Gateway to Maine: Kittery, Eliot and South Berwick
PO Box 526, Kittery, ME 03904
Phone: (207) 439-7545 or (800) 639-9645. Areas covered: Kittery, Eliot, South Berwick, York Village, York Harbor, York Beach, Cape Neddick
E-mail: info@gatewaytomaine.org
Ogunquit
PO Box 2389, Route 1 South, Ogunquit, ME 03907
Phone: (207) 646-2939; Fax: (207) 641-0856 Areas covered: Ogunquit
E-mail: director@ogunquit.org
Southern Maine Coast Tourism Association
An organization of six chambers of commerce and eight towns including Biddeford, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, Old Orchard Beach, Wells and the Yorks.
Sanford/Springvale Chamber of Commerce
917 Main Street, Sanford, ME 04073
Phone: (207) 324-4280/4281; Fax: (207) 324-8290 Areas covered: Acton, Alfred, Berwick, Lebanon, North Berwick, Sanford, Shapleigh, Springvale, South Berwick
E-mail: sancoc@psouth.net
At the southernmost tip of Maine, the southern coast region is an easy day trip from Boston and offers visitors year-round amenities and attractions. Hidden among the outlet shopping malls of Kittery and the summer beach colonies of Ogunquit, York and Wells is an intricate network of Maine history and culture...
At the southernmost tip of Maine, the southern coast region is an easy day trip from Boston and offers visitors year-round amenities and attractions. Hidden among the outlet shopping malls of Kittery and the summer beach colonies of Ogunquit, York and Wells is an intricate network of Maine history and culture.
Old York, for instance, is the oldest settlement in Maine (founded 1623) and visitors to York Village can visit more than 50 buildings remaining from Maine's colonial days. Ogunquit has long been an artist's colony, and balances upscale beach honky-tonk with fine art. George and Barbara Bush may have put Kennebunkport on the national map in the '80s, but it was a fashionable resort long before its famous summer residents hit the Oval Office. Today, many of the lovely homes of sea captains have been converted to luxurious bed & breakfast inns.
As the towns are diverse, so are the beaches: for volleyball and fun, it's Old Orchard. For long empty stretches, try Scarborough Beach in Saco. Surfers flock to Higgins Beach in Scarborough, while bird watchers and dog walkers prefer Saco's Ferry Beach.
This region has more than just shopping and beaches. Unique natural habitats are protected and accessible to the public at the Wells National Estuarine Reserve and the Rachel Carson Wildlife Refuge. Trails at Mount Agamenticus, in York, offer excellent mountain biking and horseback riding. In Berwick, the Vaughan Woods Memorial State Park has 250 acres of land along the Salmon Falls River.
Fairs, Festivals & Annual Events in Southern Coast
17th Annual Patriots' Day Weekend Celebration 04/14/2007 - 04/15/2007
Patriots' Day under the tents
on the beach in Ogunquit. Bazaar, art and craft show, restaurant
tastings, entertainment and casino night. Fees: Vary with event.
Location: Beach St, Ogunquit. www.ogunquit.org.
Earth Day Celebration 04/21/2007
The annual celebration of our planet features hands - on activities and
demonstrations on what to do to make our planet a healthier place.
Family activities, live music, food, and more. Times: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00
p.m. Location: Wells Reserve, Laudholm Farm, 342 Laudholm Farm Rd,
Wells. www.wellsreserve.org.
Annual Fiddlers Contest and
Old Time Radio 05/19/2007 >
Top fiddlers from Maine and New England square off in this lively
competition. Additional entertainment from the Old Time Radio Gang.
Times: 7:30 p.m. Location: S. Judson Dunaway Center, School St,
Ogunquit. www.ogunquit.org.
Old York Historical Society
Opening Day>
The museum opens for the 2007 season with hearth - cooking demonstrations
and meet the new Elizabeth Perkins Fellows while they give tours of the
buildings. Fees: Adults $10; Seniors $9; Ages 6 - 16 $5; Free for members
and guests. Times: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Location: 207 York Street,
York. www.oldyork.org.
La Kermesse Franco - Americaine
Festival 06/21/2007 - 06/24/2007
The twenty-fifth anniversary
of the La Kermesse featuring the celebration of all customs and
traditions with continuous entertainment, fireworks, parade, block
party, food and more. Fees: Advance weekend button sale $10; $15
weekend. Times: Check Web site for specific times. Location: St. Louis
Field, West Street, Biddeford. www.lakermessefestival.com.
