How to Plan Your Family Reunion to York Beach, Maine

Posted on May 1, 2022 by Mark Nosowicz

Over the last few years, many of us have relied on technology to connect and spend time with our family members. However, as summer approaches, many families consider planning a reunion to make up for lost time and create new memories. The only question remaining is where to host it.

The location of your reunion is an important part of a successful reunion. Ideally, the perfect spot has a wide variety of nearby activities, beautiful sights and offers comfortable accommodations. York Beach, Maine, has all these amenities, plus more! Here are some tips to ensure you get the most out of your family reunion in York Beach, Maine.

Plan Your Activities Ahead of Time

Looking at all York Beach, Maine, has to offer ahead of time is a great way to ensure your reunion runs smoothly. Rather than planning things the day of, setting up a basic schedule allows people to be informed and choose what they wish to participate in. Not everyone will want to do the same activities, and York Beach, Maine, has a wide array of activities near each other.

For example, Long Shore Beach offers a beautiful beach, quaint shops, and even some arcades! If half of the family wants to soak up some sun, and the other wants to get some souvenirs or play some games, it can all be done without worrying about coordinating rides or being far away.

Plan Out Transportation

What means the most is the quality time spent with loved ones. Your reunion shouldn’t be spent worrying about coordinating cabs to places, renting a car, or braving long walks. By planning out your transportation and understanding local public transportation, you can alleviate anxiety and be prepared. Choosing a location like Sands by the Sea, which has many walkable options in the area, can cut the hassle of planning transportation altogether!

Find Fun Lodging

Having a fun place to stay is a must! Of course, it’s lovely to go out and explore, but some days, it may be best to stay back and hang out together. Renting a cottage or suite allows the space to have group gatherings, so if some relaxing time at home is needed, just open up the connecting doors or invite people over for a game day! Also, while the ocean is a fun time for swimming and tanning alike, some people prefer a pool. By staying with us at Sands by the Sea, you can relax at a sparkling pool with a panoramic view of the ocean.

At Sands by the Sea, you can focus on what matters: family time. With a trolley stop right outside the motel, and quick access to beaches, food, and shopping, it’s a great choice that will make everyone happy. With a location that can’t be beaten and a wide variety of room choices, it’s been a destination for reunions and vacations alike for years. Give us a call at 207-363-2211 and allow us to assist you with booking your family reunion in beautiful York Beach, Maine!

Lobster Dishes to Try While in Maine

Posted on December 1, 2021 by Mark Nosowicz

No trip to Maine would be complete without trying a fresh lobster dish that the State is famous for.

Whether you’re looking for more traditional lobster dishes like boiled lobster or a Maine lobster roll, or you’re a bit more adventurous and want to try a lobster grilled cheese, there is really something for every seafood lover.

When you are planning a visit to Maine in the near future, make sure to give one of these delectable lobster dishes a try.

Boiled Lobster

If you’re interested in a more straightforward lobster dish, consider a world-famous boiled lobster dinner.

Maine lobsters are boiled the “old fashioned way” in a lobster pound and provide the fresh taste that even the pickiest of lobster fans will love.

Fox’s Lobster House in York, ME is one of the more popular spots for boiled lobster and offers these boiled options in 1-1/8 pound, 1-1/4 pound and 1-1/2-pound.

Maine Lobster Rolls

Lobster rolls are another seafood staple in Maine, and this distinctive roll provides the rich and unique taste you’ve heard so much about on your favorite Food Network shows.

A blend of fresh-caught lobster meat and a touch of mayonnaise, Maine lobster rolls pack a punch that your taste buds will love.

These lobster rolls are typically seasoned and garnished with romaine to add even greater flavor.

York Harbor Inn in York, ME is one of the more popular restaurants serving lobster rolls, with their signature roll being served on a delicious grilled brioche roll.

Lobster Grilled Cheese

While the afore mentioned lobster dishes have been a staple at seafood restaurants for generations, there are a few newer dishes giving them a run for their money. One such dish is lobster grilled cheese.

Lobster grilled cheese is the perfect choice for seafood and cheese lovers and perfectly blends these two items for a rich taste you won’t be able to get enough of.

