Places I love - Ogunquit, Maine

Every once in a while, I would like to share special places that I love with you.  I do not travel as much as I would like to - two children (one of whom is in university), a job that only affords a certain number of weeks every year, and my J Crew habit make that difficult.

But there is a little town that is about 7 hours from here that is divine - Ogunquit, Maine. 




This is the original preppy playground and there are three typical categories of visitors to Ogunquit:

1) The Happy Family



The beach is sandy, the water divine.  We are not beach people, but we do venture here now and again.  I once laid on this beach one spectacular summer day and the loudspeaker said: "Today is July 31st.  We hope you brought your sunscreen and a good book.  It is going to be a scorcher. But remember this day in December, when you are up to your armpits in snow.  You will be glad you were here and you will remember this day!"  And you know what - they were right.

2) The well-off senior

This is a safe little town and most of it can be walked.  I marvel at the fit, good-looking seniors who flock here and spend their money on gifts for the grandchildren, and good meals..

3) the well-appointed tastemakers

Ogunquit has taste.  It is preppy and many of the nearby shops sell exquistive items for the home and cottage.  There are many good restaurants.  The gardens are lush.  You will run into many same sex couples, all of them fit and good-looking and driving sports cars.  You will be jealous, because you know they have left behind a home that is as exquisitely appointed as they are...

Where do they all intersect?  Three Spots:

THE OGUNQUIT PLAYHOUSE (my personal favourite!)




Here you will see TV stars of yesteryear perform in summerstock.  It is great fun and you arrive early and have a glass of champagne before the show starts.  Best to stay within walking distance, which is lovely on a beautiful summer night...

Last year we saw Peter Scolari in The Music Man.




Was it kitschy?  Sure.  But he sang and acted his heart out, as did the rest of the cast and it was grand fun!  Sally Struthers appears every year now, and really, isn't that enough of a siren call?


FINE DINING

98 Provence




Wonderful french cuisine in a cute cottage right near the beach..  They also serve amazing breakfasts...

Angelina's Ristorante

I once had a ragu here that made me weep.

Amore Breakfast

Belgian Waffles to die for


And my favourite spot in Ogunquit, which you can walk to along the shore to on the most divine path called the Marginal Way:

PERKINS COVE









You will shop here, eat here, oggle the sea here.  And you will be awfully happy.  And if you are still hungry afterwards, walk back to Ogunquit and buy some chocolates here.  You will be happy you did!

I will not get to Ogunquit this summer.  But I will dream of it and hope that you find your way there!