Things to Do in West Scarborough

A coach at the first Equine Special Olympics in 1999 and again in 2011, North American Riding for the Handicapped–certified trainer Kathleen Gallant possesses a deep, long-lasting love for horses and their ability to help others. After attending equestrian vocational school as a teenager and working at several race tracks, Kathleen developed her passion for jumping and dressage and began teaching others, which she has been doing for more than two decades. Today, English riding lessons are the focus at Chiron Equestrian Services, as well as therapeutic riding for children and adults with special needs. Both private and group lessons begin with the establishment of a balanced, centered riding style and, once these basics are mastered, move on to more advanced riding techniques such as hunt seat, jumping, and dressage.

At Glazey Days, shelves upon shelves of unembellished ceramic pieces await colorful brushstrokes to help them reach their aesthetic potential. The robust collection ranges from bowls, plates, and mugs to picture frames and vases. Free to follow their own creative instincts, the shop's visitors personalize and decorate chosen pieces using an arsenal of painting tools, such as stencils, brushes, and sponges. Afterward, the Glazey Days staff finalizes the process by firing and glazing finished pieces and has them ready for pickup within a week. For further inspiration, Glazey Days keeps its selection stocked with themed pieces for different seasons and holidays and hosts special events, such as couples nights and BYOB nights.

When Peter Joyce realized how many Maine civilians and law-enforcement officers could benefit from learning fundamental firearm skills that would protect them in life-threatening scenarios, he decided to start Weaponcraft. Since its founding in 1993, Weaponcraft’s staff of Special Response Team and SWAT operators and instructors have imbued novice and expert pupils with the same training that military personnel receive. From an introductory firearms class to courses specializing in advanced tactical techniques, each small class includes plenty of individual attention to ensure each student leaves with improved firearm comfort, knowledge, and skills.

Surrounding Kennebunkport Marina is a town awash in centuries of nautical history; the community also boasts a spot on AOL Travel's list of the 10 Best Beach Towns in America. The marina contributes to its pristine environs with new docks, an outdoor fireplace, and a riverside courtyard where guests can lounge on adirondack chairs. From the docks, which have hookups for water and 30- and 50-amp service, boaters can captain their vessels down the Kennebunk River or travel one-quarter mile to open ocean waters. Year-round storage keeps ships protected during winter or transatlantic spitball wars, and spring engine commissions by certified technicians prep boats for the sailing season.

Those without their own watercraft can join the Kennebunkport Boat Club, which grants members of any skill level access to a quartet of boats that range from 15 to 26 feet. Additionally, the store offers powerboat, canoe, and kayak rentals, and reservations of the Captain's Cottage make lodgers feel more nautical than tying their shoelaces in bowline knots.