While grilled cheese is already great on its own, the bar gets raised when you add in this seafood favorite.

If you’re looking for a fresh and delicious lobster grilled cheese, consider Footbridge Lobster in Ogunquit, ME. It offers a grilled cheese with 5oz of lobster meat that needs to be tried to be believed.

If you’re planning a trip to Southern Maine in the coming months and are spending a few days in York Beach, we invite you to stay with us at Sands by the Sea motel.

Our motel and vacation suite is less than 15 minutes from each of these seafood hot spots and offers comfortable amenities, exceptional service and incredible oceanfront views.

To book your stay with us, we invite you to call today at (207) 363-2211.

4 Fun Activities for Kids in York Beach, Maine

Posted on August 4, 2021 by Mark Nosowicz

Thinking of taking the kids on an adventure to York Beach, ME this summer? If so, there are no shortage of activities for them to choose from during your stay.

Child Feeding Animal

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing time on the beach or want to take them to one of the many local attractions, you should have no problem finding something they’ll love.

Have a wonderful trip and create lasting memories by exploring all the family-friendly activities that York Beach has to offer.

Enjoy a day at York’s Wild Kingdom

New England’s only zoo and amusement park, York’s Wild Kingdom features many animal exhibits at the zoo including African lions, red kangaroos, Grant’s zebras, ring tailed lemurs and more. The amusement park has rides that your kids will enjoy, as well as an ice cream stand, gift shop and other activities to keep then entertained all day long.

Spend some time at the local arcade at Fun-O-Rama

Fun-O-Rama is aptly named, as it is a great time and a throwback to the glory days of arcades. Featuring over 200 games and attractions that include skee ball, air hockey, a fortune teller, and several other arcade classics, it is sure to be a fun time for your children and may even bring back some memories for you.

Plan a beach day at Short Sands Beach

If you’re planning a trip to York Beach, it won’t be complete without a beach day. Short Sand Beach is the perfect choice as it is centrally located, offers beautiful sand to relax on and even has a playground for the kids.

Cool off at the York Beach Bucket

After you’ve spent the day lounging on the beach or exploring the zoo and amusement park, you’ll want to cool down with a delicious cold treat. The York Beach Bucket General Store is the perfect choice. It offers premium local handmade gelato from Coppa Magica, fresh smoothies from Smoothie Operator, ice cold coffee and espresso drinks and even fresh iced tea and lemonade. On top of all these cool options they offer fresh bags of ice as well as ice cold soft drinks, beer and wine, both on tap or on the shelf to take back to your hotel room.

If you’ve made the decision to visit York Beach, ME with your family and are looking for a relaxing, centrally-located motel with all of the amenities you could ever need, we ask that you think of us at Sands by the Sea.

We’ve welcomed visitors since 1961 and offer 60 rooms and vacation cottages with multiple sleeping arrangements, ensuring we’ll have something to fit your family’s needs.

When you would like to book a stay with us for your York Beach, ME vacation, we ask that you explore our site or give us a call today at 207-363-2211 to learn more.

Foods That You Must Try When You Travel to Maine

Posted on May 4, 2021 by Mark Nosowicz

You don’t have to be a seafood lover to have an excellent dining experience in Maine. Besides seafood, the state is also known for its delicious sweet treats and unique drinks. If you’re visiting Maine, here is a list of some seafood and other tourist must-have dishes that you need to try!

Lobster

Maine is known the most for its lobster dishes. Whether you steam it with melted butter and lemon or stuff it into a lobster roll, you will be blown away by the fresh taste, and strong flavors of the lobster served in Maine. As you visit, you’ll notice that each restaurant tries to add its unique twist to a lobster dish.

Oysters

Oysters are a very popular menu option in the spring and fall months. Many people enjoy ordering oysters closer to the winter season because oysters will store more fat and sugar while preparing for the winter. Although their taste isn’t for everybody, when they are prepared correctly, oysters are quite indulgent.

Clams

In Maine, the locals enjoy eating their clams. Typically, they will enjoy them steamed, fried, or tossed in clam chowder. Steamed clams, also referred to as “steamers,” are usually served with butter. On the other hand, fried clams are usually enjoyed dipped in tartar sauce or ketchup and served with a side of French fries!

