KITTERY TO THE KENNEBUNKS

PHOTO BY MELISSA WESTON KITTERY

TO THE KENNEBUNKS

WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL SOUTHERN MAINE! Coastal Kittery is home to numerous factory outlet shopping malls, Kittery Naval Shipyard, and an extensive Maine Tourism Information Center. Visit local Chamber of Commerce offices for more information about various towns and events throughout the region.

Summer Fun SUMMER FUN ON MAINE’S SOUTH COAST By BOBBIE RANDOLPH

MILES OF WHITE SAND, SALTWATER TAFFY, long estuaries to explore by kayak, and one of Maine’s most iconic lighthouses – what’s not to love about that stretch of shore between Kennebunkport and York?

The quartet of beach towns —Kennebunkport, Wells, Ogunquit, and York — couldn’t offer more variety if they tried. Wells and York are all about families kicking back. Kennebunkport and Ogunquit are known as more high-end enclaves, although their beautiful beaches are open to all and each offers a wide range of lodging and dining choices.

For a traditional shore dinner go to Mabel’s Lobster Claw (MABELSLOBSTER.COM). If you’re lucky, the signature Lobster Milanese – grilled shrimp and lobster – will be on the day’s menu. On Route 1, taste craft beers at Sebago Brewing (SEBAGOBREWING.COM).

Get a different view of Cape Porpoise or the Kennebunk River on a guided tour with Coastal Maine Kayak and Bike (COASTALMAINEKAYAK.COM)in Kennebunkport or join them for paddle board lessons or tours. They welcome all skill levels and offer bike and scooter rentals, too.

The 220 grassy sites at Sea-Vu Campground (SEAVUCAMPGROUND.COM)include shaded tent sites as well as RV sites with full hook-ups, TV and WiFi. Everyone loves the setting overlooking the ocean and families appreciate the large pool and mini-golf course, as well as the trolley stop at the front gate for car-free beach access.

Experience a different coastal environment at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge on Route 9. A mile-long interpretive trail winds through a coastal forest and along tidal marshes where sightings of heron, egrets, and sea birds are common (WWW.FWS.GOV/REFUGE/RACHEL_CARSON). Just across a tidal creek, the Wells Reserve at Laudholm has seven miles of walking trails (WWW.WELLSRESERVE.ORG).

The Maine Diner on Route 1 in Wells is no secret. For more than 30 years it’s been serving fried clams, chowder, blueberry pie, and all the other Maine coast favorites (WWW.MAINEDINER. COM). Get more suggestions of things to do at the Wells Chamber of Commerce visitor center or check (WWW.WELLSCHAMBER.COM).

Not all of the fun is within the sight of the sea. Head inland to Sanford to find Mountain View Golf Range, a familyfriendly center with mini-golf, a driving range and batting cages (MOUNTAINVIEWGOLFRANGE.COM).

York is a family favorite, not only for its beaches (descriptively named Long and Short Sands), but for Maine’s most iconic lighthouse, Nubble Light at Cape Neddick. Add The Golden Rod, WWW.THEGOLDENROD.COM, famed over a century for its saltwater taffy and New England’s only zoo/amusement park at York’s Wild Kingdom, WWW.YORKSWILDKINGDOM.COM, and you have a winner.

You can’t camp closer to the beach than at Libby’s Oceanside Camping, WWW.LIBBYSOCEANCAMPING.COM in York Harbor, overlooking the mile-and-a-half Long Sands. Owned by the third generation of the family that founded it in 1923, Libby’s offers full hookups, TV, and free WiFi, but best of all are the ocean views from nearly every site and direct beach access.

BOBBIE RANDOLPH writes about her favorite Maine experiences, from camping and kayaking to skiing and dogsledding.

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Maine Diner and Remember the Maine Gift Shop

With six million customers and counting – appearances on “The Today Show” and raves from the Phantom Gourmet – it takes quite a bit to get the MAINE DINER all abuzz. However, in the summer of 2010, The Maine Diner hit another milestone as they were featured on the Food Network program “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” Maine Diner has been serving delicious food for more than 35 years. In addition to breakfast served all day, the extensive menu selections include daily specials made fresh to order. Enjoy chowders and stews, salads, seafood and steaks, comfort foods, burgers and sandwiches, homemade desserts and much more. Be sure to visit the REMEMBER THE MAINE GIFT SHOP located next to the Maine Diner. In 1997, the gift shop opened its doors to offer customers an assortment of gifts from America's favorite diner. Since opening day, Remember the Maine has grown to include gifts not only from the Maine Diner, but Maine memorabilia, collectibles, postcards, gourmet food, and so much more—something for everyone.

Conveniently Located “On e Way ” North or South • Route 1 North, Wells, ME

We Ship All Over the U.S!

mainediner.com/shipping

Over 35 Years in Business!

See Website for Days & Hours of Operation • 207-646-4441 • MaineDiner.com