Vacationing on the coast of Maine
The Maine Vacation Guide
(Ogunquit, Wells, Kennybunkport, and Old Orchard Beach)
Not every vacation needs to be a million miles from home. Living in New England (Massachusetts) my partner and I love taking a quick weekend getaway to Maine. There’s fun downtown shopping, amazing seafood and a variety of different restaurants, sandy beaches, and fun amusements and nightlife. It’s a short drive to travel between Ogunquit, Wells, Kennybunkport and Old Orchard Beach and each offer a different vibe.
There are plenty of articles out there already with great things to do
Check out Greetings From New England with Love
And VisitMaine.Net
Here are a few of my favorite things to do, that are perhaps a little more off-the-beaten-path
Catch a Drag Show at MAINESTREET
All are welcome at this gay bar in Ogunquit, as long as you are respectful!
The Dueling Drag Divas are a staple act that you should absolutely take in while you are there!
Breakfast to go from Congdon’s Donuts
Located in Wells, don’t be surprised to see a line wrapping around the block in the morning as folks grab their donuts and breakfast sandwiches and bowls.
My recommendation: A sausage egg and cheese on a FRESH Biscuit, so damn good! And a Boston Cream to go. They also have great iced coffee.
My partner Bryan and I like to hop in the car and take a quick drive down Mile Road to the parking lot at Wells Beach. Enjoy your breakfast in the car or outside with the windows down while you watch the waves crash.
*Congdon’s also does a nightly food truck festival and beer garden in the summer. It’s something unique to check out. You can grab a beer and a lobster roll and do some people-watching.
Antiques worth checking out
I’m always looking for quirky decor for the home and I especially love those old blow form plastic yard decorations that you see at Christmas.
Bo Mar Antiques and Collectibles is a great place to get lost in.
It is also located in Wells at 1622 Post Road
They also will have signs posted out front saying when they are holding auctions. They can be a lot of fun to check out too.
Everyone will have a different opinion here- but for me the only option is Fisherman’s Catch
It is seriously the cutest place and the fried haddock is always big and white and flakey just like me! This is where the locals go. Also in Wells.
Unique Gifts
There is shop called Abacus which has very unique gifts including art work, jewelry, and even some furniture. We’ve started collecting these handblown glass snowmen every season and we have a cute little collection now.
They have two locations
Explore the Tide Pools at Moody Beach
I can’t believe I’m giving away the family secret!
There’s a public parking lot right on Ocean Ave.
Time it right to arrive at low tide in the morning and bring your water shoes and a bucket because we are going tide pool exploring. When the tide goes out lots of little sea critters become visible in the shallow pools. You will find tons of hermit crabs be we have also collected lobsters and crabs! Great for kids of all ages.
French Fries and Amusements at Old Orchard Beach
Old Orchard Beach definitely has a different vibe than the other parts of Maine we have visited in this article. This is a place to let loose, have a few too many drinks, party on the pier, and enjoy some fun and games. There is a full amusement park here- you can’t miss it.
But the whole point of this article is just to mention those really good French fries from Pier French fries. They are cut fresh, fried right in front of you and are just delicious beach fare. Get some fries, kick off your shoes and go for a walk. Also, that spot right under the pier makes for great family photos, just enough shade coverage and plenty of poles and things to lean on and feel like a model.
This might sound a little cheesy, but it’s actually totally cool and very different. Travel back in time for a ride on a historic trolley from the early 1900’s. Then explore the three cathouses filled with beautiful, restored trolleys around the sprawling campus. This is located in Kennybunkport.
*If you are visiting in the Winter (because Kennybunkport Christmas Prelude is EPIC.. more on that in another post) make sure you snag a winter Trolley ride. You might get a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause, and the trolleys are totally decked out with vintage holiday decorations and greenery. It makes an amazing snow globe Christmas memory.
Check out a concert at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre
This gorgeous venue was formerly Arundel Barn Playhouse, which hosted summer-stock theatre for many years. This newly renovated space in Arundel Maine is now home to many diverse touring musicians and acts from Bluegrass and Folk to music and also some Broadway and Jazz performers. I’ve also considered having my wedding here, it looks awesome decked out with the Edison light bulbs, and as a theatre geek I think getting married in a theatre like this would be amazing.
To wrap things up, every person you chat with will have different favorite things to do when they visit the coast of Maine. As regular visitors we are still discovering new things every time, and of course the regular stops that are part of our experience. Choose your own adventure!
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