Tucked Along The Maine Coast Is This Vibrant Beach Town With Legendary Seafood

Coastal Maine has a lot to offer –- scenic beaches, stunning views, picturesque lighthouses, and lots of seafood. The town of Kennebunkport, less than 30 miles south of Portland, has legendary seafood from spots like Mabel's Lobster Claw and Allison's Restaurant, two of the oldest seafood restaurants in town. It's a postcard-perfect setting in which to devour lobster at more than a dozen seafood restaurants. A stone's throw across the river, you'll find yourself in Kennebunk, a more residential town that's still home to some noteworthy seafood spots, including The Clam Shack, which opened in 1968.

We recently stopped into Allison's Restaurant to sample its lobster roll, lobster bisque, and a somewhat unusual dish, lobster poutine (yes, we were on a lobster tear). This last one incorporates the French Canadian must-try dish made with french fries, cheese curds, and gravy. Allison's version swaps out gravy for lobster bisque, and it's decadent to say the least. The lobster roll was one of the best we'd had, and priced on par with what you'd typically pay ($33.95). The bisque was also excellent. The restaurant has been around since 1973, and it's not even the oldest in town. Mabel's Lobster Claw has been a mainstay since the 1950s.

While lobster is, of course, a go-to choice, Kennebunkport and Kennebunk (referred to in tandem as the Kennebunks) have all kinds of seafood. From fried clams and steamed mussels to baked haddock and oysters on the half-shell, you'll find your favorites here.

The Kennebunks have a rich history tied to seafood. For generations, Native Americans, including the Pequots and Abenakis, lived there seasonally and fished the coastal waters. In the 16th century, it became one of the earliest European settlements in North America, again thanks to its abundant seafood. During the Colonial period, Kennebunkport and Kennebunk thrived thanks to shipbuilding and fishing. By the mid-19th century, its lobsters were being shipped to Boston and New York, and the lobstering industry only grew in the following decades. When Kennebunkport later became a summer destination for artists and the wealthy, seafood was on the menu.

With all that history entwined with the Kennebunks' bountiful waters, it's no wonder the area remains a vibrant seafood spot. While Kennebunkport may not have the world's largest lobster roll — you have to go to Woolwich, Maine, for that — the ones you'll find here are far more manageable and packed with flavor, much like the rest of the seafood on offer. Kennebunkport is definitely worth a visit, and not just for its classic Maine charm but for the incredible seafood that keeps visitors coming back. Just be sure to bring a big appetite when you go.