I am so excited to share my first summer blog post, and it is a good one; a travel guide! We recently got home from a wonderful seven days in southern Maine, and we could not have had a better time! This was my third trip to Maine. The first, Tony and I did a long weekend in the Portland area. Three years ago, we stayed in Kennebunkport, and this time we stayed in York Maine. I love Maine so much. Driving over that bridge into Maine just gives me this great feeling of coming home, even though I have only been there a few times! There is just something about it for me. It truly embodies one of it's slogans, "The way life should be." This trip we rented a house with my husband's side of the family just like we did in Kennebunkport, but we did not just stay in York, and there is plenty to do even within an hour's drive so I wanted to share some things we did, places we ate, and some beautiful coastal Maine scenery.
One of the best parts of Maine is relaxing! We were so lucky that our house had an amazing pool, and we lucked out with two really warm days to use it. My suit is Summersault.
Beaches in Southern Maine
There are so many beautiful beaches in southern Maine. The Atlantic is awfully cold in Maine, so although you can swim, I am not that brave! However, they are absolutely stunning to see, walk around on, play in the waves, and just soak it all in. We visited two beaches on this trip. One of my favorite things to do on any beach trip is to go to a beach to see the sunrise. On our last trip, we chose Goose Rocks Beach outside Kennebunkport. This time, I chose Long Sands Beach outside York. I cannot recommend it is enough, it is worth the early wake up for sure. The pictures are beautiful, but there is nothing quite like seeing it in person. I love getting to the beach at dawn and watching the colors of the sky change, see the reflection of the sun and sky on the wet sand, and playing in the waves as you wait for that magical moment when the sun makes its appearance.
flag sweater
Places to Eat
1. Get Full Lobsters
Getting lobsters either uncooked or cooked and bringing them home is so fun. We did this on the fourth of July. Literally five minutes from the house we rented was Off the Boat Lobsters. We ordered them in the morning right on the dock, and later we picked them up fully cooked. It was my first time eating a full lobsters, and it was a fun experience as well as delicious. If you like lobster, you have to do this! There are so many options around Maine.
2. Coffee and Pastries in Ogunquit at Mornings in Paris
We actually discovered this place on our last trip, headed to meet family at the beach. We ended up at the wrong beach, but happily were in Ogunquit and were hungry, so we stopped at this adorable French style cafe for coffee and pastries for breakfast. This trip we stopped here for iced coffees and sandwiches after a long walk on Ogunquit Beach, then sat in the shade in town people watching before doing some shopping.
3. Stonewall Kitchen
You may have seen products from Stonewall Kitchen in your grocery store, I know I had! I was surprised to learn that Stonewall Kitchen is an actual place headquartered in York Maine! We went for breakfast one day, and I had the most amazing breakfast sandwich ever, with lobster, bacon and avocado. They also have a store with so many products, as well as cooking classes. We went on the last morning for one more coffee run. I would definitely return here for breakfast and it would be so fun to try a cooking class.
4. York River Landing
Conveniently minutes away from the house we rented was the wonderful York River Landing. The menu has something for everyone. I really loved my Maine Crab stuffed Haddock, and those that had steaks said they were amazing if you have had enough seafood.
Take in the Ocean scenery on the Marginal Way
We went to the nearby town of Ogunquit several times on this trip. It is an easy trip from York to this beautiful coastal beach town. One of the many things you have to see is the Marginal Way walkway. It is an easy paved walking path along the ocean with the most beautiful view of the crashing waves on the rocky shoreline. Being paved, you can take a stroller orwheelchair. There are also opportunities to climb on the rocks to get an even better view. Be careful if you do this of course! What is also a great idea is depending on which end of the path you park at, it is easily connected to the other side of town. You can park near Ogunquit proper, and walk over to Perkins Cover, or vice versa. Either before or after your walk, stop for some ice cream the Sweet Pea. I recommend the Blueberry Pie.
Perkins Cove
Perkins Cove is a must see in Ogunquit. It was once a traditional fishing village and place for artists. The cove still boasts boats, artists, and now many of the buildings are now stores for shopping and souvenirs, as well as many restaurants. We enjoyed getting a drink and a snack with an amazing view of the ocean, popping into many of the stores and galleries, and I got this beautiful picture from the top of the drawbridge.
Kittery
The town of Kittery was close to our house. Kittery is known for its Outlets and great shopping, which we took advantage of, including buying a raincoat when Tropical Storm Elsa made its way to Maine. On our last full day we had lunch at Bob's Clam Hut and I had the best lobster roll; a must while in Maine if you like lobster. We also had a cocktail at Wiggly Bridge Distillery just up the road. It was the perfect way to spend a rainy day.
Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach is an enormous, beautiful beach right in Ogunquit. We had such a great time exploring this beautiful beach.
York and Cape Neddick
You have to see a lighthouse while in Maine! While in southern Maine, the easiest one to get to is definitely the Nubble Lighthouse on Cape Neddick. The lighthouse can be viewed from the across the water from some beautiful rocks. It is the perfect backdrop for photos. You also get a great view of York, the quintessential beach town. It is definitely a must see. While in York, of course you can go to the beach at Short Sands Beach, or get a brew at York Beach Brewery. If you are looking for more lighthouse viewing, head up to the Portland area and make sure to see Cape Elizabeth and the Portland Headlight.
If you are looking to enjoy a combination of beautiful scenery, a relaxed feel, and still plenty to do and eat, I know you will love Maine! This trip was the most wonderful start to summer. We so enjoyed soaking it in the most beautiful setting, as well as spending time all together with family, which is something we haven't been able to do for the last year.
Have you been to Maine? What did you love about it? Where else in Maine should we visit? Let me know!
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