In late July, we will be spending a late afternoon/evening in either Ogunquit or Kennebunkport. Which do you recommend? Which has better shopping/restaurants? Which is nicer? I hope everything is open later in the summer.

Thanks

The best restaurant in both areas and one of the best in all New england is in Ogunquit. "Arrows" fantastic food and charming interior/exterior, they grow all their own vegetables and herbs.
Expensive. Less formal is "Hurricane"
grat view of the ocean. reservations advised. Arrows doesn't serve lunch.

Definetly Kennebunkport, if you want 5* dining go to The White Barn Inn they belong to Relalis & Chateaux an exclusive organization of hotels and restaurants in the world that match a certain criteria. Last I knew there were only 400 or so and The White Barn Inn is one of them. A bit pricey but well worth it!! While in the area you could also drive by former President Bush's summer home. Oh and if you decide to go with The White Barn Inn, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time and plan on reserving with a credit card. I hope you go with it, it's one of my families favorites.

I would definitely go with Kennebunkport -- more shopping and I agree with the recommendation of the White Barn Inn. While it was expensive (and I had to borrow a jacket), dinner there was one of the best I've ever had. We were celebrating our anniversary, and even though I was in "borrowed" jacket, the service couldn't have been better and they even brought us a special dessert with Happy Anniversary spelled out in the chocolate sauce.

Not an easy question. I would say Ogunquit...spend the afternoon walking Moody Beach, stroll the shops, walk the Marginal, stroll the shops, and have dinner at Provence. However if the shops mean more to you, than the scenery reconsider Kennebunkport...check out the Yachtsman for lodging, unless you're the old house BB kinda person. GL