Maine Camping Guide 2017 - 12

South Coast *
Beaches

Maine's South Coast is known as the "Gateway to Maine" and is best known for its
30+ miles of sandy beaches, ranging from the bustling, family friendly variety to quiet,
relatively unknown coves and undisturbed places of beauty. Beaches are just one of the
attractions of the region though. The South Coast of Maine is also recognized for its
shopping, dining, amusements and wide range of local arts and culture.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MEAGAN POIRIER - OLD ORCHARD BEACH

hopping in the Maine Beaches Region offers visitors
a variety of options from the hundreds of stores that
make up the Kittery Outlet Malls to the quiet downtown
boutiques of Kennebunkport. It is also no wonder that the
stretch of Route 1 running from York to Arundel is known
as the Antique Mile with dozens of stores stock full of
treasures just waiting to be discovered.
While visiting the Maine Beaches Region, guests are treated to a milieu of culinary choices. There is an abundance of
traditional Maine seaside fare such as lobster in drawn butter or lobster rolls overflowing with chunks of tender meat.
Diners can try international faire prepared by renowned
chefs from all over the world, choose a down home meal
cooked behind the counter or enjoy saltwater taffy, pizza
and hand cut french fries while relaxing at the beach.
Kids of all ages will love the Maine Beaches Region amusements and midways around the area. Funtown/Splashtown, USA is home to the new Wild Mouse Roller Coaster
and Palace Playland Amusement Park in Old Orchard Beach
is the only remaining oceanfront midway in New England.
Or head over to York's Wild Kingdom to visit animals from
all over the world, including a rare White Bengal Tiger, and
then take a ride on the original carousel in the amusement
side of the park.
The fun doesn't stop when the sun sets in the Maine
Beaches Region either! Home to the Ogunquit Playhouse,
the Maine Beaches Region boasts Broadway quality shows
starring well known actors and actresses like Sally Struthers
and Lorenzo Lamas. Additionally, the area has a plethora of
entertainment venues showcasing acts from acoustic performances and piano bars to high energy bands keeping

the dance floors packed until last call. The Maine Beaches
Region is also the perfect destination to visit galleries and
art associations displaying the works of local, national and
international artists.
As if there wasn't enough to do, the Maine Beaches Region, because of its natural beauty and preserved seaside
environment, is a wonderful place for nature enthusiasts
and recreationists. Whether hiking, sailing, biking or kayaking is your thing, the area provides the idea backdrop for
your outdoor activities. Other activities and points of interest in the area include:
* The John Paul Jones Memorial in Kittery commemorates
the site where in 1777 the U.S.S. Ranger was built and
launched.
* The Old York Historical Society includes seven historic
buildings dating back to the 18th century, including the Old
Gaol, one of the oldest public buildings in the U.S. (1719)
* The Wells Auto Museum features more than 75 cars from
1900 to 1963, including gas, steam and electric powered
vehicles.
* The Brick Store Museum in Kennebunk offers an architectural walking tour along Main Street and "Sea Captain's
Row." Visitors will view a variety of 19th century architectural styles, both commercial and domestic.
* The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport features
the largest collection of trolley cars in the United States.
* The Old Orchard Beach Pier is an old fashioned boardwalk
continued on page 18

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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maine Camping Guide 2017