Exit 7 is the gateway to the picture-postcard towns of southern Maine along the region’s scenic coast. Some of the state’s best beaches are in York and Ogunquit and can be accessed from this exit. Travel south along Route 1 to York and Kittery, or head north on Route 1 to reach Ogunquit, the name given by native American tribes, which means, “Beautiful place by the sea.” Great dining, shopping and sightseeing abound throughout the area. Eat lobster in the rough, or dine at some of the area’s finest gourmet restaurants. And shop til you drop in a variety of specialty shops and art and craft galleries.

10 things to do off Exit 7

(PHOTO York Animal Kingdom 1 and 2…there’s also a photo of the back entrance by York Beach with the Ferris Wheel)

1. York’s Wild Kingdom

Route 1, York Beach, 363-4911. The largest zoo and amusement park in the area with a variety of family rides, paddle boats, an 18-hole miniature golf course, a petting zoo and scenic picnic grounds. With exotic animals from around the world, York’s Wild Kingdom is recognized for its rare species and knowledgeable curators.

2. York Days

York Beach. Sponsored by the York Parks and Recreation Department. 363-1040, or go online to parksandrec.yorkmaine.org/contact%20us.html.

York Days is week-long celebration of summer beginning on Friday, July 27. Events include live music, a softball tournament, a 5K road race, a dog obedience show, fireworks, a live auction, a giant craft fair and more.

3. Parsons Family Winery

60 Brixham Road, York, 363-3222. This Maine winery offers tastings and tours and produces a fine variety of apple wines, including wines that resemble chardonnay, white zinfandel and a German Riesling. The winery makes apple wines from cortland, baldwin, mcIntosh, and northern spy apples, as well as peach wine, blueberry wine, raspberry wine and hard cider.

(PHOTO Barnacle Billys.jpg)

4. Barnacle Billy’s and Barnacle Billy’s Etc.

Perkins Cove, Ogunquit, 646-5575. Two restaurants side by side in quaint Perkins Cove. The restaurants have extensive indoor and sundeck seating where guests can enjoy both the beauty of the harbor and the ocean beyond. For more than 40 years Barnacle Billy’s has been known for its luxury lobster, steamed clams, large lusty drinks, barbecued chicken, homemade clam chowder and, of course, the lobster roll and lobster stew.

5. John Lane’s Ogunquit Playhouse

10 Main St., Ogunquit, 646-5511. John Lane’s Ogunquit Playhouse is a true cultural landmark in southern Maine. Playing July 3-14 is “Crazy for You,” starring Jeffry Denman, Beverly Ward and TVs Rue McClanahan. Playing July 17-Aug. 4 is “La Cage aux Folles,” one of the Playhouses’ most requested shows.

Show Times are Tuesday-Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 8:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday matinees at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:30 p.m.

6. Fort McClary State Park

28 Oldsfields Road, South Berwick, 384-5160. For more than 275 years, a fort has protected the approache to the Piscataqua River at the southern gateway to Kittery. The most recent of these is Fort McClary, named for New Hampshire native Major Andrew McClary who died at the Revolutionary War’s Battle of Bunker Hill. The site was manned during five wars – The Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. Revolutionary War Encampment Aug. 4-5. Come and see living history, camp life, cannon demonstrations and musket drills.

7. Kittery Historical and Naval Museum

Rogers Road Ext. Kittery, 439-3080. Located at the intersection of route 1 and 236, at the traffic circle next to the Kittery Town offices. Open June-Columbus Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is

$3 for adults and $1.50 for ages 7-15. Displays items and artifacts that reflect Kittery’s rich historical and maritime past.

(PHOTO Museum of American Art.jpg)

8. Ogunquit Museum of American Art

543 Shore Road, Ogunquit, 646-4909. The 7,500-square-foot museum is surrounded by three acres of landscaped grounds, with a reflecting pool and sculpture gardens. On exhibit beginning July 1 are the paintings of Jaime Wyeth. Also on display will be Jacob Lawrence prints and pastels and oils by Connie Hayes.

Open Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Sunday, 2-5 p.m.

(PHOTO Kittery Trading Post.jpg)

9. Kittery Trading Post

Route 1, Kittery, (888) 587-6246. A Maine destination featuring three levels of the most extensive selection of outdoor recreational equipment, apparel and footwear available in New England. Take Interstate 95 North to Exit 3 – Coastal Route 1, just a half mile up the road on the left. Kayak fishing seminar offered July 14 and 15, 11 a.m.-noon. Free and open to the public.

10. Gateway Farmer’s Market

The Gateway Farmers’ Market

York Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center, corner of Route 1 and Stonewall Lane, just off of I-95, exit 7, 363-4422, or go online to www.gatewaytomaine.org. Local farmers and specialty food producers sell their fresh fruit, vegetables, pies, breads and much more. Handmade crafts also be available. Open June through Oct. 6, on Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.