Kids on Vacation? Ogunquit Delivers
Joshua F. Moore
Traveling with children is a whole different ball of Play-Doh than hitting the road as a twosome. And Ogunquit, with its 3.5-mile stretch of sand guaranteed to exhaust even the most rambunctious youngster, is a parent's dream vacation.
LODGING Fine motels line the stretch of Route 1 from Wells to Ogunquit, but the Seacastles Resort Inn & Suites (104 Shore Rd., 207-646-6055, www.seacastles.com), across from the entrance to the Marginal Way, is near enough to the beach that toddlers can take nap time away from the July sun, while parents still get to enjoy a morning and late-afternoon beach session. Just across the street, the Anchorage by the Sea (125 Shore Rd., 207-646-9384, www.anchoragebythesea.com) has rainy days covered with both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as two hot tubs and a splendid seaside location. The Meadowmere Resort (74 South Main St., 207-646-9661, www.meadowmere.com) is a bit more of a hike from the beach but is conveniently located at a trolley turnaround.
FAMILY FARE No matter where people lay their heads for the night, they all seem to head for Leanne Cusimano's Amore Breakfast (178 Shore Rd., 207-646-6661) to get the day started with some Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict, or bananas Foster. Families looking for healthy lunch fare usually send dad up to the Village Food Market (230 Main St., 207-646-2122,www.villagefoodmarket.com) for fresh deli sandwiches. For dinner, Jackie's Too (Perkins Cove Rd., 207-646-4444) attracts more than its share of the stroller set to its perch over the rocks in Oarweed Cove, while La Pizzeria (239 Main St., 207-646-1143) puts an Ogunquit spin on Mystic Pizza. And there's a reason families return year after year to Barnacle Billy's (Perkins Cove Rd., 207-646-5575, www.barnbilly.com).
SHOPS It's hard to imagine how they cram all the toys into Animal Instinct (232 Main St., 207-646-7728), a particularly well-stocked little shop downtown. If you're willing to endure the kids' sugar buzz, head into the Harbor Candy Shop (248 Main St., 207-646-8078, www.harborcandy.com) for some handmade fudge. Better yet, bribe your near-and-dear into watching the kids while you visit Spoiled Rotten (27 Beach St., 207-641-8477). You'll feel you owe it to yourself to do just that as you wander past the plants, pots, jams, and gifts stacked floor-to-ceiling in this fine old home.
ACTIVITIES While they're a bit pricey for regular commuting, the open-air Ogunquit Trolleys (Beach Street and Perkins Cove, 207-646-1411) can put the wind back into even the most overtired youngster. Dad can practice his chip shot at the sprawling Wonder Mountain minigolf course (270 Post Rd., 207-646-9655) just up the road in Moody, and if your little ones have strong stomachs, they'll love to watch lobster traps being hauled with Finestkind Scenic Cruises (Perkins Cove Rd., 207-646-5227, www.finestkindcruises.com).
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