Go behind-the-scenes with White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts Collection’s Head Bartender Jess Aicholtz to learn about the creation of the delicious Barn Libations program on the coast. “White Barn Inn is such a magical place; I just love that my ‘office’ behind the bar gives me the opportunity to be so creative and do what I love to do: create delicious cocktails.”

After almost four years at the helm of the fine dining experience provided at White Barn Inn Restaurant and more recently at Little Barn, a casual dining destination offering fresh New England fare, Chef Matthew Padilla continues to push the boundaries of coastal excellence. 

A comprehensive redesign of a historic inn will always present its share of challenges for even the most unflappable interior designer. Getting it done in the midst of a global pandemic requires nerves of steel. “It was crazy,” says Jenny Wolf, head of Jenny Wolf Interiors, which oversaw the refurbishment of the White Barn Inn and Spa, part of the Auberge Resort Collections, and a beloved local landmark for more than 150 years in Kennebunk, Maine.

My husband and I are happy to get our hands dirty for the sake of renewing the farming culture of Southern Maine. On our four-acre property, Frinklepod Farm, you can spend the day with us to explore our acreage and three greenhouses—we’ll get you out of the city and into the soil.

Entering Amtrak’s 1950s-era domed railcar was like stepping back in time. With my feet kicked up and my Australian Shepard, Max, in tow, I never knew a two-hour, car-free connection on the Downeaster train from North Station in Boston to Wells, Maine, could be so enjoyable and land me only 5 miles from Kennebunk. From passing New England’s most beautiful stretches of pristine coastline to enjoying vistas of the idyllic countryside, I enjoyed my steamy cup of chowder from the Downeaster Café while Max chewed on his favorite bone. Seated in the train’s upper level with panoramic windows on all sides, this daytime adventure proved an added perk before my vacation even began.

We have a little secret brewing in Maine. Beyond our buttery lobster rolls, steamy chowders, and pillowy blueberry pancakes, Portland harbors the third-highest concentration of craft breweries in America. Though we’ve been ranked as one of the top 20 beer cities by publications like Travel + Leisure thanks to beer pioneers like Shipyard and Allagash, there’s something we have that those other cities don’t. While you may find craft beers flavored with pecans, bourbon, or even frozen lemonade elsewhere, our taprooms entice small-batch ale connoisseurs with what we know best: sweet and silky maple syrup.

When your love story takes you to Maine, whether to pop the question or to exchange vows, this coastal town is sure to sweep couple’s off their feet with warm hospitality and abundant local treasures. One of these such treasures, Coastal Jewelers, awaits just a three-minute drive from White Barn Inn. A best-kept secret that will make the romantic in you swoon, this jewelry shop offers the unique opportunity to take a piece of our beloved Kennebunk home with you. Step inside and find gorgeous adornments crafted from natural indigenous Tourmaline gemstones that are native to the town of Kennebunk.

Most people who hear about White Barn Inn’s black tie New Years Eve celebration know of Tom Snow’s fabulous, live piano performances and the divine 7-course prix fixe gourmet dinner— but what most people don’t know about the party’s midnight tradition, is that it takes place with the chefs in the kitchen.

You might be surprised to learn that the origin story of whoopie pie, a beloved treat in New England, has been a source of great controversy between Maine and Pennsylvania for nearly a century. If you’re wondering how a dessert could cause such debate, let me stop you right there. Whoopie pie isn’t just any dessert.

Sometimes, I feel like I’m in a long-distance relationship with Kennebunk. We may live on opposite coasts, but Maine’s mystical coastline has my heart. From wide sandy beaches sprawled with delicate sand dollars to rocky stretches of seaside that sound of waves crashing up against dramatic cliffs, I’ve spent my most tranquil, cherished moments sharing these striking sights with my husband. When I refer to my “happy place,” my family knows exactly where I’m talking about— and when I miss it’s lobster rolls and warm beach days, I take out my favorite souvenir: White Barn Inn’s hand soap.

While couples tend to select their wedding date based on the weather, I always joke that they should be factoring in the types of seafood that will be in season during their special day in Kennebunk. Historically a fishing village, Kennebunkport’s location along the Kennebunk River affords locals and visitors first pick of the freshest fare. Sea bass is best savored in the summer months, lobster is absolutely divine in the winter, and shrimp, oysters, and other types of shellfish are a must in the fall. A luxury that White Barn’s Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamonds restaurant delights in often— with a menu refreshed every week to incorporate the freshest fruits of the sea— make sure to ask the concierge to share the area’s boat schedules so that you can take full advantage of Maine’s ocean offerings, fresh out of the water.