Old Orchard Beach isn’t the tacky beach town of my youth, but it’s not quite Martha’s Vineyard, either. It offers the best of both worlds at an affordable price. Fried dough stands, henna tattoo parlors and candy shops blend in with upscale boutiques. My seven-year-old granddaughter Victoria and I arrived in town aiming for some family fun and immediately opted to start exploring the pier area. We grabbed a slice of pizza at Bill’s Pizza and a cup of fries from Pier Fries, which was next door. I was ecstatic because Pier Fries had vinegar right next to the salt and ketchup. I always put vinegar on French fries and this is one for the few places I’ve been I didn’t have to ask for it. That afternoon, we took a ride to Funtown/ Splashtown on Route 1 in Saco, just five miles away. The thing that impressed me most about this park was its cleanliness and the friendliness of its employees. The thing that impressed Victoria, who had never been on a roller coaster, the most was the Galaxi Roller Coaster. I won’t go on any ride that goes off the ground, but she is 48” tall and was big enough to go on alone. I gave in and let her ride the Galaxi alone.When I, who had my feet solidly planted on the ground, had summoned enough courage to open my eyes and watch, I saw she had her arms up in the air and was laughing out loud. After she rode it three times in a row she was still laughing but I felt sick. I couldn't even bear to watch when she went on the Dragon’s Descent, which has a 220-foot drop and the Excalibur Roller Coaster, which is the largest wooden coaster in New England. The wet and wild Thunder Falls Log Flume Ride, which is New England’s longest and tallest log flume ride, made a big splash with her. The antique cars were a also a hit because she got to drive along the scenic track and over a bridge. There were plenty of rides for the younger set mixed in with the larger daredevil rides and the park offered something for everyone including a carousel, bumper boats and swings. Admission was reasonable and an unlimited one day ride bracelet was $25 for anyone four feet or taller and $17 for little ones. That evening we ate at Denny Mike’s Smokehouse and Barbecue Deli, 27 West Grand Avenue, which was highly recommended as the best barbecue place on the strip. The portions were huge and the pulled pork sandwich was undoubtedly the best I have eaten since Dinosaur BBQ in Syracuse, New York years ago. My granddaughter Victoria opted for ribs with a side of baked beans which she ate with relish at our outdoor table on top of the restaurant.We both had a complete meal with side dishes for less than $20 and had enough leftovers for another meal. While you’re there be sure to buy a couple of bottles of their specialty BBQ sauce to take home. After dinner we checked into the Royal Anchor Resort at 203 East Grand Avenue. If you are looking for a quiet comfortable room, friendly staff and a wonderful view of the ocean this is the place to stay. The Royal Anchor Resort, which has been owned by the Bureau family for 34 years, is an easy walk to the main pier and amusement park, but far enough away from the attractions that it’s quiet and peaceful. Friday evening was cold and damp so we had a pristine stretch of COURTESY PHOTO hotel’s private beach to ourselves. My granddaughter went for a dip in the ocean, which we followed with a swim in the hotel’s heated outdoor pool. Our room was a clean, comfortable room with two double beds, a refrigerator and a patio that overlooked the swimming pool and the beach. Prices at the Royal Anchor Resort,which include a free continental breakfast, range from $69 to $179 a night. Saturday morning we stopped in a couple of the specialty shops not far from the waterfront. Victoria was fascinated with a new boutique that only sold items that changed color. After settling on a ring that changes color in the sunlight, we stopped at an arcade for a few games. That afternoon we took a trip to Scarborough Marsh Audubon Center in Crossword If You Go... The Royal Anchor Resort, 203 East Grand Avenue. Phone: 207-934-4521 www.royalanchor.com Palace Playland Amusement Park, 1 Old Orchard St. Old Orchard Beach ME www.palaceplayland.com Funtown/Splashtown Amusement Park 774 Portland Road (Route 1), Saco ME www.funtownsplashtownusa.com For more information on Old Orchard Beach lodgings, attractions, and restaurants, go to www.oldorchardbeachmaine. com. BEACH FROM PAGE C1 The Royal Anchor Resort in Old Orchard Beach. Maine’s largest saltwater marsh, which was a refreshing change of pace. The nature center is open is open from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The center, which is located on Route 9 in Scarborough, is small but it has a hands on educational center with knowledgeable and friendly staff. Victoria enjoyed looking at the stuffed wildlife exhibits and examining microscopic sea life. The center offers tours geared for children, canoe tours and a wide variety of other activities. Visitors are also encouraged to explore the marsh on their own with maps that are provided at the visitors center. Surf 6 Oceanfront Grille & Bar, located 150 yards north of Old Orchard Beach’s famous Pier, has been an institution for 25 years. The restaurant is outfitted in nautical décor and the bar is made from the bow of a real lobster boat. You have a choice of indoor or beachfront patio deck setting that offers a view of the beach, pier and ocean that is breathtaking at sunset. Sunday morning we ate Joseph’s By the Sea at 55 West Grand Avenue. The food was as delightful as the elegant pastel décor and the view from the oceanside dining room. Victoria had the strawberry Belgian waffle with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, which was only $6.50. She said it “tasted as good as it was pretty.” I opted for the maple banana pecan waffle, which was served with sautéed bananas and walnuts in a brandied maple butter syrup. I would gladly make another trip to Old Orchard just for the waffles. After breakfast we headed to the beach where she romped in the surf along the wooden pier and then we headed to Palace Playland Amusement Park — the only beachfront amusement park in Maine. Victoria immediately headed for the 75- foot high gondola sunwheel. After a couple of rides on the sunwheel, she hopped on a roller coaster that has a fivestory drop and hairpin turns. An unlimited one day ride pass was $23.95 and $16.95 for children under 42 inches tall. If you plan on spending two days purchase the two-day pass, which is only $10 more. We hit the road and headed home in the early afternoon and before we had traveled 10 miles Victoria was already asking when we could return to Old Orchard Beach for another vacation. So go — a trip to Old Orchard Beach can be as exciting or as relaxing as you chose to make it. The seven mile long stretch of beach offers secluded areas away from the hustle and bustle of the pier and amusement park. Whether you go for a week, weekend or a day trip, it offers something for everyone. Be sure to check eBay for season passes to amusement parks, jet ski rentals and all your travel needs.

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