Why You Need to Go to Maine Now

Long Sands Beach, York

Go to the beach? In April? Yes, because even in August you won’t be going in the water. I still bring a sweater with me in July, just in case. At 1.5 miles long, this is the ultimate “lets go for a long walk on a beach” beach. Before May, dogs and even horseback riders are allowed, and there’s always a few local surfers in the water. Kids will love the few rocky outcroppings that create a magical world of tide pools, with tiny sea creatures and seaweed so briny and pristine you can eat them right off the rocks. Be mindful of high tide, which can make the beach a fraction of its size.

Tributary Brewing Company

Tod Mott is a New England legend on par with Tom Brady and Paul Revere. A brewmaster, he created the original recipe of the famous Harpoon IPA as well as the cult favorite Kate the Great Russian Imperial Stout. He and his wife Galen now have their own Tributary Brewing Company. Stop by and pick up a growler of one of the fresh-brewed beers on tap.

Flo’s Hot Dogs

Anyone who knows me knows my love for this small roadside stop on Route 1. Opened in 1959 by Flo Stacey, this business was built around feeding traveling salesman. There’s only one thing on the menu and that’s hot dogs, and there’s really only one way to get them: with Flo’s relish, mayonnaise and a generous dashing of celery salt. Get a bag of salt and vinegar chips and wash it all down with a can of Moxie soda. Welcome to Maine.

A Walk Along the Marginal Way

In Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, there’s a slim (marginal) walking path with perfect Maine summer houses on one side and the crashing Atlantic Ocean on the other. With robust sea breezes, and salt spray in the air, this treasured cliff walk simply makes you feel good to be alive. This is much tougher to do in the summer, unless you are staying nearby, since parking is very limited. However before summer crowds arrive, you can park your car in the lot with one entrance to it and go for a lovely walk. Then come back and have a late lunch at M.C. Perkins Cove.

When I was a waitress in Maine, everything came with a choice of baked potato or rice pilaf. Boy, have things changed. There are a number of great restaurants in Maine, creating some fabulous food. M.C Perkin’s Cove is one of them. I love the simple furnishings that don’t detract from the amazing view of the water and rocky coast. I love to order their Maine chowder and creamy celery root salad. In April and May, it still gets dark early, so make sure you make a reservation while the sun is up.

About AAA Travel and Samantha Brown

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