Off the Maine Road

Tag: sebago

The Ice Cream Dugout: Home Run!

February 19, 2015 /

I like to think of Off the Maine Road as a journey. It’s a journey through the best of what the Pine Tree State has to offer. For this post, we’re in North Windham Maine, a short distance away from our last post had to offer. This post will be short and sweet (literally!).

The Ice Cream Dugout is the best around. We must understand what the Dugout tries to combine: baseball and ice cream. The ice cream is inspired by the Portland Sea Dogs, an MiLB team not too far away. Hence, the sizes of ice cream are appropriately named bunt, single, double and triple (and RBI, which stands for Really Big Ice Cream). The 48 flavors (ranging from Almond Joy to Whoopie Pie) are supplied by the delicious Shain’s of Maine Ice Cream Company. One of my favorite Maine treats is the infamous Sea Dog Biscuit, which will be mentioned in further detail in a future post. I highly recommend it, as it is one of the only places outside of Hadlock Field (the Sea Dogs’ home field) where you are able to get one.

Hadlock Field, the home of the Portland Sea Dogs and the Sea Dog Biscuit.

Hadlock Field, the home of the Portland Sea Dogs and the Sea Dog Biscuit.

Combined with the friendly Maine service, the Ice Cream Dugout is worth the stop for a cold treat on a hot summer’s day!

Naples: The Town by the Lake

February 18, 2015 /

In this post, Off the Maine Road will certainly live up to its name. This town is located a little “off the beaten track,” but it’s worth the visit if you have some time to spare.

Naples is located in the Sebago Lakes region, which is about an hour northwest of Portland. It’s in the middle of Long Lake (which is rather long, hence its name) and Brandy Pond. Local businesses revolve around the lake, and there are many activities you can do for leisure. Sebago Kayak Company is one-stop shopping when it comes to kayak, paddle board and other small craft rentals.

On the lodging front, the Lakeview Inn (also known as the Inn at Long Lake) has some newly renovated rooms Other bead and breakfasts include the Augustus Bove House and the Lambs Mill Inn.

Of course, no Off the Maine Road post would be complete without any mention of dining or food. My personal favorite restaurant in Naples is the Freedom Cafe and Pub. Although only open during the summer/spring months, it has a family atmosphere and serves some pretty good treats. It’s located right on the causeway, just across from the Lakeview Inn.  After having dinner, why not go for some ice cream at Causeway Dairy Bar? Some other picks to eat are the Black Bear Cafe, Merced’s on Brandy Pond, and the Lobster Pound. They’re all located on Roosevelt Trail (aka Route 302), which is the main road that passes through Naples.

Outside the Freedom Cafe and Publick House in Naples.

Outside the Freedom Cafe and Publick House in Naples.

Finally, Steamboat Landing maybe right up your “alley” when it comes to mini-golf.

While not as famous as Naples, Florida or Naples, Italy, Naples, Maine certainly has that Maine feel and a lot to offer!