So have you never heard of Marginal Way? In the resort town of Ogunquit, Maine, it’s pretty easy to get caught up in all the quaint shops and galleries, high-end restaurants, and beach hotels (compare Ogunquit hotel rates and reviews on TripAdvisor) on offer to the average tourist. . So easy, in fact, that most people tend to miss out on the best attraction Ogunquit has to offer, they will most likely stop by.
This remarkable tribute to nature is Marginal Way , a mile-long path that stretches from its entrance on downtown Ogunquit’s main drag, Shore Road, to its exit at the docks of Perkins Cove, a small resort and shopping destination that borders Ogunquit.
With a sign partially obscured by trees marking a narrow, barely visible entrance along the boundaries of The Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort, one of Ogunquit’s most prestigious hotels, where rooms are reserved no less than a year in advance for the peak summer season. “The Via Marginal may not look like much to the casual passerby.” However, taking the first steps beyond the entrance, one is immediately confronted with the coastal grandeur and inspiring sight that is truly Ogunquit at its best.
Over here, along the Marginal Road, the entire city of Ogunquit can be seen from end to end as it curves into the swirling, churning ocean in the distance.
Whitewashed beach tents, unique summer huts, and Ogunquit Beach outfitted with a serenely spinning red and white beacon dot the shoreline, and the only sounds to be heard are the rhythmic calm of the tide, seagulls, and the occasional bell. of a car in the distance. . The smell of the ocean is overwhelming and fills one with the feeling of taking it all in and not being careful in the world. A small breeze cuts through the air, invigorating those who have spent a long day at the beach.
As the path hugs the rocky edge of a small cliff, the surrounding scenes seem so tangible that one may be tempted to touch them.
Winding in gradual curves, the Marginal Road continues, taking its travelers to panorama after heavenly panorama, providing benches along the way for one to stop and reflect on the presence of such beauty. But after what seems like a very short time, the lighthearted banter of civilization can be heard and the peaceful sounds of the tide fade as the exit of Marginal Way approaches, which conveniently leads to Oarweed, a famous seafood from season. restaurant and lobster pound in Perkins Cove overlooking the ocean and Marginal Way.
With its panoramic view of picturesque Ogunquit, Maine, and the feelings of utter tranquility that walking the Marginal Way brings, it is a definite place to see in New England, although it may not be obvious at first.
Do you love the marginal path? Now, you can help protect Maine’s popular seaside walkway by donating to the non-profit Marginal Way Preservation Fund.
Guest contributor Laura Johnson wrote this article as a junior at St. Paul Catholic High School in Bristol, Connecticut, where she was a writer for the school newspaper, the “Falcon Flyer.” He hopes to pursue a career in English, either teaching or writing, as he enjoys reading and writing.
More Top Ogunquit Attractions
- John Lane’s Ogunquit Playhouse – You’ll be mesmerized by the musicals that perform each summer season at this historic theater, which has been around the city since 1933.
- Finestkind Scenic Cruises – Depart from Perkins Cove at the end of Marginal Way in Ogunquit aboard one of three traditional Maine-built wooden boats or a replica of a No Man’s Land sailboat. Choose from a variety of cruises including breakfast and cocktail trips and lighthouse and lobster adventures.
- Ogunquit Museum of American Art – Open May through October, this museum is dedicated to 20th-century American art. It houses more than 1,300 paintings, sculptures, drawings and prints and has a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.
- Ogunquit Summer Art School – Renowned instructors carry on the spirit of the Ogunquit art colony and outdoor painting school established here in 1898 by Charles Woodbury. Register in advance for sold-out classes and hone your scene painting skills along Marginal Way.
