The Best State Parks to Visit in Maine

Posted on July 1, 2022 by Mark Nosowicz

iew of Camden Harbor from Mt. Battie, in Camden Hills State Park, Maine

With summer in full swing, it’s time to break out the hiking boots and immerse yourself in gorgeous natural beauty. The great state of Maine is home to various scenic state parks that offer a wide array of unique adventures and activities.

Here are a few of the best state parks to visit in Maine!

Two Lights State Park

Two Lights State Park in Cape Elizabeth is named for the presence of twin lighthouses, one of which is still functioning today. On-site, there is a gift shop and full-service restaurant where visitors can eat fresh seafood at outdoor picnic tables and take a walk on the rocky coastline where they can watch fishermen catching Stripers or lobstermen hauling in their traps offshore.

Camden Hills State Park

Camden Hills State Park is located a few minutes north of Camden, a quintessential New England town featuring shops within walking distance to the working harbor. The park is particularly popular amongst birdwatchers and bird-lovers because it is a retreat for migrating hawks and other bird species. It’s not uncommon to spot great blue herons, ospreys, or even a bald eagle! A drive or hike up Mount Battie, 800 feet above sea level, offers visitors spectacular views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay.

Bradbury Mountain State Park

Bradbury Mountain State Park is one of Maine’s original five state parks and a great place to relax and enjoy the 800 acres of forest it has to offer. Spend a day or afternoon exploring trails, taking in the magnificent view from the summit, or enjoying a picnic under a canopy of trees. Bradbury Mountain is the only state park in southern Maine to offer shared-use trails for horseback riders, mountain bikers, and snowmobilers.

While visiting the great state of Maine, enjoy one of the many beaches it has to offer. Sands by the Sea Motel is nestled on one of southern Maine’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. Enjoy the gorgeous views, exciting activities, and relaxing shores of one of Maine’s most picturesque oceanside communities!

4 Tips for Planning a Romantic Getaway

Posted on January 29, 2021 by Mark Nosowicz

What’s more romantic than a beach vacation? The soft sand, blue ocean, and salty sea breeze, the beach makes for the perfect romantic and relaxing getaway. It’s fun planning a romantic getaway; however, it can be stressful trying to make it perfect.

Here are 4 suggestions for planning the perfect romantic beach vacation:

Try a New Adventure Together

If you have a usual vacation spot that the two of you travel to frequently, now’s the time to change it up. There are many beautiful beaches around the U.S. that are just waiting for you to try. Going to a new destination together is a great way to connect with your significant other on a whole new level.

Get to Know the City You’re In

If you need an escape from the beach, don’t forget to dedicate some time to explore the city you’re in. Who knows, you may even find some amazing new restaurants, shopping areas, and other fun things to try! Discovering a new city together is a very special way for a couple to connect.

Book a Nice Room with a View

An oceanfront view is a perfect way to start and end your day. If you’re spending the time and money to plan a romantic getaway, you should be budgeting for a nice room with a view. Having a nice, spacious room with a view is romantic and it will encourage you both to take time to relax together.

Plan for Downtime

When you travel to a new place, it can be tempting to want to try everything. However, this often leads you to having a very packed schedule. One of the key components to planning for a successful romantic beach getaway is to account for downtime.

If your goal is to bond and reconnect with your partner during this trip, you have the greatest chances of doing so when you schedule downtime into your trip.

Plan a Vacation in Maine

Are you looking for a romantic beach getaway in Maine? If so, come stay with us at Sands by the Sea! When you stay with us, you will find breathtaking seaside views, delicious seafood restaurants just minutes away from our motel, and you’ll get to explore everything Maine has to offer.

Give us a call today at (207) 363-2211 to start planning your next romantic stay.

4 Wonderful Reasons to Plan Your Wedding in Maine

Posted on September 30, 2020 by Mark Nosowicz

Due to COVID-19, we know that a lot of wedding planning had to be put on hold. If you’re recently engaged or are trying to plan a wedding for the near future, may we suggest researching wedding venues in Maine? Maine is flowing with natural beauty. It has breathtaking views and some of the most incredible foods you’ll ever taste.

From beaches to barns, there are many beautiful places to plan a wedding in Maine.

Here are our favorite reasons to get married in Maine:

Every Terrain You Desire

Maine has every possible landscape that you could imagine for your wedding. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor ceremony in the mountains or on the beach, Maine has it. When you travel to Maine for your wedding, you’ll have plenty of both ceremony and reception options in the mountains, rushing rivers, near meadows, barns/farms, nautical coasts, and the lake, old brick mills for an industrial look, etc.

