Southern Maine Guidebook
Food Scene
Fresh juice served out of what used to be a mobile bank teller. Grab food at Lil's and then a juice at Maine Squeeze.
12 locals recommend
Maine Squeeze Juice Cafe
7 Wallingford SquareFresh juice served out of what used to be a mobile bank teller. Grab food at Lil's and then a juice at Maine Squeeze.
Surf-style cafe with coffee, tea, and food served all day. Look familiar? We provide White Heron green and black tea at the house.
18 locals recommend
White Heron Tea & Coffee
601 Islington StSurf-style cafe with coffee, tea, and food served all day. Look familiar? We provide White Heron green and black tea at the house.
Portland's Bard Coffee, yummy sandwiches, and outside patio! Great breakfast place or grab sandwiches before heading to the beach.
12 locals recommend
Backyard Coffeehouse & Eatery
178 Main StPortland's Bard Coffee, yummy sandwiches, and outside patio! Great breakfast place or grab sandwiches before heading to the beach.
A little bit of a drive but totally worth it. Lil's is great for breakfast or lunch and they're known for their crullers. Plus, they serve Tandem Coffee (what we serve in the house) so you can restock or get a supply for home.
66 locals recommend
Lil's Cafe
7 Wallingford SquareA little bit of a drive but totally worth it. Lil's is great for breakfast or lunch and they're known for their crullers. Plus, they serve Tandem Coffee (what we serve in the house) so you can restock or get a supply for home.
Fantastic farm-to-table restaurant with good selection of beers. They don't take reservations so put your name in and head to The Wallingford Dram for a cocktail. They'll text you when your table is ready and you'll have one heck of a cocktail.
66 locals recommend
The Black Birch
2 Government StFantastic farm-to-table restaurant with good selection of beers. They don't take reservations so put your name in and head to The Wallingford Dram for a cocktail. They'll text you when your table is ready and you'll have one heck of a cocktail.
When you're in the mood for pork buns and ramen. Sit at the window counters and people watch in the Foreside.
42 locals recommend
Anju Noodle Bar
7 Wallingford SquareWhen you're in the mood for pork buns and ramen. Sit at the window counters and people watch in the Foreside.
One of our go-to spots. Absolutely lovely dining room with a cozy Scandinavian aesthetic (this place has hygge written all over it). The bar is a great place to unwind (say hello to Tim) and has snacks and small plates, if you're not in the mood for a full dinner.
9 locals recommend
Northern Union
261 Shore RdOne of our go-to spots. Absolutely lovely dining room with a cozy Scandinavian aesthetic (this place has hygge written all over it). The bar is a great place to unwind (say hello to Tim) and has snacks and small plates, if you're not in the mood for a full dinner.
Right on the corner of Shore Road & Rt 1 with plenty of outdoor seating on their patio. Great place to people watch while noshing on pizza.
24 locals recommend
Cornerstone Artisanal Pizza & Craft Beer
228 Main StRight on the corner of Shore Road & Rt 1 with plenty of outdoor seating on their patio. Great place to people watch while noshing on pizza.
Set on the Chauncy Creek River, enjoy lobster, shellfish, and fried seafood on picnic tables as kayakers and boaters pull up. This is New England at it's best. Just know that it's BYOB and you may want to take along the bug spray.
38 locals recommend
Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier
16 Chauncey Creek RdSet on the Chauncy Creek River, enjoy lobster, shellfish, and fried seafood on picnic tables as kayakers and boaters pull up. This is New England at it's best. Just know that it's BYOB and you may want to take along the bug spray.
The sister location to The Ice Cream House located in York Village.
10 locals recommend
Village Scoop Ice Cream
286 York StThe sister location to The Ice Cream House located in York Village.
Intimate rustic Italian restaurant in Kittery Foreside open for lunch and dinner.
11 locals recommend
Festina Lente
1 Government StIntimate rustic Italian restaurant in Kittery Foreside open for lunch and dinner.
Breakfast and lunch along with baked treats (including pie!) Great place if you want to avoid the crowds in Ogunquit and York.
6 locals recommend
Nancy's Cafe
Breakfast and lunch along with baked treats (including pie!) Great place if you want to avoid the crowds in Ogunquit and York.
Restaurant overseen by Boston chef Ken Oringer and a must visit for any foodies out there.
44 locals recommend
Earth at Hidden Pond
354 Goose Rocks RdRestaurant overseen by Boston chef Ken Oringer and a must visit for any foodies out there.
When in Kittery, it's always a struggle to decide between Beach Pea and Lil's. This bakery cafe has lovely baked goods as well as yummy sandwiches. And the little outdoor patio is the place to be!
