Maine summer 2023: new or changed

April 6, 2023

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Wondering what’s new or changed for Maine summer 2023. I can help with that. One thing that’s constant is change. Properties change hands, restaurants open and close, etc. I’ll aim to keep track of it all here. And I’ll update this post whenever I have news to share.

Again, if you’re relying on one of my previous reviews here or in one of my Moon-series guidebooks, a friend’s recommendation based on a visit last year, or review sites such as Trip Advisor, the experience may be different if ownership has changed. And, if you’re a returning guest, expect changes.

And expect more changes as the employee crisis combined with Maine’s demographics and lack of affordable housing is hitting the state’s tourism hotspots especially hard.

(See last year’s Maine summer 2022 post.)

What’s new in Maine for summer 2023: changes by region

Southern Maine Coast (Kittery through Old Orchard Beach)

Exterior of the Waldo Emerson Inn, Kennebunk Maine,which has a new new owner for Maine summer 2023. — The handsome Waldo Emerson Inn is under new ownership for Maine summer 2023. ©Hilary Nangle

Chauncey Creek Lobster Pound (check before going, owner retiring)
Cape Neddick Lobster Pound, York, (new owner)
York Beach Surf Club, (fully renovated by new owner)
Anchorage by the Sea, Ogunquit (now owned by Giri)
The Inn on Shore Rd., Ogunquit (new owner)
The Beaches, Wells (new owner)
Waldo Emerson Inn, Kennebunk (new owner)
Beach Gardens Motel, Old Orchard Beach (new owner)
Carolina Motel, Old Orchard Beach (new owner)

Greater Portland (Scarborough through Freeport)

Longfellow Hotel, Portland, slated to open in late August
Harraseeket Inn, Freeport (now owned by Giri)

Mid-Coast (Brunswick through Waldoboro)

Sarah’s Cafe, Wiscasset, sold
Bluebird Ocean Point is the new name for the renovated, updated, and upscaled former Ocean Point Inn, Boothbay Harbor, which sold last summer.