It was a rookie mistake; heading to a popular beach destination late on a summer Sunday morning. If we had planned better, or given ourselves more time in the area, we would have come here during the week. But we didn’t. And by 10:30 A.M., we were lucky to grab one of the last remaining parking spots anywhere in Ogunquit, ME.

A cloudless, ninety-plus degree day, on one of summer’s last weekends, brought out the crowds. Fortunately, we had already eaten and didn’t have to bother with the many lines gathering on the sidewalk in front of places like The Egg & I. We also didn’t plan to fight for real-estate on the three and a half mile beach that virtually disappeared beneath the hordes. No, we were here to simply walk the town and its “Marginal Way” coastal trail. And that was enough.

I can see Oqunquit’s attraction as a weekend getaway, with plenty of great looking beach resorts, restaurants, shops, and even a quality art museum. The rugged coastal scenery along the Marginal Way puts Newport’s Cliff Walk to shame. It’s a beautiful area and there is certainly enough to do here for a couple of relaxing days . . . starting immediately after Labor Day.