43 locals recommend
Beach Pea Baking Co
53 State RdWhen in Kittery, it's always a struggle to decide between Beach Pea and Lil's. This bakery cafe has lovely baked goods as well as yummy sandwiches. And the little outdoor patio is the place to be!
A lovely red barn chocked full of bread and croissants? Yes, sir! Pastries, sandwiches, and coffee served all day in nearby Kennebunk.
35 locals recommend
Boulangerie
5 Nasons CtA lovely red barn chocked full of bread and croissants? Yes, sir! Pastries, sandwiches, and coffee served all day in nearby Kennebunk.
Adorable restaurant in nearby South Berwick. Heading to the Hackmatack theater? This is the perfect pre-show dinner spot.
8 locals recommend
Thistle Pig
279 Main StAdorable restaurant in nearby South Berwick. Heading to the Hackmatack theater? This is the perfect pre-show dinner spot.
Love fresh juices like we do? Enough said. (Though we should say it's located closeby in Ogunquit Center.)
15 locals recommend
Loveshack Juicery
68 Shore RdLove fresh juices like we do? Enough said. (Though we should say it's located closeby in Ogunquit Center.)
The guys from The Wallingford Dram in Kittery created a restaurant across the river that won't disappoint.
18 locals recommend
The Wilder
174 Fleet StThe guys from The Wallingford Dram in Kittery created a restaurant across the river that won't disappoint.
The Boston staple transported to Portsmouth. Locally caught seafood and some pretty fantastic lobster rolls.
16 locals recommend
Row 34
5 Portwalk PlThe Boston staple transported to Portsmouth. Locally caught seafood and some pretty fantastic lobster rolls.
Somewhat of an icon in Portsmouth. Serves up breakfast and lunch but get there early for breakfast (especially on the weekends!)
23 locals recommend
Colby's Breakfast & Lunch
105 Daniel StSomewhat of an icon in Portsmouth. Serves up breakfast and lunch but get there early for breakfast (especially on the weekends!)
The Ice Cream House
1300 US-1Old fashioned ice cream place with outdoor seating. One of our favorites!
Cult-favorite spot since 1959. The lines get long so get there early!
10 locals recommend
Flo's Hot Dogs
1359 US-1Cult-favorite spot since 1959. The lines get long so get there early!
Casual burger joint with great food and frontiersmen atmosphere with grass-fed beef, hand cut fries, and frappes. The wall murals help find your inner mountain man.
10 locals recommend
Wild Willy's Burgers
765 US-1Casual burger joint with great food and frontiersmen atmosphere with grass-fed beef, hand cut fries, and frappes. The wall murals help find your inner mountain man.
The Central Bean & Bakery
127 Long Sands RdEgg sandwiches, George Howell coffee, and baked goodies!
Admittedly, we think about donuts too much. But this vegan craft donut shop is worth a visit!
8 locals recommend
Lovebirds Donuts
450 US-1Admittedly, we think about donuts too much. But this vegan craft donut shop is worth a visit!
Sandwiches & salads, perfect for a quick lunch or to take to the beach. (And their wallpaper makes us smile.)
The Beach Basket
22 Shore RdSandwiches & salads, perfect for a quick lunch or to take to the beach. (And their wallpaper makes us smile.)
French patisserie located in a quiet alley in Portsmouth. Grab a croissant and sit outside at this cozy bakery.
18 locals recommend
Elephantine Bakery
10 Commercial AlleyFrench patisserie located in a quiet alley in Portsmouth. Grab a croissant and sit outside at this cozy bakery.
Lobster and clams and they can steam the lobsters (so you don't have to!)
7 locals recommend
Off The Boat Lobsters
2 Seabury RdLobster and clams and they can steam the lobsters (so you don't have to!)
Cup of Joe
31 Market StFrisbee's Wharf at Pepperrell Cove
88 Pepperrell RdAl fresco dining with a view of the cove
Palace Diner
18 Franklin StOld school diner in nearby Biddeford
Fresh scones, coffee and fresh produce at an adorable farm stand.
Simply Grown Farm Stand at Rocky Acres
460 Mountain RoadFresh scones, coffee and fresh produce at an adorable farm stand.
Loveshack Juicery
68 Shore RdScones and farm stand near the base of Mount Agamenticus. As they are a small operation, call on Fridays or Saturdays to place an order for scones the next day—207-332-1962.
Simply Grown Farm Stand at Rocky Acres
460 Mountain RoadScones and farm stand near the base of Mount Agamenticus. As they are a small operation, call on Fridays or Saturdays to place an order for scones the next day—207-332-1962.
