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Things
to Do in and AroundMost of Home-Nest’s shorter-term guests prefer to “stay home”, savoring the unique and restful flavor of our farm’s facilities. However, we do find that longer term visitors often ask us to suggest nearby activities, to satisfy special personal interests: historical sites, antiques, sightseeing, golfing, hiking, theater, skiing, boating, swimming and fishing. With this in mind, we have compiled this list of suggestions, together with directions, travel time, and a brief description of the attractions of each recommendation. It is far from being an exhaustive list; but it includes some of your hosts’ favorite “haunts”…and will serve to give you an idea of the great attractiveness of Home-Nest’s location.
Lakeside Antiques, Manchester. 20 min. ride: Route #17 East to Rt. 202 West on #202 about two miles on the left. Several dozen dealers share large 2-story barn.
Wilbur’s Antiques, Greene. 30 min. ride: South Road to Wayne; #133 East to Winthrop; #202 South to Greene…on right. Big stock; good variety; personable owner (Mrs. Wilbur). Two barns plus house where highest valued furniture is kept.
Tuttles Antiques, Pittston. 40 min. ride: East #17 to Augusta, Rt. #27 (South)…on left. Look! Drool! (But, probably, don’t buy!) A veritable museum: rare, quality antiques priced into the tens of thousands. Beautiful showrooms in restored colonial homes.
Elmer’s Barn, Coopers Mills. 50 min. ride: East on #17 to Coopers Mills…on left. A true “institution”, Elmer is a genuine character! (You may have read the story about him in YANKEE MAGAZINE.) Look! Laugh!…and be ready to buy! You may have to really hunt for what you want. Don’t give up! It may be under a pile of dusty bearskins on the third floor of the barn. Not the neatest; but certainly one of the most fascinating.
Hallowell Historic District, Hallowell. 30 min. ride: East on #17 to Augusta; south on #201 to Hallowell. Historic village on banks of Kennebec River. Contains many quaint shops, all in a concentrated area. Have a good lunch or meal at Slate’s Restaurant, right in the midst of the shops.
Maple Lane Golf Course, Livermore. 20 min. ride: South Rd. to Wayne; Rt. 219 West to Rt. 108; turn rt. On #108 and look for Maple Lane sign (turns off to right and follows river North.).
Turner Highlands Country Club, Turner. 20 min. ride; South Rd. to Wayne; right short distance on Rt. #133, then left on Rt. #209; left off #209 onto Rt. #117 at Howes Corner to Club House on left. Scenic location, with apple orchards and expansive views to Western mountains. World Golf says, “Great course. This 18-hole course is an easy one to play, but not an easy one to play well on . A variety of challenging holes” – yet, fun for all, including beginners. Excellent restaurant (Eli’s) on site.
Augusta Country Club, East Winthrop. 20 min. ride: East on Rt. #17 to Manchester light; left on Rt. #202 to clubhouse on left. Overlooks Cobbosseecontee Lake.
Wilson Lake Country Club, Wilton. West on Rt. #17 to Livermore Falls; right on Rt. #133 to Wilton; left on Rt. #156 to course, on left, just out of town. A long-time favorite for area people. Lake and mountain views. For a treat, eat on outside deck tables above babbling Wilson Stream, at The Boiler Room in Wilton (in the old Bass Shoe factory).
Sugarloaf Golf Club, Carrabassett Valley. 1 ½ hours drive: Rt. #17 West to #133; #133 North to #4; #4 North to #27; #27 North to Carrabassett, follow signs to Sugarloaf Mts. 1986 Gold Digest called this Robert Trent Jones II course “Maine’s finest.” Spectacular Mtn. Scenery; take 2 mile gondola ride to summit of Sugarloaf Mtn., while there.
Mingo Springs Golf Course, Rangeley. 1 ½ hrs. drive: West on #17 to #4, North on #4 through Rangeley Village to course (on left). Expansive water and mountain views of this famous vacation paradise. Treat yourself to a gourmet meal at the old Rangeley Inn. Ride the lift to the top of Saddleback Mtn. for the view.
Home-Nest
Farm,
Fayette. You don’t have to move
off our 200 secluded acres! Visit
our flock of sheep, horses (Jet and Sassafras), and donkey (Ebenezer). Get to know them, hand feed them their grain
and become friends. Pick your own
wild berries for breakfast: strawberries
in June-July; raspberries in July-Aug.; blueberries in July – Sept. Join in the haying in late June …gardening all
summer. Pick apples in Sept. –
Oct.
