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The Lodge at Moosehead Lake
The Moosehead region is lots of fun for the entire family and this lodge has been known as one of the more luxurious facilities in the area for quite some time. The property boosts unique Northwoods elements throughout the interior making it feel cozy with a unique outdoorsman flair. Many appreciate the details involved such as the hand carved beds and wood burning fireplaces. The food is wonderful although pricey for this area and the setting is lovely. The bar area is attractive as well and the pool was fun but the hours are very limited and it feels a bit too much like being inside one’s home rather than a professional bar setting. I would not describe this property as kid friendly but the area itself with its vast lakes and snowmobile trails make it a year round joy for all.
368 Lily Bay Road, P.O. Box 1167
Greenville, Maine, 04441
207-695-4400
www.lodgeatmooseheadlake.com
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Loon Lodge
Rangeley is a lovely area....true Northwoods joy with the elegance and amenities many have craved since the early 1900’s. The Loon Lodge has a terrific lakeside setting and a fun cozy restaurant as well. The accomodations however are very simple. The beds were old and uncomfortable and a shared bath is a turn off to most however in this area there aren’t any high end properties so we were pleased this one had a terrific bar, an excellent restaurant and wonderful views all within close proximity to the areas many attractions.
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16 Pickford Rd.
Rangeley, ME 04970
(207) 864-5666
www.loonlodgeme.com
Balsam Cove Campground
This family friendly facility has had a recent overall by its hardworking new owners. The property is clean, has terrific lake views as well as direct access and the programs such as arts and crafts, bingo and weekly campfires make it a joy for all. The setting is serene and the lake is wonderfully clean and extremely inviting. I highly recommend booking early to obtain a lakeside spot as the interior spots can be somewhat tight and lack the exquisite lake views we were spoiled with.
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Food Quality NA
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286 Back Ridge Rd
East Orland, ME 04431
(207) 469-7771
www.balsamcove.com
Parks Pond Campground
A nicely run property with great family values and a pretty setting. The owners try hard to please everyone and succeed in doing so with their terrific hayrides, cookie breaks and waterfront activities. Many however find this property noisy being right off busy Route 9 and with its many late night gatherings going so its a facility best geared for those enjoying social interaction and family fun as opposed to a quiet tranquil nature seeking.
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Food Quality NA
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827 Airline Road (Route 9)
Clifton, Maine 04428
207-843-7267
www.parkspondcampground.com
The Lucerne Inn
This is a wonderful spot with its souring lake views and expansive grounds however it did feel a bit too geared towards weddings and banquets to please the true outdoor lover. The food was fair but the scenery makes up for it and I adored its cozy bar with its beautiful wood burning fireplace. Perfect for a snowy day! This is not a property geared towards young children however older kids enjoyed the golf across the street as by its appearance so did the many dads who were congreating there when I went. The rooms were simple but tasteful.
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2517 Main Road
Dedham, ME 04429
(800) 325-5123
(207) 843-5123
fax: (207) 843-6138
www.lucerneinn.com
The Birches
This property is geared towards the outdoor lover in all seasons. The facility boasts 15 rustic waterfront cabins with simple but comfortable amenities. The restaurant and main lodge are attractive, tasteful and offer more options than most for these types of properties. The only issues however were the late night snowmobilers in front of the cabins on the lake making relaxation and rest difficult as did the fireplace going out in the middle of the night as it was the primary heat source. Summer activities to be rated this season.
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Po Box 81, Rockwood, Maine 04478, 207-534-2242
www.birches.com
Crocker House
This lovely little inn is housed in a property that was bulit in 1884 in the elegant Hancock Point area of Maine which is in close proximity to both areas of Acadia. The property has been reported to be haunted and quite frankly this adds to its unique ambiance for most. There are 11 simple but tasteful guest rooms and the food is fabulous. Although the property does not have a bar the wine list is extensive and elegant and the sitting area is a terrific place to enjoy a libation prior to sitting down to their famous 4 course meals.
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The Crocker House
967 Point Road
Hancock, Maine 04640
(207)422-6806
www.crockerhouse.com
Johnny Seesaw's
This property has been a family stop for us since I started skiing in high school. I love that it always puts me in the real Vermont mode with its quaint appeal and pine scented surroundings. The location is convenient as it sits at the foot of Bromley mountain although the views are limited. The restaurant and small bar area are wonderful and give one a real lodge feel with board games, crackling fires and lively groups about. The guest rooms however are mediocre and far too simple for our family however the food is fantastic and we always stop for a delicious bite each season when we visit.
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Johnny Seesaw's
3574 Route 11
Peru, VT 05152
(802) 824-5533
www.jseesaw.com
The Equinox Resort and Spa
This property is special indeed although I wouldn’t classify it as family casual as many of the other properties we rate are. This facility however is a terrific family treat as it offers a fabulous swimming pool, spa for mom, golf for dad, fly fishing, archery, shooting school, cross country skiing, outlet shops and even a falconry program! There is also terrific food and a cozy bar as well as lodging at reasonable prices for the quality of this hotel. The rooms could use an updating although the other special aspects and cozy New England charm of this wonderful place usually make us overlook this.
