1. Billowhouse
City: Ocean Park, ME
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (207) 934-2333 or (888) 767-77
Address: 2 Temple Ave.
Description: A rambling 1881 Victorian mansion on the beach—with a turret and all—this old place serves as a nice base for exploring Ocean Park, a seaside community established the same year as the inn as a Free Will Baptist summer colony. There are still interdenominational services, but these days the beach fun seems to have gained ground, pushing aside the Chautauqua-type lectures a bit. But it’s still much tamer than Old Orchard, which many people find refreshing, and you can enjoy movies, talks, and concerts, or simply walk around and check out all the little cottages. There are a variety of types of accommodations at the Billowhouse, from bed-and-breakfast rooms to suites to efficiency apartments, and they are well looked after. The beach is close enough that you can track sand into the house. And the rates—and your hosts—are great.
2. Nautilus By The Sea
City: Ocean Park, ME
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (207) 934-2021 or (800) 981-70
Address: 2 Colby Ave.
Description: Another Victorian fronting the 7 miles of Ocean Park beach, the 1890 Nautilus has 12 rooms. Most have views of the sea, which is just out the window. The amenities vary from room to room—some have shared baths, some full-size or queen-size beds, some king-size beds, some patios, some TVs, some fridges. All are clean and comfortable and the rates are eminently reasonable.