July 17–19, 2009
FRIDAY P.M. Don't be late to the opening parade of The Yarmouth Clam Festival (clamfestival.com; clam dishes from $2), where floats, marching bands and mascot Steamer the Clam stroll down Main Street at 6 o'clock sharp. Grab a burger and fresh-brewed $3 beer at pub Gritty McDuff's (187 Lower Main St., Freeport, 207-865-4321; burgers from $8.50), then make yourself at home in the restored shipbuilder's quarters of Captain Briggs House Bed and Breakfast (8 Maple Ave., Freeport, captainbriggs.com; doubles from $135, including breakfast). If you can't sleep, walk to the 24-hour L.L. Bean flagship (95 Main St., Freeport, 877-755-2326; cropped pants from $30) for a pair of clamdiggers.
SATURDAY A.M. After noshing on the inn's Belgian waffles, hit the lawn of Merrill Memorial Library (215 Main St.) at 11 to catch the Maine State Clam Shucking Contest. Eat yourself some dang clams: fried or steamed, in chowder or in a cake. Once you've had your fill, take a free horse-and-wagon ride around town.
SATURDAY P.M. For dinner, lay off the seafood and have some Mexican fare served with fresh salsa at Bruce's Burritos (438 U.S. Route 1, 207-846-6330; burritos from $7). Shake it all off at the festival's dance party on Memorial Green at 8, and stick around for fireworks.
SUNDAY A.M. Wake up in time to see the sunrise, then stroll through one of the 6-plus miles of scenic trails in Pratt's Brook Park. For your last bite of seafood, head to Day's Crabmeat & Lobster (1269 U.S. Route 1, 207-846-3436; lobster roll market price, crab cakes $6.50). Eat lobster rolls and crab cakes at a picnic table in the salty marsh air.
COST: $192 /PERSON
Published in Every Day with Rachael Ray, May 2009. Prices and other information were accurate at publication.