Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce

The Fryeburg Fair, Maine’s Blue Ribbon Classic and oldest agricultural fair, will be held Dates : October 1 – October 8, 2017. More information is available at www.fryeburgfair.com

One of the charming characteristics of the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region area is the succession of fall colors in autumn. Slowly at first, and then rapidly, the leaves change color. Times of peak color vary from year to year and depend upon cooler weather. Visit us at any time between mid-September and mid-October and you won’t be disappointed.

If it is fish you seek, then the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region is the place for you. Togue (Lake Trout), Land-locked Salmon, Small and Large-mouthed Bass, Splake, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Pickerel, Sunfish, White Perch, Hornpout and Smelts are common species in this area. Top fishing spots include the following: Sebago Lake, Panther Pond, Thomas Pond, Trickey Pond, Coffee Pond, Brandy Pond, Parker Pond, Crescent Lake, Crystal Lake, Peabody Pond, Hancock Pond, Highland Lake, Woods Pond, Moose Pond and Long Lake.

The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife posts information and regulations about fishing and hunting on-line at www.informe.org/MOSES/ or at local town offices. Fishing and hunting licenses are available on-line or at local businesses and town offices. In Bridgton, they are available at Unc’l Lunker’s Bait and Tackle and Hannaford.

• Hayes True Value Hardware & Just Ask Rental, 204 Portland Road, Bridgton
• Unc’l Lunker’s Fish & Bait, 6 Gage Street, Bridgton

The topography of Maine lends itself to the variety of fish found in the cold, clear water. For more information contact Lakes Environmental Association at 207.647.8580 or visit mainelakes.org

The “OFFICIAL” Lakes Region 600 Mile Snowmobile and X-Country Trail Map is available at the Chamber office and in many stores throughout the region. More information is available at skiing and snow sports about local snowmobile clubs. Trail conditions are updated periodically. The Bridgton Easy Riders hotline is 207.647.5255.

The Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce allows parking for snowmobile trailers in our lot. For other locations, inquire at the Chamber office or visit the web sites listed above.

The varied terrain at Five Fields Farm on Route 107 in South Bridgton makes skiing accessible to all abilities. More information is available at skiing and snow sports. Trails are also groomed at Bridgton Highlands Gold & Tennis Club and Sebago Lake State Park. In addition, the snowmobile trails are open to X-Country skiers.

Local downhill and cross-country ski conditions are available at skiing and snow sports.

For more information about the Appalachian Trail, check out Hikes in and around Maine’s Lake Region, page 50. This booklet, by a local hiker, contains information about many trails in the area. It is available for sale through the Chamber.  Information from the Appalachian Mountain Club is also available on-line at www.amcmaine.org

Bicycling in the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Area means narrow shoulders and hilly routes, but the network of country roads will take you through quintessential New England as you pass old stone walls, and ride down maple-lined roads with river, lake or mountain views. Many routes can be found by circling lakes in the area. These back roads offer an opportunity to ride past orchards, farms and old mill sites, with plenty of hills to climb. Rides include around Highland Lake and Stearns Pond in Bridgton and Sweden, Long Lake in Naples, Harrison and Bridgton, Kezar Pond in Lovell, Lovewell Pond and Pleasant Pond in Fryeburg and Denmark, Moose Pond in Bridgton and Denmark, Keoka Lake and McWain Pond in Waterford, Pleasant Lake in Casco and Crescent Lake and Panther Pond in Raymond. For a ride through Fryeburg, check www.fryeburgmaine.org and click on the bike map. An Evergreen Valley ride in Stow is a 12-mile out-and-back on Deer Hill Road, an unpaved Forest Service road. Or try the Cold River Valley in Stow. The Boston Hills in Denmark and Morgan Meadow in Raymond offer a mountain bike experience. For a less strenuous workout, and one that’s fun for younger children, try the Fryeburg Fairgrounds, though not during fair week. Sebago Lake State Park in Naples is another place for beginners and more advanced riders. Always remember to wear your helmet when riding.

Generally speaking, dogs are not allowed in the water or on the grounds of public beaches. Check with private property owners as some do make allowances for dogs. The following accommodations are pet-friendly: Pt. Sebago Resort, All Moosed Home, and Fern Hill Farm B & B. In addition, Lake Country Properties and Maine Lakeside Getaways will help you locate a pet-friendly place.

Bridgton Veterinary Hospital, Route 117, Bridgton; 207.647.8804

During the season, there are a variety of places to ice skate. Do be sure to check the thickness of the ice before venturing out.

• Bridgton Ice Arena, (fee, skate rentals–call 207.647.3322, ext 310 for times) located on the grounds of Bridgton Academy
• Chadbourne Hill Road, North Bridgton Town Rink, Bridgton (no charge, donations accepted, free skates, hot cocoa, warming hut), behind Bridgton Town Hall, Main Street, Bridgton ME 04009
• Naples Community Rink (no charge, outdoor rink), Route 11 by the American Legion, Naples
• Harrison Ice Skating Area, (outdoor rink) on Long Lake, downtown Harrison
• Lovell Ice Skating Areas, (outdoor rink) inquire at Lovell Town Office
• Sebago Recreation Ice Rink, (outdoor rink) behind Sebago Elementary School, Route 114, Sebago
• Fryeburg Recreation Department Ice Rink, (outdoor rink)Bradley Street, Fryeburg

Stop by the Chamber office and we’ll be happy to help you locate a street on our large area map. Maps are also for sale during office hours at the Bridgton Municipal Office.

The Bridgton Post Office is located at 6 Elm Street. Elm Street is across from the new entrance to Reny’s. The post office is one tenth of a mile down the road on the left. Phone: 207.647.2081; zip code: 04009

The Bridgton Municipal Complex is located at 3 Chase Street, behind Loon Echo Land Trust, Lakes Environmental Association and Key Bank. The Complex is home to a variety of departments, as well as the Bridgton District Court, Bridgton Police Office and Lakes Region Television. More information about the Municipal Complex is available at the following website: www.bridgtonmaine.org, Phone: 207.647.8786.

Visit the Real Estate or Moving.

Farmers’ markets offer high quality delicious foods, agricultural products, plants and other natural products.

• Bridgton Farmers’ Market, Depot Street behind Reny’s (seasonal, Saturdays 8 AM-1 PM)
• Naples Farmers’ Market, On the Green, (seasonal, Thursdays 9 AM-1 PM)
• Harrison Farmers’ Market, Town parking lot between library and town office (seasonal, Mondays 9 AM-1 PM; Fridays 2 PM- 6 PM)

• Crabtree’s Blueberries, (high bush blueberries) Route 107, Sebago, 207.787.2730
• Hikes up Pleasant Mountain or Burnt Meadow Mountain may yield fresh blueberries in season.

• Merced’s on Brandy Pond
• Lake Region Caterers, Inc; Naples, 800.210.CATER

Senior Citizens seeking a ride to an appointment may make arrangements with the Senior

• Transportation Program by calling 207.647.2483.
• Taxi service is available through Two Rivers Transport, 207.647.3777.
• Regional Transportation Program provides bus service for shopping, hospital visits, city errands, visits to public libraries or other purposes. Call 207.774.2666 or 800.244.0704 to request a ride.
• You may be charged a small fee.