Bennett's Sandwich Shop in Kennebunkport, Maine

While cold cuts generally give me the ick, I feel passionately that The Beach Sandwich is one of the most delightful summertime meals.

What is The Beach Sandwich, you ask? It is a packed deli sandwich, ideally stuffed with turkey, your cheese of choice, salted heirloom tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, vinaigrette, and as many salt and vinegar chips as you can crunch in between the bread. While The Beach Sandwich isn't technically on the menu at Bennett's, their sandwiches are made in the same spirit - and are perfect for taking to the Kennebunk Beach just one mile away.

Bennett's is no frills - it's an order-at-the-counter institution whipping up sandwiches and deli favorites. They have a myriad of Boston Celtics posters covering the walls along with memorabilia from the local high school and photos of their employees from the past three or four decades. You get the sense that the owners of Bennett's have been around for a long time - everyone knows them, and they know everyone.

The digital menu on the wall features classics: Italian subs, BLTs, Ruebens, but also a strong list of cheesesteaks and hot sandwiches. I opted for the Wicked Turkey (my closest option to the original Beach Sandwich!), which came with turkey, provolone, tomatoes, oregano, banana peppers, and a spicy aioli. Despite my hate for cold cuts, this was a perfectly crunchy, spicy, vinegary bite. I also tried the cheesesteak, which was within the realm of what a Philadelphian would nod their head to. It was warm, meaty, and sweetened up with peppers and onions hot off the grill.

Important to the Beach Sandwich journey are the chips and drinks. Bennett's clearly knows this, as they have a massive case of sodas, teas, and even beer and seltzers, perfect for picking up on your way to the sand. They also had family-size bags of chips and snacks covering the store. BYO ice and cooler and you'll be set.

If you're not headed to the beach (I sadly was at Bennett's during a cold spell), take your sandwich, chips, and drinks outside to their picnic tables where you can enjoy The Beach Sandwich without getting all sandy.