just to the East.
Hampton Beach: Although the New Hampshire coast line is small, Hampton Beach provides
a major summer destination for locals seeking the beach experience. We caution you - the water
in the North Atlantic never gets what you would call "warm".
Kittery: For better or for worse, Kittery, Maine has evolved into a major shopping
destination for New England. The shopping and discount malls along Rt. 1 offer a tremendous
variety of shopping experiences crowned by the Kittery Trading Post which attempts to meet
all of your outdoor needs.
Portland: Portland, Maine sits on the edge of the Casco Bay. The Old Port area offers
a great variety of relaxed and up-scale dining and shopping opportunities as well as access to
the Atlantic on whale watches.
Bath: A major ship building center and an excellent maritime museum. Concerts in the
Chocolate Church are generally worth admission if you can catch one while you are visiting.
Boothbay Harbor: Where quaint got overrun by kitch, it's still a lovely harbor.
Rockport Harbor: Rockport is a scenic artist colony with windjammers filling the harbor.
Camden Harbor: Camden is almost as scenic as Rockport with more ways to separate you from your money, but plenty of windjammers and more restaurants.
Belfast: Stop in a visit a lovely town. More importantly, say hello to George Siscoe, our friend and a major voice in space science, who now operates the "Old Professor's Bookshop."
Bar Harbor and Acadia: The jewel in the crown, the gateway to Acadia. The Acadia National
Park is one of the most lovely, understated, and accessible of the national parks. While the views
are not as grand as those in the west, a day spent hiking its trails and carriage roads seems to take
all the tension out of mind and body. It is simply one of the loveliest and most peaceful places
you might hope to spend your time. This is the national park given to the people of America by
the wealthiest of its citizens. If you have the time to spend before or after the meeting, spend
it in Acadia.
White Mountains: Heading west from Portsmouth brings you to the White Mountains. Summer
offers hiking, golf, canoeing, white water rafting, and a great many outdoor activities. While
there, take time to explore Mt. Washington and the presidential range.
Baxter State Park: Maine's great inland wilderness, more rugged than the White Mountains,
Baxter offers the best of Maine's wilderness experience.