For gay and lesbian travelers around the
world, Provincetown is paradise found.
This small stretch of Cape Cod is the most famous gay getaway
destination in the region, but it’s certainly not the only one. Drive just four hours north and you’ll
find the crown jewel of LGBT Maine, Ogunquit.
The town has a year-round population of
less than two thousand residents, but it’s in the summer and early fall that
this quaint, charming beach community comes alive, catering to gay and lesbian
travelers. Ogunquit differs from
other resort towns in Maine in that most of the restaurants, galleries, hotels
and dance clubs … that’s right … dance clubs, are gay-owned and operated.
The beginning of the beach is where the
heteros station themselves, but if you walk less than a half mile beyond that you’ll
find family. Bare in mind, this is
New England and the weather can go from sunny and gorgeous to rainy and miserable
at any given moment. So if you do
have to make a quick exit from the beach, don’t fret, there’s a variety of
other ways to occupy yourself.
If you’re a sucker for art, there are
incredible galleries featuring the work of local artists, including The Barn
Gallery and Art & Soul Gallery, both located on Shore Road. The great thing about Ogunquit is that
most of the shops, museums, hotels and restaurants are located within walking
distance to the beach. Trust me,
this is a blessing because parking can be a nightmare and if you time your
entrance or escape out of town at the wrong time, it could take the better part
of an hour to get back to the highway.
A cloudy day is also the perfect time to
check out John Lane’s Ogunquit Playhouse.
Located just a few miles outside of the center of the action heading
back to the highway, this is a great venue to enjoy popular shows like Avenue Q, The Music Man or Chicago.
Ogunquit may be a small town, but don’t be
fooled by Ogunquit’s size, the clubs are incredibly fun and get packed. Front Porch is a great place to start
your evening. It’s a piano bar
filled with locals, Bostonians and visitors from points beyond. The staple of
gay and lesbian Ogunquit, MaineStreet.
Dance music, drag shows, pool and sexy bartenders, all the prerequisites
are here. Oxygen is close to
MaineStreet. It’s that gay bar in
town that’s been in business for years but constantly changes ownership.
Remember ladies and gents, Maine isn’t just
lobster and lighthouses! If you’re
that gay or lesbian traveler who wants a change from Provincetown, Key West,
Fire Island and the other typical LGBT summer haunts, Ogunquit is a refreshing
option. It offers all of the
trappings of most other gay resort towns with smaller crowds and lower
prices.