Berandt
and Elaine Graf’s Dairy Farm,
Fayette. Just 5 min. west on the
Bamford Hill Road. A small working dairy farm.
Our personable neighbors welcome visitors. Observe and/or actually participate in feeding and milking
operations. Telephone for
appointment: 897-5296.
Ford
Stevenson’s berry farm,
Wayne. 10 min. south…South Rd. to
Berry Rd., turn right on Berry Rd. a short distance to signs.
Pick your own strawberries and raspberries in beautiful and extensive
commercial fields. Enjoy the
quietness, beauty and aromas of the experience.
Guaranteed to give pleasurable, lasting memories…long after taste buds
lose the sweetness from garnished cereals.
(late June – August)
Kents
Hill Orchards, Kents
Hill. 10 min. East on
Rt. #17, on left. Great views of lakes and mountains. Nice farm store. Pick your
own apples in scenic hilltop commercial orchards, typical of many such
operations in Western Maine. Help us get in our supply for preparing next
winter’s applesauce. (Sept. – Oct.)
Norlands
(historic farm museum), Livermore. 20
min. ride: South Rd. to Wayne; right on #133, immediate left on #219;
right on #108 (after crossing double bridges over Androscoggin River); follow
signs to Norlands Living History Center. A
national Historic Site: (admission
fee). You may have hands-on farming
experiences in old methods: milking
cows, churning butter, carding, spinning, weaving, ice harvesting, haying,
working land and draft horses and oxen, wagon and sleigh rides, tending and
harvesting crops with old-time ways.
Maine
Agricultural Fairs, all
around us! July – October. Livestock
exhibits, produce exhibits, harness racing, sheep showing, handcrafts, games,
and fireworks. Celebrating the
Maine farm tradition. See scrapbook
that we maintain in each facility, containing each year’s detailed schedule,
directions, etc. Two of our favorites are the Farmington Fair (usually the third
week of September) and the Fryeburg Fair (usually the first week of October).
Home-Nest Farm.
Much to explore right at home! Restful
walks on miles of old discontinued roads; ancient graveyards; impressive granite
foundations and stonewalls of long-decayed residences; remains of old orchards
and lilac trees that bear witness of past activities.
A detailed 1872 map, identifying the roads, homes and former occupants,
hangs on the wall of our Carriage Shed. This can be of help in planning your
trips to discover forgotten times and places.
Many natural history highlights; land abounds with moose, deer, birds,
and wild flowers.
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Mt. Blue State Park Area, Weld. 45 min. ride: West on Rt. #17 to Rt. #133; North of Rt. #133 to Rt. #156 to Weld.
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Center Hill Picnic Area, Mt. Blue Park (take right at flag pole in center of Weld village). Easy access. Good, scenic picnic facilities (tables and log shelters and fireplaces). Gentle hiking trail through woods to open granite ledges, affording spectacular views of rugged mountains and lake. |
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Mt. Blue State Park Beach Take Rt. #142 North at Weld flagpole, follow signs. Excellent swimming, picnic facilities, shelters, toilets, boats. [Forget climbing Mt.Blue! It’s tiresome & no view from top due to dense tree growth.] |
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| Tumbledown Mtn. (Mt. Blue Park area). Our family’s favorite climbing trails; trails of varying difficulty, requiring 1 to 2 hours for ascent. Pristine crater lake at top, nestled between 3 spectacular granite peaks, with much above timberline hiking. Cliffs, caves, chimneys, views and challenges for the most ambitious climbers, yet can be mastered by most anyone. Wild blueberries and cranberries galore. |  |
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Popham
Beach State Park,
Phippsburg. 75 min. ride: Rt. #17 East to Augusta; South on Rt. #127;
right on Rt. #1 to Bath; South on Rt. #209 to the beach. Miles of
wonderful white sand beaches. Beach provides wheelchair access by
boardwalk over the dune area approaches. Good seal watching at the
mouths of the Kennebec and Morse Rivers. Children like exploring the
well-preserved granite fort. Walk out to islands at low tide. |
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Reid State Park, Georgetown. 75 min. ride: Rt. #17 East to Augusta, South of Rt. 127 (crossing over Rt. #1 at Bath) all the way to Georgetown. Hike diverse environment that encapsulates the best of Maine’s coast: miles of white sand beaches, rocky headlands, dunes, and salt marshes. Beautiful even in winter (as attached photo). Snack bars, tables, toilets, changing facilities at main parking areas. Have lobster at Five Islands pier on way home…a great ending to a memorable day!..(only about 2-3 miles from the State Park). |
Smalls Falls, Sandy River Plantation. 60 min. ride from Home-Nest. Follow previous directions to Weld; at Weld flagpole take Rt. #142 North to Rt. #4; West on Rt. #4 about 8 miles to Picnic Area sign. State Park area. Good facilities (tables, shelters, toilets), gorgeous series of falls. Nice hiking trails along water. Swimming hole.
