Travel

Ogunquit Beach is seen as viewed from the Marginal Way.

It’s never too early to start planning a fall getaway, especially when it means heading to the colorful Northeast during the foliage season.

Thousands flock to the New England states to catch a glimpse of trees in their fall splendor. Visitors not familiar with the area’s fall colors are wowed by the chromatic explosions that accompany the seasonal change.

While Vermont, New Hampshire and Connecticut have cornered the market on the foliage season – an entire industry exists solely for out-of-towners and their obsession with leaves – the state of Maine has emerged as a leading alternate to the other foliage states.

Located just two hours north of Boston, Maine in the fall combines scenery unwitnessed by most in their lifetime.

Making their way up the coast, visitors are treated to the rough, wind-blown Atlantic coastline. By the time fall rolls around, sea swells are beginning to build, and the ocean breeze that provided the coastal area with cool summer air begins to bite.

Inland, the scenery is just as breathtaking in an entirely different way. While the ocean’s waves constantly batter Maine’s coastline, the tranquility of the changing leaves provides visitors with a quieter kind of peace.

Boats sail in and out of Oarweed Cove in Ogunquit, Maine.

Maine is full of beach towns akin to the Outer Banks of North Carolina or South Carolina’s Hilton Head. Frequented by vacationing guests, cottages and bed and breakfasts are staples along the coastline. Inland, bed and breakfasts often are filled to capacity during foliage season.

The closest and most worthwhile stop along the Maine coast continues to be Ogunquit. The small beach town is just a few hours north of Boston – the perfect getaway for those city dwellers fed up with crowds and bustle.

Ogunquit is a map-dot of a destination. One road leads through town and continues up the coast to more popular places like Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. While many bypass Ogunquit in favor of the bigger name towns and attractions, those who take the time to get to know the town are surprised to find themselves taking pleasure in the little things the little town has to offer.

Attractions

As with any beach town, food and shopping reign supreme. While the Outer Banks and certainly Hilton Head pride themselves on their beach-ware stores, Ogunquit’s commerce is a diverse one.

There are the beach stores, the kite stores and the souvenir shops, but beyond those there are antiquated stores that offer first-time visitors a true taste of New England.

The crown jewel of Ogunquit has been and still is the Marginal Way, a winding path that piggybacks the coastline and provides visitors with a view of everything Maine.

The path is a short one – 1 1/4 miles – but those wanting to take it all in could spend the better part of the day walking it.

It begins at Oarweed Cove, the town’s harbor, and winds its way along the beach, displaying the rocky ocean outcroppings that are all too familiar to Maine.

The city has catered to tourists walking the Marginal Way, installing 30 benches along the path. Many of the benches are natural photographic points, providing visitors with a chance to stop, take in the salty air and snap a few photos.

The path finishes at Ogunquit Beach, an expanse of sand that, during the summer, is full of vacationers and sun-worshippers.

Food

A hallmark of the state of Maine, lobster is the most revered menu item in Ogunquit and all the way up the coast.

Every restaurant offers the dish, and many only provide it when it’s in season.

Get to Ogunquit too late – say, in October – and the tasty crustacean is absent from the menu.

Ask for their specials and seek out the most casual of the more than 25 restaurants located within walking distance of most cottages and hotels.

The more casual, the better. The wait staff at most establishments isn’t bashful about helping first-time lobster eaters tackle the delicacy.

Accommodations

As with restaurants, Ogunquit is home to plenty of housing. Depending on travelers’ tastes, visitors can book a room for as little as $40.00 or spend upwards of a few hundred. Location and amenities often constitute the difference in price.

On the Web

For more information about Ogunquit, Maine, check out these Web sites: www.ogunquit.org or usa.visitmaine.com/region/town_Ogunquit.php.

- By Joe Arnold