24 Hours in Ogunquit, Maine

Last weekend I drove up to Ogunquit, Maine for the weekend to celebrate the wedding of a dear college friend! As we get older, friends are more and more important and Caitlin and I have supported each other through the last 8+ years.

As someone who loves to travel and take #SoloRoadTrips I was more then excited to head north to Maine, a state I have only visited once before, which was a work trip. I had a little less then 24 full hours not including the wedding to explore the area.

I had booked Sunday night at the same hotel as the other guests, Colonial Inn right in the heart of Ogunquit. Saturday, night was another story, and thanks to Booking.com I was able to snag the last cottage at Kennebunk Gallery Motel & Cottages.

I arrived in Ogunquit on Saturday around 1pm, parked my car in a lot and hit the streets. I walked along the beach, down Shore Road and into town. I was starving and every restaurant had outdoor seating and menu's that were filled with locally sourced seafood. Table for one please, at Cornerstone Artisanal Pizza & Craft Beer. As I mentioned I was looking for a seafood dish and decided on the Maine Rock Crab Salad and an Allagash, local beer to Portland.

Art galleries, boutiques, ice cream shops, and restaurants line the main street. If you walk down Shore Road you will come to a fork in the road and I recommend walking through Perkins Cove, something I didn't get a chance to do. I did drive through and it was charming. Another trip up north is in order.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and fresh baked bread radiated from Bread & Roses Bakery, which I may also add had this amazing sign in their storefront window!

#HateHasNoBizHere

Rococo Ice Cream was calling my name. You can see a full dedicated post here. They now offer mail-order, so be sure to check it out! From outrageously delicious and unique flavors, everyone is bound to find something they will love!

As the afternoon came to a close I drove about 20 minutes north on Rt 1 to my cottage. How cute is this? I loved that it had so much space, a mini kitchen and was the perfect amount of cuteness!

I ran a last minute errand to Target, caught the sunset and then crashed hard after a full day of driving and sightseeing! The next morning I woke early, checked out and hit the road as I had one item on my bucket list to check off, visit a Lighthouse!!! 

As I drove from Kennebunk to Ogunquit, I stopped into 1960 House a bakeshop and cafe, only because it looked adorable from the outside. Isn't that how you choose stop somewhere? Maybe I am the only one, but it's something I enjoy doing. Making sure I spoke with some locals I was guided to Cape Neddick Light next in York, Maine just a few miles down the road from Ogunquit. If you find yourself in Wells and looking for some great pastries and coffee stop here. What's even cooler is that the Pastry Chef, Kristen is also a Johnson & Wales University graduate, something I learned only from the website. I wish I had gotten the chance to speak with her. 

With an ice coffee and my GPS set I headed down Shore Road, checking out the million dollar homes on the water as I drove to Cape Neddick Light. I arrived shortly after 10am and found parking in the free lot right away. As  I was leaving around 11 the lot was full so be sure to arrive on the earlier side. Every which way I looked was a stunning view of the lighthouse, homes on the water and the endless ocean. The Atlantic Ocean will always feel like home, as I grew up on the Jersey Shore. From amateurs to professionals everyone had their camera out! When you offer to take a photo for a solo traveler or couple you are almost always guaranteed a photo in return! I took quite a few photos for couples and friends. I got a photo of myself as well. 

The birds were chirping, a few people were paddle-boarding, and others were sitting on the rocks, like myself just taking in the views. I put my phone and camera down and just stayed in the moment. It was peaceful and calm, something I knew my body and mind needed! After about an hour I decided to drive back to Ogunquit.

My room wasn't ready so I walked along Marginal Way. Working up a hefty appetite I found myself on the outdoor patio of The Wild Blueberry ordering the Lobster Benedict and mimosa for brunch!

During brunch I got a call that my room was ready. I headed straight there for a shower and to relax before the evening! I was more then ready to celebrate the wedding of Caitlin & Anthony!

How cute is this couple? When I tell you they are the kindest, most genuine people I know, it's true!

After a full night of celebrating and partying I hit the sack hard. I planned to leave early Monday morning for the 6 hour drive home. I wanted to beat the traffic as well it was pouring all day, making the drive even longer.

Solo road trips are perfect for deep thinking, being in the moment, making pit stops in random towns, and being one with the world around us. Whether cross country, one hour or six you should always have snacks, podcasts, and great playlists to get you through!

What is the longest road trip you ever took? Where did you go or where do you want to go? 

XoXo,
Tracy