Blueberry Pie

Maine’s official state fruit is the wild blueberry. Because of their sweet, bold flavor, blueberries are often incorporated into many desserts in Maine, the most popular being blueberry pie. Because blueberries enjoy growing in acidic soil, the plants thrive when they’re planted in Maine.

Commonly paired with a scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream, blueberry pie is a must-have treat when you travel to Maine.

Whoopie Pies

Although blueberry pie is a common dessert choice across the state, Maine’s official dessert is the whoopie pie. If you are curious, a whoopie pie is like a sandwich, but it’s made with two soft cookies with a creamy white filling. Whoopie pies come in various unique flavors, including the classic chocolate whoopie, Raspberry & Cream, Red Velvet, and Peanut Butter.

As you begin to plan your next trip to Maine, don’t forget to book your accommodations at the Sands by The Sea Motel. Our locally owned motel is conveniently located minutes away from some of the best restaurants in Maine. Visit our website to start booking your stay!

We’re Ready to Kick Off Spring in Maine!

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Mark Nosowicz

If you ask us, the spring months are some of the best months to travel to Maine. As we transition from our snowy ski hills to our warm sandy beaches, the warm weather brings plenty of new opportunities to explore when traveling to Maine.

Let’s take a look at some ways you can enjoy the spring weather in Maine!

Let’s Start Fishing!

As the ice begins to melt, there will continue to be more opportunities to fish! The official fishing season in Maine begins April 1st, so it’s safe to say you can start breaking out your fishing gear and making sure it’s ready to go for the start of the season! Maine has thousands of miles of rivers and streams, ad nearly hundreds of freshwater lakes for guests to fish in. When you plan your trip, you can expect to catch unique fish like chase brook trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth bass, pike, musky, and more!

Don’t forget that if you want to fish for saltwater creatures, you can also fish off Maine’s rugged coastline!

Check Out Maine’s Lighthouses

You can visit Maine’s historic lighthouses all year round. However, there is something about visiting them in the spring that makes the experience that more special. The Portland Headlight, Nubble Light, and Rockland Breakwater are some of the most popular lighthouses people visit when they travel to Maine.

Explore the Different Dining Options in Maine

Maine is known for its delicious seafood, but did you know that we have plenty of other dishes we’re proud of too? When visitors travel to Maine, they often feel pressured to eat as much lobster as they can. Although lobster is available all season long, the best season to get them is between June and December.

So, during the off-season, don’t be afraid to try some new dishes! Besides our fishing, we are also known for our farm-to-table food experience, and we serve excellent unique comfort food dishes. In the spring, keep your eyes out for fresh fish, new beer, and blueberry-filled desserts!

Visit the Ocean

The start of spring means that warm beach weather is near! After a cold, snowy winter, you deserve to take a stroll on the beach or plan a sailing trip to explore the waters.

When you stay at Sands by the Sea, you will have access to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Contact us for more information, or reserve your room online today to start planning your spring Maine vacation!

Have You Traveled to Maine During the Off-Season? Here’s Why You Should!

Posted on October 12, 2020 by Tate

Maine is always a great place to travel at all times of the year! Usually, the summertime seems to be the most popular time to travel to Maine. However, Maine is still a wonderful place to experience even during the “off-season.”

Here are some reasons to consider traveling to Maine during the off-season:

The Breathtaking Fall Foliage

Maine has breathtaking views all year round. It’s hard to believe that they can get even better. In the fall, the leaves on the trees fade to shades of red, orange, and yellow. Because the state is filled with trees, there are eruptions of beautiful colors all around. October is the best month for leaf-peeping in Maine.

If you travel to Maine during this time, don’t forget to bring your camera!

Snow in Maine

Those who live in Maine know how to make the most out of their winters! The winter is a great time for travelers to ski, snowmobile, snowshoe, ice fish, cross-country ski, and dog sled! January and February are the peak of the winter months and are usually filled with snow and cold temperatures.

Visiting Maine During the Spring

When you visit Maine during the spring, you’ll start to see the green emerge after the long winter. The spring is usually a quieter time to visit Maine. So when you travel, you won’t have to deal with intense crowds and wait times. It’s a great time to see some wildlife like whales, puffins, moose, and eagles!

