Animal Parks: Go Where The Wild Ones Are

Summer & Fall: Feeling a little wild, don’t know what to do or where to go? Take a trip to York’s Wild Kingdom this summer and check out all the wild animals right here in Maine. This is Maine’s only zoo featuring exotic animals like lions, wildebeest and leopards. The primate exhibit always draws a crowd and the elephants are sure to be a hit with the little ones. This is the only zoo in Maine and has the only white Bengal tiger around. York’s Wild Kingdom is located in the center of York Harbor which is a great ocean town located in southern Maine. York’s Wild Kingdom has more than just animals. York’s Wild Kingdom also has great amusement rides, mini-golf, paddle boats and games. The park offers a fun way to spend the day with the entire family as the rides and exhibits have been designed with all ages in mind. After spending some time at the zoo, head over to the beach which is just a few steps away. York Beach is a beautiful white sandy beach with plenty of space to play and enjoy the water. Close to all the amenities of York Beach is a great place to stay, Sands By The Sea. It’s a beachfront motel which is clean and affordable close to all the attractions in town. They also have a new pool area so if salt water swimming is not your thing, you can cool off in the pool. York is part of the southern coastal area where there is so much to see and do! Kennebunkport is about a 15 minute ride and a wonderful place to enjoy lunch, shop and check out Walker’s Point, summer home of the Bush family. Make York’s Wild Kingdom part of your summer to do list, you won’t be disappointed!

Fall Activities: Fun Fall Things To Do All Over Maine!

Fall: October is such a beautiful month here in Maine. The leaves are usually in full color, the crispness of the fall makes wearing a big cozy sweater a treat. I love replacing my summer blooms with fall mums and cabbage roses and adding pumpkins and cornstalks to the front of the house. With all this comes many events that celebrate this season of harvest. Around the state you will find so many things to do it could keep you busy for the whole month. One of the largest events going on this month is the Fryeburg Fair which is Maine’s biggest agricultural and best attended fair. There is a ton to see and do but, be warned it is very busy and parking can be tough. The area around Fryeburg is beautiful this time of year and Route 302 is a nice route to travel to enjoy the foliage. Another fun thing to do is go to the Foliage, Food and Wine Festival which takes place in Blue Hill. Local chefs converge onto the Blue Hill peninsula to present their best presentation of locally grown foods along with fabulous wine. The peninsula in Blue Hill is the perfect spot to enjoy the vivid colors of the fall foliage reflecting on the lake. Make it a weekend getaway and plan an overnight at the historic Blue Hill Inn. If you find yourself in the southern half of the state there are plenty of celebrations to attend. Harborfest is York’s big fall celebration and is coupled with a craft show and all kinds of fun activities like hay rides and a traditional New England bean supper. In Portland, Harvest on the Harbor is a three day event where you can enjoy gourmet cuisine being served by some of the best chefs from all over. This is definitely a weekend filled with sampling some of the most delicious food and wine tasting to go along with it. If you don’t feel like spending the day a pre-planned event then, just hop in your car and go for a ride. During this time of year, you could stop in at one of the state parks and enjoy yourself without having to fight the crowds. October in Maine is a great time of year so take some time to find something fun to do!

Cape Porpoise: Five Fun Things To Do

Summer & Fall: If you are planning a trip to Maine’s southern coast this summer, make sure you put Cape Porpoise on your list of stops. Often overlooked, this small fishing community has some great places to check out and is only a couple miles from the hustle and bustle of Kennebunkport’s Dock Square. Head out on Route 9 and you will eventually find your way to where the land meets the sea. Whether your day starts off with a morning coffee at the Cape Porpoise Kitchen or lunch at the Cape Pier Restaurant, you will not be disappointed. The town pier is a great place to kick back and watch the coming and going of the local lobster boats. Near the center of town you will want to stop into Wright Gallery which offers a fine collection of New England Traditional art. Housed in a wonderful turn of the century post and beam building be sure to stop in and visit this great gallery. If you do decide to have lunch at the Cape Pier Restaurant you will not be sorry. You can order the absolute freshest lobster around prepared anyway you like it. They also have great chowders, Maine clams, shrimp and scallops. From the pier you can view Goat Island Lighthouse built to guide mariners into the sheltered Cape Porpoise Harbor. After spending the day wondering around this quaint fishing village, head down Route 9 a little further where you will find Goose Rock Beach. This pristine beach is three miles of some of the softest sand in Maine. The distant rocky coastline makes for a very scenic walk on the beach. Cape Porpoise is a wonderful place to visit and to spend some time, make sure you put this on your to do list for the summer.

York: Five Fun Things To Do

Summer & Fall: York is Maine’s summer playground and one trip there you will easily see why. First there is the beach, whether it is Long Sands or Short Sands Beach, just spending the day reading a good book, body surfing in the waves or combing the sand for treasures such as sand dollars and beach glass. Spending a day like that is always enjoyable no matter what the age. Another thing to do, is to take a walk at night past the Nubble Light. There is something magical seeing this lighthouse all lit in its glory shining on the water in the night sky. If you are in the mood for a good walk, check out the cliff walk which offers great ocean views and leads right into York Village. The Village is a quaint seaside town with shops, boutiques, restaurants and a great section of historic homes. If you want to take it onto the water, head over to Harbor Adventures where you can rent sea kayaks and really explore all the inlets of the harbor. The coves are beautiful and easy to maneuver around and through. There are also plenty of chartered fishing boats which leave from York Harbor and offer trips by the hour or by the day. No matter what you decided to do, York has plenty to offer and York is close to many of Southern Maine’s sites with Kennebunkport and Ogunquit only minutes away. Check out all the fun things to do in York and be sure to put it on your list of places to visit.

Saco: Five Fun Things To Do

Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall: Saco is home to some of Maine’s largest amusement parks and the neighboring town of the ever famous Old Orchard Beach. You will find some great things for you to see and do in this town. First, be sure to head over to Ferry Beach. You will find a great beach that isn’t crowded unlike nearby Old Orchard Beach. The beach is tucked out of the way but, it is worth the trip and offers beautiful white sand and miles of hiking trails through a nicely wooded area that eventually opens up to the beach area. Close by, you will also find Tupelo Swamp which is filled with all kinds of critters to be discovered plus, it is home to the rare black gum tree. After spending some time at the beach, head over to Huot’s Seafood Restaurant. This family owned restaurant has been serving up the freshest seafood since 1935 and I have never left disappointed. A day at the beach, a great dinner, why not head to Saco’s Drive-In Theater. How fun is it to roll into this nostalgic drive-in, kids loaded in the back with sleeping bags and munchies. Nothing says summer more than a night at the drive-in theater! If you are looking for some entertainment, head toward Old Orchard Beach where there are plenty of night clubs, live music venues and of course the Pier. Saco is also home to the Saco Museum which is located on Main Street and is home to some great collections of art and regularly changing exhibits. The museum offers walking tours, workshops and classes and is a great place to stop in to enjoy art and history. Saco is more than amusement parks, take some time to enjoy the other amenities this town has to offer visitors and residents alike.