My wife and I spent a lovely week in Southern Maine for some R&R. We stayed once again at Old Orchard Beach which is reasonably peaceful in off season. Below are some specifics on attractions, lodging, and restaurants, in no particular order:

Lodging:
Kebek 3 Motel (Old Orchard Beach, ME) – This year we had a suite, which is basically a bedroom with two beds, and a livingroom/kitchenette. If you are looking for an elegant upscale place, stay away from Old Orchard. If you are looking for clean, basic accommodations on the ocean, then I recommend the Kebek 3. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Attractions:
Eastern Trail (Scarborough, ME) – This is a completed section of the Eastern Trail which will eventually go from Kittery to Casco Bay. The section we went on, goes across the Scarborough Marsh, and is one of the more beautiful places in the world. We spotted a harbor seal on one walk. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Cascades Brook Waterfall (Old Orchard Beach, ME) – This is not on any site, nor map. You have to ask the locals about getting to it. It is a very nice waterfall, but the safety rails are very loose, so we only went half way down before we decided it was too dangerous to continue.

Len Libby Chocolates Store (Scarborough, ME) – Aside from some of the best chocolate candy I have ever tasted, this is where you can see Lenny, the 1700 pound chocolate moose. There are also a chocolate bear and two cubs. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Gisland Farm Audubon Center (Falmouth, ME) – Nature trails cut through the woods, marsh, and meadows. Even if you are not interested in bird watching, there are a number of pleasant walks. Mind you, there is no admission, so go and enjoy. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Pine Point (Scarborough, ME) – Picturesque views of fishing boats and gulls galore. Just fallow East Grand out of Old Orchard as far as it will go. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Portland Head Lighthouse (Cape Elizabeth, ME) – You’ve seen this in countless pictures from Maine. There is an attached museum, but don’t waste your money unless you are a true lighthouse lover. However, do take the trail that follows the cliffs. It is not that long and provides some breathtaking views. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Blacksmith’s Winery (South Casco, ME) – We visited last year, and this was a definite visit this year. Then again, my wife and I are winos so your mileage may vary. We ordered a split case of Vidal Blanc and Roughshod. We now have probably the finest selection of Maine wines in West Virginia. Then again, we probably have the only selection of Maine wines in WV. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Restaurants:
Bell Buoy Restaurant (Old Orchard Beach, ME) – We’ve enjoyed this restaurant in our prior two trips to Old Orchard Beach. It has gone downhill over the past year. We visited twice, the first on our first day, and we were both exhausted. The food on that visit was just OK, and the service slow. On our second visit, after an hour and a half, having still not seen our entrée, we paid for our drinks and appetizer and left. The appetizer was steamed clams that were cool and dried out. Stay away from this restaurant. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

Bua Thai Restaurant (Old Orchard Beach, ME) – We ate here our last visit, and enjoyed it. We had lunch this visit, and it was a delight. We mainly eat seafood when in Maine, but a bit of change is nice. Excellent food, and friendly service. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Rising Tide Restaurant (Scarborough, ME) – This was our “find” of the trip. It is hidden behind the Fisherman’s Co-op on Pine Point. The food could not be fresher, the service was speedy, and with a smile. We visited three times, and had steamers, and Lobster. We washed it down with Shipyard Export Ale, which is made in Portland and an excellent brew. This is basically an old fashioned clam shack, but the food cannot be beat, and the prices are low. What’s not to love? <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

Joseph’s by the Sea Restaurant (Old Orchard Beach, ME) – We had had breakfast here the past two trips if for no other reason than it was next door. This time we went for an eveining meal. Joseph’s is about as upscale as you’re going to get in Old Orchard. I had the haddock and it was magnificent. It is a bit pricy, but excellent food, service, and ambiance. Save for a night to treat yourselves.

Landmark Restaurant (Old Orchard Beach, ME) – A little more upscale, and excellent food. The parking is the pits however. Best to walk there then take a car. While the food was good, you can do better for the price.

Surf 6 Grille & Bar (Old Orchard Beach, ME) – Great location, lovely view, and a tourist trap. Sorry, but while the food was good, it was way over priced. If it is a nice sunny day, probably worth having lunch there on the outdoor deck, but don’t expect much more than average food and a big bill. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/cry.gif" alt="" />

Bayley’s Lobster Pound (Scarborough, ME) – Mainly a place to buy seafood, however, you can get lobster rolls and even cooked lobsters as takeout. No place to eat them there, but you can always take them back to your hotel. They also do shipping, which is quite expensive, but they will pack lobsters for you to take on the plane with you. We brought back a dozen. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Governor’s Restaurant and Bakery (South Portland, ME) – This is a chain restaurant in Maine, and not bad for lunch. The seafood was excellent, as was the service. Basically a dinner, but a good one! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

In short we had a wonderful time, and can’t wait to come back.