Maine Stay Inn & Cottages

The Marginal Way - great for a walk or jog!

We at the Maine Stay Inn regularly suggest scenic runs or long beach walks to guests, but the fitness options available in the Kennebunks doesn’t stop there.  In fact, Kennebunkport is a virtual hub of fitness activities – which is a good thing, considering the incredible dining options that abound here as well!

For indoor gym fiends, you have to head outside of town to Kennebunk for two great fitness center options.  The Fitness Nut House, a rather traditional small-town gym, located on Route 1, offers the basics – treadmills and ellipticals, free weights and weight machines – as well as some great classes like Zumba, spinning and Pilates.  Personal training sessions are also available.  The Fitness Nut House is really more of a “home” because of its non-threatening, laid-back atmosphere and members that feel more like family than anything else.  One sweat session at the Nut House and you’re sure to make a new friend!  Almost directly behind the Fitness Nut House lies Quest Fitness, the mammoth new gym with all the bells and whistles.  You’re greeted by neon green walls and encouraging fitness oriented phrases on the walls and a well-staffed front desk.  They are as high tech as you get – weight machines with built-in computers to track your progress and monitor your form during exercises.  All treadmills, ellipticals, and stationary bikes (no spinning here, sorry!) come with their own TVs, and most with individual iPod docking stations.  Great classes are offered here as well (definitely a good option for all you Yogis-in-training), but the biggest draw is most definitely the indoor pool – so even if it rains, you can go for a dip!  The facility is pristine, although I can’t be certain whether this is merely due to its newness or not.  Either way, there’s always custodial staff present and working – always a good sign!  Their lockers rooms are just as high tech, with individually programmable locks, powerful hand dryers, towel service, and a sauna.  But the best part is that, even without a door, you feel as though you have stepped into a spa, filled with soft music and sweet-smelling amenities.  Of course, though, you’ll pay for the difference – to the tune of $15 for an individual day pass or $49 for a family.

But there’s still more for us fitness fanatics – think kayaking or canoeing on the Kennebunk river, open ocean kayaking, or learn-to sail classes.  For those blessed with hand-eye coordination, there are public tennis courts and private tennis clubs throughout the Kennebunks.

As for golf, there are many great options.  The Maine Stay Inn recommends The Old Marsh Country Club, a rather new course in Wells.  It has been rated as one of the nation’s best new courses and often offers special clinics and packages to our guests.  Webhannet is also a fantastic course in Kennebunk Beach with tidal water hazards and a snack bar. But let’s not forget the Bush Family’s course – the Cape Arundel Golf Course.

For those on bikes, the options are nearly endless.  A short family ride might take you past the Kennebunk beaches or out to Parson’s Beach or neighboring Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge.  For a longer ride, head out to Goose Rocks Beach, but be forewarned, there are no restrooms out there!  Adventurous riders might choose to explore north from Goose Rocks Beach to Biddeford Pool, another spectacular Maine beach with limited parking (not to mention it requires a town of Biddeford pass).  Experienced road riders should head south from the Maine Stay and check out Wells and York beaches or Ogunquit.  But no bikes allowed on the Marginal Way – foot traffic only!

So while in Southern Maine at the Maine Stay Inn enjoying amazing food and incredible sights, make sure to take part in some of the amazing fitness activities that are just part of what makes Kennebunkport an incredible place to vacation or escape the stresses of everyday life.