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Our guests are especially fascinated by Maine’s huge, ungainly moose. Invariably, they ask where to go to see one in the wild. Moose-spotting can be frustrating for the impatient! When you want so desperately to see one, it seems you never will. When it is of no great importance in your priority of planning the day’s events, you’re very likely to have one appear when and where least expected: (with no camera at the ready!). They can appear in our own back yard. They can amble through a village’s main street. They can stand in or near major highways. They can charge out of the bushes in front of speeding traffic: (yes, you must heed the signs “Moose Crossing” even if you’ve never before see one there!). |
Since the institution of an annual Moose hunt, Maine’s moose (numerous as they are) have become even more difficult to spot. They have become leery of the dangerous human: (and rightly so). However, they still have favorite trails and destinations. Here are some suggestions.
In our own back yard: 1) as you head for route #17 by way of the Bog Road, always look left over a marshy area near the intersection of the Gile Road; 2) as you head west on the Bamford Hill Road towards Graf dairy farm (perhaps on the way to milking instructions!) check both sides of the road in the deep valley where there is an extensive bog, just before a steep rise to the Graf’s.
On
Route #4 from Phillips to Rangeley: just beyond the Smalls Falls
picnic area on the left side of the highway, there is a wet area that abuts the
road for about one mile. Because there is a sharp drop-off from the edge of the
road to the wetland, most cars speed by without realizing that just a few feet
away a moose or two can very often be found nonchalantly grazing, evidently
fully cognizant of the fact that few humans will bother them there. If the
effort doesn’t at first pan out, drive on to the beautiful town of Rangeley,
have lunch on the deck of “Park & Main Restaurant” or the Gingerbread
House in Oquossoc, then check again on your return home.
Route #27, north of Stratton: you will cross a causeway a bit north of Stratton Village with Flagstaff Lake on either side of the road. Don’t be fooled by a number of dark stumps in the water that look much like moose. Keep going beyond the causeway about ¼th of a mile to where a brook on the left comes almost to the road. This seems to be a favorite hangout for moose. If you’re in the area at dusk or nighttime, ask where the Stratton road department sand and salt pile is. Moose gather regularly after dark for a good salt lick.
When all else fails, see a great stuffed moose at the Maine State Museum, or see a live one at the Maine Wildlife Park in Dry Mills, Maine.
Movies:
Narrow Gauge Cinema, Farmington (1/2 hour drive);
Regal Cinemas, August (Mall off I-95, north of Augusta -- ½ hour drive)
Stage:
| The Theater at Monmouth, Monmouth, Maine: ½ hour; route #17 to Manchester; right on route 202; left off route #202 onto route #132; follow route #132 for about 2 miles to theater. Performances are held in the strikingly beautiful Cumston Hall, listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. On stage in the architectural splendor of this fascinating turreted Victorian structure, talented actors and actresses present the exciting energy of live theater. By act of Maine’s Legislature, Cumston Hall has been designated the official “Shakespearean Theater of Maine.” But the schedule of plays is very diverse – every one (Shakespeare or not!) being a classic. |  |
Maine State Music Theatre, Brunswick, Maine: 1 hour drive; route #17 to Augusta I-95 to I-295 to Brunswick exit onto Maine Street; south on Maine Street to left onto Bath Road – (theatre on right). Professional performances of Broadway musicals that entertain and enrich lives. For example, shows in 2005 include “Swing!”, “Miss Saigon”, “Cats” and “Mame.” Childrens’ shows are also scheduled. This is the only “Resident Stock Professional Musical Theater” in the United States.
Warning: the trips marked with this symbol -♣ – (on or near Route #1) – can experience a lot more traffic in July and August than the inland Maine trips. However, if you’re prepared for a bit of slow going, we still think you will agree the effort is well worth it.
