Kennebunkport, Maine, is an incredibly popular New England vacation destination during the summer. With beaches, shopping, dining with seafood as the highlight, many wonderful waterfront and inland lodging options and a true quintessential coastal Maine feel, what’s not to love?

The moral of this travel story, however, is not to put all your vacation eggs in one seasonal basket. Springtime in Kennebunkport can serve as an equally fun vacation, albeit for different reasons…

1. Off season rates create budget-friendly hotel options

We have stayed several times at the Rhumb Line Resort in April for under $100 a night. That’s a great deal for a clean place with cable television in the attractive rooms, an indoor pool, two hot tubs, an exercise room, and a continental breakfast dining area. The drive from the Rhumb Line to the downtown Dock Square area is only a few miles away, and includes some spectacular water views along the way on Ocean Drive (and also views of the stately, sprawling Bush Compound).

2. The beaches are virtually empty

Places like Goose Rocks Beach seem to be missing the crowds in the spring, thus resulting in the feeling of having the beach to yourself. The only caveat is, however, to pay close attention to parking rules so you don’t get an expensive ticket!

3. Gift and souvenir off season discounts

Because it is not tourist season, the chance to find discounted prices on Kennebunkport and Maine sweatshirts, t-shirts, coffee mugs, jewelry and other gifts and souvenirs at locally owned and operated shops is far greater than when summer comes around (sorry for the Keith Urban song reference here).

4. Fewer restaurant lines

We’ve have walked right into excellent restaurants like Alisson’s and Federal Jacks without a wait. In the summer, it’s typical to wait quite some time — especially at dinner. Yes, it can get busy, but rarely overwhelming.

5. The scenery never goes away

We are happy to report that great Kennebunkport scenery is available to admire 365 days a year. Summer is not the only ball game in town when it comes to those great coastal and village-like views.

For more information on Kennebunkport, log onto the Kennebunk-Kennebunkport-Arundel Chamber of Commerce web site.