Live Like a Mainah: Explore Southern Maine the Locals' Way

So you’ve made it to Southern Maine—cue the salty breeze, lighthouse views, and that first bite of a buttery lobster roll. But if you want to do more than visit, and truly experience Maine like a local, we’ve got you covered. Because here at Salt & Shine, we don’t just vacation here—we live here. And we’re ready to share our favorite ways to live like a true Mainah.

☕ Start Your Day the Mainer Way

Skip the chain coffee shops and pop into a local favorite. Whether it’s a bold brew from Harbor Coffee in Ogunquit or a blueberry scone from Bagel Basket in York, your morning starts better with small-town charm and a side of ocean breeze.

🌊 Choose the Beach Less Traveled

Sure, Long Sands and Ogunquit Beach are iconic for a reason. But if you want the local scoop? Ask us about Cape Neddick Beach, Seapoint in Kittery, or Moody Beach at low tide. Fewer crowds, just as much coastal magic.

🦞 Eat Where the Lobster Boats Dock

Want the freshest lobster roll of your life? Head to places like Cape Neddick Lobster Pound, Chauncey Creek Lobster Pier, or grab a dockside seat at Footbridge Lobster. Pro tip: bring cash, your appetite, and no agenda.

🚲 Slow It Down, Stroll Around

Locals love to walk the Marginal Way in Ogunquit, wander York Village, or bike around Kennebunkport’s back roads. The key to living like a Mainah? Slow down. Look around. Say hi to strangers. (We probably know their cousin.)

🍦 Always Room for Ice Cream

Maine has a serious sweet tooth. Don’t leave without trying a cone from Dunne’s, Brown’s, or the famous Rococo’s in Kennebunkport. And yes, locals do line up after dinner—it’s part of the ritual.

🛍 Shop Small, Shop Local

From hand-poured candles and sea glass jewelry to antiques and beachy decor, Southern Maine shops are full of treasures you can’t find anywhere else. Be sure to swing by spots like Daytrip Society, Just Us Chickens, and the charming shops tucked into Ogunquit’s Perkins Cove.

🔥 End the Day Like a Local

Grab takeout, spark up the firepit, and listen to the waves (or the loons). Maybe even spot a lighthouse blinking in the distance. It’s not fancy—but it’s perfect.

✨ Insider Bonus: Salt & Shine Concierge Planning

Booking with Salt & Shine means you get more than just a place to stay—you get people who live here and love it. Want a paddleboard delivered? A beach bonfire set up? A hidden-gem dinner spot you won’t find on Yelp? We’ve got you.

🧢 Bottom Line?

You don’t have to be born here to live like a Mainah. All you need is a laid-back attitude, a love for the sea, and maybe a whoopie pie in your beach bag. 😉

Welcome to our coastline—now kick off your shoes and stay awhile.