Summering in Kennebunkport

Stalking Presidential Compounds

A couple years ago, I tried to creep on the Kennedys’ compound in Hyannis, MA. Well, forget it. I could not get a descent glimpse anywhere. So, I set my sights on a more down to earth presidential family. Recently, my beloved wife, Carol, and I wandered through Kennebunkport, Maine. Thankfully, we had a bit more success on this Presidential compound designed for summering in Kennebunkport.

Walter’s Point

As most of you know, the summer home of the 41st and 43rd Presidents of these United States is on a peninsula off the coast of Kennebunkport, ME, called Walter’s Point. Walter’s Point is a pretty cool place to live in the summer.

The Bush Presidential compound on Walter’s Point is all about the pecking order. There are 5 main homes, various pools, tennis courts, etc that are located on the peninsula. As shown on the above picture, the far left side has the big gate with the only driving access. The first house on the left side is the Secret Service house. Then, the next three homes are the lesser Bushs. Ultimately, on the far right side, you get to the summer home of the 43rd President George W. Bush and his wife, Laura.

Sites at W’s Place

To be transparent, I did not catch a glimpse of W or Laura Bush. But, they were there. There is a flagpole near their house. The help only flies the flag when W and Laura are in residence.

Also, our boat captain pointed out a series of buoys in the waters approaching the compound. When 41 and 43 were actually in office, the buoys marked the do not cross line. If you crossed the buoys, Secret Service was going to take action. Furthermore, the captain said a red dot from a laser sight may actually appear on your chest. I’m not sure that I believe him.

Remembering HW and Barbara

Even though W and Laura are the current top dogs at Walter’s Point, the past is remembered. Along the coast, within site of the compound is a memorial to the late George H.W. Bush. The memorial is entitled “Anchor to Windward.” I think its supposed to recognize H.W. as an anchor for our nation during tumultuous times.

And, just a bit further down the coast is the very beautiful St. Ann’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. Evidence of the long time support of the Bush family for this church can be seen throughout the church and grounds. In addition to the Stone Chapel, the church also has the Seaside Chapel. The front row pew is in memory of Barbara and George HW Bush.

Wrap It Up

While I enjoyed our trip to Kennebunkport to creep on the Bush family, I do not plan on summering in Kennebunkport again anytime soon. Kennebunkport during summer tourist season is a mess. The roads aren’t designed to handle the load. Everything is crowded. And, you can forget about parking. So, unless you can buy an entire peninsula with Secret Service manning the gate, there are better places to spend time on the Maine coast. Have a wonderful day. PT

I hope you have enjoyed “Summering in Kennebunkport” on Traveling with PugsleyTonks.

Once I went to the very top of Maine https://travelingwithpt.com/a-day-in-fort-kent/

If you want to visit Kennebunkport outside of season… https://www.kennebunkportme.gov/

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