If you’re an avid angler, the spring is also a great time to visit Maine for a fishing trip. Although you can get lobster all year round in Maine, you’ll notice that it’s more difficult in the winter because of the harsh winter weather. However, the lobster season starts back up again toward the end of spring.

Because the peak travel season in Maine hasn’t started, you can find great prices on hard-shell lobster!

When You Travel to Maine, Don’t Forget to Stay in York Beach, ME.

If you’re planning a trip to Maine, book your stay at Sands by the Sea Motel. Visit our website to view our rates and accommodations for the spring/fall seasons!

4 Delicious Restaurants to Get Lobster Dishes in Maine

Posted on August 19, 2020 by Mark Nosowicz

If you enjoy indulging in seafood, Maine is the perfect vacation destination for you. All around York Beach are fantastic restaurants serving delicious seafood and lobster dishes. To help you save the time searching for the best restaurants, we’ve created a list of some of our favorites within minutes from our ocean-side rentals.

Here’s a list of some local restaurants serving lobster dishes:

Fox’s Lobster House

Just five short minutes away from Sands by the Sea, Fox’s Lobster House has served a lot of fresh Maine lobster, seafood, and homemade dishes to tourists. Lobsters are boiled the “old fashioned way” in a lobster pound, which dates back to 1936. Fox’s Lobster House has a breathtaking oceanfront view, and tourists can take photos of the famous Nubble Lighthouse.

Lobster Cove

Overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean, Lobster Cove is 7 minutes down the road from Sands by the Sea. This is the perfect dining experience where guests can sit back and relax on the outdoor deck. When you travel to Maine, you can’t leave without trying the Twin Lobster dinner. The lobsters are brought in daily, and each weighs in at 1 and 1/4 lb.

Lobster Shack

If you’re looking for a more intimate, yet rustic dining experience, you and your family should dine at The Lobster Shack in the Heart of Perkins Cove. There is quite the menu offered, filled with lobster dishes, steamers, lobster rolls, chowder, and plenty of other seafood options. Local lobster-men catch-all lobsters, so you know that you’re getting the best quality.

Did you know that before becoming a restaurant, The Lobster Shack was a simple lobster-men’s shack for the storage of equipment? That’s right! When you dine in, you can even see many of the original building materials. Plus, the Lobster Shack is only 16 minutes away from your stay!

Foot Bridge Lobster

Are you a lobster lover? If so, we have the place for you! At Foot Bridge Lobster, they turn your favorite lobster into unique dishes like Lobster BLT, Lobster Egg Sandwich, Lobster Grilled Cheese, and their Lobster Roll. At Foot Bride Lobster, they only serve fresh lobster to their customers. It’s caught daily! If you’re looking for an incredible seafood experience, this location is only 16 minutes away from your stay at Sands by the Sea.

Stay at Sands by the Sea

When you plan your stay at Sands by the Sea, you are guaranteed to be only minutes away from Maine’s best seafood. Nestled on one of southern Maine’s most beautiful stretches of coastline, this is your ideal beach getaway. Give us a call at (207) 363-2211 to start planning your next stay!

Planning Your Family Vacation

Posted on January 20, 2020 by Tate

A family vacation is a great way to reconnect with your loved ones while having fun exploring a new place. There are also other benefits that help children with growth and development. A recent study conducted by the U.S. Travel Association reports students who traveled were more likely to be academically and financially successful.

Here are a few tips for planning your family vacation:

Set an itinerary

Although you may not have figured out your travel location, it is a good idea to decide what exactly you want to do on your vacation. Are you an adventurous family that enjoys outdoor activities, or more laid back? Start by writing down a few items you would like to so like hiking, fishing, sightseeing, etc.

Save Money

Planning a vacation is not cheap, and the more family members you have, the more it will cost. If you want to book a trip for the spring/summertime, now is the best time to start putting money aside. Figure out how much your estimated expenses are and then begin setting aside a portion of that on a weekly basis.

Decide Location

It can be tough to narrow down a location, but if you are looking for adventure or relaxation, there is no better place than York Beach, Maine. As one of the oldest towns in the United States, it offers a cozy atmosphere with exquisite restaurants, family fun amusements, and awe-inspiring scenery. Check out these must-see locations.

