Maine State Parks

Scarborough Beach State Park is widely known for one thing, its beach. It is always a popular destination for swimmers, seashell collectors, and surfers alike. It is great for any oceanside activity that you are likely to enjoy. It is located near Route 207, near Scarborough. As far as sandy beaches are concerned, Scarborough Beach State Park is one of the best in all of Maine.

Scarborough Beach State Park features both on site and off site parking. During the weekends, it is important to arrive early because parking can fill up quickly. On average, on site parking spaces will fill up by 11:30 am on the weekends. Off site parking will then fill up by around 12:30 pm. This means that you need to get there early in order to get a space. This also means that you can expect to see a lot of other people at the beach. During weekdays, parking will almost never be a problem as the number of people at the beach drops dramatically.

On of the most popular features of Scarborough Beach State Park is the temperature of the water. It plays host to some of the best swimming in the entire New England area. Throughout July and August, you can expect the water temperature to hover around the high 60's and even the lower 70's at times. When swimming, it is important to keep an eye out for rip tides as they do occur on a daily basis. There are always lifeguards on duty in the designated lifeguard areas, hence they are the safest places to swim. Aside from swimming sea kayaking is extremely popular along with a little surfing.

The beach itself is a long stretch of white sand that is located on Prouts Neck. It is one of the few places in Maine where there is enough sand for the winds to create large sand dunes. This stretch of beach connects with Higgins Beach and is a popular spot for hiking, biking, sunbathing, or just walking along the beach and searching for shells and other great finds.

Scarborough Beach State Park is always a popular destination and for good reason. Visitors can enjoy a large, beautiful, white sand beach with all of the great features of the coastal region. Combined with above average water temperatures and you have a unique gem tucked away in the Maine coastline known as Scarborough Beach State Park.


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If you have never had the pleasure of eating real maple syrup, you are really missing something. Most people have probably eaten artificial kind; but in truth, there is no comparison between that and the real thing. Maybe stating that there is no comparison is a bit harsh, but the fake stuff is essentially like a warm-up.

Using the artificial substitute as a sugar replacement in baked treats such as cookies, pies and cakes is one thing; but using it to make candy is another. Its distinct flavor will be more noticeable in something as light as candy. One the other hand, it is probably used less in that application than it is in the traditional favorite.

For a lot of people, the first thing that probably comes into mind when they hear the words maple syrup is pancakes. It's hard to beat a hot stack of hot cakes drenched with it and smothered with melted butter.

Why is the Artificial Kind Used So Often?

Just like so many other things, it comes down to money. Unfortunately, the real thing is a bit pricey. This is because the artificially flavored substitute is less expensive, faster and easier to make. It's not as simple as putting a tap into a tree and putting the sap into a bottle.

However, while it may be a little more expensive, it is not totally cost prohibitive. If you are watching your grocery budget, the occasional splurge is well worth it. The flavor is so unbelievable that you will have to resist turning the bottle up and drinking the sweet substance straight down.

If you have not yet had the luxury, or if it has been awhile, spend a little more and treat yourself to some real maple syrup. However, unless you are feeling extremely generous, find a good hiding place for it. Once everyone finds out that you have it, it will go quickly.