Wells Chamber of Commerce
Antique Show 06/24/2007
The Wells Antiques Show will be held on the historic and spectacular
grounds of the Wells Reserve at Laudholm Farm. Seventy - five exhibitors
will be displaying and selling antiques of the 18th, 19th and early
20th centuries. Fees: $5 adults. Times: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Laudholm Farm, Laudholm Farm Rd, Wells. Contact: Peter Simmons. Telephone: 207 - 373 - 1400.
E - mail: info@bowdoinfestival.org. www.wellschamber.org.
Strawberry Festival 06/30/2007
This
yearly event is filled with entertainment, food, artisans and
strawberry shortcake. Location:
South
Berwick. Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
www.southberwickstrawberryfestival.com
Parade and 19th Annual
Sandcastle Contest 07/02/2007 - 07/03/2007
Come celebrate the 4th of July
and enjoy a parade and band concert with line and square dancing.
Sandcastle contest on the beach. Fun for the entire family. Location:
Ocean Park, First St, Old Orchard Beach. www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com.
Greek Festival 07/13/2007 - 07/15/2007
This 3 - day family oriented
festival includes cultural presentations, traditional dancing, homemade
Greek pastries and a wide variety of Greek food. Location: St.
Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 186 Bradley St, Saco. Times: 11:00
a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Telephone: 207 - 883 - 1572. Fees: None.
Eliot Antique Tractor
& Engine Show 07/27/2007 - 07/29/2007
This 3 - day show includes live
music, food, crafts, contests and festivities with tractor parades,
tractor pulls, and more. Fees: $3. Location: Raitt Farm, Route 103,
Eliot.
Ogunquit Art Association Art
Auction 08/04/2007
Share the excitement! Bid on paintings, graphics, photographs, and
sculpture by members of the Ogunquit Art Association. Times: 8:00 p.m.
Location: Barn Gallery, Shore Road and Bourne Lane, Ogunquit.
www.ogunquit.org.
34th Annual Sidewalk Art Show
and Sale 08/04/2007
A true sidewalk show on the streets of Ogunquit Center where over 70
artists will display and sell original art and prints. Times: 9:00 a.m.
- 4:30 p.m. Location: Downtown Ogunquit. www.ogunquit.org.
24th Annual Beach Olympics 08/17/2007 - 08/19/2007
Three days of fun competition,
music, and shows to benefit the Maine Special Olympics. Held on the
beach, in the Square, and surrounding area. All are welcome. Location:
Town Square, Palace Playland and Old Orchard Beach. Contact: Southern
Maine Coast Tourism Association. Telephone: 207 - 934 - 2500. E - mail:
info@oldorchardbeachmaine.com. www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com.
Capriccio 2007 09/03/2007 - 09/16/2007
A celebration of the arts. A
week - long, town - wide festival of the arts including music, concerts,
live theater, poetry reading, fashion show and the Portland Ballet.
Location: Ogunquit. www.ogunquit.org.
Tow Truck Meet &
Parade 09/07/2007 - 09/08/2007
This 17th annual show will
include driver skill tests, police and fire demos, a parade, awards and
other fun events. Location: Memorial Park, Old Orchard Beach. Times:
All day.
www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com.
Laudholm Nature Crafts
Festival 09/08/2007 - 09/09/2007
The 20th anniversary of this
highly respected exhibition brings 100 artisans to historic Laudholm
Farm to show their craftworks. Sculpture, jewelry, pottery, prints,
clothing, photography, and basketry are among the crafts selected by
jury for this prestigious event. Times: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Wells Reserve, Laudholm Farm, 342 Laudholm Farm Rd, Wells.
www.wellsreserve.org.
Festival of Kites 09/08/2007
A soaring experience with fabulously designed kites - plus instruction
from a Master Kite flyer directly on Ogunquit's main beach. Fees: Free.
Times: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Location: Ogunquit Main Beach. www.ogunquit.org.
9th Annual ChiliFest 09/08/2007 - 09/09/2007
The autumn nights in Wells may
be crisp, but the days keep getting hotter! Join the competition or
judge for yourself to see who makes the best chili in town. Chili,
salsa, and verde competitions, music, crafters, games, and much more!
Fees: Tasting kits available. Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location:
Harbor Park, Wells. www.wellschamber.org.
Laudholm Nature Crafts
Festival 09/08/2007 - 09/09/2007
The 18th annual appearance of
this juried exhibition, where 100 artisans will show their craftworks
in a spectacular historic setting. Fees: $4 Event Fee. Times: 10:00
a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Wells Reserve, Laudholm Farm, Wells.
www.laudholm.org.
Ogunquit's 34th Annual
Antique Show & Sale 09/15/2007 - 09/16/2007
A vast selection of antiques
and collectibles from many dealers. Enjoy brunch and lunch in the Cafe.
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Dunaway Center, School St,
Ogunquit. www.ogunquit.org.
