Hotel at a Glance: Kittery Inn and Suites

Located less than 2 miles from downtown Portsmouth, Kittery Inn and Suites is hidden away in a restored pine grove characteristic of the property’s rustic charm. Just across the border from New Hampshire, the vintage 1950s property is close to landmarks like the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the Kittery Trading Post, and Fort Foster.

• Where you’ll stay: Clean and comfy guest rooms feature flat-screen HDTVs (with nearly 200 channels) and complimentary WiFi. You can even set your alarm clock to play soothing ocean sounds in the morning.
• For extra space: Choose a queen studio, which comes with a kitchenette.
• Enjoy a breakfast that focuses on quality over quantity. You might find fresh fruit, Canadian bacon, and French toast with real maple syrup.
• Snap some pictures at Fort Foster State Park, where you’ll find a reproduction of a historic military installation as well as lighthouses and views of islands.
• Visit Portsmouth’s historic district to explore boutiques, art galleries, and cozy pubs.
• Check out landmarks and shopping destinations including The Kittery Outlet Malls, Portsmouth Strawbery Banke Museum, and Market Square Shopping District.

Kittery, Maine: Coastal Town with More than 350 Years of History

Located on Maine’s southern coast, along the Piscataqua River, Kittery encompasses several islands as well as part of the mainland. Back in the 17th century, it was the state’s first settlement. Today, visitors can see a variety of historic homes and buildings, such as the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard—the United States Navy’s oldest continuously operating shipyard. Public tours of the facility aren’t often available, but you can learn about the region’s naval history at the museum at nearby Fort McClary, a stronghold during the War of 1812. If you’re not a history buff, the area is still worth a visit to simply hike or bike the rocky beaches along the Atlantic Coast and Piscataqua River.

Farther inland, colonial buildings house everything from quaint bakeries and antique shops to restaurants serving famous Maine lobster. The best-known shop in town may be the Kittery Trading Post, which started as a one-room store in 1938 and has grown to include three stories of sporting equipment, hunting gear, gourmet foods, and home decor.

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