1. By: Qua’Fayshia Ransom

2. Long Sand Beach Look out to the Nubble Light from Long Sands Beach, a 2.4km swath of sand. Like most Maine beaches, it is grand at low tide, but at high tide, it shrinks to a sliver. When the tide's out, Long Sands is a playground for castle builders, kite flyers, and frisbee and ball games; when it turns, the waves attract surfers. Backing the beach is a street lined with lodgings, restaurants and shops, handy for grabbing lunch or beach toys. Bring quarters: metered street parking is 25¢ an hour. Afterwards, visit the lighthouse and get ice- cream at Brown's.

3. York’s Wild Kingdom Located in York Beach, Maine has something to offer every member of the family. Each year more than 200,000 people come to visit the largest zoo and amusement park in the area. With exotic animals from around the world, YORK’S WILD KINGDOM is recognized for its rare species and knowledgeable curators. Offering a variety of family rides, paddle boats, miniature golf course, a petting zoo, scenic picnic grounds and even a Haunted House. Educational learning sessions take place throughout the day and a special member of the zoo Rewa—Maine’s only White Bengal Tiger—will amaze and delight the child in everyone! Don’t miss the Butterfly Kingdom!

4. Colonel Buck's Monument In the town of Bucksport, Maine, you'll find a tomb memorial for Col. Jonathan Buck, one of Bucksport's founders and a veteran of the Revolutionary War, who died on March 18, 1795. The monument was later erected in 1852 by Buck's grandchildren. What makes this monument extra noteworthy is the lore behind the mysterious "footprint" located on it. One tale says the footprint appeared as a result of a curse uttered by a suspected witch whom Buck sentenced to death. Whether any of the folklore surrounding the monument is true, it still makes for an interesting stop for monument enthusiasts.

5. Maine State Museum Maine was one of the first states to initiate the concept of a state museum, but it took over 120 years to demonstrate that consistent support and proper facilities are vital for success. After the District of Maine separated from Massachusetts in 1820 and settled in the new capital of Augusta, the state's government began to explore its newly independent domain more aggressively. But finding things is much easier than preserving and interpreting what has been found.

6. The Maine Mall Everything you need to help you make the most of your vacation time. Easily find what you're looking for. Search or browse our mall directory. Sales and great deals for you and your family from our retailers.

7. Fisherman’s Dock & Union Bluff Hotel The Fishermen's Dock Cooperative on Channel Drive in Point Pleasant Beach is one of two active fishing cooperatives in New Jersey. Incorporated as a cooperative in the early 1950s, the Co-op (as it is known locally) is an integral part of the waterfront community of Point Pleasant Beach. Many of the Co-op's members are sons of the original founders. Several are third or fourth generation commercial fishermen. The Union Bluff Hotel has been keeping a watchful eye over the shores of Short Sands Beach since 1868. Back then, guests arrived by horse drawn carriage and steam train with their trunks packed for a month long stay. The feeling of the Bluff's old-world charm remains just as strong today.

8. Baxter State Park Whether you're planning a relaxing picnic or a challenging outdoor adventure, you'll be sure to find your perfect destination among Maine's 30 state parks. Your choices include parks where you can swim in the ocean or a lake, hike up a mountain or through the woods, or bike along rail-trails ranging from 15-20 miles to 80 miles long. You can also camp at 12 of the state's parks— some of which are even open for winter camping.