York, Maine: A Strip of Fine Beaches with Inns and Restaurants Just Yards Away.
Written: May 12 '06 (Updated May 17 '06)
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Pros: Quiet and Romantic off season
Cons: Not sure what the summer brings in, but that's how the Maine coast is.
The Bottom Line: My wife and I particularly liked the off-season in York but it does offer some family fun too.
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| popsrocks's Full Review: York, Maine |
Spent some time up in Maine a few weeks ago for an awards dinner for my daughter in school. We stayed in Portland a couple of nights and then did one more in York, Maine. I was delighted with what I saw but at the same time wondered what is in store for those who go in high season.
What's nice about this town is the proximity to Interstate 95. Just get off at exit 7 and you are just minutes from town. They also happen to have a chamber of Commerce building right at the exit. It's a beautiful building and the people inside are quite helpful in recommending where to dine, stay and what to see.
Small Town
Though our first impulse was to follow signs to the beach, we wanted to see the town first. It's a small quaint town with small shops, head in parking and a comfortable feel to it. Though there are a couple of strips of shops, it doesn't have a central area. There are much better places that give a more New England waterfront feel. Unfortunately the main strip of town is removed from the beach and waterfront area. I should mention, before moving on that a very good friend works in the florist. It's a beautiful looking shop. Say Hi to Vanesa.
Big Beaches
Following signs to the beaches we found ourselves on a two lane road that I fear must be quite congested in the summer months. That's what happens all up and down the Maine Coast. It's still well worth the ride. My wife and I have been up to Maine countless times over the 35 years together. Our children love the Maine Coast.
For us in April it was wonderful! We made our way to the beach area that is a few miles long and in a sort of horseshoe shape that somewhat protects the beaches. There are two main beaches on this strip, Long Sands and Short Sands. Long Sands is the Longer Beach and Short Sands is the...yes, you guessed it, the shorter one. Those who named the beaches must have been quite observant!
With the beach on one side you'll find miles of motels, hotels inns, B&Bs and restaurants on the other side of the road just steps from the beaches. The views from most windows on this strip are incredibly beautiful. During the daytime we watched some surfers catching rides and saw very few people on the beach, perhaps a few joggers. It's amazing how quiet the place is off season. Many place don't even open until May and June. There are some restaurants that are open all year but most are seasonal. This carries through to many of the places to stay.
Inn At Long Sand
One place of note that we can highly recommend to stay or dine is The Inn at Long Sand. Yes, this was on the Long Sand Beach, right off the road. Parking on the road is easy enough at this time of year but I'm not so sure it's as available come July and August. I was told people do find spots. If staying at the Inn at Long Sand you receive a parking spot in the rear of the building. Though the convenience of the beach must be wonderful in the summer, this place offers a romantic atmosphere all year round. Now that we know more about it my wife and I plan to visit for a couple of days next year in the quiet time. The rates vary by season.
The views through the French doors and on the decks of the upper rooms are magnificent and the creature comforts of this New England Style B&B make it a very comfortable place to stay. I hope to be able to review it some time soon.
You can still visit this place, even if you don't have time to stay. They have a charming little dining room that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The fare is very good and surprisingly comprehensive, the atmosphere bright and sunny and the disposition of the waitstaff equally glowing.
Things to do in York
We did little more than scout around and check out the beach because of it being the off season. There are also a couple of lobster pounds nearby if looking to take some home. They house train easily and bark loudly when intruders enter. OK, just being silly. The lobster pounds are a good place to visit and one in particular offered some interesting pictures.
We did drive-by of what is purported to be Maine's largest Zoo. Nearby just off the strip is a small amusement park with a carousel and arcades. These look to be the perfect enhancement to a family vacation.
The Nubble Light
York is home to the Cape Neddick Light House
that was built in 1879 on a "nub" of land. That's where the name "Nubble Light House" came from. Unfortunately one cannot get access to it but there is a small park that has some parking and gives excellent views of the structure just yards away. It is well worth seeing. For those who like to pick up souvenirs there is a small shop at the park.
Though the lighthouse is always visible in the distance from the beach area, the mile of so drive to it is a must.
Last Thoughts
My wife and I are always "discovering" new places in Maine. We love the coast. York in the off season is a charming and romantic place to stay. In the summer, I'm sure, it takes on a whole different feel though at the same time a stay at the Inn at Long Sand or any of the many other places just across the road can make for a fine stay. I can recommend this as a fine area to stay and do some day trips from. Being so close to I-95 gives it that advantage. Some suggestions for day trips from York would be to the historic Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, a lobster bake on an island out of Boothbay Harbor, some very exciting amusement park rides in Old Orchard Beach, some shopping at the Kittery Outlets or taking a trip up to Freeport Main for its superior shopping and also the Dessert of Maine that kids will enjoy. The Old Port section of Portland has some great breweries and brew pubs and the art museum is fantastic! I could also suggest York as a couple of day stay before or after visiting Bar Harbor and the the Acadia National Park region.
We enjoyed our stay in York and do plan to stay a few days more the next time in. The Maine coast is heavenly and York just added to our list.
MAINE,wonderful coastal towns and so much more.
Portland Maine
Boothbay Harbor
Old Orchard Beach
Bar Harbor What a great seaside town!!
Acadia National Park My favorite place in the world!
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Recommended:
Yes
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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