We spent the first week of August in beautiful Ogunquit, ME and to say we fell in love with this coastal town is an understatement. It’s hard to really choose my favorite aspect… the cooler weather compared to Charleston’s brutal summer heat, the friendly Main Street area that was always bustling or that the town seemed to remind me of my simple, summer days as a child. It was so family friendly and there was a perfect balance of activities if you wanted them, or ways to just relax if that was what you needed.
My mom discovered Dunes on the Waterfront and we rolled the dice on a newly renovated resort in an area we’d never explored before. Rarely do I feel like a property exceeds my expectations, but this one did in so many ways. I love that there are 1 bedroom cottages that would be ideal for a romantic getaway, or 3 bedroom options that were perfect for a family. We stayed at the “Poppy” 3 bedroom cottage and I love that it had a kitchen (always helpful with kids!).
Features I loved about the property: each morning fresh coffee, a newspaper and pastries from a local bakery are delivered to your cottage, there’s a beautiful pool area with lots of umbrellas, a nightly fire pit with s’mores, a pontoon boat that will take you across the river to the beach (supplied with comfortable business & pleasure beach chairs and umbrellas for you to borrow!), a golf cart taxi service to nearby spots and bikes on property. On a rainy day they also gave the girls board games for us to bring back to our cottage and enjoy. The customer service was truly incredible.
where we ate:
Ogunquit Lobster Pound:
there’s a walking path from The Dunes to this spot and it was a great option for just after checking in when you need something relaxed and casual. The kids loved the live lobster area & don’t miss the blueberry pie!
Rose Cove:
we stopped in for lunch but have heard great things about dinner too. The lobster salad was a standout
Oarweed:
a great spot by the water for lunch after walking along Marginal Way or shopping in Perkins Cove
Batson River:
we went to the Kennebunkport location on a day trip, but there’s a Wells location near Ogunquit too.
One of the best lobster rolls I’ve had!
Bread & Roses Bakery:
The Dunes deliveries pastries from here each morning to your cottage, but their shop would be worth if a visit if not! The baked goods are insanely good — get the blueberry muffin
Beach Plum Lobster Farm:
we picked up fresh lobsters from here for dinner and brought them back to our cottage. We opted to get them steamed for us and it was a simple, delicious way to do dinner at home. I would 100% do this again next time!
activities:
day trip to Kennebunkport
mini golf & go karts at Wonder Mountain
walk along Marginal Way for beautiful views
Perkins Cove for shopping/boat tours
Lobstering Trip
beach day at Ogunquit Beach
rent bikes
wear:
layers, even in August! The days were beautiful in the 70s and a light wrap or sweater at night was perfect. I’m convinced sweaters and shorts are the idea summer weather outfit!
outfits:
1: white top, red shorts, sandals, hat
2: stripe tank, red pants, sandals
3: cardigan sweater, brown tank, pattern pants, sandals, bag
4: stripe sweater, white shorts, sandals, sunglasses
5: red & white stripe sweater (sized up to M), high rise denim
These stripe cardigans were easily the best thing I packed for the girls!
They were the perfect layer for travel, daytime and dinners out.
xx
