Exploring Maine's South Coast

We spent the last couple of days exploring the South Coast of Maine. When we drove North in the motorhome, we used the Interstate--pretty green trees, an occasional glimpse of the ocean or a harbor-really not very scenic. So Friday and Saturday we drove back down the Interstate in the Jeep and got off and came North on Highway 1 and some even more remote roads.

Our first stop was in York. There we found Cape Neddick Lighthouse sitting just offshore. The light is also known as Nubble Light since it sits on a little nub of land. We drove by a couple of nice sandy beaches. There were a fair number of people out taking advantage of the wonderful sunshine and warm temperatures. That ocean water is still too cold for swimming in our opinion, but lots of people were in the water. There were also lots of sailboats around also. Very pretty-just like the pictures you see of the coast.

We continued on North to a little area called Perkins Cove. It seems every bit of shoreline has vacation rentals on it and this area is no exception. We found a nice seafood restaurant on the water and sat on the patio and watched the boats and people. We continued on to Ogunquit another beach-vacation spot. Each of these little villages has charming little main streets full of shops and things to see. We drove along the ocean and enjoyed the views.

Our next stop was Kennebunkport. Here we also drove along the shore looking at the different rock formations, lovely beach homes and ocean views. We managed to find George H.W. Bush's home sitting out on a point of land. Just as we stopped to admire it, his speedboat, the Fidelity, came speeding into the cove and anchored. A few people got off and went to shore. Although Secret Service vehicles were clearly visible on the property, it did not appear that the former President was there. It was interesting to see the home and easy to see why the Bush's loved coming there whenever they could.

We wound our way up the coastal roads. We passed through the old manufacturing towns of Saco and Biddeford that straddle the Saco River. There were lots of huge brick buildings that used to be textile mills and shoe factories. Pretty interesting.

We drove through Old Orchard Beach, another beach resort. We have both been there before, but Jim had never seen it in the summer with it's loads of tourists and carnival type atmosphere. By now it was dinner time and we searched for the little walk-up lobster shack we ate at in the 90's. We did find it and enjoyed our lobster dinner. Yummmmmy.

It was getting pretty late, so with tummies full, we headed back through Portland, Maine's largest city. We drove along the bustling waterfront. This is another area to come back and explore. Lots of old buildings, cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and harbors to look at.

The South Coast of Maine is definitely on our list of favorite places. Of course that is only in the summer!!