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Road Trip: York, Maine

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There are so many places in New England that are so close to Boston, but make you feel like you are eons away from your daily life. York, Maine is one destination that does just that. Its peaceful scenery and location along the water will fulfill all you vacation needs -- all while not having to spend your hard-earned money on travel expenses.

York is especially great for families looking to go on vacation without breaking the bank trying to plan daily activities.

Beaches, arcades and even an animal kingdom will entertain you children, while outlet shopping, hiking and beautiful beaches will make sure you are having a great time as well.

Getting There

Distance (roundtrip from Boston): 141 miles
Travel Time: About 2 hours 50 minutes

The Nubble Lighthouse

Constructed in 1874, the Nubble Lighthouse -- also known as the Cape Neddick Light -- first lit the ocean waters near York, Maine in 1879. It became an important fixture for sailors, and even to this day is a very popular tourist destination.

The Nubble Light stands 41 feet high and juts out into the Atlantic perched 88 feet above the ocean. The light that shines atop the lighthouse can be seen 13 nautical miles away.

Although the lighthouse and the grounds are off limits to the public, about a quarter million people visit Sohier Park -- located directly across from the Nubble -- to feast their eyes on the majestic structure.

If you are looking for a different view of the lighthouse, a 90 minute cruise highlighting the Nubble Light is also available.

York's Wild Kingdom

Located in York Beach, York's Wild Kingdom is considered the largest zoo and amusement park in the area. Kids and parents can head over and check out the exotic animals and rare species on display at the park. York's Wild Kingdom even offers elephant and pony rides!

But animals are not the only highlight at York's Wild Kingdom. You can extend your day and spend some time on the park's family rides. Visitors can take a spin on the paddle boats, play a round of miniature golf, or even pack a lunch and have a picnic on the park grounds. York's Wild Kingdom is guaranteed to entertain the whole family.

Park admission varies upon what you plan on doing with your family that day. Package tickets are available, or if you do not want to spend the whole day at York's Wild Kingdom, you can buy separate admissions to either the animal park or the amusement rides.

Kittery Outlets

And what would vacation be without a little shopping? Better yet, outlet shopping.

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Head 20 minutes south to the Kittery, Maine for a fantastic outlet shopping experience. The Kittery Outlets offer over a mile of famous name stores that will not only have you looking good, but saving a lot of green as well.The Kittery Outlets are so popular, people from all over New England and beyond head to there to save big bucks, and -- as many people describe in reviews -- buy bargain goods at stores staffed with friendly people.
York, Maine is a great place for vacationers looking for an easy family getaway that will not cost them an arm and a leg. Take a short drive and head north to the town of York, where you will not only reconnect with family, you will also find yourself in a relaxing atmosphere that will put you at ease.

So grab a cooler, pack up the kids -- and bring plenty of sun block. Make York, Maine your next vacation destination!

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