Seasons

Imagine us in any season; visit us in all of them. Our four-season area has something for everyone. The unique blend of history, recreation, attractions and family fun make the Lakes Region a perfect destination. Whether you are in the market for a place to enjoy the great outdoors or to simply sit back and take in the beautiful mountain and lake views, Bridgton and the surrounding western Maine towns will assuredly provide the means to satisfy your every desire. We have trails for hikers or bicyclists, boat rentals for the Saco River and any of the numerous lakes and ponds, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing trails, downhill skiing and snowboarding at Shawnee Peak, hunting, fishing, golfing, skijoring, dog sled races, fall foliage, summer road races and numerous cultural events and festivals, including the Mushers Bowl/Winter Carnival, Lakes Brew Fest, Maine Blues Festival, throughout the thirteen communities that make up the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce. Our magnificent surroundings are only part of the charm.

 

Summer

As the temperatures rise, summer activities increase in the Lakes Region. Warm summer days can be spent basking in the sun, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, water skiing, swimming or boating. On land, there are great opportunities for nature watching, berry picking, hiking, biking or strolling along beaches, down country roads, or through the variety of shops. Our western Maine area offers challenging golf courses, tennis courts and road races. Visit the museums, art galleries, theatrical or musical events, summer festivals, i.e. Old Home Days and historical societies scattered throughout our towns. A variety of residential and day camps provide extended opportunities for children. Enjoy an old-fashioned family vacation, rent a cottage on a lake, pitch a tent at a local campground or find a room at one of our B & B's, inns or motels--relax and breathe in the fresh air of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region area. Even rainy days bring plenty of options.

Autumn

As the days shorten and the nights grow cooler, nature dazzles us with her brilliant display of reds, oranges and yellows. Leaf peeping season attracts visitors from all over and coincides with the famous Fryeburg Fair, Maine's largest agricultural fair. This is also the season for the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Brew Fest held at Point Sebago and the Chili Festival in Waterford. During the fall, locally grown produce, pumpkins and cornstalks are available at stands and farmers' markets. Apple picking is a great family activity. Opportunities for hunters abound, beginning with Youth Hunting Day the Saturday preceding open hunting season. The crisp air can be felt as you hike, bike, picnic and enjoy the peacefulness of the lakes and mountains

Winter

When Jack Frost's chill nips at your nose, ice and snow tingle your toes and the warmth of an open fire beckons, will you answer our area's call? Come play in the snow and enjoy the warm hospitality of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region area. This is the perfect spot for winter fun. Glide through the winter's powder as you ski or snowboard down Shawnee Peak, ride a snowmobile over the extensive maintained trail system, snowshoe or cross-country ski. Ice skate or ice fish on our splendid lakes. Participate in the many activities at this year's Winter Carnival, which will include the annual Musher's Bowl, and Lakes Region Biathlon. Purchase an extra pair of long underwear, mittens or a hat in our shops. And remember that local accommodations will be warm and inviting after an exciting day spent in the brisk winter air.

Spring

The winter chill leaves the air as the greenery begins to peek through the ground. Spring in the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region area is the start of something new to celebrate. Enjoy a scenic drive through the countryside or a hike along any one of our numerous trails, both easy and moderate. Watch for young wildlife including birds, loons, deer, moose and bears. Or help salamanders and wood frogs return to vernal pools during Big Night celebrations. Purchase a fishing license, then cast a line into one of the numerous rivers, ponds and streams. Learn more about the age-old tradition of tapping maple trees for sap, to be boiled off to maple syrup, candy and butter or sample some at a pancake breakfast on Maine Maple Sunday. Shops extend their hours and farmers' markets reopen as the days begin to lengthen. Spring is a great time to visit the western Maine area before the summer crowds arrive.

Rainy Day Activities

What to do on a rainy day in the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region

Many of us wish that it never rained during vacation, but alas, it does. In the Lakes Region, however, the rainy day doldrums can be minimized with a little planning and creativity. If you are looking for something other than puddle jumping, you might try bowling or paint ball in Fryeburg or the batting cages and two arcades in Naples. The Colonial Mast, also in Naples, offers public swim at certain times. Call any of the town offices to find out if there is gym time available for a game of pick-up basketball. Folks play Ping Pong at Bridgton Town Hall. Or you could explore local history through the various historical society museums. You might visit an art gallery in any of the Lakes Region towns or attend a performance at Deertrees Theatre in Harrison. In Waterford you'll find a bison ranch worth visiting. Maybe you would prefer browsing through Bridgton Books or one of the area's used book stores. Of course, the public libraries are great places to get lost in books for the day. While at the Casco Public Library you could make a purchase at the year round book sale. If videos are your thing, check out the selections available in various shops throughout the region. The Lakes Environmental Association and Loon Echo Land Trust in Bridgton and Greater Lovell Land Trust in Lovell offer a quiet space to learn more about their respective programs to protect our lakes and land. Be sure to check out the activities at Bridgton Community Center. If you prefer a tour of the area, you might search for the fork in the road in Stow or learn about the Captain Perley Curse in Naples. You could locate "The House That Jack Built" in Raymond or stop by the Denmark Arts Center. While in Sebago you might locate a possible station of the Underground Railroad, journey to Brownfield and research the 1947 forest fire that almost completely destroyed the town or visit the Blacksmith Shop in Sweden. Don't forget that a rainy day is a perfect day to tempt your taste buds with selections from local bakeries, diners, coffee shops, Thai, Italian and classic American cuisine restaurants, Maine seafood eateries, brewpubs, steakhouses and more. In the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region area you'll find an array of dining experiences guaranteed to please even the most discerning palate. And when you are finished eating, there are always gift, antique and specialty shops to explore in all of our towns.