GUNQUIT—While summer tourists may be sunning somewhere else, it doesn’t mean there isn’t something delightfully delicious to do in Maine’s summer communities, especially on a week night.

The Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce reports there are some 40 hoteliers, 30 restaurants and 25 shops open from York to Kennebunkport, and nearly all of them have something special going on.

“Yes January gets a little quiet but we’re still pretty busy on the weekends. Not everyone skis or goes south to warm weather, and local hospitality establishments can be found offering great deals or raising money for local charities,” said Karen Arel, president of the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce.

One example, Arel said, is the Beachmere Inn, which has hosted two fundraisers so far this winter to raise money for the local dog park and the Ogunquit Library, respectively.

“We also have our annual Mardi-Gras coming up and then there are all the specials around Valentine’s Day,” she said.

For locals, it is also a time to get motivated to get out of the house and enjoy the local restaurant scene without all the crowds.

“The Roost and 5-0 do stuff like that,” said Arel referring to the Roost’s Wednesday World Wide Wonder night where each week is a stop in a different port of call.

On Monday nights, 5-0 Chef Walter selects the 9-to-Five Monday night specials—regular items from the menu offered at $9.50.

Clay Hill Farm also has a Monday night version of what it calls “experiential dining.” Known as much for it’s inviting outdoor summer experience as its menu, winter visitors to Clay Farm are invited inside to cozy up by the fire.

“A lot of restaurants in town have great food and great service so we try to give them something extra in the experience,” said Jennifer Lewis, who runs events for the family-owned business. Lewis uses the term experiential dining as the guide for any winter or summer event she creates.

Lewis says people flock to Clay Hill Farm in summer as much for the cuisine prepared by Chef Zach Crosby and team as for the unique setting ”“ Clay Hill is the first restaurant to be designated a World Wildlife Sanctuary.

Once inside, Clay Hill Farm guests are often entertained by one-man theater or seasonal plays.

The restaurant remains open during the winter from Friday-Monday. The weekend is still the fine dining menu but Sunday and Monday are now designated Pub Nights where guests dine on more casual entrees such as a gourmet burger or fish tacos, all priced for under $10.

Lewis said every restaurant needs to do specials in the winter or offer some kind of monetary deal but what attracts people in winter is a reason to get up and get out.

“For under $10 you couldn’t go to Hannaford and make a meal like this for under $10. Why wouldn’t you want to come enjoy a great dinner and live music by the fire? There’s no cover for the entertainment,” said Lewis who has committed to running Pub nights through March.

However, she points out, there are still a few couples reservations available for the Feb. 14 couples tasting menu.

“Hopefully we won’t get another big snowstorm,” said Arel who was looking forward to heading out to her own experiential Valentine’s dinner. Although she declined to say which restaurant she’d be choosing. “I’ll probably go to one place for dinner, one for dessert, and one for music since they are all within a short distance of each other.”

Good answer.