Hello Summer

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Summer’s on the Horizon: Your Guide to Soaking Up Southern Maine

Hey there, sunshine‑seekers! 🌞 In just a few short weeks, the lilacs will surrender to sea roses, the lobster boats will hum a little louder, and the sand will finally feel just right beneath bare feet. If Southern Maine is on your summer radar (and it should be!), here are our favorite ways to savor the season from Kennebunkport down to York Beach.

1. Chase the First Light in Kennebunkport

Set your alarm early, grab a mug from Dock Square Coffee House, and watch dawn ignite the Kennebunk River. Afterwards, walk Ocean Avenue—it hugs the rocky coastline past Walker’s Point and sneaks in postcard‑worthy views at every bend. When the sun’s properly awake, hop on a Rugosa lobster boat tour to haul traps and brag that you caught dinner yourself.

2. Pedal the Eastern Trail in Wells

Trade four wheels for two and roll along the Eastern Trail’s marsh section. Salt‑air breezes, osprey nests, and the occasional heron make it pure Maine magic. Pack a picnic and park your bike at the overlook near Mile 3—the sweeping view of Laudholm Farm’s salt marsh feels like your own private planetarium for cloud‑watching.

3. Beach‑Hop the Yorks

Southern Maine’s calling card is choice. A single day can start with tide‑pooling at Cape Neddick (Short Sands), drift into longboard cruising at Long Sands, and finish with a sunset lobster roll at Harbor Beach. Pro‑tip: The cliff‑side Fisherman’s Walk from York Harbor to Harbor Beach pairs ocean panoramas with Gilded Age architecture—an unbeatable golden‑hour stroll.

4. Hike (or Drive) to Nubble Light

No summer passport to Maine is complete without that red‑roofed beacon on its rocky perch. Park at Sohier Park, wander the fissured granite, and grab ice cream from Fox’s Lobster House across the road. Visit at twilight when the sky blushes lavender and you’ll swear the lighthouse keeper dimmed the world just for you.

5. Sip & Savor the Craft Scene

The seacoast boasts a micro‑boom of makers:

Designate a driver—or better yet, summon a vintage side‑car with Maine Brews Cruise and sample carefree.

6. Treat Yourself in Ogunquit

Meaning “beautiful place by the sea,” Ogunquit lives up to its name. Stroll the mile‑long Marginal Way, then cool off with a dip at Footbridge Beach. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Ogunquit Museum of American Art; their sculpture garden merges seamlessly with rolling surf. Cap the evening at Clay Hill Farm, where songbirds provide the pre‑show to their nightly live music on the deck.

7. Rainy‑Day Back‑Ups (Because, Maine)

If a rogue sea fog drifts in, duck into:

Quick Packing Cheat‑Sheet

  • Layers: Mornings can flirt with 55 °F, afternoons spike to 80.

  • Reef‑safe sunscreen: The Gulf of Maine thanks you.

  • Reusable tote & water bottle: Many towns have ditched single‑use plastics.

  • Binoculars: For lighthouse peeping and surprise whale spouts offshore.

Final Wave 🌊

Whether you’re a sunrise paddler, clam‑shack connoisseur, or professional hammock‑napper, Southern Maine in summer delivers the good kind of salty kisses—on cheeks, fries, and adventures alike. When you head our way, drop a comment or swing by Salt & Shine HQ in York Beach—we’re always happy to point you toward your next “you‑had‑to‑be‑there” moment.

Until then, keep your flip‑flops handy and your playlists coastal. Summer’s coming soon, and the Southern Maine shoreline and Salt & Shine can’t wait to welcome you!