One of my favorite things about summer in Maine is getting the chance to slow down and explore somewhere new. My husband and I finally made it to the historic Ogunquit Playhouse for the first time, and we paired it with a picture-perfect lunch in Perkins Cove for a full summer day date.
We picked a classic for our first show at the Playhouse: Guys & Dolls. But before curtain time, we made our way to Perkins Cove for lunch. I had read about Jackie’s Too, a waterfront spot with amazing views, which is always my favorite. Even though it was a little overcast and chilly for late June, we scored a great table with a front-row seat to the harbor. I ordered a chicken Caesar salad, and my husband went for the eggplant sandwich. Both hit the spot.
After lunch, we wandered around Perkins Cove and popped into a few local shops. We found some sweet treats at Perkins Cove Candies to bring with us on our upcoming trip to Cincinnati. We also strolled over the footbridge, which doubles as a hand-operated drawbridge. Yes, someone actually has to be available and willing to open it manually, which is kind of amazing. We lucked out and got to see it in action.
And of course, there was ice cream. I went with Raspberry Mint Chip and my husband chose Chocolate Brownie. We grabbed a bench by the water and watched the boats come and go while enjoying our scoops. Simple and perfect.
From there, it was just a short drive to the Ogunquit Playhouse, a beloved coastal landmark with a lot of character. If you're a veteran, there’s even a special parking lot right near the entrance, which made getting in and out so easy. We arrived early enough to check out the Gazebo Bar and the Patio Bar before the show. Both were lively and inviting. We ended up sharing a table with a lovely woman from Kennebunk and her sister, and had a great conversation while waiting for the doors to open.
Our seats were in the very back, but the view was just fine, even after everyone was seated. Neither of us had ever seen Guys & Dolls before, but it delivered exactly what we expected - a fun, romantic comedy with a bit of nostalgia. Not going to lie, the first act was long, and we both felt a little sleepy. But a stretch during intermission and a quick restroom break helped me reset, and the second act flew by.
Would we go again? Absolutely. Between the coastal charm of Perkins Cove and the classic Maine theater experience at Ogunquit Playhouse, it was a day date worth repeating.
