Meg & Brandon
Things To Do & Where To Eat
Marginal Way
Our top recommendation for visitors, the famed Marginal Way (named because it is on the margin between land and sea) is a stunningly beautiful 1 1/4 mile walk along rocky coast of the Atlantic Ocean. Connecting the center of town with Perkins Cove, the entrance is near the Anchorage on Shore Road, and views from both directions draw tourists and locals alike. You may recognize some of these views from our engagement photos! This is a Maine treasure dotted with small beaches, 39 benches, and a mini lighthouse. You might even see seals and lobster boats! It's an easy walk for all ages with some slight inclines and an absolute must for anyone who likes a sea breeze and a good view.
Perkins Cove
If you walk the Marginal Way from Ogunquit Center, you'll land in Perkins Cove, a turn-of-the-century fishing village home to boutique shopping, art galleries, restaurants, and a busy working harbor. You'll also see the hand-operated footbridge — if you see a tall ship like the Silverlining coming in, you may have a chance to draw it up yourself! Kids will also love Perkins Cove Candy Shop — Meg and her brother used to very carefully divvy up their allowances to get their favorite treats there!
The Front Porch Piano Bar and Restaurant
We'll be having our after party and post-wedding brunch here — needless to say, we can't recommend The Front Porch enough! Along with great food in the first floor restaurant, the piano bar on the second floor features nightly performances and sing-a-longs you won't want to miss (21+). The Front Porch was a center of community during the pandemic, offering meals to local residents and working hard to support furloughed staff. We can't wait to visit them again!
Finestkind Scenic Cruises & Lobster Boat Tours
Fun for the whole family — leaving from the dock in Perkins Cove next to Barnacle Billy's, Finestkind offers a variety of scenic cruises and, best of all, tours on a real professional lobstering boat. Kids will love the lobstering boat, as Maine lobstermen haul traps, show passengers the daily catch, and share fun facts. The MacInnes family went on these tours so many times, most of us could give a whole lecture on Maine lobsters! If lobsters aren't your thing, they also offer coastline cruises to see Nubble Lighthouse as well as cocktail cruises. As long as the weather cooperates, they'll still be running in October — check their website for schedules and book your trip ahead of time as these tours are popular!
Silverlining Sailing Cruises
Captain Jack of the Silverlining is one of our favorite people in Ogunquit, and an excellent guide. He offers intimate cruises for a maximum of 6 passengers aboard the Silverlining, a gorgeous 42-foot wooden sailboat first built in 1939. We might be biased, but we think this is one of the best ways to see the Ogunquit coast. Columbus Day is usually their last weekend of tours, so don't miss out! (And tell Jack that Gail & Meg say hi!)
Ogunquit Beach
Ogunquit Beach has consistently been ranked as one of the best beaches in the country by TripAdvisor and others. While it might be a little chilly in October for a day in the sun, we recommend grabbing a windbreaker and taking a walk down some or all of the 3.5 miles of white sandy beach.
Ogunquit Playhouse
Of course, it wouldn't be us without a theater recommendation! Ogunquit is home to the Ogunquit Playhouse, which first opened in 1933 and eventually became known as America's Foremost Summer Theater. Through the years, Ogunquit has hosted stars from Ethel Barrymore to Sally Struthers to Bette Davis and more — we even saw Clay Aiken perform here in a show on one of Brandon's first trips to Ogunquit. No longer just a summer theater, the Playhouse is home to world-class productions and welcomes many NYC-based actors looking to escape the summer/early fall heat in Manhattan. In October 2021, their production will be Young Frankenstein — currently planned for outdoor performances with pandemic-safe pods.
Nubble Lighthouse
Built in 1879, Nubble Lighthouse (or the Nubble) in nearby York is considered to be the most photographed lighthouse in the world. The Voyager spacecraft even carries a photo of the Nubble along with the Great Wall and the Taj Mahal! One of 57 active lighthouses in Maine, the Nubble is one of the few to still have its original Fresnal lens from the 1800s. This is a great spot to visit for the view or a picnic — and head to nearby ice cream stand Dunne's, around the corner from the Nubble, for our favorite ice cream in Maine!
Ogunquit Museum-American Art
Ogunquit was founded as a ship-building colony in 1641, and then flourished as an artists colony at the turn of the century. It's still home to art galleries and the beautiful Ogunquit Museum of American Art. On a nice day, check out the small gallery and then bring a picnic to enjoy the stunning views of the cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean from its three acres of sculpture gardens.
Mount Agamenticus
If hiking is your thing, check out the New England fall foliage from Mount Agamenticus, just a few miles south!
Lobster Shack
You can't go to Maine without having a Maine lobster roll! The Lobster Shack in Perkins Cove might look humble, but this is our pick for the best lobster roll in town. Enjoy a fresh catch from the docks! The Shack is takeout only.
Surf Point 360 at The Anchorage
A family favorite, this restaurant is located right in the middle of The Anchorage By The Sea Resort. With amazing views of the Atlantic and Ogunquit Beach, this is one of our top recommendations for drinks at the rooftop bar or for fantastic seafood or American cuisine. Be sure to make a reservation as this popular place fills up fast during lunch and dinner! Outdoor seating is available.
Barnacle Billy's
An Ogunquit classic, this family-friendly restaurant is known for its lobster — and its view of Perkins Cove! Stop here for lunch, dinner, or an afternoon ice cream cone. Outdoor seating is available.
M.C. Perkins Cove
Award-winning chefs lead this chic bistro, and you'll be wowed by the breathtaking ocean views during your meal.
BeachFire Bar & Grille
The BeachFire serves lunch & dinner — but we'd recommend stopping by for dinner or a drink after sunset to hang out in front of the fire pit! Meg & Brandon also recommend the nachos, and this is a great place to bring a group. Outdoor seating is available.
Old Village Inn
Located right in Ogunquit center, this historic Inn and restaurant has great American cuisine and gluten free options.
Congdon's Doughnuts
The MacInnes family swears these are the best donuts in the world — we’re even serving them at our brunch.
Cape Neddick Country Club
For golfers, Meg's dad, John, who is an avid golfer, recommends Cape Neddick Country Club or The Ledges Golf Club in York. Both are 18-hole clubs, with tee times available to non-members through the end of October or mid-November.