{"id":62958,"date":"2022-06-10T09:38:38","date_gmt":"2022-06-10T13:38:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/?p=62958"},"modified":"2022-07-06T17:03:28","modified_gmt":"2022-07-06T21:03:28","slug":"a-day-in-the-sebago-lakes-region","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themainemag.com\/a-day-in-the-sebago-lakes-region\/","title":{"rendered":"A Day in the Sebago Lakes Region"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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ON THE WATER<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sebago<\/a><\/strong> is the heavyweight lake around these parts, bordered by six towns\u2014Casco, Naples, Raymond, Sebago, Standish, and Windham. But smaller lakes, ponds, and rivers also abound, as do countless marinas and outfitters. Save a full day (or longer) for Sebago Lake State Park<\/a><\/strong>; you\u2019ll want to lavish plenty of attention on its sandy beaches, hiking trails, and campsites for tents and RVs. There are boat launches, too, and scads of picnic spots. Sebago is huge for salmon and trout fishing, and experts such as Sebago Lake Fishing Charters and Tours<\/strong> <\/a>in Raymond are ready to outfit and guide you. Or spend a day in Naples, where the Causeway<\/a><\/strong> is ground zero for everything from pontoon boat rentals and waterski lessons to paddleboarding, river boat rides, and gin and tonics on the deck of Rick\u2019s Cafe<\/a><\/strong> at sunset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

BREAK FOR REFRESHMENTS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t let the name\u2019s gratuitous e\u2019s fool you: Gary\u2019s Olde Towne Tavern<\/a><\/strong> in Naples is the real deal for solid staples like mac \u2019n\u2019 cheese and steak tips. Likewise, the Standard Gastropub<\/a><\/strong> in Bridgton slings above-standard (and filling) fare, including their house burger and a killer house-smoked brisket sandwich. For an adventure-meets-dining jaunt, catch a public ferry or private boat to Frye Island<\/a><\/strong> in the middle of Sebago Lake and head to Frye\u2019s Leap General Store and Cafe<\/a><\/strong> midday\u2014bloody Marys with bacon-infused vodka are a go-to\u2014and play cornhole while you watch kids (and some grown-ups) jump off a huge rock into the water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Diving into Sebago Lake from a dock.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Recreational
boaters relax and socialize as they wait for the water at Songo
River\u2019s lock to rise so they can pass through.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

ON DRY LAND<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s so much activity off the water around here, you can leave the swimsuit at home if you like and instead opt to hike the Pleasant Mountain<\/a><\/strong> trail network (home to Shawnee Peak<\/a><\/strong>). Its treks are mostly moderate in difficulty; the Ledges Trail<\/a><\/strong> can be done in under two hours and rewards hikers with beautiful views of Moose Pond<\/a><\/strong>. For something more horizontal, walk the flat first 1.5 miles of the Sebago to Sea Trail<\/a><\/strong> that starts in South Windham. Rather swap rustication for refinement? Book a stay with Point Sebago Resort<\/a><\/strong> in Casco, and you\u2019ll be in a lakeside lap of luxury\u2014 with a marina, sandy beach, all-day childcare programs, and an 18-hole championship golf course at your disposal. And when that (almost) inevitable rainy day comes along, make for Magic Lantern Movie Theater<\/a><\/strong> in Bridgton. Dating back to the 1930s, it\u2019s been completely renovated and now includes a tavern. Oh, and it\u2019s also rumored to be a good place for a sighting of Stephen King, who\u2019s said to frequent the vintage gem.<\/p>\n\n\n\t\t

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