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The Equinox Resort and Spa
3567 Main Street Route 7A
Manchester Village, VT 05254
(800) 362-4747
www.equinoxresort.com
Grant's Kennebago Camps
Grant’s Kennebago Camps are a wonderful detour from the world...Set on beautiful Kennebago Lake in the Rangeley area of Maine, the scenery is indeed impressive and the topography truly unique. Each family has their own cabin, many directly on the lake. The cabins are simple and could use a few more creature comforts but the view and the food make up for this. Meals are included in the price and are wholesome family style fun. Daytime activities include an incredible journey down the river which ends up in the Kennebago Lake and a hike in the woods surrounding the property. A nice playground is also available for the children. Wildlife include herons, loons, deer and moose although my overly excited kids prevented most from coming out for a viewing! At night we heard beautiful loons and at this time of day, the lake looks almost mystical...it was magical sitting by this beautiful body of water at dusk. The only drawback was we found the evening difficult to fill with no nighttime programs and no nearby towns. This nature’s lovers delight is terrific for a family getaway and a dream for the fisherman with trout and salmon teaming in this lake ( we even saw them jumping at night! ). The staff was friendly and we got a real kick out of the owners lovely grandchildren, Madison and Courtney who were a huge help to all of the guests. All in all a terrific spot and lots of fun for the entire family as well as the avid outdoorsmen.
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Mailing Address:
Grant's Kennebago Camps
PO Box 786
Rangeley, ME 04970
1-800-633-4815
www.grantscamps.com
Castle Island Camps
Castle Island Camps is a small waterfront property located just over a bridge in the scenic Belgrade Lakes area of Maine. The camp is on Long Pond which is lovely, clean and a nice size. Boating is a terrific option while visiting as kayaks, canoes, motorboats and paddle boats are available right at the shore. Guests enjoy terrific fishing ( a man caught a 2ft Pike while I was there! ) and the owner is very attentive and willing to aid the novice fisherman as well. Meals are included and are home style and tasty. The owners adorable daughter and niece help serve and the dining room boasts a fireplace and fishing plaques. Belgrade is a pretty area with rolling hills and stunning lakes. The town has a few charming shops and hiking is available. Castle Island does need to be freshened up a bit in certain areas ie the buildings need paint, cabin decor could be improved and less buckets and maintenance items displayed would be a terrific improvement. In addition, traditional evening activities I think are important at a camp such as campfires are not available here however the properties stunning views, great boating and fishing as well as the owners friendly ways certainly make this a pleasurable stay for the entire family.
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Mailing Address:
Castle Island Camps
441 Castle Island Rd
Belgrade, ME 04917
(207) 495-3312
www.castleislandcamps.com
Hob Knob Inn
Marthas Vineyard is lovely location although many parts are more built up than its sister island of Nantucket which I prefer. The Hob Knob Inn was a lovely spot however and the managers were very accomodating providing early morning spa treatments, picnic baskets for our afternoon beach visits and a terrific babysitter for our young children. The property is charming and well appointed as well and the breakfast was abundant and delicious. I had hoped the property would be a bit larger for outdoor relaxation but the charming spa in the lower level certainly made up for this.
The property location is also central in the best part of the island in lovely Edgartown surrounded by terrific old colonial homes and quaint streets. This is a fun spot and we thoroughly enjoyed exploring the other parts of the island as well with its lighthouses and sprawling beaches. I would recommed this is a fun weekend trip for the family.
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Mailing Address:
Hob Knob
128 Main Street
Edgartown, MA 02539
(800) 696-2723
www.hobknob.com
Stonover Farm
This property is nicely located near Tanglewoods in the Berkshires. I enjoyed the look of the location however found the owners to be a bit cold and a tad unproffessional. For example, the owner greeted us in his bathrobe at 7:30 at night which was uncomfortable and we felt as if we were intruding in his private residence as opposed to relaxing in the inn we had paid for.
The rooms were attractive and nicely appointed with quality bath products and a charming gas fireplace and the breakfast was tasty and fulfilling as well. We have always enjoyed the area with its restaurants and artistic offerings however for our next visit I will select a property where we will feel less of a visitor and more as a pampered guest.
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Mailing Address:
Stonover Farm
169 Under Mountain Road
Lenox, MA 01240
(413) 637-9100
www.stonoverfarm.com
Penobscot River Cabins
This property sits right along the Penobscot River on hundreds of acres. The accomodations are simple and need updating yet several are nicely located right along the river bank. The owners could not be more charming and although there are less “creature comforts” than other spots, the kind couple who runs the property go above and beyond to make their guests happy which is refreshing and often rare these days. A perfect example was how quickly the owner Jeff came out to assist my son when he saw he didn’t understand casting and sat with him anxiously awaiting his first catch! When a nice sized Small Mouth Bass was caught by the little boy, we all cheered. You can tell the owners really care about this place.
As the management are so terrific with fishing instruction this would be an ideal spot for a family wanting to learn to fish but this river is also filled with many species so this property is also clearly suitable for the seasoned fisherman as well. Many come for the bear hunts and there were at least 12 men anxiously awaiting this event the next morning. I would prefer they did not do baited hunts as in my opinion this gives the animal an unfair disadvantage. The owner agreed but only leases that portion of the business so it was not her decision. Hopefully they will find an outfit who uses non baiting methods soon.
The shoreline is lovely for a relaxing book, nap or swim. The meals are wholesome and served family style at the owner’s large kitchen table making this pleasant for guests like myself who like to socialize but perhaps might be a bit too intimate for others seeking space and privacy. If that is the case there are well equipped kitchens in each cabin.
All and all I had a peaceful feeling at this spot-we fished, read, swam a bit and enjoyed a lovely homemade meal. A nice spot for the entire family.
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Mailing Address:
Penobscot River Cabins
737 Mattamiscontis Road
Howland, ME 04448
(800) 670-7351
www.penobscotrivercabins.com
