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Ogunquit
Old World Charm Awaits You
by Lina R.
Whether
you are looking for the perfect Sunday drive, or that kick back
and relax for a few days type of vacation, Ogunquit is patiently
awaiting your arrival. Located on Route 1,this historic little
village along the coast of Maine has much to offer. A leisurely
day trip can be a spur of the moment idea that easily fits into
your weekend. Call one of your friends and suggest a drive to
Ogunquit. Surprise your wife with a mystery ride. Allow her to
browse through the many quaint shops before treating her to a
seafood dinner at Barnacle Billy's in Perkins Cove.
One
of the most popular attractions in Ogunquit is the infamous Marginal
Way. Have your camera ready! This scenic footpath, that dips
and turns and juts out into the Atlantic Ocean, has an absolutely
breathtaking view. Walk along this rustic trail that runs parallel
with the main road.Feel a gentle breeze as it ruffles your hair
and gently touches your face. Breathe deeply and enjoy the smell
of the salty air. When the tide is low, tiptoe gingerly across
the lower ledges and rocky masses that have been formed by the
forces of nature. Take lots of photographs of the brightly colored
flowers, the bittersweet that grows wild,the sprawling lawn of
the Anchorage Hotel and the magnificent homes that are set back
behind weathered fences.
My
favorite area in this picturesque village chock full of great
restaurants,charming shops, spectacular scenery, great entertainment
and clean beaches, is Perkins Cove. I personally recommend the
following places. A visit to The Christmas Dove is always delightful.
Open April through December, you will find such collectibles
as Department 56 and Annalee Dolls. Mountain Tops is the largest
T-shirt store in Ogunquit. The Brass Carousel features a collection
of fine jewelry, stained glass, rare gifts, and items made of
foreign and domestic brass. A day at Perkins Cove, for me, has
to include lunch at The Hurricane. Open year round, this restaurant,
noted for its outstanding chowder, is the perfect setting for
a romantic meal. My husband and I salvaged a stormy weekend away,
by stopping there for lunch. While feasting on scrumptious lobster
salads, warm rolls, and sipping a fine Merlot wine, we dined
in an elegant setting in front of a wall of glass facing the
ocean. The giant whitecaps crashed angrily over jagged rocks,
the spray flying high into the air from the gusty wind, and pounded
onto the sand. Each wave seemed to grow closer as we sat in awe,
witnessing the power of the sea.
A few
other great places to dine in Ogunquit include Jackie's Too,
Poor Richard's Tavern, The Lobster Pound, Charlie's, and Jonathan's.
Maxwell's, located in the center of town, not only has good food,
it has nightly entertainment. I love the Karaoke nights there!
It is always fun to join in and sing when you can be anonymous.
All of these places are within walking distances and are also
on or near a trolley stop. The Trolley runs from mid-April through
Columbus Day. The fee is $1 for adults and 50 cents for children.
Ogunquit has three miles of white sandy beaches for those of
you who like to smear on the sun block,carry beach chairs, umbrellas,
coolers, hats, or a favorite book and spend time at the seashore.
I enjoy taking a stroll after the sun goes down and watching
the families, who have spent the day there, as they gather their
children together and collect the sand pails, shovels and seashells
that are scattered around them.
If
you are entertaining thoughts of a long weekend or any time during
the summer months, you should decide where you would like to
stay and book your trip well in advance. Summers are fun and
relaxing in this old-world spot by the sea. You will find a wide
variety of places to choose from. Whether you like a modest bed
and breakfast, a quiet little inn, or a more upscale resort,
lodging that suits your taste and budget should not be difficult
to find. The Colonial Village, a stone's throw from Wells, is
an appealing choice. This attractive resort, within walking distance
from the center of town, offers several vacation options, and
features an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, and an outdoor
pool as well. The Meadowmere, another one of my personal favorites,
has indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, and offers package plans
that include meals.
Ogunquit
is a short drive to Freeport, Portsmouth, and Kennebunkport,
if you wish to venture further. I often stop in Kittery to shop
the outlets on my way home. There is so much to see and do. I
cannot possibly tell you about all of it. However, I can suggest
you log on to an informative website I found, www.ogunquit.com
http://www.ogunquit.com. From the
restaurants and shopping to the beaches and deep-sea fishing,
Ogunquit is waiting to welcome you.
For
more of Lina's writings, be sure to visit her web site at My
Web World.
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