Everyone has a place where they feel complete happiness, a place where they can sit back, relax, and unwind, escaping the stresses of everyday life. I have many of these places, but one tops all the rest.

My family goes on an annual summer vacation to York Beach, Maine. It's only a 45-minute drive and I’m in my own personal paradise. For as long as I can remember, York Beach has been our vacation spot: quaint and easy to get to, but just enough for an ideal getaway. And while a beach doesn’t seem like a very original happy place, York Beach is so much more than a typical beach spot.

The allure of York Beach (specifically Short Sands) is undeniable - a beach with classic New England charm and charisma, oozing with history and memories. There are a number of vintage and unique staple establishments for a guaranteed good time: York’s Wild Kingdom amusement park and zoo, The Goldenrod's making of salt-water taffy in the window, the Union Bluff for some of the best clam chowder in a bread bowl, Fun O Rama arcade, the Nubble Light House, shopping and plenty more. Just driving along the coast right before dusk to watch the sun set along the shoreline and kissing the wet sand is enough to make you coming back for more.

My family often talks about something we call our “Ah” moment: a moment of total relaxation and clarity when all your stresses and worries fade away. The moments vary for each of my family members, whether it be a walk along the beach on a cloudy day, the first lick of a scoop of ice cream from our favorite shop or sitting on the top of the Wild Kingdom Ferris wheel. But for me, my moment is always the same. I sit on the beach, toes immersed in the soft sand, with my eyes closed and the warmth of the sun covering me and the waves rolling in play like a record on repeat. Most often this moment is accompanied by a new book and my favorite summer song, "Island in the Sun" playing in the background. All that's left is to let out a sigh of relief. This is my “ah” moment.

More than anything, York is my happy place because it is where my family and I get to be in our happy place together. Whether it be go cart racing, sunset chasing, skin crisping, ice cream licking, football punting, or expensive house hunting, York is where my family connects in our one common goal: a week of relaxation in our happy place. One week in York, Maine is all it takes for me to leave behind all my troubles. My only complaint is that one week is never enough.