When I typically think of Kittery, Maine, I think of the fantastic outlets, the Kittery Trading Post, and that it’s our first touch of Maine once we’ve crossed the Piscataqua Bridge. However, I’ve come to find if you dig a little deeper, Kittery is secretly an adorable and charming seaside town with so much more.
This past weekend, Chris and I spent a few days up in Drakes Island without the girls and I wanted to go explore areas we haven’t seen before. We tend to go to the same places because they’re familiar (Kennebunkport, DI Beach, Long Sands, etc.) but this time I wanted to discover what else is in our wonderful little corner of Southern Maine. I hopped on The Google and started researching. A few minutes in, I saw a photo of lighthouses…. in Kittery!! With how much I love lighthouses, I can’t believe I didn’t know these even existed! Plans were immediately made to go to Fort Foster Park and see what I have been missing.
Saturday morning, we arrived at Fort Foster and joined the line of cars parallel parked outside the entry gate. The park is closed during the winter to cars but pedestrians are welcome to park outside and come in. It had just snowed the night before, so we threw on our big boots, bundled up and followed the snowy path into the park. After a short and beautiful tree-lined walk, the park opened up to stunning views of the coast, the lighthouses and Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Throughout the park, you can find old war fortifications, including an observation tower, mine control station, and gun batteries. People were out with their cross country skis and snowshoes, dogs were walking their owners, and kids were playing on sleds. There is a small but fun playground, multiple beaches, lots of trails, and (my favorite) a long pier jutting out over the water.
The lighthouses visible from the park are Whaleback Lighthouse and Portsmouth Harbor Light (also known as Fort Point Light, New Castle Light, and Fort Constitution Light). They are easily visible from the park, though I didn’t bring my long lens so I had a hard time capturing them on camera (next time!!). Portsmouth Harbor Light is the only mainland NH lighthouse and is located at Fort Constitution with a small park, so I foresee a new place to explore in our future!
The drive to Fort Foster Park was along pretty, winding roads with riverfront homes, through a cute little downtown and right past one of our favorite Phantom Gourmet finds – Chauncey Creek. They are closed in the winter but here’s a little peek of their awesome-ness from summer:
It’s BYOB and has lots of yummy, fresh-caught options, and you can pull your boat right up to the dock! I would love to rent a boat for a day, fish and swim the morning away then head here for an amazing lunch. Talk about a perfect summer day… 🙂
Anyway, back to our weekend. After leaving Fort Foster Park, we were ready to check out another Phantom Gourmet special – Ore Nell’s Barbecue. Technically located on tiny Badger’s Island, this little spot is packed with some of the best BBQ we’ve had in New England. The chef is a Houston native, bringing a taste of real, authentic barbecue to the northeast.
The atmosphere is fun and casual, with a definite Texan flare. In the summer, they set up additional tables in the parking lot for riverfront dining. We wanted to try it all so we chose to split the Barbecue For Two Tray To Share. With three meats and three sides, it was the perfect size for the two of us. It was all amazing! The meats were full of flavor, super juicy, and perfectly smoked. For sides, we got the mac ‘n cheese (such creamy goodness!), the waffle fries (impeccably fried to the perfect crispy crunch), and their special of the day – jalapeño corn bread (not spicy but nice flavor and served with drizzled honey – yum). Local New England beers (and a Texan beer of course!) are available on tap and make sure to check out their list of cocktails. They have a section called Double Down which is a beer + a shot – perfect for summertime barbecue!
We were so full after this ridiculously scrumptious meal, we thought it would be a good idea to get out and try to walk it off. Next to Ore Nell’s is a bridge connecting Maine to Portsmouth. We got about halfway across before deciding it’s way too cold and windy and turning around to go back to the car. The trip wasn’t wasted though, because we discovered a new buoy shack! These are my favorites and I love that you can find cute buoy spots all over Maine.
We loved exploring Kittery and I know we’ll be back in the summer. Next time, hopefully we can check out the three local breweries as well – Woodland Farm Brewery, Definitive Brewing Company and Tributary Brewery Company. Preferably after July when I’m no longer pregnant! Brewery crawl and outlet shopping sounds like wonderfully bad decisions. 😀😀
Where’s your favorite spot in Kittery? Any recommendations for us to visit this summer?
Until next time!
Jacqueline ♥
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Such a great post! If you go straight instead of taking a right after chauncy creek lobster, you will end up at seapoint beach and crescent beach, very pretty, you would love them!