{"id":62955,"date":"2022-06-10T09:35:40","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T13:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/?p=62955"},"modified":"2022-07-06T19:00:19","modified_gmt":"2022-07-06T23:00:19","slug":"a-day-in-the-belgrade-lakes-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/a-day-in-the-belgrade-lakes-region\/","title":{"rendered":"A Day in the Belgrade Lakes Region"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A view of Long Pond from French Mountain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

HIT THE TRAILS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While fishing is the biggest draw, there are many ways to enjoy the water, from boating to stand-up paddleboard rentals to guided cruises. A bird\u2019s eye view of these stunning lakes is where to start. Family-friendly day hikes include Rome\u2019s French Mountain<\/a><\/strong>. Under a mile long, it\u2019s the biggest bang for your buck: the forested roundtrip hike over granite slabs culminates in a 716-foot-high peak with a spectacular view of Long Pond<\/a><\/strong>, the second-largest of the region\u2019s lakes. Mount Phillip<\/a><\/strong> offers a longer loop at 1.4 miles, with a look at Great Pond<\/a><\/strong> (of On Golden Pond fame). At more than 8,000 acres, it\u2019s the largest lake. Both trails are maintained by the active 7 Lakes Alliance, a conservation nonprofit that often offers group hikes and hosts the weekly farmers\u2019 market in Belgrade Village, located on the jut of land separating Long and Great Ponds. In partnership with the state, the alliance also manages the Kennebec Highlands Public Reserved Land<\/a><\/strong>, which, at more than 6,800 acres, is the largest public lands preserve in central Maine. Vienna Mountain was just acquired by the state this spring, filling in a land gap in the preserve, and affords hikers 360-degree views on wild blueberry barrens that are free for the picking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LAKESIDE LUNCH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After working up an appetite, head to Belgrade\u2019s Hello Good Pie<\/a><\/strong> to grab a hearty quiche-of-theday or a sandwich on fresh-made bread to take to Peninsula Park<\/a><\/strong>, just down the road on the shores of Long Pond. From there you can watch the boating action or look for loons. Nearby Day\u2019s Store<\/a><\/strong> is a longtime village staple for a scoop of ice cream or homemade fudge. A gyro and baklava from the seasonal Spiro and Company<\/a><\/strong> food truck pair nicely with a browse through the books and art at neighboring Oliver and Friends Bookshop and Reading Room<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Boat houses on Great Pond.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

WANDER FARMLANDS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Winterberry Farm<\/strong> in Belgrade, one of a handful of farms in the area, is always open for a self-guided tour of its pastures, gardens, and 1870s Shaker-style barn, where chickens roam and friendly horses nuzzle. The farm store offers its produce, including socks made with the wool of its resident sheep, honey from its hives, and frozen organic turkey potpies, perfect for a quick dinner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DIP + SPIRITS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Finally, go for a swim in Messalonskee Lake\u2014which locals call Snow Pond\u2014at Oakland\u2019s Town Beach<\/strong>. Then end the day at Tree Spirits Winery and Distillery<\/a><\/strong> for a tasting of maple wine or pear brandy, both made with ingredients sourced locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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