Old Colonial homes make up the lovely town of Kennebunk. Ocean waves lap the shore of the old seafaring village, and charming shops and restaurants adorn the town. Kennebunkport, on the opposite side of the river, is bedazzled with exquisite estates and large spreads of land with world-class shopping and dining.

Along Dock Square in Kennebunkport, boutiques and galleries tickle the interests of tourists. Excursion boats pull out to snare fish and lobsters and to watch whales swimming offshore.

Several points of interest exist: The Brick Store Museum, displaying works of fine art in four buildings (circa 1810-1860); The Kennebunkport Historical Society, which has numerous historical artifacts housed in several buildings of historic note; and the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport with the largest collection of antique electric trolleys in the world.

Ogunquit's gorgeous shoreline is sandy to the north and rocky to the south. Bald Head Cliff, a 100-foot-high rock that juts 300 feet into the ocean, is a town landmark. Little shops and eateries perch together at Perkin's Cove where charter boats chug out to sea.

The renown Ogunquit Playhouse has delighted audiences since 1930 and continues to play a role in the making of this community. Works of great artists are on display at the Ogunquit Museum of American Art. And luxurious cruises of the Ogunquit coast are offered on The Silverlining, a 42-foot yacht.

In composite, these towns make up a summertime paradise with loads of activities, lovely accommodations, fine dining, and world-class entertainment. There are trolley rides and whale-watching cruises; fishing for stripers, mackerel and bluefish; lobster cruises; and golfing.

From nearby Cape Neddick, swimming, sailing and fishing flourish. In winter, it's a great place for cross-country skiing.

Seven miles of hiking and cross-country paths are available at Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve. Public tennis courts are found at Kennebunkport's Beachwood Park. And bird watching at Rachael Carson Wildlife Preserve is a delight.

Other nearby activities include biking, hay rides, horseback riding, roller skating, surfing, and hot air ballooning.

The Kennebunks are located in the southeastern tip of Maine.