3 months ago
Sharon and Chris Rose are raising their family in Old Orchard Beach. They offer an insider's view of that popular tourist destination, as well as some of their other Maine favorites:
Old Orchard Beach
People come to OOB and cram themselves in around the pier. But the beach is seven miles long, for heaven's sake! You'll have much more room to spread out and enjoy yourself if you find a spot just a mile or two away from the epicenter of town. The South side of the beach has grittier sand, a steeper slope to the water, and bigger waves to delight surfers and boogie boarders. The north side has fine sand, a big flat expanse at low tide for long walks and ball games, and more gentle waves for younger children.
Here are some more insider tips and hidden treasures.
Free Parking: If you drive about half a mile from the pier along West Grand Avenue (parallel with the water), you'll find some free parking on side streets starting where W. Grand Ave intersects with Atlantic Ave.
Another Parking Option: Look for hotels along the beach with "vacancy" signs, and ask if they'll let you park in their lot for the day (and use their restrooms) for $10 or $15 dollars. If there's a pool, and you're feeling really bold, ask if they'll also let you use the pool for an extra $5.
The Ice Cream Truck: It makes regular stops at the Royal Anchor Hotel's parking lot, which abuts the beach about 1 1/2 miles up East Grand Ave from the pier.
Cascade Falls: Located on the Cascade Road, coming into Old Orchard. The falls are on the left, about 1/4 mile from Route One. Along with the falls, there are hiking trails, and a few streams for fishing.
Ocean Park: A village within Old Orchard Beach. The one restaurant in this part of town, Yellowfins, is BYOB (beer or bottle of wine -- which we find charming). And right across the street is an old fashioned soda fountain and gift shop for an after-dinner treat.
AquabogganAquaboggan is not the biggest water park on the planet, but the great thing about this park is that it is spread out, with plenty of green space. That makes the whole experience more enjoyable and you feel less haggard at the end of the day.
Portland Breakwater Light, South Portland
Better known as Bug Light. Great place to go for a picnic. Kids love walking out to the lighthouse on the rocks of the breakwater. Shell collectors will find plenty of mussel and periwinkle shells. And there's plenty of space to spread out on the grass and have a picnic. The park is accessible from the South Portland bike path.
Boothbay Harbor
Love, love, love this town! The Tugboat Inn and Rocktide Inn are our favorite places to stay. Kaler's is one of our favorite places to eat with down home cooking and service, and a touch tank on the back deck for the kids. We also like to take the trolley out to the Maine State Aquarium (207-633-9559) in West Boothbay Harbor where kids can see freaky colored lobsters and touch skates and dogfish (sharks!).
Mackworth Island, Falmouth
Mackworth Island is a short drive from Portland. The 1.25 mile walking trail around the perimeter of the island offers breathtaking views of Casco Bay with lots of benches along the way to sit and rest a bit and access to a sandy beach. You'll also enjoy seeing Governor Baxter's pet cemetery and a fairy village around the "back" side of the island. The island is designated as a bird sanctuary. Along with the many species of birds, including wild turkeys, you're also likely to see groundhogs, squirrels and chipmunks among the wildlife. There is a parking lot on-site, and there is no admission fee.
Mount Battie, Camden Hills State Park
A do-able hike for younger kids (you can also drive to the top). Gorgeous views and a stone tower at the top. Open May 15-October 15. Adult Maine resident $3 Adult out-of-state $4.50