Book Accommodations

Once you have a substantial amount of money, you can book your plane tickets/ stay accommodations. Booking in advance can help you save money by getting a lower rate.

When planning a visit to York Beach, Maine, be sure to book a room at the Sands by the Sea Motel. Located on one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in southern Maine, it is the perfect place to begin and end your day! Call 207-363-2211 or contact us online today!

Fishing in Maine

Posted on November 27, 2019 by Tate

Fishing is a great sport and leisure activity that helps to improve your physical and mental wellbeing. No matter your experience level; advanced or beginner, it is important to be sure you have the proper tools before heading out for a fishing trip.

Maine is plentiful of rivers and streams that house a variety of fish which include rainbow trout, landlocked salmon, smallmouth/ largemouth bass and many more types of fish. If you are heading out for a fishing trip in Maine, be sure to pack all the essentials so you can make the most of your expedition!

Here are the necessary tools to bring:

Tackle Box– Every experienced angler has a tackle box filled with all the supplies they will need for a successful fishing trip. As you gain experience you will learn what works best for you. This is also a great place to store your first aid kit Here are some essentials you should include in your tackle box:

Pliers
Sunblock
Bobbers
Safety goggles
Flashlight
Line clippers
Hand towels
Insect repellant
Hooks
Line

First Aid Kit– Your safety is the most important aspect of a successful fishing trip besides catching the fish! There are many different sharp objects that you will need to use during the trip.

Fishing line & line cutter– Typically, fishing line will come with your fishing reel, but you should always pack extras. Fishing line is extremely strong so you will need to bring a sharp knife or nail clipper to cut the line. Nail clippers are easy to use and much safer than a knife, especially if you are a beginner angler.

Bait– Worms are the most common bai used but ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars can also be used as bait. In addition to live bait experienced anglers use lures to draw in fish. Lures are brightly colored plastic worms or fish placed on the end of the hook and typically used once you run out of living bait.

Here are a few places to fish in Maine:

Located on the coastline of southern Maine, Sands By The Sea Motel has been welcoming guests since 1961. After a long day of fishing, relax on our deck and enjoy the oceanfront view. Check out our rates to book your reservations for the Spring/Fall season!

Interesting Facts About Maine

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Tate

portland, maine, usa at portland head light.

Here at Sands By The Sea Motel, we take pride in being a locally owned and operated business. We love to share our knowledge with our guests about the history, local restaurants, and other exciting locations.

Nicknamed, The Pine Tree State, this land is well-known for its plethora of trees among other things.

Here are a few interesting facts about Maine:

The official state animal of Maine is the moose. The state is home to approximately 76,000 moose, the highest moose population in the lower 48 states.
The official state insect of Maine is the honeybee. The state has a rich beekeeping culture and even has a non-profit organization, the Maine Beekeepers Association, which was founded in 1976 to promote understanding of the insect’s importance.
Maine is the single largest producer of blueberries in the United States.
90% of the country’s lobster supply comes from Maine. Before they became the delicacy, they are today, lobsters were fed to inmates and indentured servants, or ground up and used as fertilizer, during the colonial era.
Portland, Oregon is named after Portland, Maine. Founded by Francis Pettygrove
Maine is the only state that shares its borders with only one other US state. That state is New Hampshire.

Acadia National Park’s Cadillac Mountain is the highest point on the East Coast.
Maine has its own desert, which spans 40 acres outside the town of Freeport. The desert originally developed as a result of over-farming in the area.
The Maine Coon Cat, which is the official state cat of Maine, is the largest domestic cat breed
Maine is known as “The Birthplace of Prohibition.” The state was the first to ban the sale and manufacture of alcohol in 1851.
Donut holes were invented in Maine. Capt. Hansen Gregory, from Rockport, Maine came up with the hole in the donut after realizing the center of the pastry was not fully cooked in the middle.

Planning a trip to The Pine Tree State? Book your accommodations with Sands By The Sea Motel! Our locally owned and operated motel is the perfect location to begin your journey through Maine. Check rates & accommodations here