Since I was a young girl, I have been lucky enough to be included in a longstanding family tradition of traveling to Belgrade Lakes Maine with one of my oldest and best friends and her family. Three generations represented.
Did I mention we drive?
We start the trek North visiting family and friends along the way and about a week later and four stops (Rehoboth Beach, DE, Rye, NY, Westport, CT, Boston, MA) we end up in the idyllic town of Rome, Maine. All compounds are called “camps,” and to be honest it is a lot like camp. It is true rustic old-fashioned family fun. We have a main kitchen/dining cabin and then each family has their own sleeping cabin.
The GPS did not like that we were surrounded by water, but we did! Canoeing, fishing, boating, waterskiing, campfires, smores, board games.
Stepping back in time is quite relaxing and rejuvenating I highly recommend it. Plenty of wildlife too – this year a fox, loons, turtles, fish and yes, for those of you who know Bruce, even a snake no pictures to prove it just lots of girls screaming on the dock. The good news in Maine – no poisonous snakes!
On the way to the camp, we stop in Portland for fish and lunch. This year we went to Eventide. It was delicious.
Tuna Crudo
Clam Chowder
Haddock Fried Fish Sandwich
We always happen to be in Maine on or around my birthday so we grab fresh tuna from the local fish market – Harbor Fish Market. Then Bruce makes the most simple and delicious meal– rare tuna with “relish” of course and wine.
Oh and lobster – so my friend that I mentioned earlier loves lobster. She makes a point of having lobster at some point each day – leftover or not – just make sure you have some every day – in eggs is fine, lobster roll, steamed for dinner, all delish and consummate Maine.
One of the best parts of Maine is that we often wear fleece. Yes, while everyone is sweltering in Charlotte we are sitting around a campfire roasting marshmallows wearing our fleece. We had an amazing time this year and can’t wait to go back!