Ogunquit, Maine {pronounced; oh-gun-kwit} is a cozy seaside community with an estimated 900 non-seasonal residences. In the indigenous Abenaki native language, Ogunquit means “Beautiful Place By the Sea”.
You, me and The Dock would like to welcome you for joining us on our recent tour to one of America’s most northeastern states! My name is Anthony and I will be narrating this exciting adventure. We visited Ogunquit, Maine at the start of the Fall season. The weather was perfect and the seasonal crowds were just about gone. We encourage you to sit back and enjoy some of the most beautiful shoreline America has to offer. Don’t forget to watch the video at the end of this brief blog.
In 1641, Ogunquit was a small village that was part of the Wells township. In 1686, Ogunquit established a sawmill and became a popular place where shipwrights built schooners, brigs, and dories.
Ogunquit, Maine offers all the right elements of a picture-perfect postcard or a glossy travel magazine ad. From our seaside hotel, we could see across to Ogunquit’s peninsula. This narrow strip of land stretches from Footbridge Beach to Ogunquit’s public beach. When the tide is out, you could practically walk across the dividing tributary. However, when the tide is in it looks as if Ogunquit has it’s own little island.
The various restaurants serve a variety of cuisines and seafood. If you’re wanting to shop a mega mall, Ogunquit probably isn’t your ideal spot. Most all the shops are locally owned and offer a unique experience. The 18th & 19th century buildings have a New England façade about them. The town’s lamp poles and nautical accents also add to the ambiance!
Our main focus in coming to Ogunquit, Maine was to experience the Marginal Way. This mile plus long oceanfront trail began with a donated parcel of land in 1925 by a local business man named Josiah Chase, Jr. This famous trail winds along various cliffs and rock outcroppings.
One thing I did like about the walkway is the variety of vegetation. There are Bayberry, Honeysuckle, and Sea Rose to mention only a few of the various shrubs. On certain parts of the trail there are trees that offer shade and in other areas, blue skies shine above.
You enter the Marginal Way at the intersection of Shore Rd and Obeds Ln. From here you follow a groomed path towards the Atlantic Ocean. Once you come to the curve, your adventure begins! It is highly advised to take water, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing.
The first part of the walkway is a few feet above the surf. The outcropping of rocks will gradually turn to cliffs of various heights. There are also several water filled crevices and ravines.
Our pathway gradually started climbing as the shore’s rock formations turned into cliffs. The sound of crashing waves against the jagged shoreline began to get louder.
A nice feature to the Marginal Way is it provides several places to sit down and enjoy a 180 degree view of the Atlantic Ocean. This really is a great way to relax and take in one of Mother Nature’s greatest creations.
Just about midway through the trail is a small lighthouse. The original structure was built in 1948 and last refurbished in 2009.
All along the trail are crab trapping cages. I am not sure if these traps washed ashore or are used by the locals.
Not only does the Marginal Way offer spectacular views of the endless horizon, the homes adjacent to the water are quite a site as well. These magnificent residences overlook some of the areas most beautiful scenery. There are also several stylish resorts mixed in as well.
Our adventure along the Marginal Way came to an emotional end. The time seemed to fly by. The trail ends at The Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort and Perkins Cove Rd. There is a spot with plenty of benches where people can sit and take in the two-toned blue horizon.
I hope you enjoyed the tour. Ogunquit, Maine is a very unique and picturesque town with lots of New England charm. I personally had a fun time doing this assignment. The following video will enhance the experience of the Marginal Way and all it’s spectacular beauty. Stay tuned!
Photography: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Video: Anthony & Maureen Scopel
Article Creator & Formatting: Anthony Scopel
Video Production: Anthony Scopel & Matt Kemper
Associate Editor: Maureen Scopel
Technical Mastering & Web Support: Matt Kemper
Publishing Provide By: You, Me and The Dock