Punkinfiddle, A National
Estuaries Day Celebration 09/27/2007
This
harvest festival fosters stewardship of coastal environments by
celebrating the richness of estuaries, Maine's cultural traditions. It
features family fun and learning, traditional crafts, pumpkin carving,
great live music, animals, games, and more. Times: 10:00. a.m. - 5:00
p.m. Fees: $10 a carload. Location: Wells Reserve, Laudholm Farm, 342
Laudholm Farm Rd, Wells.
www.wellsreserve.org.
Annual Bluegrass Festival 09/29/2007
Come, relax and enjoy the great sounds of bluegrass featuring local and
“from away” artists. An all day event, so bring a
picnic or enjoy our great feasts. A family friendly event of fun and
relaxation. Fees: $10 adults; children 16 under free. Location: Apple
Acres Farm, 363 Durgintown Road, Hiram.
www.appleacresfarm.com.
17th Annual Cornish Apple
Festival 09/29/2007
This annual festival is filled with color, excitement, live
entertainment, street vendors, arts and crafts booths, apple pie
contest and auction, 5K run, antique cars, delicious apples and apple
products. Visit the Blue Grass gathering at Apple Acres Farm. Fees:
Free. Times: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Location: Downtown Cornish. www.cornish-maine.org.
Annual Scarecrow Contest 10/13/2007
Bring
your own scarecrow and enter it for great prizes. There will be
appropriate age categories, so everyone can be included and have fun.
Fresh apples, cider, pies, fudge and goodies for all! Location: Apple
Acres Farm, 363 Durgintown Rd, Hiram. www.appleacresfarm.com.
4th Annual Ogunquit Fest 10/19/2007 - 10/21/2007
A weekend long festival
including a scarecrow contest, pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunt,
ghost stories, marketplace and much more. Fees: Fees vary by event;
some free. Contact: Frances Reed, Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce.
www.ogunquit.org.
Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest 10/27/2007 - 10/28/2007
Come and try your hand at the
age old art of pumpkin carving. Entries are available for all age
groups with great prizes! Learn about the origins of Halloween and
where pumpkin carving came from. Fees: $3 per pumpkin. Times: 10:00
a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Location: 363 Durgintown Rd, Hiram.
www.appleacresfarm.com.
Lighting of the Nubble 11/24/2007
Cookies, hot chocolate, music, Santa
Claus, plus the big countdown to the turning on of
the Christmas lights on the Cape Neddick
Lighthouse for the holiday season. Shuttle
service from Ellis Park at Short Sands
Beach. Times: 3:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.;
Lighting event 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Cape Neddick Lighthouse, Route 1A,
York.
www.yorkmaine.org
Festival of Lights 12/01/2007
The all - day celebration includes craft fairs, open house celebrations,
caroling, and the beautiful illuminated parade at 4:30 p.m. Enjoy
church suppers, caroling groups, concerts, Santa Claus and more. Times:
All day. Location: York Village. www.oldyork.org.
A Christmas Tea 12/02/2007
Enjoy festive holiday desserts served with old - fashioned hospitality
and a cup of tea at the beautifully decorated and historic Jefferds'
Tavern. Fees: Check Web site. Times: Noon - 4:00 p.m. Location:
Jefferds' Tavern, York.
www.oldyork.org.
15th Annual Celebrate the
Season by the Sea 12/02/2007
Tree - lighting event with hayrides, entertainment, hot chocolate and
food. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on a fire engine making this a very
special tradition and holiday event. Fees: Free. Location: Old Orchard
Beach.
www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com.
21st Annual Christmas by the
Sea Celebration 12/07/2007 - 12/09/2007
A festival of holiday
activities designed for the young at heart in quaint Ogunquit Village.
Tree lightings, caroling, bonfires, shopping, open houses, Chowderfest,
and more. Location: School Street, Ogunquit.
www.ogunquit.org.
Beaches & Parks
- Old Orchard Beach is a happening place in the summer - it's seven mile beach is complimented by restaurants and shops, live concerts, and fireworks in the summer. Rather walk than swim? Try Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunkport.
More about Maine Beaches and Parks >
For Children
- The Southern Coast touts some of the state's best amusement destinations for children, including Aquaboggan Water Park and Funtown USA. Not the season? Try York's Wild Kingdom.More for Children in Maine >
Outdoor Activities
- Want to stretch the legs? Mount Agamenticus in York offers trails of all difficulties (also open to mountain biking). Take the kayak for a paddle out to Vaughn's Island near Kennebunkport.More about Outdoor Activities in Maine >
Shopping
- Just over the border, the outlets in Kittery are a huge draw. If you go, be sure to check the Kittery Trading Post for outdoor gear.
More about Shopping in Maine >
Places to stay 
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