3 Fun Places to Explore While Vacationing in Maine

Jordan Pond and View of the Bubbles in Acadia National Park

Should you be planning a trip to Maine in the near future and are looking for fun places to explore with your family or friends, there are a wide range of attractions and natural wonders to choose from.

Whether you want to get out into nature, explore quaint and historic towns or visit beautiful lighthouses, there is really something for everyone in Maine.

Acadia National Park

Known simply as the ‘National Treasure of Maine’, Acadia National Park is one of the most beautiful and majestic places in the United States and is something everyone should take in at least once in their life.

Whether you love nature and want to get out on a hiking trail, or you want to take in the incredible views from one of the several visitor areas along Park Loop Road, you’ll be amazed by the incredible sites and wildlife in the park.

There are over 100 miles of hiking trails in the park, including the popular Cadillac Mountain, which has an elevation of 1,530-feet at its summit (the highest point in the park).

Kennebunkport

A well-known town along the coast of Maine, Kennebunkport is one of the most popular summer destinations in the state and will regularly see some of the Nation’s most influential people taking a rest from their fast-paced lives.

The town is home to several beautiful bed-and-breakfasts, delicious restaurants, historic homes and quaint streets with unique shops, studios, boutiques and more.

While in the area, be sure to check out the fishing village of Cape Porpoise, which is just two miles to the east. It has more shops, galleries and even active lobster boats to explore!

Nubble Lighthouse

Located just a few hundred feet from York Beach, ME, Nubble Lighthouse (Cape Neddick Light) is one of the most photographed and well-known lighthouses in the United States.

The lighthouse itself is located on the large rock island of Cape Neddick, and in late November, is adorned with holiday lights that will truly take your breath away.

If your upcoming trip finds you in York Beach, we ask that you call on us at Sands by the Sea for a beautiful and accommodating waterfront motel, suite or cottage. 

Located on the waters of York Beach, we proudly offer a wide selection of motel rooms with comfortable king beds and sofas, suites with full kitchen areas and balconies, cottages with living areas and laundry and more.

Whatever your needs may be, we will have the perfect accommodations to make your Maine vacation something you’ll remember fondly for years to come. Give us a call today at (207) 363-2211 to book your stay.

Why is Maine Lobster So Delicious?

This bright red crustacean was once considered the “poor man’s chicken” and was even used as fertilizer. During the early 1800s, lobsters were so plentiful that they used to wash ashore in piles up to 2-feet high. Because of their abundance lobsters were used to feed slaves, as the meat was cheap and easy to prepare.Why is Maine Lobster So Delicious?

Today, lobster meat is revered as a delicacy and perceived as a luxury food item. There are two different species of lobster- clawed and spiny. There are a few things that distinguish them from each other, here is why Maine lobster is the most popular of the two:

Spiny Lobster – This kind of lobster lives in warm water and has long antennas. This spiny lobster does not have the large claws like a Maine lobster which is the feature that clearly distinguishes the two. The spiny lobster can be found in warm Florida waters, in the Caribbean and the southern California coast.

Maine Lobster – Residing off the northern coast, this lobster is well-known for its large claws, which are bountiful with meat. The cool waters of Maine make this lobster sweeter and more tender than its spiny counterpart.

Now that you know why Maine lobster is so delicious it’s time to try some from an authentic lobster shack.

Maine is home to many different lobster shacks, people travel from across the world to taste this delectable seafood.

Here are sWhy is Maine Lobster So Delicious?ome of the lobster shacks you should visit while in Maine:

  • The York Beach Bucket- Located right on Short Sands Beach next to the Sands by the Sea Motel has the most affordable and fresh lobster rolls in town. Fresh lobster meat is delivered daily from the Taylor Lobster Company out of Eliot Maine and the rolls are served in 2 ways: Cold with Mayo or Hot with melted butter. Both served on a soft, toasted brioche bun. Try them both and see which one you prefer. Most people prefer both!
  • Lobster Cove- Enjoy a beautiful oceanfront view as you dine on the finest of seafood. This restaurant is just a short distance from the iconic Nubble Lighthouse.
  • Fox’s Lobster House- Established in 1966, this family-owned and operated lobster shack also offers a beautiful view right on the next to the Nubble Lighthouse and deliciously prepared Maine lobster dishes.
  • Lobster in The Rough- Visit this restaurant for authentic New England seafood, live music, and relaxing fire pits.

 

You might wonder if Maine Lobster is worth making a special trip for, and yes, it absolutely is!

When planning your trip to Maine book your accommodations at the Sands by The Sea Motel. Our locally owned motel is conveniently located just minutes from the authentic lobster shacks, and other popular attractions. Visit our website to view our rates and book your stay!

 

Why You Should Take Up Golfing

 

With King Charles I’s endorsement, this sport became popular in 16th century England. It can is traced back to a game played in 15th century Scotland during which players in the Kingdom of Fife would use a stick to maneuver a pebble throughout a course of sand dunes.

The first golf club, The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith, was formed in 1744. It began with a tournament with a silver golf club as the prize.

Today, it is estimated that about 25 million people play golf in the United States.

There are many benefits to “hitting the links”, many of those benefits relate directly to your health. Golfing is a great way to improve heart health. Although golf is not a high-intensity sport, it does require quite a bit of exercise. Swinging your club, retrieving the ball and walking to the next hole are all apart of the exercise you receive from golfing.

Golf is also great for stimulating brain activity. Your body is not the only thing that needs exercise. The physical activity helps stimulate your brain and keep it healthy. Golf also requires a lot of thought from the player to determine the best angle and trajectory to hit the ball just right.

According to a Swedish study by the Karolinska Institute by Professor Anders Ahlbom, it was found that golfers have a 40% lower death rate which corresponds to a 5-year increase in life expectancy!

If you aren’t a golfer, now is the perfect time to take up this relaxing sport.

According to Golf Digest, Maine is home to America’s best public golf courses.  With over 150 golf courses, ranging from 9-hole to 18-hole, Maine is the perfect destination for both the experienced and novice golfer. Visit the Maine Golf Trail for a detailed list of the golf courses to plan your golfing trip.

When planning a trip to Maine, be sure to book your accommodations with Sands By The Sea Motel, this award-winning motel is located on the coastline of southern Maine. With amazing views, luxurious suites and cottages, Sands By The Sea Motel is sure to surpass your expectations! Visit our Rates & Accommodations page to choose your room today!

 

 

 

Planning A Summer Trip to Maine

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 Companyplan a fishing trip to Maine

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!