The southwest corner of Maine has become a prime destination of New England tourism, but that is not its origin story. The shape of the coast line, with its many inlets and protected bays allowed towns along the coast, that date back to the late 17th century, to serve as the base of fishing fleets. Ogunquit shares this history, with its Perkins Cove providing a safe haven.
Perkins Cove
In 1898, the Ogunquit Art Colony was formed. This changed the town, making it a destination for artists from the Boston area and beyond. As often happens, once artists started coming to the area, other people, mostly the rich, were close behind, and Ogunquit became a significant summer retreat.
Stephens Brook Marshland
The monied class bought seafront property, while hotels and inns opened for those of more modest means. They all came for the chance to spend time enjoying Maine’s beautiful coast. In 1925, a 20 acre parcel of land that stretched along the cliffs of Maine’s coast was donated to the town by Josiah Chase Jr. His gift was made in order to preserve public access to shoreline. By the 1930’s the pathway was paved, and Marginal Way was created.
Marginal Way covers a length of about 1.25 miles along the cliffs of Ogunquit. One end is at Perkins Cove. Here you will find shops and restaurants along Harbor Lane. There is also a public parking lot and several private ones. The other end of Marginal Way is near the Sparhawk Oceanfront Resort, along Shore Road. Here, there is more parking, several municipal buildings, and access to Shore Road’s commercial area, near its intersection with US Route 1.
The round trip walk is about 3 miles, and there are thirty-six benches on which to rest along the way. From July 1 through October, the town runs a trolley service that connects Perkins Cove to Shore Road, and goes on to the the hotels along Route 1. The trolley costs $5 for adults and $3 for children per ride.
Marginal Way is a great place enjoy Maine’s coast line. It is one of the few places where there is a long, developed path to take. Ogunquit wonderful town to enjoy a weekend away.
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