Walkers Maine
1273 US-1Fantastic farm-to-table restaurant with chef and GM owners.
Not what you would expect in Maine but fantastic Texas-style BBQ.
14 locals recommend
Ore Nell's Barbecue
2 Badgers Island WNot what you would expect in Maine but fantastic Texas-style BBQ.
Closest coffee with an ocean view. They also carry breakfast bites and local beers.
Bald Head Coffee Co.
591 Shore RdClosest coffee with an ocean view. They also carry breakfast bites and local beers.
Parks & Nature
Hiking path along tidal creeks, salt pans, and salt marshes.
48 locals recommend
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Hiking path along tidal creeks, salt pans, and salt marshes.
A 250 acre (101 hectare) gem of natural beauty along the banks of the Salmon Falls River.
13 locals recommend
Vaughan Woods State Park
28 Oldfields RdA 250 acre (101 hectare) gem of natural beauty along the banks of the Salmon Falls River.
Sohier Park is a great place to look out onto Nubble Light, probably one of the ten most photographed lighthouses in the world. In the mood for ice cream? Head to Dunne's Ice Cream, just up the road.
38 locals recommend
NUBBLE LIGHT / SOHIER PARK
Sohier Park RoadSohier Park is a great place to look out onto Nubble Light, probably one of the ten most photographed lighthouses in the world. In the mood for ice cream? Head to Dunne's Ice Cream, just up the road.
This 1.25 mile (2 km) paved cliff walk meanders along the craggy coast filled with sea roses and fragrant bittersweet. If you're there at low tide, you can walk down to the beach. (And in the off season, the lot at the cove is free.)
51 locals recommend
Marginal Way
Marginal WayThis 1.25 mile (2 km) paved cliff walk meanders along the craggy coast filled with sea roses and fragrant bittersweet. If you're there at low tide, you can walk down to the beach. (And in the off season, the lot at the cove is free.)
10 miles (16 km) of Bike Trails in the Edwin L. Smith Preserve starting from their 1,100 acre (445 hectare) preserve headquarters at Gravelly Brook Road off Goose Rocks Beach Road.
12 locals recommend
Kennebunkport Conservation Trust
10 miles (16 km) of Bike Trails in the Edwin L. Smith Preserve starting from their 1,100 acre (445 hectare) preserve headquarters at Gravelly Brook Road off Goose Rocks Beach Road.
Lovely multi-colored boardwalk winds through the woods and heath fields. The heath blooms a gorgeous purple in the spring. But keep in mind since this is a bog, it can get a little hot and humid in the summer.
14 locals recommend
Saco Heath
163 Buxton RdLovely multi-colored boardwalk winds through the woods and heath fields. The heath blooms a gorgeous purple in the spring. But keep in mind since this is a bog, it can get a little hot and humid in the summer.
Mount A provides stunning views of the coast to the east and New Hampshire's White Mountains to the west. Trails are open year round dawn until dusk and (if you're not up for a hike) you can drive to the top and enjoy the view.
109 locals recommend
Mount Agamenticus
Mount A provides stunning views of the coast to the east and New Hampshire's White Mountains to the west. Trails are open year round dawn until dusk and (if you're not up for a hike) you can drive to the top and enjoy the view.
Great walk with kids that is ever changing due to tide. Steedman Woods, while fairly small, is a great hike with the family, even the smallest of children. And if you want to go farther, continue towards the ocean on the Fisherman's Walk on the other side of 103 or away from the ocean to Lindsay Lane to the George Marshall Gallery and beyond.
25 locals recommend
Wiggly Bridge
57 Barrell LnGreat walk with kids that is ever changing due to tide. Steedman Woods, while fairly small, is a great hike with the family, even the smallest of children. And if you want to go farther, continue towards the ocean on the Fisherman's Walk on the other side of 103 or away from the ocean to Lindsay Lane to the George Marshall Gallery and beyond.
Milton Pond
Public swimming with plenty of parking.
Webhannet River Bait & Tackle
345 Harbor RdRent kayaks and canoes along the Webhannet River.
Cliff Walk
Cliff WalkNot exactly a "hike" but a nice walk with views of the harbor.
Conservation center featuring trails through woodlands & wetlands, plus historic farm buildings. Pay the parking fee and you'll also have access to a lovely (and uncrowded) beach that's just a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot.
