Enjoying a New England Spring Day at Long Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine

Long Sands Beach, York Beach, Maine (photo by Eric)

This familiar phrase our parents told us virtually every day when growing up turned out to possess great wisdom: "Go outside and play, and get some fresh air!"

Getting out to play and breathe in fresh air at Long Sands Beach in York Beach, Maine, last weekend,   was a true revelation. After a harsh cold winter that encouraged hibernation -- and the perpetual four seasons of Boston area nightmare traffic and the astounding variety of driver discourtesies -- visiting Long Sands Beach was like being in another world. We pretty much had the beach to ourselves (it's packed in the summer) and the gentle spring breeze alternating with a slight Maine chill in the air provided a really pleasant feeling. With Nubble Lighthouse in the distance and two miles of empty beach for us to explore, we stayed for as along as we could -- and then stalled to head back to the Boston area. It was like coming in late for a play date. Except this time, there was no being sent to bed early or not being allowed to watch that episode of Gilligan's Island when they almost got off the island. We just made a commitment to schedule another play date at Long Sands Beach with a deliberate mission to break yet another self-imposed curfew.

Can't get enough of this place. Long Sands Beach, to us, is the ultimate New England place to go outside, play and get some fresh air!

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Latest Lodging Review: 123 Inn and Restaurant, York Beach, Maine

Article and photos by Eric H.

Our latest VisitingNewEngland.com travel review centers on The 123 in York Beach, Maine. Located directly across the street from Long Sands Beach, this oceanfront inn and restaurant features amazing views from each room's own private balcony. The 123 also fulfills a rare York Beach travel feature, offering lodging, breakfast, lunch and dinner under one roof.

Formerly the Inn at Long Sands, The 123 carries on the tradition of high quality lodging at this address and, in many cases upgrades over the former facility, including an expanded dining menu and indoor and outdoor dining, as well as memory foam mattresses and wide screen televisions in each room.

York is often thought of as a summer destination, but we have always found the community to be a wonderful travel destination in the fall where the crowds lessen and many attractions stay open through Columbus Day. We consider The 123 as a great lodging choice when vacationing in York.

For a full review on The 123, please click on the link above.

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Magnetized to Salt Water Taffy Making in York Beach, Maine

Article and photo by Eric H.

The New England sea has an innate ability to magnetize us to its waves, the changing color of the waters, the salt sea air and the cushy natural flooring of the sand. It's just a natural mechanism for many New Englanders to head to the ocean for this special rejuvenation of the soul and senses.

In York Beach, Maine, across from Short Sands Beach, a whole group of people have found another magnetizing source of enjoyment by watching through the windows the making of salt water taffy at The Goldenrod. This landmark seasonal restaurant (established in 1896) features a dazzling array of machines that, when combined with the human touch of salt water taffy making, create a classic visual summertime scene. Adults and children alike gaze curiously through the windows, apparently enjoying the process just as much as ultimately purchasing the salt water taffy -- affectionately and traditionally known as Goldenrod Kisses. For many of us, viewing this tasty production is an annual travel "must" as part of York Beach's magnetizing presence. And yes, the salt water taffy is phenomenal --eight million pieces are made each year with seemingly half of that amount consumed by us!

We recommend going inside The Goldenrod, experiencing the sweet aroma of boiling sugar and molasses filling the air, and then buying some of these magically delicious Goldenrod Kisses. While at the Goldenrod, we also encourage you to sit down for a good breakfast, lunch or dinner -- or ice cream at the old-fashioned soda fountain. Summer is always good at York Beach and The Goldenrod!

The Goldenrod
2 Railroad Ave.
York Beach, Maine
Tel. 207-363-2621

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Nubble Lighthouse: A Classic New England Travel Destination

Article and photo by Eric H.
Nubble Lighthouse at Cape Neddick, Maine, majestically stands as one of New England's great lighthouses -- noteworthy, as many lighthouses in the region exemplify true coastal architectural beauty. Perhaps it's just one of those "you just have to be there" situations, but in our attempt to best describe, Nubble Light is wonderfully maintained and perfectly situated with stunning, panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. The "Down east" salt-sea air, the renowned rocky Maine coast, the small Sohier Park with true "wide screen" views, and adjacent Fox's Lobster House restaurant -- with lobster, an ice cream stand (with amazing wild Maine blueberry ice cream) and picnic benches, help make this area a "must-visit" destination during your New England travels.

We love visiting Nubble Lighthouse during the summer for its refreshing breezes, the fall for some peace and quiet from tourists, the winter when Nubble Lighthouse has its own holiday lighting ceremony during Christmas, and the spring for a reminder of what New England is like after a long hibernation. Whatever time of the year, Nubble Lighthouse is a beautiful place to revel in the amazing scenery of Maine. Additionally, Nubble Lighthouse is located within the "Yorks" in Maine -- beaches like Short Sands Beach, Long Sands Beach, the shops, restaurants and amusements at York Beach and the more quaint leanings of York Harbor and York Village make this area one of our favorite travel destinations in New England. There's simply something for everyone here!

We'd love to read your posts here about your reflections on Nubble Light.

Read more about the York Beach, Maine, area


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