Maine's Southern Coast: Food & Drink We Enjoyed

So many places to choose from and so little time!  Here are a few restaurants, pubs, and coffee shops we tried and liked while in Maine. 

* The Clam Shack, Kennebunkport

As the name implies, this place offers clams as well as other seafood, but lobster is king.

Choose the size you want and observe the kitchen staff while you wait for your meal.

Great lobster!  I had shrimp, and it was delicious, too.

Casual atmosphere, right on the Kennebunk River.  Eat inside or outside.

Loved the outdoor furniture!

* Alisson's, Kennebunkport

Popular downtown restaurant with a great variety of offerings

My fish and chips were very good, as was my husband's lobster roll.  The lobster bisque, however, was incredible!

Allagash White beer, made in nearby Portland, was a hit with my husband.

* Maine Diner, Wells

Good, homemade food & friendly staff on Route 1

Seemed popular with both tourists and locals

We were there for breakfast, and everything was delicious.  Breakfast hash was a specialty.

Belgium Waffle and Fresh Fruit

Too much gravy for me, but it was good.  The biscuits were wonderful and homemade.

There's a gift shop next to the restaurant, too.  I would definitely eat here again.

* Bessie's, Ogunquit

Varied menu and good food in a diner-like setting located downtown.
Dessert portions were huge and very popular.

* Goldenrod Kisses, Cape Neddick

Great old-fashioned restaurant and candy store!

We had lunch here on a rainy, cool day.  Chowder and sandwiches were very good.

Take a seat at the fountain. . .

. . .or opt for a table in the restaurant.  We enjoyed the fire they had
going that day!

* $3 Dewey's, Portland

Another place we enjoyed for lunch, located downtown close to the harbor

The story of $3 Dewey's

While waiting for your meal, you can grab a bowl of popcorn 
from the old-fashioned machine.  Enjoy with a local beer or soft drink.

Thumbs up from my husband for the Curious Traveler brew
made in Burlington, Vermont.  Good sandwiches and soups, too!

* The Old Salt's Pantry, Kennebunkport

Lots of local goodies, plus soups and sandwiches--best hotdog I've ever had!

Maine's Southern Coast: Lighthouses, Part 1

Two great things about traveling to see a lighthouse: you're pretty much guaranteed a great view and an interesting bit of history.  The lighthouses we found along Maine's southern coast did not disappoint.  Today's photos are from our visit to Portland on a rainy Monday when conditions were just perfect to experience the drama and majesty of the coast around the Portland Head Light and the Ram Island Ledge Light.

Our first glimpse of the Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse (c. 1791). It is located
in the Cape Elizabeth section of Portland in Fort Williams Park.

The keeper's cottage is now a museum, the small building on the left a gift shop.

The museum housed several of the old lights that were once
used in the lighthouse.

A British ship, the Annie McGuire, wrecked on these rocks in front of the Portland Light on
Christmas Eve 1886.  The keeper and his family helped get all the passengers safely
to shore.

The original 1791 lighthouse is still in use and stands 80 feet tall.  Visitors are not
allowed inside the actual lighthouse.

The views are magnificent even on a stormy day.

Ram Island Ledge Light is located about a mile offshore in front of the Portland
Head Light.  Completed in 1905, it is 90 feet tall.