21 locals recommend
Wells Reserve at Laudholm
342 Laudholm Farm RdConservation center featuring trails through woodlands & wetlands, plus historic farm buildings. Pay the parking fee and you'll also have access to a lovely (and uncrowded) beach that's just a 5-10 minute walk from the parking lot.
A 19th century fort with hiking trails and picnicking areas overlooking Pepperrell Cove. A modest donation is on the honor system. Spend the afternoon at the fort then head over to Frisbee's Wharf for drinks and al fresco dinner.
45 locals recommend
Fort McClary State Historic Site
Pepperrell RoadA 19th century fort with hiking trails and picnicking areas overlooking Pepperrell Cove. A modest donation is on the honor system. Spend the afternoon at the fort then head over to Frisbee's Wharf for drinks and al fresco dinner.
Arts & Culture
Summerstock theater with five (sometimes more) musicals each season, with each season running mid-May through mid-October and performances Tuesday through Sunday.
101 locals recommend
Ogunquit Playhouse
10 Main StSummerstock theater with five (sometimes more) musicals each season, with each season running mid-May through mid-October and performances Tuesday through Sunday.
Opened in 1953, at the museum focuses on works by artists associated with Ogunquit’s famous art colonies of the early 20th century and the art schools of Charles Woodbury and Hamilton Easter Field.
47 locals recommend
Ogunquit Museum-American Art
543 Shore RdOpened in 1953, at the museum focuses on works by artists associated with Ogunquit’s famous art colonies of the early 20th century and the art schools of Charles Woodbury and Hamilton Easter Field.
Open air museum with houses staged in various periods of Portsmouth's history between 1695 to 1954.
111 locals recommend
Strawbery Banke Museum
14 Hancock StOpen air museum with houses staged in various periods of Portsmouth's history between 1695 to 1954.
Located in an old Grange Hall, The Dance Hall features dance, music and other performing art performances.
14 locals recommend
The Dance Hall
7 Walker St Located in an old Grange Hall, The Dance Hall features dance, music and other performing art performances.
Summerstock theater housed in an old barn on a scenic, 17th-century farmstead. Plus, homemade pie may be served at intermission!
8 locals recommend
Hackmatack Playhouse
538 School StSummerstock theater housed in an old barn on a scenic, 17th-century farmstead. Plus, homemade pie may be served at intermission!
Located in 1785 Captain James Winn House, exhibits focus on Ogunquit's role as art colony, its maritime heritage, and local architecture.
Ogunquit Heritage Museum
86 Obeds LnLocated in 1785 Captain James Winn House, exhibits focus on Ogunquit's role as art colony, its maritime heritage, and local architecture.
You're in the oldest town in Maine, after all. Get a peek into 17th century York.
15 locals recommend
Old York Historical Society
3 Lindsay RdYou're in the oldest town in Maine, after all. Get a peek into 17th century York.
Entertainment & Activities
Kitchy arcade with old-school favorites including Pac-Man and Skee-Ball plus candlepin bowling literally right off the beach.
15 locals recommend
Funorama
13 Beach St Kitchy arcade with old-school favorites including Pac-Man and Skee-Ball plus candlepin bowling literally right off the beach.
More than 250 creatures in this zoo along with amusement rides.
77 locals recommend
York's Wild Kingdom
1 Animal Park RdMore than 250 creatures in this zoo along with amusement rides.
Rental of surfboards, wet suits, body board, paddle board
plus surf camps and lessons.
17 locals recommend
Liquid Dreams Surf Shop
696 Main StRental of surfboards, wet suits, body board, paddle board
plus surf camps and lessons.
Summer Sessions Portsmouth
82 Vaughan MallSummer surf camps and lessons in Portsmouth & Rye.
Their aerial course has over 65 activities and elements to climb on, over, around, and through. Plus, two different zip line tours.
28 locals recommend
Take Flight Aerial Adventure Course
Their aerial course has over 65 activities and elements to climb on, over, around, and through. Plus, two different zip line tours.
Sea kayak rentals along Ogunquit River along estuaries that lead to the Atlantic. Open during high tide only.
6 locals recommend
World Within Sea Kayaking
17 Post RoadSea kayak rentals along Ogunquit River along estuaries that lead to the Atlantic. Open during high tide only.
18 hole club open to the public just a few hundred yards from the house along the Atlantic Ocean—ask us about discounts on greens fees.
8 locals recommend
Cape Neddick Country Club
650 Shore Rd18 hole club open to the public just a few hundred yards from the house along the Atlantic Ocean—ask us about discounts on greens fees.
In operation since 1923, the Leavitt Theater has first-run to art, classics, silent film, and festivals.
