Matt and I love hiking in the Mt. Agamenticus (Mount A) area (and it's only 15 min drive from Scotland Fields). Mount A’s trails are for hikers, bikers, and other seasonal activities such as snowshoeing. Select trails are open to equestrians and ATV riders. As you travel the trails, we hope you will discover why this place is special. To ensure long-term trail quality and to protect against erosion, trails are designated for specific uses. Trail signs, color blazes and the trail map tell which uses are permitted on each trail.
Fun fact! Emma and Matt got engaged on the Wiggly Bridge and it's a must see. Only 10 minutes from Scotland Fields, the Wiggly Bridge is credited as being the world’s smallest suspended bridge. Built in the 1930s, it stands between the York River and Barrell Mill Pond and connects to Steedman Woods, a nature reserve with walking trails. We encourage you to continue on the path from Wiggly Bridge to Fisherman's Walk. This scenic trail starts across the street from the Wiggly Bridge and leads to York’s Harbor Beach. This walk along the water offers unique views of New England coastal homes, boats, landscaping, and more.
Matt and Emma frequent Long Sands beach when visiting York. Whether it's a walk with the dogs, running along the beach up to the Nubble Lighthouse, or surfing (if you're Matt), Long Sands is the place to be. Located just 12 minutes from Scotland Fields, Long Sands Beach offers a mile and a half of white sandy beach. Popular activities include swimming, sun bathing, surfing, and volleyball.
You can't leave the Long Sands area without checking out the Nubble Lighthouse. This iconic lighthouse was built in 1879 on a tiny, off-shore island, or 'nubble,' in York. It features a Victorian keeper's house with gingerbread trim and a lantern with miniature cast-iron lighthouses on its railing. It's so close to land you can view it easily from York's seaside Sohier Park.
Matt and Emma highly recommend driving up the scenic Shore Road to get to The Marginal Way in Ogunquit, Maine. The name Marginal Way actually refers to the “margin” between land and sea. This wonderful 1 1/4-mile-long beauteous cliff walk is a winding path of windblown gorgeousness that edges the Atlantic like a tightrope strung along the heights. The walk finishes up at Perkins Cove, a little movie-set concentration of cuteness that also happens to be a working dock for the fishing boats that come and go like, well, like fishing boats.
Parking: There are two municipal lots near the Marginal Way. One lot is at Perkins Cove, at the south end of the Marginal Way. Obed's Lot is at the north end of the Marginal Way, and can be entered from Cottage Street (off of Shore Road). The town lots charge parking by the hour. There are also several private lots near Perkins Cove. However, we suggest that to avoid parking fees and reduce traffic, you leave your vehicle at your hotel and walk to the beach or take advantage of our Ogunquit Trolleys, Ogunquit Beach Caddie, Ogunquit Shuttle Cart, or Franman Transportation. Find more information on these businesses here.
Fort Foster, now part of Fort Foster Park, is a historic fort active 1901–1946 on the southwest tip of Gerrish Island in the Kittery Point area of Kittery, Maine. It's also the park Cathy and Scott Howe frequently take the dogs for a morning stroll. The park includes beaches and trails. Battery Bohlen and Battery Chapin were the major parts of the fort.
Fort McClary is perched high above the shimmering Piscataqua River, and visitors can explore the historic structures and enjoy multiple scenic vistas of the harbor. The hexagonal blockhouse, the last structure of its kind in Maine, and caponier offer spectacular views of Portsmouth Harbor Light and Pepperrell Cove. Take a leisurely stroll on a 0.3-mile walking trail that offers a panoramic view of the magazine building, where soldiers once stored their gunpowder. Continue along the trail for access to Fort McClary’s picnic area and playground, or walk alongside the tidal waters of Barters Creek. Address: Pepperrell Rd, Kittery Point, ME 03905
About 15 minutes from the venue by car, and located in the beautiful chauncey creek river, Chauncey Creek Lobster House been a classic maine 'lobster in the rough' dining destination for families and friends for generations. Whether traveling by car or boat (you can dock at their pier) come join for good company, scenic views and delicious lobster!
Matt and Emma frequent the amazing Walkers Maine (and Cathy and Scott Howe are perhaps their biggest patrons haha). Walkers is the culinary vision of Four Diamond AAA and Maine Hospitality’s Restauranteur of the Year Chef Justin Walker and his sommelier wife Danielle Johnson Walker. Walkers Maine combines their love of food and wine with their enthusiasm for hospitality. We highly recommend getting a reservation in advance and ordering the cauliflower as an appetizer (it's absolutely delicious).
After you visit Wiggly Bridge, we recommend you check out Wiggly Bridge Distillery. Truly a gem, and only a 5 min drive from Scotland Fields. Wiggly Bridge is a craft distillery in the beautiful oceanside town of York, Maine. They handmake their spirits and we highly recommend visiting for a tasting (or even a tour).
Matt and Emma's go to coffee shop every time they visit the seacoast. It's a staple. Lil’s is named for Lilian Mangos, who worked the cash register at Bob’s Clam Hut for over 20 years. All of their pastries and breads are made on-site. Stop in for breakfast or lunch and enjoy one of their delicious crullers or bagels (Matt and Scott Howe approved). with a hot cup of No. 6 Depot coffee.
If you're staying in Portsmouth, we highly recommend a visit to Wild Valentine (it's Emma's absolute favorite). They offer a full coffee and espresso menu featuring beans from La Mulita, plus sweet and savory oat bowls and toasts. All made in-house with thoughtfully-sourced ingredients. They're also a flower shop (we know, so cute), and their fresh, wild flowers (pun intended) are available for pickup in store.