What to do when you get here — An insider’s guide to interests and attractions in the area surrounding The Cliff House Resort & Spa.

Explore the Shore: York Village

The Shoreline Explorer drove down the long drive from The Cliff House and turned left, headed south to York Village. I love to go there, but parking can sometimes deter me. So I was pleased to be able to hop on the bus and head for York Village. The fare is $1 each way.

And because I wasn’t driving, I could stare out the big windows! People dotted the rocks - kayaks paddled along - everyone was having fun.

The bridge that was washed away in the flood is now open with one lane and a traffic light. It is a bit tight for a bus but our driver breezed through with skill.

I wondered if I would see any damage from the spring flood. Nope - the place looked like nothing had happened.

After telling us about the York Trolley Beach Shuttle and what time he would return, our driver, Brian, said so long. I went off to my favorite fish market for lunch. It was a warm July day, but there was a cool breeze following me off the ocean.

I was relieved to see everything had been restored at York Beach Fish Market after flood waters had crested up to the windows. There was quite a crowd at the counter, and it occurred to me it was many people’s favorite lunch place. There are a few orange booths across from the counter next to the windows and some tables and wooden chairs beyond the fish case.

After lunch I walked up to the crosswalk in front of York’s Wild Kingdom. I could hear a peacock screaming its wild hello.

I walked down the street and around the corner to check out Goldenrod Candy. Will I ever get tired of watching those shiny chrome machines pull taffy? Cut the right size piece? Wrap it up and plop it in the chrome receptacle? Probably not! Stepping inside is a step back in time; I love the long soda fountain and the glass fronted wooden cases of candy. This is also a fun place for lunch.

I grabbed the Shore Road Shuttle and returned to The Cliff House. After a swim, I plan to go to the Grand Lobby Lounge and try a Wine Flight. This is three 3-ounce selections of a wine category - like a private wine-tasting party. Then I will ride the elevator back to my beautiful room.

Tonight I will sleep with the balcony door open a crack so the ocean can lull me to sleep.

PS: Need a vacation planner to show you all the interesting things to do and see in York? There will be one in your guest room at The Cliff House. Or you can click gatewaytomaine.org and they will mail you one.