Snapshot: Few places make me happier than Ogunquit. This is where I spent every summer growing up, so it's hard for me to even conjure up the proper image, but I shall try...
You get off I-95 and drive along Route 1... you have the windows down and you can smell the salty ocean air. You're finally on vacation. There's not much on the radio, but it's not a big deal. Soon you'll be relaxing on a beautiful beach surrounded by happy people. You'll be eating a buttery lobster roll and lots of ice cream. You'll be strolling around town hopping into little shops and restaurants, and you'll probably be hearing a large group of grown men singing show tunes from the second floor of the Front Porch. Life Is Good. Yeah, you'll see a lot of "Life Is Good" shirts.
My Authority: I like to think of myself as an expert on this one... I spent the first 22 or 23 summers of my life up there. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to visit OGT much in the past five years, so I'm a little spotty on the newer developments. I'd love to get some feedback in the comments from fellow Ogunquit-goers!!
You Should: Sit back, relax, and give yourself a full day of relaxation on Ogunquit beach. Get there early, especially if it's a weekend in the summer. It'll fill up quickly with sun worshippers. You could always grab a coffee downtown beforehand at Bread and Roses bakery or the Village Food Market. For lunch, have a bite to eat at Splash, and in the afternoon, grab a soft serve twist in a cone at the little ice cream take out window next to the parking lot.
If you're with little kiddos, take a trolley ride through town. If you're in the mood for a work out, go for a jog on the beach all the way to Wells. If you're feeling social, play some bocce or volleyball on the beach. If you're feeling brave, take a dip in the water, which is likely 60 degrees or colder. Not a beach day? Take a boat ride on one of the boat charters from Perkins Cove, or go to the old-fashioned movie theater off of Shore Road.
Most importantly, you should go to Perkins Cove for dinner. I'm extremely partial towards Barnacle Billys, where you can sit on the deck to eat a delicious lobster with clam chowder, garlic bread and most importantly, a Barnacle Billy's rum punch. Another popular option at Billy's is to split a bunch of buttery steamers with some friends. If you have a shellfish allergy, (like me), fear not... you can get a roasting chicken, garlic bread, and of course, a rum punch. If it's a nice day, you'll want to sit on the deck and watch the boats come in and out of the harbor. You may even spot Former President George H.W. Bush at the big circular corner table. If it's rainy and wet, you'll be cozy inside with candles and a fire burning. Okay, it's possible that some of you are thinking that I work at Billy's or have some sort of ownership rights there, because no one could be so obsessed with a restaurant. Not so. I'm just a huge fan. I also ate there so much growing up that I sometimes accidentally called Billy's "Ken's," which is the name of my parents' actual restaurant. But alas, I have other recommendations not named Billy, (although let me quickly say that Barnacle Billy's Etc. is another good option...) Anyway, other good restaurants in and near the Cove are The Oarweed (casual, family friendly) and MC Perkins' Cove (fancy, pricey and perfect for a date.) Afterwards, get a black raspberry ice cream at the Billy's take out window or stop by the best candy store in the land, Perkins Cove Candies.
As for night time activities, you can stick around Perkins Cove for a booze cruise, or you can head over to the downtown area for drinks. The hot places to go out seem to change rather frequently, but last I checked, you'll have a good time at Cornerstone Artisanal Pizza & Craft Beer, the upstairs of Gypsy Sweethearts, or if you're feeling... flamboyant, Maine Street Ogunquit for karaoke or the Front Porch for sing-alongs. Maxwell's Pub and Five-O are fun, too. These places are all rather small, and the crowd can be unpredictable, but that's part of the fun... if one place is having an off night, you can just walk a block or two to the next one and never have to worry about driving.
If you're not a drinker, or you're vacationing in Ogunquit with kiddos, I recommend seeing a show at the Ogunquit Playhouse or walking around town. You really can't go wrong in Ogunquit.
You Should Not: wear Yankees gear; act homophobic (lots of LGBT tourists); drive up from the Boston area during rush hour without giving yourself three hours to get there, or visit in the dead of winter.
Best for: Everyone!! ...except for maybe Yankees fans ;)
