This month we were thrilled to return to this playful little town for a fun summer trip before the season ends. We had the pleasure of enjoying the best weather and most stunning beach waves of any trip in recent memory. While we visited Old Orchard Beach last year for the first time, this trip was equally special, especially since we were able to explore a little more beyond the immediate coast. We even drove out one day to downtown Portland for their famous Potato Donuts, so worth the 20 minute drive!
The area was first officially settled in 1657 by Thomas Rogers who had arrived in 1636. The town takes its name from Rogers’ abandoned apple orchard. Rogers’ family then left the area and relocated in Kittery, Maine after an Indian attack destroyed the Rogers’ homestead. The namesake orchard survived for approximately 150 years as a beacon of land to sailors in the Atlantic Ocean
The thing about OOB is that it became the resort town back in its heyday when it opened to the public in 1898 with a ballroom (big enough to fit 5,000 dancers!) and a casino at the end of the pier. Old Orchard developed into quite a major resort. At one point, planes were able to take off from the beach. The seaside amusement parkland was added in 1902 and with it became the home to the first carousel in the United States. Over the years it hosted celebrity acts like Guy Lombardo, Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Xavier Cugat and Frank Sinatra. Unfortunately it also experienced major natural disasters and societal decline. While Old Orchard has since became somewhat downscale, it is currently on a revival status and we’re here for it!
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