PORTLAND WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Kennebunkport: NEW! A Garden Stroll through the Historic District
A 1.5–2 hour, roughly 2-mile guided walk through public and private gardens and historic homes in Kennebunkport led by local home-gardeners.
Kennebunkport: NEW! A Garden Stroll through the Historic District.
We invite you to take a meandering stroll through the gardens that lace Kennebunkport’s historic neighborhood. Guided by local home gardeners, the walk threads past public plantings maintained by the volunteer Seacoast Garden Club and private gardens and hardscapes meticulously tended by homeowners. Along the route you’ll hear local stories and Maine gardening wisdom while seeing notable homes dating back to 1789 and the early 1800s, a colonial ‘‘kitchen garden,’’ trees replanted after Dutch Elm disease, and a finish at the needlepoint-inspired "Ganny’s Garden." The loop begins and ends in Dock Square and covers roughly 2 miles in 1.5 to 2 hours on flat terrain, with benches to sit and a small garden gift at the end.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A Mix of Public and Private Plantings
You’ll visit public gardens kept by the all-volunteer Seacoast Garden Club alongside private yards and hardscapes cared for by homeowners, offering a living catalog of Maine plantings and maintenance approaches.
Historic Homes, Kitchen Gardens and Heirloom Trees
The route passes notable homes dating to 1789 and the early 1800s, highlights a colonial "kitchen garden," and points out trees that were planted after Dutch Elm disease reshaped the streetscape.
Ganny’s Garden — A Needlepoint Tribute
The walk concludes at "Ganny’s Garden," a planting fashioned after a needlepoint carpet created by the late First Lady Barbara Bush and dedicated to her by family and friends.
What the day feels like
What the Walk Feels Like
This is a relaxed, conversational stroll led by gardeners who share practical tips, plant stories and local lore. The terrain is flat, the pace unhurried — expect 1.5 to 2 hours on a roughly 2‑mile loop that begins and ends in Dock Square, with benches for periodic rest and shaded spots sought out on hot days.
THE GARDENS
A Mix of Public and Private Plantings
You’ll visit public gardens kept by the all-volunteer Seacoast Garden Club alongside private yards and hardscapes cared for by homeowners, offering a living catalog of Maine plantings and maintenance approaches.
THE HISTORY
Historic Homes, Kitchen Gardens and Heirloom Trees
The route passes notable homes dating to 1789 and the early 1800s, highlights a colonial "kitchen garden," and points out trees that were planted after Dutch Elm disease reshaped the streetscape.
THE FINALE
Ganny’s Garden — A Needlepoint Tribute
The walk concludes at "Ganny’s Garden," a planting fashioned after a needlepoint carpet created by the late First Lady Barbara Bush and dedicated to her by family and friends.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this walk suits — and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Expect a roughly 2-mile walk lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours on flat terrain.
Begins in front of the benches at 2 Ocean Avenue (Dock Square) in Kennebunkport.
Dress for the weather; the tour is entirely outside and guides will seek shade on hot days. Bring a leash if bringing a dog. Benches are available along the route and a small garden gift is given at the finish.
The tour requires a minimum of four guests; if the minimum is not met the tour will be cancelled.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where do we meet?
The tour begins in front of the benches at 2 Ocean Avenue (Dock Square) in Kennebunkport.
How long is the walk?
The route covers approximately 2 miles and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — dogs are allowed if well behaved and kept on a leash.
Is the tour indoors or outdoors?
The tour is entirely outside; guides will seek shaded spots on hot days.
What happens if not enough guests register?
The tour requires a minimum of four guests and will be cancelled if that minimum is not met.