TRAVEL DIARY | KENNEBUNKPORT, MAINE - A MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND ROAD TRIP

Happy June, Blogland!
Over Memorial Day Weekend, we took a road trip up north to Kennebunkport, Maine.  It was a pretty drive, which would be gorgeous in the fall, and is such a charming area. I fell in love with it! ❤
After our first day, filled with yummy food, exploration and sunshine, which you'll see below, the clouds, high winds and rain rolled in, the temperature dropped 30 degrees, and I was hit with a bad case of viral gastroenteritis, which we mistook for food poisoning, and put me out of commission.
I feel beyond thankful and lucky to have had a great guy and caretaker by my side through it all, who, despite everything, helped make our Maine trip fun and memorable.  
Please excuse my lack of fashion or make-up in the below pictures due to it all.  I did have affordable, spring outfits packed to share with you, but, sadly, I didn't get to wear them.  
Thankfully, I had a hiking outfit and shoes, which came in handy on the day it was cold, rainy and I wasn't feeling well. I used all the energy I had to get out of bed, put them on and head on a mini sightseeing drive out to the lighthouse.
While sorting my pictures, I was inspired to start a new feature on my blog titled, Travel Diary. 
In these posts, I'll share my experience and take you along on my travels, be it short or long, near or far, via pictures and my itinerary. This way, if you find yourself going there, you can reference them for tips on places to go, things to see and more.
First Travel Diary stop . . .

All Images taken with a Nikon D60 or iPhone 5s and Layouts are by Liesl Ehardt.

Saturday, May 28, 2016
• We set out on our morning Road Trip north, from New Jersey to Maine, with Bella, an adorable golden lab and beagle mix rescue dog.
• Stopped for a refreshing Iced Chai Tea Latte and perfectly cooked Caprese Panini at the adorable Moonrise Cafe in North Haven, CT and the staff was so friendly and welcoming.
• Once we arrived in Kennebunkport, our first stop was to get a Lobster Roll in the center of town at Mabel's Lobster Claw. The lobster was light, fresh and delish, I highly recommend it!
• Explored the charming Kennebunkport Shops, Restaurants and Waterfront in the center of town where Bella was ready for her close-up. Passed the adorable Dock Square Coffee House, I'm all for non-chain coffee shops, and the boats resting beautifully off the little foot bridge and throughway in the center by the nice Welcome Sign.
• Beer tasting at Federal Jack's with a great tasting guide who graciously accommodated us and was full of personality. Fell in love with Federal Jack's Sunfish Wheat Ale Brew, which tastes like delightful grapefruit and peach.  We purchased some to enjoy on a bench along the water on Ocean Avenue, while Bella explored the rocks.
• Checked into the Marginal Way House Hotel, in Ogunquit, a cute town close by. It was so quaint and had such a genuine and friendly woman at the front desk to welcome us. Our room was on the upper floor, overlooking the water and lawn sitting area below, with our own large balcony roof deck, complete with 2 chaises longes, it was truly lovely.
• Headed out for dinner and drinks at Ogunquit Lobster Pound, which has been there since 1931. They have a large selection of seafood, many unique dishes using it, and  you can hand pick your lobster should you choose. We started at the bar and enjoyed Shrimp Cocktail with our cocktails, and then, headed into the large dining area for dinner. We shared the Baked Scallops and Seafood Stuffed Sole and had a very friendly waitress.
• Ended the day with an nighttime walk around the center of Ogunquit, which was buzzing with people and great energy.
• Checked out the Leavitt Theatre, a 90 year old movie theatre, still with the original, and super cute, ticket taker window box.
• Grabbed an S'mores Ice Cream cone at Sweet Pea's. 

Teal Maxi Skirt: Forever 21 = $22.90  /  Navy Blue & White Paisley Scarf: Forever 21 = $8.80 (similar scarf, but white print on navy)

Sunday, May 29, 2016

• The day I was fighting a bad case of Viral Gastroenteritis, aka a not so friendly stomach bug, which changed our plans and kept me in bed.
• I wanted to try and get out, so that evening we drove along part of the Coast of Maine and saw many incredible homes, by and near the water, some of which I could see myself in one day.
• Checked out Nubble Lighthouse, which made for a quintessential Maine photo opportunity. Plus, I've loved lighthouses since my trip to Prince Edward Island and learned quite a bit more about them.  
Fun Fact:
Did you know each lighthouse is different so the landmarks can be deciphered by sailors to help navigate?

Not my intended outfit or a fashion look, since I was sick and it was cold, but I'll still break it down for you! ;)
Green Scarf: Forever 21 = $6.80  /  Finger Cut-Up Athletic Hoodie: TJ Maxx = $12.99  /  Green Jet's Weatherproof Jacket: Official Jets Gear = On Loan (because someone thought I needed it to keep warm more than he did...so sweet.)  /  Black Knockout Capri Pant: Victoria's Secret Sport = $62.50 (used my $20 secret reward and a $10 angel reward to get them for $32.50)

Monday, May 30, 2016
• Road trip from Maine to New Jersey. Since I was still recovering and had no appetite, we headed out super early to beat all the Memorial Day traffic, which we did.

So, that wraps up our Memorial Day Weekend Getaway. I'm looking forward to going back to further explore Maine and more fully enjoy it, when I'm not sick, because it left a great impression, just as it did when I was a child. 
Also, last year, the Huffington Post did an article titled, 12 Great Things to Do in Kennebunkport, Maine (Besides Trying to Catch a Glimpse of George H.W. Bush).  You may want to check it out, if you are interested in other great spots to check out while in the area.