This was our second summer spent hanging out at Old Orchard Beach. We love to dip our toes into the ice cold New England waters when it’s hot & humid on the sand, return to our favorite spots and discover new sites as well. We also hit up spots in New Hampshire that are along the way.
Portland Head Light
It’s the oldest lighthouse in Maine and according to the park ranger, it was commissioned by George Washington. Nearby there is also a beach, an abandoned fort with a super narrow and creepy “hallway” you can walk through (note: it gets pitch black but keep going and avoid the pipes as you make your way through), and the facade of the Goddard Mansion. It was a beautiful spot with breathtaking views. These sites are all a part of Fort Williams Park.
Fort Williams Park
1000 Shore Rd
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
Meow Lounge Cat Cafe
We’ve visited this cat cafe a few times before. So glad to learn that it is now a nonprofit. There’s also a little gift shop and I picked up a couple prints from a local Maine artist.
Meow Lounge
630 Main St
Westbrook, ME 04092
Old Orchard Beach
We typically hang out on the stretch of beach away from the pier. It’s less crowded and the sand is so soft. And yet it’s still within walking distance of the pier and the Palace Playland for rides and games. Do note to avoid the Chinese food inside the amusement park. We tried it last year and were traumatized. I’d never eaten anything that rank in my life. But definitely check out the slushie stand.
Kelp
I couldn’t stop yelling out “it’s so cute!” as I walked through the shop. What a beautiful and well-curated shop. Each small section was themed in subject and color with just the right amount of product. An added bonus is the connected coffee shop.
Kelp (@kelp.goods)
37 Old Orchard Street
Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Books-A-Million
We always make it a point to hit up this bookstore. There are so many beautiful hardcover special edition covers with sprayed edges but what I look forward to is the bargain books section. I picked up a couple hardcovers for under $6.
Books-A-Million
430 Gorham Rd
South Portland, ME 04106
Smiling Hill Farm
What an amazing place – along with ice cream and animals there is a playground (cost to enter is $10 but it’s worth it). There are all sorts of animals there: cows, goats, ferrets, guinea pigs, chickens of all kinds as well as the farm cats like Miss Mittens. One cow in particular named Cow No. 20 was so sweet and so soft! I didn’t know cows were fluffy?! Also, they serve up the best ice cream I’ve ever had. We tried the peach and it was rich with flavor.
Smiling Hill Farm
781 County Rd
Westbrook, ME 04092
Stairway to Heaven Comics
We went a little bonkers in this shop and picked up a pile of comics, manga and graphic novels. Such a great selection! Below were my hauls from the bargain books section:
Stairway to Heaven Comics
105 Gosling Rd
Newington, NH 03801
Good Eats
Bob’s Clam Hut
There was a version called the “Lillian Way” for extra crunch so we had to go with that. How could we not? It was a solid fried whole belly clam platter. There is plenty of outdoor and indoor seating. Also, it’s right along the Kittery outlets.
Bob’s Clam Hut
315 U.S. Rte 1
Kittery, ME 03904
Paper City BBQ
We keep searching for Texas-style brisket and we have found it in Maine. It was the perfect fat to lean ratio for melt in your mouth goodness. The pork belly and burnt ends were great as well – so tender!
Paper City BBQ
855 Main St
Westbrook, ME 04092
Clambake Seafood Restaurant
We thought we wouldn’t be able to find a seat but this place is ginormous. The fried whole belly clam and shrimp platter was not bad. I was expecting giant shrimp so that was a bit of a bummer. The thin clam chowder needed a lot more salt.
Clambake Seafood Restaurant
354 Pine Point Rd
Scarborough, ME 04074
Sea Dog Brewing
We didn’t get the chance to try it out last time so it was a must on this trip. I was all fried out and needed a salad. The grilled chicken Greek salad was amazing. I had a bite of the husband’s burger and it was so good. The kiddo finished his bowl of plain pasta with olive oil and declared it to be his best meal.
Sea Dog Brewing
3 Cabela Blvd
Scarborough, ME 04074
Nonesuch River Brewing
Wow. I was still on my salad kick so ordered the Cobb salad which was fantastic. The husband’s steak frites was on another level – cooked perfectly and so flavorful. And then we ordered the sorbet for dessert. We never order sorbet but it was the only dairy-free, nut-free option that the kiddo could have. We loved it so much – not too sweet and so rich & creamy.
Nonesuch River Brewing
201 Gorham Rd
Scarborough, ME 04074
Pier Fries
Meh. I mean, if soggy fries are your thing. Also, I don’t remember them being that dark last summer.
Bill’s Pizza vs Rocco’s Pizza
Even though Bill’s slice is floppy, it has more flavor. Also, it is a thicc slice and the pepperoni is cooked. Rocco’s slice has that New York style crisp but there was too much crust and the pepperoni was thrown on afterward so it didn’t cook up.
The Shack
Can’t go wrong with a smashburger! I opted for no bun…but then it was covered in croutons.
The Shack
27 W Grand Ave
Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064
Newick’s Lobster House
I wanted a lobster roll but didn’t want to eat the roll. So, I ordered the lobster salad. It was great. I mean the salad was a typical pizza joint salad but the lobster meat was so sweet and fresh.
Newick’s Lobster House
431 Dover Point Rd
Dover, NH 03820