Salt & Shine Vacation Rentals Blog

10 Things First-Time Visitors to Maine Always Forget

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

We love welcoming first-time visitors to Vacationland! Before you pack your bags, here's what seasoned Maine travelers know:

The Ultimate Maine Beach Bucket List

Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you're visiting for a weekend or spending the entire summer on the coast, Southern Maine offers some of the most beautiful beaches in New England. From family-friendly shores to hidden gems, here's your ultimate beach bucket list:

Salt & Shine Named Best of the Best Vacation Rentals for the Fourth Consecutive Year

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

🏆 Four years. Two communities. One incredibly grateful team.

We are beyond honored to share that Salt & Shine Vacation Rentals has once again been voted Best of the Best Vacation Rentals in both the Wells/Ogunquit and York/Kittery regions!

To say we're grateful would be an understatement.

This recognition isn't just about us—it's about the homeowners who trust us, the guests who choose us, the team members who give their all every day, and the community that continues to support us.

This award has our name on it, but these are the people who earned it....

Read More -

A Love Letter To Maine

Fri, 15 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Barefoot mornings. Salty air. Lobster rolls after the beach. Firepit nights that become your favorite memories.

We wrote a little love letter to summer in Maine — and if you’ve ever spent a week here, you’ll understand every word. ☀️

Why We Created Salt & Shine?

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Salt & Shine didn’t start because Maine needed more rentals — it started because something was missing.

We’re sharing the story behind why we built a family-owned, locally loved business right here on the coast, and what that means for your stay.

→ Tap to read the full story

Getting Ready for Summer in Maine: A Little Excitement, A Little Planning, and a Lot of Beach Days Ahead

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

If you're already thinking about summer in Maine, you're doing it right. The best trips aren't the ones thrown together last minute — they're the ones you can actually look forward to. The ones where you already know where you're staying, what the area feels like, and how your days might unfold before you even arrive. So if you're planning a week on the coast, here's a little inspiration — a mix of our favorite towns and the kind of days that make a Maine summer feel exactly how it should...

Why Choosing a Local Vacation Rental Company in Southern Maine Matters (More Than You Think)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Choosing a vacation rental manager isn’t just about who can get your home listed…

It’s about who actually knows your market, your home, and your guests.

There’s a big difference between a company that operates in Southern Maine—and one that truly understands it. From how different towns book, to the little details that shape a guest’s experience, that local insight goes a long way.

And when things are more boutique and intentional, you can feel it. In the care, the communication, and the way your home is looked after over time.

We shared more on why choosing local really matters (more than people think) ... 🌊

Culinary Along the Coast: Elevating Your Stay with a Private Chef

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

What if your next coastal getaway came with dinner handled… beautifully? 🍽️🌊

We’re talking fresh, locally inspired meals, zero prep, and all the time in the world to relax with your favorite people.

Something special is coming to the Salt & Shine blog… and trust us, you’re going to want a seat at this table.

Local Love: Sharing the Best of Coastal Maine

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Local Love: Sharing the Best of Coastal Maine
At Salt & Shine, we believe the best vacations are built on local connection. Our Local Love program highlights the small businesses, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that make the southern Maine coast so special. From coffee shops to sunset sails, these are the places we personally love—and the ones we can’t wait for our guests to discover.

The Art of Choosing Your Season

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Coastal Maine doesn’t simply change with the calendar — it transforms.

Winter feels quiet and restorative.
Spring arrives soft and full of possibility.
Summer shines bright with tradition and movement.
Fall settles in with golden light and quiet elegance.

Each season brings its own rhythm. Its own mood. Its own kind of magic.

So the question isn’t when should you visit?
It’s what are you craving right now?

Read the full post and discover which season is waiting for you.

Counting Down to Coastal Summer

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Winter has a way of making us look ahead. Ahead to warmer mornings, open windows, and days shaped by the tide instead of the clock. While the coast settles into its quieter rhythm, we’re already counting down to coastal summer—sunrise walks on the beach, long afternoons by the water, and nights that smell like salt and sunscreen. Summer will be here before we know it, and the countdown has officially begun.

From Snow Boots to Bare Feet

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Right now, it’s all about wool socks, snow boots, and hot coffee on cold mornings. But tucked into the quiet of winter is the promise of what comes next—bare feet in warm sand, salty hair, and evenings that stretch just a little longer. The Maine coast may be resting, but summer is already on its way. Until then, we’re soaking up the slow season and dreaming of the days when boots are swapped for bare feet and the beach becomes our backyard again.

Travel, Belonging, and the Maine Coast

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

At Salt & Shine, we believe the stories behind the homes matter just as much as the places themselves. Our homeowners come from many parts of the world, but they share a common love for the Maine coast, the communities they’ve become part of, and the travelers who return here year after year.

Today, we’re honored to share a reflection from one of our Wells homeowners — written in his own words — about what Maine has meant to him over time. From the simple magic of sea breezes and lobster dinners to the feeling of being truly welcomed, his message is a heartfelt reminder that the coast is more than a destination — it’s a place where connection and belonging come naturally.

Read his full story (in both English and Québécois French)...

5 Things to Do in Coastal Maine When It’s Cold (That Don’t Involve the Beach)

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Think there’s nothing to do in coastal Maine once the temperature drops? Think again. Winter is the perfect time for café hopping, small-town shopping, scenic walks, and the coziest nights in. We’re sharing five easy, feel-good ways to enjoy the coast in the off-season—no beach day required. Spoiler: the quieter it gets, the better it feels.

Snow on the Sand: A Local’s Guide to a Cozy Maine Winter Getaway

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

There’s something a little magical about the Maine coast in winter—quiet streets, moody ocean views, and beaches that feel like they belong to you. From slow mornings with coffee and ocean air to cozy afternoons inside and candlelit nights in, a winter getaway here is less about doing everything… and more about finally exhaling. If you’ve never experienced snow on the sand, this is your sign.

Hello From The Coast Of Maine

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Winter has a way of quieting everything—especially here along the Maine coast. Snow settles softly over the rocks, the evergreens wear their winter coats proudly, and the ocean keeps doing what it does best: rolling in, steady and strong, no matter the season

Winter Along the Southern Maine Coast: A Season of Quiet Magic

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Winter on the southern Maine coast is a whole different kind of magic—quiet beaches, dramatic waves, cozy cafés, and charming towns without the summer crowds. It’s the season for bundled-up shoreline walks, lighthouse views, fireside dinners, and slow mornings with the ocean just outside your window. If you’ve never experienced Maine in the off-season, consider this your invitation… the salt, the stillness, and the shine are waiting.

A New Year, A Fresh Calendar, and Summer on the Horizon 🌊✨

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The New Year is here—and that means one exciting thing at Salt & Shine: summer calendars are open! If you’ve been dreaming of Maine beach days, salty air, and a stay you’ll talk about all year, now is the perfect time to start planning. The best weeks book early, and we can’t wait to help you lock in your favorite dates and find the perfect coastal home for your summer escape. 🌊✨

A Coastal Kind of Cozy: The Holidays with Salt & Shine

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The Holidays with Salt & Shine
Winter on the coast isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less, better. Think morning coffee with an ocean view, low-tide walks, and cozy nights in. We’re feeling grateful this season, and we’re excited for what’s ahead.

Beach Days to Remember

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Close your eyes and picture the perfect summer day: warm sun, salty breezes, soft sand, and the gentle roar of waves. Maine’s beaches are a slice of coastal paradise, and we’re here to help you make every moment unforgettable.