Informally dubbed the 'Gateway to Maine' Kittery is a popular tourist town in the York County of Maine along the Atlantic Ocean. This scenic town has over 120 shopping outlets and multiple restaurants. According to the 2020 census data, Kittery has a population of 10,070 people. Incorporated in 1647, it's also the oldest town in Maine with a rich history dating back to 1623 when the English arrived and settled here.
What to do or visit at Kittery Town
For visitors, Kittery Town has plenty of places to explore and recreational activities to indulge in: These include:
Kittery Historical and Naval Museum
Established in 1977 this museum archives historical documents and maritime and military artifacts dating back to 1647. Exhibits displayed at the Kittery Historical and Naval Museum include ancient tools, photos, toys, carvings by famed New England woodcarver John Haley Bellamy, archeological finds, and household artifacts. There is also an imposing and robotic-looking yellow diving suit of past years that visitors love posing with. In 2002 the 17th century Andrews/Mitchells Garrison House became part of the museum. During colonial days this fortified house protected residents from raids during the colonial days. Annually events for adults and children are hosted and are posted in advance on the museum's Facebook page.
Admissions' Cost
- Adults $7
- Children $3
- Families $15
- Museum Society Members free
Fort Foster Park
The 88-acre, picturesque, Fort Foster Park is on Gerrish Island. It has three sandy beaches, trails for biking and walking, play areas, outdoor functions space, a 565-foot pier, picnic sites, charcoal grills, and old military relics and fortifications. It is suited for families with children and has restrooms with outside showers. On the Atlantic Ocean waters, visitors can kayak, windsurf, and paddleboard. Fort Foster is also a habitat for endangered native plants, trees, and wildlife. From Fort Foster Park visitors get great views of the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, Whaleback Light lighthouse, the Fort Constitution Historic Site, and the Atlantic Ocean. Tickets to Fort Foster Park are bought online or at the Town Hall, Customer Service Center from Monday to Thursday from 8 am to 6 pm. Entry fees cost are priced depending on if one is a Kittery resident or non-resident. Use of the facilities at the park is also charged depending on the number of guests. This is the current fee schedule for 2022 and is open daily from 10 am to 8 pm seven days a week.
Aerial Adventures
Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park hosts Maine's largest aerial adventure course with over 65 climbing activities and elements suited for all ages. Since 2012 the park has had over 80,000 visitors. Ziplines, swings, multi-vines, climbing courses, tube nets, quick and zip jumps, and Burma bridges are among the recreational elements at the Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park. Families, individuals, and groups can visit the park to experience the many adrenaline-inducing activities there. Team building activities, birthdays, weddings, and other customized events can be hosted at the Take Flight Aerial Adventure Park. The park has properly trained staff that helps visitors navigate aerial adventures without accidents happening. However, visitors do sign waivers to absolve the park of liability before visiting. Charges for the activities range from $5 to $86 per person but other activities are charged differently. During spring and fall the park opens from 10 am to 3 pm and in summer (from June 20th) to Labor Day it's open every day at the same hours.
Shop
In Kittery, the one-mile Route 1 stretch off interstate 95 is a shoppers' paradise. It has over 120 stores that house brands like Nike, Adidas Polo, Saucony, Levi, Ralph Lauren, and local New England merchandise. The famous Kittery Trading Post has existed since 1938 and stocks outdoor merchandise for skiing, camping, hunting, fishing, kayaking, archery, biking, and snowboarding in addition to sports and footwear. The presence of these stores makes Kittery busy all year including winter as people flock there to do holiday shopping.
Wine and Dine
Kittery town offers visitors a diverse gastronomic experience. The dining outlets there have many different cuisines. Some dining outlets there are:
- Lils Café: This café serves made on-site pastries, sandwiches, bread, salads, and soups, plus beverages like coffee. Visitors can stop by for breakfast or lunch. Gluten-free bread is available.
- Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier: Lobsters and shellfish are the niche delicacies served here but fish, clam, chicken, and shrimp dishes are available too. Visitors are allowed to bring their own wines and beers.
- Robert's Maine Grill: Dishes like lobsters, mussels, clams, steaks, burgers, and other seafood are served at this grill off Route 1. The dishes are made from locally sourced Maine produce.
- The Black Birch: This restaurant serves diverse and delicious dishes with ingredients such as fish, duck, scallops, chicken, pork, potatoes, and olive. Beer, wine, and cocktails are also available.
- Bob's Clam Hut: Since 1956 this laid-back diner has served fried and crispy seafood like clams, lobsters, and fish fresh off the Atlantic Ocean docks. The seafood served here is made with original recipes like their famous tartar sauce which has made this diner famous. Beer and wine are also served.
Boat Tours
At Kittery, there are companies that offer ferry and boat tours of the expansive 1248 hectare Portsmouth Harbour and the 12-mile Piscataqua tidal estuary river. Visitors on tour see sights along the Maine shoreline like the Fort McClary-a historical site, Whaleback Light lighthouse, the scenic Pepperrell Cove harbor, and Kittery Point, and tour the Isle of Shoals islands.