The Cottages at Cabot Cove, Kennebunkport, Maine

These little dollhouse cottages face a common green that opens onto the calm waters of Cabot Cove. Each cottage is individually owned and has a distinct decor, though you won’t find Victorian tea cup collections anywhere. There’s no big lodge, but somehow a breakfast basket arrives at your door each morning, and someone is always available to help launch a kayak or suggest a restaurant.

Field trip: Have the concierge schedule a trip on a lobster boat. It’s a popular activity, maybe because you get to reap the benefits in your cottage’s kitchen.

Night out: Bandaloop in downtown Kennebunkport has a slick atmosphere and a local, organic menu including such fare as wild haddock in horseradish-panko crust.

Rates: $185–$695; 877/524-2004 or cabotcovecottages.com