“The Garden By The Sea” - Old Orchard Beach, Maine
Thomas Rogers first settled the area in 1657 and dubbed it “The Garden by the Sea”. The town takes its name from the abandoned apple orchard of the Rogers’ family. Old Orchard Beach first was promoted as a tourist designation in 1631. A steady flow of tourists started coming to Old Orchard Beach when railroad service from Portland and Boston was established in 1842. The original 1,842 foot pier first opened in 1898 and then suffered severe damage in a storm that following November. The pier was rebuilt after a 1908 fire and in 1909 another storm damaged the casino, and the pier was shortened by 1,000 feet. The casino ballroom had talents like Guy Lombardo, Louis Armstrong, Frank Sinatra, and Benny Goodman perform there before it was razed in 1970. The nearby Palace Playland opened in 1902 and is the only beachfront amusement park in New England.
This is what caught my eye, hope you enjoy!
Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.
What you should know:
Amusement park tickets can be bought on-site.
There is no admission charge for entrance to the beach.
Picnicking is allowed on the beach.
This is a walkable town.
You could spend a couple of hours to an entire day.
On the street parking, mostly metered, and parking lot options are available.
