The communities of Sanford and Springvale are located just eight miles west of I-95 North. You will find a variety of businesses, locally grown produce, entertainment, dining and more. Enjoy getting a way from the crowds and kicking back in a real Maine village environment. Heading east of I-95 North at Exit 19, you will come into Wells, a beautiful coastal community with much to offer any visitor. You’ll find seven miles of oceanfront, sandy beaches, a host of antiques and rare book shops, great food and so much more.

10 things to do off Exit 19

1. Beaches

Drake’s Island Beach, Wells. Turn left onto Route 109 at Exit 19, at the intersection with Route 1, turn left onto Route 1 North. After one mile take a right onto Drake’s Island Road, 646-5113. Go to the end of Drake’s Island Road, or take a right to the end by the jetty. Parking permits required. Get permits at Wells Town Hall.

2. Wonder Mountain Family Fun Center

Route 1 in Moody, 646-9655. Wonder Mountain has two, 18-hole mini golf courses, waterfalls and an arcade. Wells Beach Mini-Golf Route 1 in Wells, right next to McDonald’s, 646-7570. For a bigger challenge try Tee Shots Golf Range, Route 9, Wells, 646-2727.

3. The Wells Recreation Area

Route 9A, Wells, 646-5113. The recreation area is a 70-acre parcel with four tennis courts, two basketball courts, a baseball diamond, horseshoe playing area, picnic tables and a two-mile physical fitness course.

4. Lethal Weapon Fishing

Route 1, Wells Harbor, 324-3430. Deep-sea fishing and scenic cruises are a sure fire way to get your family off the beach and on the water. Cruises depart from Wells Harbor seven days a week. All fishing gear, fishing licenses and bait are included.

5. Sanford Mainers

Goodall Park, Roberts Street, Sanford. From Exit 19, turn right and go north on Route 109 for 12 miles. Turn left on Roberts Street between Dunkin Donuts and Sanford Town Hall. Call 324-0010, or go online to www.sanfordmainers.com. The Sanford Mainers are the 2004 championship New England Collegiate Baseball League team. An interesting sidenote: Babe Ruth once hit a home run at Goodall Park.

6. Bowl-A-Rama

Main Street, Route 109, South Sanford, 324-2401. Bowl-A-Rama has candlepin action, rock and glow bowling, pool tables, arcade games and a snack bar complete with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

7. The Impastable Dream Restaurant

Junction of Main and Washington streets, downtown Sanford, 490-1811. The restaurant hosts a piano bar on Friday and Saturday nights, 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the dining room. Once home to the private Town Club, the richly appointed space overlooks downtown Sanford from the fourth floor of the Sanford Trust Building.

8. Sanford Maine Stage

1 Hilltop Lane, Springvale, 324-9691, or go online to www.sanfordmainestage.org. Shows this season include, “The Wizard of Oz,” “Oliver” and the annual variety show on Saturday, July 14.

9. The Sanford Recreational Area

Main Street in Springvale, 324-9130. The recreation area has a playground, swimming on the Mousam River and a picnic area. It’s also home of the infamous Indian’s Last Leap. Travel about 12 miles from exit 19 north on Route 109.

10. The Mousam Way trail

At least one starting point is the Sanford Recreational Area on Main Street in Springvale. 324-9150, or go online to www.sanfordmaine.org. The trail runs through woodlands to streets to parkland and back again through the heart of Sanford and Springvale, following the general course of the Mousam River. The Mousam Way can be found by following the green M blazes through town.