Hubby and I currently have reservations at Anchorage by the Sea in an oceanfront room for 4 nights, arriving late Friday, Sept. 15. Our flight back home is not til 4:30 PM on Tue. Sept 19 (from MHT).

I worry a bit that we'll feel like we've 'seen' Ogunquit after two days and will wish we'd moved on to BBH for the last two nights. Or, will we just love it so much, we wouldn't want to leave? Yes, I know it's subjective, but I'm looking for your opinions if you've been to both places. What would you do? For the record, we're mid-40's, in good health, not late night people, enjoy the ocean and boats, and if this matters, one of us (I'm not telling) does not eat seafood.

It looks like we'd have plenty of time to get to our flight at a leisurely pace on Tuesday leaving from BBH.

Any thoughts are appreciated.
H

Fantastic time of year to visit. If it was me, I'd stay in Ogunquit and explore York and Kennebunk/Kennebunkport. Could always just take a day trip up to Boothbay to check it out. Lots of great grub in the area. Walk hard sand 3 mile Moody Beach and the Marginal way each day. Check out Debrah Sampson Park, go to Nubble lighthouse...
Good Luck with your plans.

For me Boothbay is a little more laid-back, downeast, walk-the-rocky-coast and watch the lobstermen. Ogunquit more convivial, gay, happening, meet-the-people-at-the-next-table kind of place. More beach and fine dining while BBH is working-lobster-boats and picnic table.

In September, however, Ogunquit is a little more laid back and its easier to explore York Harbor and Kennebunk when the traffic is nice and easy. If you don't feel like a long day trip up the coast...do a day trip just up to Cape Elizabeth maybe? Maybe your final night at Cape Eliz Inn by the Sea? From there you could probably leave just after an early lunch ( by 1pm) and easily make your flight in Manchester.

For the 17th and 18th, you wouldn't have trouble not having reservations and winging it most anywhere...so you might wanna just change your Ogunquit booking to Fri and Sat and then play it as it lays.

One caution...heading southbound from Maine into New Hampshire on 95...the exit for Manchester Airport (route 101)is just BEFORE the NH toll booth and not very well marked. Keep an eagle eye out...the toll booth guy told us that maybe 100 people a day pay the toll and then have to do a turnaround at the next exit a few miles down the road. (yup, tracy too!)

While you could easily do 4 nights in Ogunquit and use this as your base, I would probably recommend 2 nights at each spot, just because Boothbay is a good haul from Ogunquit. As the others have mentioned, Ogunquit is more of a 'beach resort' type area, with some beautiful beaches, good places to eat and some nice scenery. From here you can explore Nubble light, Marginal Way, the Kennebunks, Cape Porpose, etc. Boothbay is more of a rockbound harbor type area. From here you can explore Portland, Camden, Penmmiquid, etc.The only drawback to staying in Boothbay is the long drive back to MHT.
Either way, you'll have a great time.

If you're flying into MHT, why not start in Boothbay Harbor, then go to Ogunquit?

For sure, there's plenty to see and do in Ogunquit and Kennebunkport. Boothbay Harbor is one of our favorite spots on the Maine Coast. Highly recommend a sailboat tour.

Wow, thanks for everyone's prompt responses. Sistahlou, some of the things on your list are at the top of mine for this trip. It did seem like Boothbay might be a tad far for a day trip though.

Tracys- thanks for the suggestion regarding winging it. That really never occurred to me, but since it's a Sunday and Monday night, it might be possible.

Zootsi - glad to know I'm not the only one thinking this might work. And thanks for the suggestions.

djk- going to Boothbay first would work great - except we get into MHT fairly late Friday night and I didn't want to drive that far that night. Plus I already have the reservations for the Friday and Saturday night - which seem like they might be harder to get.

Thanks again! I guess I might actually include hubby in this decision.
H

We love Boothbay Harbor, but this fall will stay in Freeport at the Harasseket Inn (so we can shop at the outlets) We will make a day trip to BBH for a day. We have to get back to Boston for a 5 PM flight, so Freeport is easier to do.

This is one of the most helpful threads Ive read. Now I'm rethinking my advice!!! Lots of good ideas! Have fun phi!