Ogunquit

Until 1980, Ogunquit was part of neighboring Wells [1]; a dispute over whether or not to put street lights up (followed by more arguments over shared taxes) led Ogunquit to effectively secede. It has since become one of Maine’s [2] most successful vacation destinations, thanks to its centrally located (and beautiful, white-sand) beach and plenitude of cosmopolitan boutiques, restaurants, and lodging.

It’s all rendered the town a magnet for a diverse group of artists and city dwellers in the summer (the town has a history of welcoming gay and lesbian visitors, though plenty of straight vacationers make their way here as well), when crowds can border on claustrophobia-inducing. Things calm down nicely, however, later in the season and into the fall—and you won’t miss much of the town’s charm by missing the crowds; most shops and restaurants are open year-round.