22 locals recommend
The Leavitt Theatre
259 Main StreetIn operation since 1923, the Leavitt Theater has first-run to art, classics, silent film, and festivals.
It's a bit of a drive but worth it for an old-school drive-in! The food leaves a little bit to be desired to pack a dinner.
41 locals recommend
The Saco Drive In
980 Portland RdIt's a bit of a drive but worth it for an old-school drive-in! The food leaves a little bit to be desired to pack a dinner.
Essentials
Hannaford Supermarket
5 Hannaford DrA small food market with produce and other staples. Plus, a deli and ready-made meals.
19 locals recommend
Village Toy Funatic
232 Main StA small food market with produce and other staples. Plus, a deli and ready-made meals.
Cumberland Farms
186 Main StJust about everything you could ask for except, that is, food. Plus they sell baby chicks in the Spring. You won't find that in Boston.
Eldredge Lbr & Hardware Inc
627 US-1Just about everything you could ask for except, that is, food. Plus they sell baby chicks in the Spring. You won't find that in Boston.
Rite Aid
15 Shapleigh RdGreat for the very basics (like milk) plus has ready-made meals, sandwiches, plus a coffee shop with live music on Saturday mornings.
18 locals recommend
Anthony's Food Shop
679 US-1Great for the very basics (like milk) plus has ready-made meals, sandwiches, plus a coffee shop with live music on Saturday mornings.
Village Laundry
127 Long Sands RdWhole Foods Market
1600 Woodbury AveShopping
Books, jewelry, textiles, and clothing just a couple doors down from Lil's Cafe. One of our favorites for discovering new books.
8 locals recommend
FOLK
7 Wallingford SquareBooks, jewelry, textiles, and clothing just a couple doors down from Lil's Cafe. One of our favorites for discovering new books.
Kittery Trading Post
301 U.S. 1Everything you need for all your outdoor activities...
This lovely little shop includes items for the home as well as a modest collection of clothing. If you like the design of The Bracy House, this shop is right up your alley!
Tayla Mac Boutique
72 Wallingford SquareThis lovely little shop includes items for the home as well as a modest collection of clothing. If you like the design of The Bracy House, this shop is right up your alley!
Owned by our friends, Minka features all-natural skincare products along with special items from local and independent designers.
11 locals recommend
Minka
3 Dock SquareOwned by our friends, Minka features all-natural skincare products along with special items from local and independent designers.
Crate and Barrel Outlet
350 US-1 BYPCrate and Barrel outlet is small but there can be good finds!
lululemon
340 US-1The Lululemon outlet is worth a visit but the outlets can get crowded in the summer.
Nahcotta Inc
110 Congress StreetCute home goods and gift shop with a tiny art wall that's totally worth a visit!
Hand made items from small batch companies—everything from candles to pottery to home decor.
9 locals recommend
Farm + Table
8 Langsford RdHand made items from small batch companies—everything from candles to pottery to home decor.
Great men's clothing store, whether you're strolling the back woods or walking city streets.
SAULT New England
10 Market SquareGreat men's clothing store, whether you're strolling the back woods or walking city streets.
Nahcotta North
16 Main StThe northern outpost of one of our favorite shops in Portsmouth!
Drinks & Nightlife
Tiny and cozy cocktail bar that is our go-to! Try the Dame Shrub (Traci's favorite) and if you aren't in the mood for a full dinner, the chef's charcuterie plate includes New England cheeses and honey. Plus, sometimes they serve steamed pork buns from Anju next door.
29 locals recommend
The Wallingford Dram
7 Wallingford SquareTiny and cozy cocktail bar that is our go-to! Try the Dame Shrub (Traci's favorite) and if you aren't in the mood for a full dinner, the chef's charcuterie plate includes New England cheeses and honey. Plus, sometimes they serve steamed pork buns from Anju next door.
Local York brewer with 8 beers on tap and rotating seasonals.
14 locals recommend
SoMe Brewing Company
1 York StLocal York brewer with 8 beers on tap and rotating seasonals.
Not only great food but Tim will treat you like family at the cozy bar.
9 locals recommend
Northern Union
261 Shore RdNot only great food but Tim will treat you like family at the cozy bar.
Our friends (who are big beer people) drive miles for releases from this Kittery brewery.
23 locals recommend
Tributary Brewing
10 Shapleigh RdOur friends (who are big beer people) drive miles for releases from this Kittery brewery.
York Beach Beer
33 Railroad AveLiar's Bench Beer Company
459 Islington StOne of the great craft breweries in Portsmouth.
SoMe Brewing Company
1 York StYork's very own craft brewery!