1. York Wild Kingdom Zoo and Fun
Park
1
Railroad Ave.
York, Maine
Tel. (207)
363-4911
Many people don't realize how vast this downtown York Beach attraction is, thinking they'll see just a few ratty-looking animals and some anemic, outdated amusement rides. The truth is, the zoo -- along with Southwick's in Mendon, MA, and Roger Williams in Providence, RI, is amongst the best in New England, and the rides provide a more than adequate mix of traditional amusements. Along with the lions, tigers and bears, you'll find some more unusual animals like the two toed sloth, Patagonian Cavy, Capybaras, African Crested Porcupine and Patas Monkey -- as well as an impressive aviary with a tremendous variety of birds. Amusements include a merry-go-round, 90 ft. slide, ferris wheel, bumper cars and boats, a haunted house, miniature golf, batting cages, boat rides, and arcade games. Be prepared to spend a whole morning or afternoon here -- or depending upon your energy level, a full day!
2. Nubble Lighthouse
Sohier
Park,
(Off Nubble Rd.)
York Beach, Maine
Built and established in 1879, Nubble Lighthouse majestically stands one of America's most photographed lighthouses. Perfectly framed by the often rough seas and classic rocky Maine coast, you could spend hours here sitting on a bench, climbing the rocks and just taking in the salt sea air and splendid scenery. Located at Sohier Park, which also includes a small gift shop on the premises with some fantastic regional arts and crafts items for sale (as well as some souvenirs).
3. Dunne's Ice Cream
214
Nubble Rd.
York Beach,
Maine
Tel. (207)
363-1277
Brown's Ice Cream Stand graced the Nubble Lighthouse area as a landmark
ice cream stand for many years, but the Brown's sold the business a few
year's back and former manager Steve Dunne assumed responsibilities at
a new location virtually right next to the old ice cream stand.
Dunne's, fortunately, carries on the tradition of serving incredibly
tasty homemade ice cream every bit as good as Brown's. Like
Brown's, expect long lines but know that
your patience will be
worth the wait. My favorite flavors: the Wild Maine Blueberry and Maine
Whoopie Pie, of course!
4. Fosters Downeast
Clambake
1
Axholme Rd. (visible from
Route 1A),
York, Maine
Tel. (207)
363-3255
When
in Maine, do as the Maine people do -- that includes having a
"Downeast" clambake that includes Maine lobster, steamers and clam
chowder. Fosters Downeast Clambake just might be the quintessential,
Maine
dining destination to make your clambake dreams come true. Walk past
the lobster pools, place your order at the walk-up counter and you're
on your way to a memorable dining experience; the wonderful regional
seafood and indoor picnic-like seating area truly resonates with the
essence of a Maine summer. Located minutes from the action of York
Beach, Foster's also features a gift shop with clothing and souvenirs,
and musical entertainment (we
listened to a local crowd-pleasing musician who covered everything from
Jimmy Buffett's
"Margaritaville" to "I'm Henry the Eighth I Am" (the slightly annoying
Herman's Hermits
song from 1965).
5.
Short Sands
Beach
Route
1A Downtown
York Beach,
Maine
Short
Sands Beach feels like your own secluded discovery, even with
the crowds of people that frequent downtown York Beach to swim, shop
and surf. Relatively small for a popular ocean beach, Short Sands packs
a mighty wave of appeal with a great stretch of sand, chilly swimming
waters for the brave, and a perfect background of Victorian homes,
rocky coast, and fun attractions -- like the bowling and arcade
buildings and the Surfside restaurant for fried seafood (see #9 below).
You'll also find a playground, gazebo where entertainment
takes place, and a basketball court. Right off the beach is The
Goldenrod for tasty breakfasts, lunches and dinners and
made-on-the-premises salt water taffy (see #6 below). Also noteworthy
is Joan's Beach and Gift, the perfect place to find local gifts,
souvenirs and clothing -- it's more on the side of classy rather than
tacky and without the inflated prices. Beyond Joan's, you'll find a mix
of more souvenir and clothing stores (read about Ro's below,
#10), restaurants
and bars, Hotels (like the new upscale Atlantic and the older, quaint
Union Bluff),
two homemade fudge shops, the aforementioned York Wild Kingdom Zoo and
Fun Park, and lots
of places to eat ice cream. Shorts Sands Beach and its
lively surroundings are equally fun
whether on a hot sunny day, or at sundown when the crowds are less and
the air cools down for a quiet, relaxing evening by the beach.
6.
Long Sands Beach
Long
Sands Rd.
Route 1A
York, Maine
This one-plus mile stretch of sandy beach is perfect for that proverbial sunset stroll, or to throw a Frisbee around, dig up clams, build a sandcastle, surf or boogie board, or just soak in the views of Nubble Lighthouse in the distance. Motels, inns, restaurants, ice cream stands and summer homes colorfully complement the beach from across the street. Perfect for the family!
7.
The Goldenrod
2 Railroad Ave.
York,
Maine
Tel. (207)
363-2621
More than 100 years old, this seasonal breakfast, lunch and dinner landmark is best known for its salt water taffy-making. You can create your own tour-- as hundreds of people each day do -- by looking through the window of the restaurant where employees and efficient-looking automated machines work to deliver this delicious treat. Inside, you'll find a wide variety of this freshly-made taffy, and also other candies, ice cream, and gifts. The dining room is cozy with a high-arched ceiling and nice wood paneling, and the delightful soda fountain looks like a scene out of of the 1940s.
8.
The Surfside, Bowling and Fun-O-Rama
Route
1A Downtown
York Beach,
Maine
Located, as mentioned earlier in this article, on Shorts Sands Beach, this trio of businesses offers the classic beach accompaniments -- fried seafood, clam chowder, bowling, indoor miniature golf, arcade games, souvenirs, clothing, boogie boards and surfer gear. This is a true summertime staple amongst families looking for good, clean fun without the sleaziness factor.
9. Ro's Shirts by the Shore
17
Railroad Ave.
York Beach,
Maine
Tel. (207)
363-7379
What would a family vacation be like without a piece of clothing with
that town or city's name? Ro's goes into overdrive with its
packed-to-the-gills store offering just about every type of York Beach
and State of Maine shirt or other souvenir available. Slightly tacky,
but somehow endearing and charming, Ro's the retail version of "How
many people can you fit into one phone booth?"
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