Maine Has Delicious, Fresh Seafood

If you love seafood, you’re in luck! It seems like every local restaurant in Maine serves fresh seafood. The cold waters in the Gulf of Maine mean that they have delicious lobsters, shellfish, and fish. Imagine the look on your guest’s face when you serve them a dish with fresh lobster!

Maine is Home to Wonderful Beer, Wine, and Spirits

Maine is home to many of your favorite breweries, including the very well-known Shipyard Brewing Company and Maine Beer Company. Maine is home to over 100 breweries, so there is always an opportunity to grab an amazing beer. Besides their breweries, Maine is also home to 20 wineries and close to 20 distilleries. When you host your wedding in Maine, you can incorporate all local alcohol for your guests to enjoy.

Your Guests Will Love Traveling to Maine

Whether you have guests who love to explore different cities or those that prefer to be outdoors, there are a ton of things for your guests to enjoy. There never seems to be a dull moment when you travel to Maine, and there is a lot you can do with all age groups. If you’re looking to plan a destination wedding, do yourself a favor and plan your wedding in Maine.

Stay at Sands by the Sea Motel

When you get the opportunity to safely travel to Maine, stay at Sands by the Sea. You are guaranteed to be only minutes away from Maine’s best seafood, beautiful ocean view, and a refreshing outdoor pool. We are nestled on one of Southern Maine’s most beautiful stretches of coastline. You and your guests will love this beach getaway.

Give us a call at (207) 363-2211 to start planning your stay!

Planning A Summer Trip to Maine

Posted on May 7, 2019 by Tate

Want lobster shacks, sandy beaches, and historic lighthouses? Maine has everything for your perfect getaway this summer. Whether you are planning a family trip or a romantic getaway with your significant-other, Maine has much to offer.

Maine is well known for its seafood, particularly it’s lobster. To most people, seafood is considered a delicacy, reserved for special occasions. For locals living by the freshest marinas and seafood markets, seafood is just a way of life. Immerse yourself in the culture that is Maine by eating where the locals eat.

Here are some places you should visit during your trip: nubble lighthouse in maine

The York Beach Bucket

When you come to York Beach, ME be sure to stop into the York Beach Bucket. This modern-day general store/ pizzeria /café/ wine & beer stop offers it all. To-go or dine-in on the oceanfront patio, fish sandwiches, lobster mac n cheese balls, chicken, burgers, subs, amazing handmade pizza and on-site dining and drinking! The York Beach Bucket is a truly unique, family friendly place to shop and eat. Right across the street from Short Sands Beach and walkable to all the local attractions. Most of which are listed right here on this blog.

Fishermen’s Dock

During your adventure in York, ME be sure not to miss out on Fishermen’s Dock. This restaurant offers it all; dine-in, take-out, fish markets, and bars! Fisherman’s Dock is a gem- or perhaps a pearl is more appropriate. They pride themselves on serving the freshest seafood.

York’s Wild Kingdom Zoo

This popular attraction is great for a family- oriented vacation. Not only is the zoo a way to see exciting wild animals, but they also have an amusement park. With over 22 rides, arcade games and a mini-golf course, you are sure to find exciting and interactive activities at the zoo.

Acadia National Park

Acadia National Park is home to many beautiful sights and natural wonders. From hiking trails to beaches and mountain ranges- Acadia National Park has many amazing natural attractions. This historical national park is one of the most visited parks in the United States. If you are visiting Maine, this is a site that you should visit.

Wiggly Bridge Distillery

This family operated distillery is your key to authentic York, Maine culture. Visit this distillery to learn about how this family started making their own whiskey. They have received several awards for their exceptional whiskey, bourbon, and vodka. Make this a destination during your stay at the Sands by the Sea Motel. Only a 3-minute walk!

York Beach Beer Company

If the Southern Maine Brewery in York Maine was excellent enough, now the owners have opened a new location right down on Short Sands! The York Beach Beer Company has renovated the old brick post office that has been vacant for 25 years and turned it into a state-of-the-art brewery. They are offering a number of the flagship IPA’s from the SoMe Brewing Company and are now focused on exciting new, lower ABV and lighter styled, beach-oriented, crushable beers. From their amazing new Pilsners to their incredibly tasty Kölsch’s, anyone and everyone will be able to find a beer that fits them just right. If not, then order a pallet and try them all! If you get hungry at the brewery remember, The York Beach Bucket delivers pizza here too!

One of the most important aspects of a vacation is where you stay! When traveling to Maine, stay at the Sands by the Sea Motel. With beautiful oceanfront views and comfortable amenities for all stay types, the Sands by the Sea Motel is the perfect location to begin your vacation.

Visit Sands By The Sea to book your room today!