Although there are certainly many ways to spice up a long awaited Ogunquit vacation, we wanted to write a brief list showing 5 things you need to know to plan your Ogunquit vacation (just about all of which are year round). Consider these to spice up the overall enjoyment of your trip.

Also if you’re headed to Ogunquit and looking for a place to stay, our list of top-rated hotels in the area is the perfect resource. Browse our recommendations and find the perfect accommodations for your trip.

Keep in mind that as you read the following ideas they are just that– ideas, and by no means a requisite to having a beautiful vacation in Ogunquit. As we always say, it’s better to be on vacation in Ogunquit without all the bells and whistles than it is to have the perfect vacation with every option you ever dreamed of……in your head.

Without further ado, here goes:

1. The Fancy Restaurant: Stuffy restaurants, especially if you’re considering packing lite, have gone the way of the dinosaur in Ogunquit. We’re not really sure anyone ever did enjoy having a personal napkin folder standing at attention. And to this we say good riddance. Approachable fine dining shares amazing food, great memories and good conversation. Often times, the right restaurant creates that ‘homey’ feel so many are looking for. Yes, you can still get dressed up – just now you can spill breadcrumbs on the table. Good spots to go fancy, not stuffy: MC Perkins Cove, Northern Union, Joshua’s and Ocean.

2. The Romantic Spot: This can be a bit tricky when traveling with kids but have no fear. In Ogunquit, you really can’t go wrong with Marginal Way for a couples vacation. Even if the kiddos are on the adventure too, while they explore the rocks, you and your spouse can sit hand in hand on one of the many benches. Whether its mothers day in Ogunquit or an anniversary, Marginal Way just has that calming effect on people. Maybe it’s the soothing waves, maybe the scent of the ocean – whatever it is, it’s the perfect spot to reconnect. Good spots to park: The lookout point just north of Perkins Cove. The path there has a little extra loop – you might even sneak in a kiss and really gross out the kids.

3. The Sweet Stuff: At some point, almost everyone has seen the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. It’s a rite of passage. It’s also darn near the stuff of reality at Harbor Candy Shop in Ogunquit center. From the quaint store front to the intoxicating smell of chocolate upon entering, you’ll think you found a golden ticket. Homemade fudge, turtles and these little raspberry baskets – plus buckets of sugary glory waiting for you to make your very own bag of goodies. It’s like hitting the candy bullseye (which you can also enjoy). Good spot to see: Head all the way inside to watch candy being made and see an entire wall of truffles.

4. The Fresh Air: Maine is vacationland – so get out and enjoy it. Whether that’s a winter afternoon in the outdoor hot tub or a summer day walking the beach, you’ve got to get outside to get into Maine. There are a couple of rather ‘undiscovered’ ways to get your fair share of that Maine fresh air: Ogunquit River paddle boarding and Mt. A hiking. While Ogunquit Beach is definitely the main attraction, these two spots make for a special experience. You’ll encounter amazing bird life paddling up the River and see the estuaries up close. As the highest point in Southern Maine, Mt. A offers outstanding views of the entire coastline. Yeah, sure you can drive to the top, but remember, it’s all about the fresh air. Good spots to catch the best views: On the River, just into Wells, the pretty line up of beach cottages facing the ocean. On the Mountain, just off to the right of the lookout house, there is a picnic table to gaze out at the Nubble Lighthouse. Or turn around and see Mt Washington.

5. The Lobster: Assuming that you want what the locals got. Well, it’s not just lobster. There’s a couple of snack spots that may not look like much, but you’ll find us there. Anyway, say hi, be friendly and don’t mess too much with what you order. When in Maine, do like the Mainers. Good spots: The Lobster Shack, Perkins Cove; Flo’s Hot Dogs, Route 1 Cape Neddick; Cornerstone, Lobster Pizza, Ogunquit Village Center; Billy’s Chowder House Homemade Bar Chips, Wells; Barnacle Billy’s Steamers & Rum Punch, Perkins Cove; The Clam Shack, Fried Clams, Kennebunkport.

There you go, five simple ways to enhance your Ogunquit Maine Vacation. If you are ready to get those plans in place, give us a call or check out the hotel at meadowmere.com . There’s also our handy “Things to Do in Ogunquit” section for more tips.