One of my favorite places to go almost any time of year is to visit the Southern Coast of Maine. Maybe the reason I've have been visiting there for over 30 years, is every year I find something new to discover.

Great casual dining, great scenery, wonderful attractions (The Ogunquit Playhouse) and so much more.

I have a favorite bakery (Bread and Roses in Ogunquit), a marvelous Lobster and steamers (steamed clams) dinner spot (Barnacle Billy's in Perkins Cove), the Maine fried baby shrimp are best at Billy's Chowder House on the Miracle Mile in Wells, and the Maine Diner on Route 1 has very good everything! Remember to take a visit to Lord's Restaurant or the Steak House for you land lubbers. Ice Cream is a treat at Scoops, (just off Route 1 North) where the homemade frozen delights can be a cone, right on up to a HUGE Banana Split Sundae. These are just a few, there's even have a McDonald's for the kids if they start to get withdrawals....

A quiet walk along the marginal way in Ogunquit, the ding ding ding of the Trolleys that take you from Wells to Ogunquit and to the beach shops along the way. The Antique Car Museum is well worth the visit on a cloudy day. Perkins Cove has outdoor artists and you can catch a boat for a sight-seeing tour or a whale watch. Route 1 also boasts two miniature golf courses. Pirates Cove is a bit more challenging for the older teens and adults. A great evening activity for family time.

And of course the fabulous southern Maine beaches. Sunbath, frisbee tossing, walking, jogging or just reading a book under the umbrella. Bring a sweater for later in the evening and walk. The best sleeping aid is the ocean breeze to relax the tensions away.

Along Route 1 you can find fresh produce at road side stands. Small Lobster Pounds where the seafood is the freshest. Along the shore route between Moody Beach and Wells Beach you'll find great ocean views and a lobster pound with some of the best take out Clam Chowder in the area.

Anyway you look at it a few days at the beach, and a smile will cross your face. Make sure you book your reservations in advance. Maine's better inns, hotels, and cottage rentals are often sold out in advance. The season is short but spectacularly sweet! Have a great time - begin your own tradition ... of an annual visit to southern Maine.

- D. Lynn for ME Living