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Often misspelled and mispronounced, Ogunquit (Algonquit, Ogonquit) is the friendly little beach and artist colony that hovers on the southern coast of Maine. Ogunquit features one of the top rated beaches in the USA, and a picturesque walk called the Marginal Way. Ogunquit is only 4 square miles. There are two main sections: the village, and Perkins Cove. Most gay nightlife B&B's and Inns are located in the village.
High season is Memorial Day to Labor Day. Reservations are highly recommended. Fall foliage is also a great time to go. There are many different events happening during the year. Autumn shoulder season is Sept 11 to Nov 11. Tip: From the end of May to June 19th rates are generally cheaper and there are fewer crowds.
Ogunquit has several ATM's and three Banks (Bank of America, Key, & Kennebunk Savings). Most restaurants take debit and credit cards. All banks will convert Canadian currency. Kennebunk Savings usually has the best rates for foreighn exchanges.
Many restuarants may have lobster on the menu ( MC Perkins has a wonderful Mac & Cheese with Lobster). If you want lobster in the rough, these are our quick picks:
1. Ogunquit Lobster Pound - 504 Main Street
This is a true lobster pound! We recommend that you eat in the "bar" side of the restaurant. It's less noisy and has more atmosphere.
2. Jackies - Perkins Cove
Location, Location, Location.
3. Barnicle Billys - Perkins Cove
George Bush Sr. is often spotted here with Mikahil Gorbachev or Bill Clinton. The Rum Punch is a must!
Go to the main beach, take a left and go 200 meters. This is the gay section.
Many gay guesthouses supply beach chairs. There is also a wonderful service that provides umbrellas and beach toys. Pack light and call Ogunquit Beach and Sport . They also have volleyballs and other items.
Ogunquit is a lively town in the summer season! Make sure to plan your stay by making reservations at your favorite restaurants. Also, make sure to purchase your tickets for the Ogunquit Playhouse
In Ogunquit, you see a wonderful musical at the Playhouse, see the Kris Francis Show at the Front Porch, see a comic at MaineStreet, Catch a current film at the Leavitt Theatre or just have a wonderful dinner in the village topped off with an ice cream.
Marginal Way starts on Shore Road about 2 blocks from The Front Porch Bar. The entrance is just after the Sparhawk Motel.
The Marginal Way was once an old Indian trail that is now a path the hugs the "margin" of the ocean. This Ogunquit attraction is a must. The path meanders over a mile and brings you to beautiful Perkins Cove.The Marginal Way offers some of the best views of the coastline in Maine, and unique flora and fauna.
The Gazebo Inn Ogunquit takes pets. We also strongly recommend The Privileged Pet, located on Route 1 north, five miles before you arrive at the village center. This place is spotless, and air-conditioned. Reservations for your pet are a MUST. Kennel cough shots are required. Call them at 207.363.5700.
Ogunquit is a very safe town with very little crime. Take normal precautions, but you should not feel unsafe walking through town at any time of the day or night. In addition, we are blessed with a gay-friendly police force. The Police Association also sells T-shirts, a great souvenir. The Police Station is located at 20 Cottage Street.
Dont over pack! You will need: long pants for the Playhouse, a light jacket or sweater (even in August), baathing suit, sunblock, and a ball cap for sun. Dont worry if you forgot something. Ogunquit has wonderful stores and shops to buy clothing and toiletry articles. Make sure to bring a camera, for shots of the Marginal Way!
At low tide Ogunquit Beach is magical! The sand is hard packed. From the beginning of the beach to the end and back ( including the loop around the parking lot) is over 5 miles. From the village center to Marginal Way to Perkins Cove and back is over 5 km. There are many runners in Ogunquit, as well as two races a year.
Many innkeepers have supplies. Also the Franny Peabody Center provides condoms and lube at MaineStreet and will give away "goodie bags" on the beach.
Please ask your local innkeeper for AA and support group meetings. AA meetings are Sundays at 8pm at the Dunaway Center on Cottage Street. There are also meetings at the Baptist church on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9am. Ogunquit also has a weekly group committed to serving as a bridge connecting and supporting men who have sex with men (MSM), gay men, bisexual men, and questioning men through educational and community activities. This diverse mix of activities will provide these men with alternatives to the gay bars and on-line hook up sites by drawing attention to the rise in STD infections, the steady number of HIV infections among the gay male population, and the importance of establishing and maintaining a visible community. It is the hope of all participants and supporters that a safe and non-judgmental environment be created to allow for the comfortable exploration of sexual identities. For More info visit Go Ogunquit.