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♣
Camden Hills State Park, Camden.
75 minute ride: East on #17 to Route #90; North on #90 to Rockport/Camden.
Park entrance on Route #1, just North of Camden Village. Extensive hiking
trails – (maps at gate). Be sure to drive your car to the summit of
Mount Battie for panoramic views of Camden Harbor, the Penobscot Bay
Islands and Bar Harbor mountains in the distance. Camden harbor is home
port for a large part of Maine’s famous vacation schooner fleet. Be sure
to visit the town wharf for a close-up view of these picturesque “tall
ships.” |
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Monhegan
Island, Monhegan Plantation
(one of Maine’s outermost islands). 1 ½ hour ride to Port Clyde, where
you can catch the mail boat to the island: Route #17 East to Route 131
(just East of Union); #131 south to Port Clyde. Call in advance for
reservation on the Laura B.” No cars are allowed on the ferry. A bit
expensive for a day’s trip but worth it! One hour ferry ride each way.
Book passage on the early morning run, then back in the PM – giving time
to wander, see the little village, the lighthouse museum, walk through the
peaceful “Cathedral Woods” to cliff trails across spectacular
headlands so often painted by World-famous artists. Watch for seals on
little isles at the harbor’s entrance! |
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Richardson Lakes, South Arm. 80 minute ride to South Arm campground landing, where a boat from “Lakewood Camps” will pick you up at a prearranged time and transport you to Middle Dam. Call 1-243-2959 (radio telephone connection) to make arrangements. Enjoy your main meal at a central dining hall of this remote hunting-fishing camp. |
Swan
Island, Richmond. 45
minute drive: East on #17 to Interstate #95 (Augusta); South on #95 to the
Richmond exit (Route #197); #197 East to Richmond Town Boat Landing on the
Kennebec River. Park in the northernmost area, at the State Park wharf, where
you will be picked up by the State Warden boat at a prearranged time. Call
547-5322 for reservations. A Park Warden will pick you u at the landing and
carry your party to the island for a tour of the wildlife sanctuary. Many deer,
eagles, ducks, hawks, etc. Attractive picnic grounds with log shelters and
fireplaces. Abandoned houses from 1700’s; interesting old graveyard, orchards,
beautiful fields and woods. Great hiking! Children enjoy it.
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Wildlife Park, Dry Mills,
Maine. 75 minute drive: South
Rd to Wayne; Route #219 to Route #117, to Route #4; South on route #4 to
Auburn entrance of Maine Turnpike (I-95); South on turnpike to Gray exit
(Exit 11), and then take Route #26 North to Dry Mills. State hatchery
produces brook and lake trout. The wildlife education center has nice
displays; self guided nature trails; picnic facilities; pheasants, deer,
bear, moose may be seen live here in the game farm, where orphaned or
injured wildlife is tended to in preparation for their release back into
wilderness areas. |
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| Fort
Knox, Prospect,
Maine. 80 minute ride: route #17 East to I-95; North on I-95 a short
distance to the exit to Route #3; route #3 east to Prospect. This State
Park is an all-time favorite fort: a real treat for old and young alike.
This massive granite fort overlooks the Penobscot River near Bucksport. It
was built in 1844: huge original cannon; dungeons and underground tunnels;
high ramparts overlooking great river vistas. Be sure to take a
flashlight! |
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| ♣ Owl’s Head Transportation Museum, Owls Head (near Rockland). 90 minute ride: est on route #17 to Rockland route #73 to Museum signs. Fun for old and young. This museum has one of the finest collections of antique aircraft (see them fly in special weekend air shows), automobiles, and engines. Take a 100 year journey through the evolution of transportation – from horse-drawn carriages to World War I fighter planes. Take a ride in a Model T! (Open 7 days a week from May through October .. weekends only for the balance of the year.) Be sure to visit the Owls Head Lighthouse, while there |  |
| Pemaquid Lighthouse and Museum, Pemaquid, Maine. 90 minute ride: est on route #17 to Augusta; south on route #27 to Wiscasset (town often photographed as representing most typical old New England village); north on route #1 to Damariscotta; south on route #130 to Pemaquid Point;. One of Maine’s prettiest lighthouses: erected in 1827. the rock formations on the rugged shoreline make spectacular photographs, as a foreground to the lighthouse structure. Nearby /Fort William Henry (stone fort erected in 1692) has an interesting museum; and there are very interesting archeological excavations of a 1620 settlement – (with good seafood served at a pier on the site!). |  |
| Farnsworth Art Museum and Farnsworth Homestead Museum, Rockland, Maine. 75 minute ride: east on route #17 to Rockland. Considered to be one of America’s finest regional museums. Extensive collection of Maine and Maine-related artists: Homer, Hartley, Kent, Wyeth (N. C. Wyeth, Andrew Wyeth and Jamie Wyeth), Marin, Pierce, Bellows, etc. The homestead (a National Historic Site) is one of the finest Victorian era residences in the country .. with its elegant Greek Revival exterior and its lavish and colorful interior.. Be sure to visit the nearby waterfront while there. |  |
| Eagle
Island, Casco Bay.
