Maine is known as “Vacationland” as we like to enjoy its lobster shacks, lighthouses, New England houses and numerous beaches during the hottest months of the year.
A summer vacation in Maine is, for lots of us, a tradition. From Old Orchard Beach to Portland, there are so many Maine attractions you might already know and love. You keep coming back to your classics, thinking: if it ain’t broke, why fix it? There is something really comforting about coming back to the same things year after year. You think Maine cannot surprise you anymore because you know it by heart? Think again…
In addition to the usual and more traditional spots where you have been before, there are also quite a few new places that sometimes fall off the radar, but want to offer a modern twist to the Maine you think you know. Why not visit Maine a different way next time, far from the classics?
Restaurants | The Classics
Breakfast: The Egg & I has been an all-day breakfast destination since 1920 in Ogunquit. The decor has not changed, and you can enjoy your two-eggs sunny side up in a decor stuck in time. They only take cash and that’s the way they have always done it.
Lunch: The Clam Shack is an absolute classic for a quick lobster roll and some other Maine classic delicacies. The “Shack” has been the busiest take out counter in Kennebunk Port since 1968. You order at the window and you find a spot to eat outside, as simple as that.
Dinner: Barnacle Billy’s has been a classic seafood restaurant since 1961 and there is still, to this day, a line up almost every day. People go there to pick their own lobster in the fish tank, and for the amazing view of the port.
Hotels | The Classics
The Sea Side Inn is a family friendly beachside hotel that has been renovated more than once. America’s oldest hotel has been recorded to open in 1660 and offers amazing seaside views. The current owners represent the ninth generation of innkeepers.
The Portland Regency Hotel is housed in the former State of Maine Armory Building that dates back to the 19th Century. The building is a historic landmark in Portland, Maine’s Old Port district. As recognition for its preservation of a historically significant building, The Portland Regency Hotel was invited by the National Trust of Historic Preservation to become a distinguished member of the Historic Hotels of America in 1990.
Restaurants | The Newcomers
Breakfast: Loveshack Juicery is the new breakfast joint not to miss in the South of Maine. Serving everything that is trendy these days: cold-pressed juice, acai bowls and smoothies, it is a million miles away from your traditional breakfast diner. It’s new, it’s hip, it’s all about natural and healthy food as they only serve the “new” breakfast items that we all crave.
Lunch: Maine is known for their lobster shacks. While several have been there for quite some time, Nubb’s Lobster Shack is the latest one as it opened only last year where you can enjoy some classics (lobster rolls and clam chowder), Nubb’s also offers new items like Lobster Hush Puppies and Totchos in a modern decor.
Dinner: Earth at Hidden Pond has been a massive hit since the opening a few years ago. The open-air restaurant is located on the gorgeous Hidden Pond resort, and it is the undisputed dinner hot spot in the area. The “farm to table” concept is a breath of fresh air in this lobster shack capital. The decor, the concept and the menu showcases another side of Maine… the best that farmers and gardeners can offer.
Hotels | The Newcomers
Cliff House reopened last summer after a multi million-dollar facelift. Located on the top of a cliff overlooking the city of Ogunquit, this luxury resort includes 226 rooms and suites that offer hard-to-beat views of the coast with their floor to ceiling windows, a state-of-the-art gym and spa in addition to an outdoor salted pool. A true gem if you want to explore Maine far from the traditional “motor inn” motel.
Tides Beach Club is the most recent boutique hotel to open in the region. Located directly on Goose Rock Beach in Kennebunk, it is also one of the only hotels in Maine to have a private beach complete with chairs and umbrellas for their guests. All 21 guests rooms have a unique design imagined by Jonathan Adler. The lobby bar is also quite an attraction in the area and the front porch is always animated.