Arctic explorer Admiral Robert E. Peary’s home: now a State Park. 75
minute ride to South Freeport docks, where get “Atlantic Seal Cruises”
boat (no cars) to Eagle Island. Call Atlantic Seal (207-865-6112) for boat
schedule and reserve. Fascinating jewel of an island: beach; ledges, tidal
pools, easy walk around island; tour the old home. Take early boat out and
return on a later boat, giving several hours to explore. Take a lunch or
plan on eating at the excellent Harraseket lunch and lobster company
facility at the south Freeport docks. Near L. L. Bean! |
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Home-Nest
Farm – (your
vacation home!). For a self-guided exploration of life at this family home
of eight generations of Sturtevants, each one of our rental units is
provided with copies of two books: JOSIAH VOLUNTEERED, a 550 page volume
that accents family life in the Civil War period; then there is HOME-NEST
CHRONICLES, a profusely illustrated collection of many interesting family
stories, from early settlement days to the 20th century. For
those of you who wish to take a copy home as a memento, they are available
for purchase. |
 Tour the mansion house, farm buildings, schoolhouse, church and gothic library: oxen, draft horses; wagon & sleigh rides. |
Norlands Living History Museum, Livermore. (See driving directions under “Farming.”) Home of the famous Washburn brothers. Hear the story of their unequaled accomplishments in United States politics. Among the seven brothers there were: 2 governors from two different states; 4 congressmen form 4 different states; 1 United States Senator; a U. S. Secretary of State; 2 foreign ministers. The also had successful and colorful careers in the military and business fields. One founded Washburn-Crosby Mills (gold Medal Flour), while another, in typical competitive spirit, founded Pillsbury Flour. Learn how they were raised by their mother, Patty, and experience attending the one-room schoolhouse (authentic reenactment) where they were educated. [Your host, Arn Sturtevant, was founding President of the Norlands Foundation.] |
Maine State Museum, Augusta. 30-minute ride; east on #17 to State Street; south on State Street, turning right after Capitol building into large parking facility. Great way to spend a cloudy or rainy day. Rated one of the nation’s best State museums, winning many awards. – (including National award for one of the top three new exhibitions, Smithsonian Museum and the Ford Museum being the other two recipients!). Learn about Maine’s people, natural history, and industry. Innovative, entertaining exhibits. Children especially love the realistic wildlife exhibits, where they play games of identifying the many creatures (SOME STUFFED, SOME REAL!) in woodland settings --- moose, deer, beaver, eagle, live rout in flowing streams, etc. [Your host, Arn Sturtevant, is past Chairman and long time member of the Museum Commission.]
Fort Western, Augusta. 30 minute ride: east on #17 to Water Street; take old bridge over the Kennebec River, and turn immediately right after crossing. Built in 1754 by Plymouth Company to protect from the French & Indians. Barracks now a museum. City owned.
Maine Maritime Museum, Bath. 60 minute ride: east on #17 to route #27 in Augusta; south on #27, turning right on #127 at Dresden Mills to route #1 in Woolwich; right on #1 over the Kennebec river Bridge into Bath; follow signs to left, along the west bank of the Kennebec, past Bath Iron Works to the Museum. Maine’s seafaring history comes alive here. Explore the restored shipyard buildings, picnic on the docks, chat with boatbuilding apprentices as they learn the skills and traditions of Maine’s shipbuilding masters. Browse through the striking new exhibition building. Get the feel of the sea aboard the Grand Banks schooner, Sherman Zwicker. This old shipyard once built the largest wooden sailing ships that ever put to sea.
Last updated: 08/30/2009
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