About Oxford County, ME

Gems come in many shapes and sizes as you'll discover while searching for a lakefront property in the lakes region of western Maine. Burnt Meadow Pond, the Saco River and Brownfield Bog are gems in Brownfield, Maine.

Though located only a few miles south of Fryeburg on Route 160, Brownfield feels like it's a million miles away. Mountains, forest and the Saco River are the dominate features in this town that has been rebuilt since the forest fires of 1947.

Burnt Meadow Pond is a perfect place for swimming and fishing. It supports both cold and warm water fish.If it's a gentle canoe trip you seek, the Saco River has many put in/take out locations. Canoe rentals are available at Woodland Acres Campground in Brownfield (207) 935-2529, Saco River Canoe & Kayak in Fryeburg (888-772-6573 or (207) 935-2369 and Saco Bound in Center Conway, New Hampshire (603) 447-2177.

The Brownfield Bog Wildlife Management Area provides over 5,700 acres of wetland habitat. Use a canoe or kayak to explore the bog; a limited trail system exists. Bring a picnic and enjoy the nesting waterfowl, deer, beaver, muskrats or turtles. If you are lucky, you might even spot a moose.

In the winter, explore the bog by snowshoes or cross-country skis.

Ever thought of flying to the Sebago Lakes Region? Oh, I don't mean flying into Portland, Maine, though that is doable. I mean getting a closer look at the lakes and mountains of western Maine by flying into Eastern Slope Regional Airport in Fryeburg.

Eastern Slope Regional Airport is the outside world's connection to the Lakes Region and Mount Washington Valley. Though this 550-acre airport is tucked away, Eastern Slope Regional Airport is easy to access since it's less than three miles southeast of Fryeburg and just off Route 113 and near Lovewell Pond.

Local residents and businesses own the forty airplanes housed there. People fly into and out of the airport for a multitude of reasons. Seventy-five percent of the traffic occurs during the summer months when chartered jets bring kids to the many children's camps in our region. People also fly via jet to ski, hike, bike, canoe, commute to vacation homes, stay in area accommodations, attend the Fryeburg Fair, bring their children to Fryeburg Academy and even just to go out to dinner. Aerial sightseeing, chartered trips, flight training and pilot certification, plus aircraft maintenance are some of the services provided.

Travelers wishing to avoid the tedious hassles of busier airports are pleasantly pleased with the smaller size and personalized service offered at Eastern Slopes Regional Airport. Arrangements can be made for car rentals.

Think small. Consider Eastern Slope Regional Airport for your next trip to or from the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine.

If you'd like to visit some of the fine lakefront properties found in Fryeburg - on foot, by car, or by air - you can start by using the click of a mouse below:

Search for properties on Fryeburg, Maine

You won't want to miss the 18th Biennial Tea Time in Bethel on Friday, June 26. The Cross Country Quilters will display their collection of antique and modern quilts in the 1816 New England Meeting House on Intervale Road from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m.Donations of $5 are appreciated; children under 12 may enjoy the event for free. Donations will benefit the preservation of the Historic Middle Intervale Meeting House.

Tea and quilts have gone hand-in-hand for ages. When neighboring ladies gathered to quilt, the hostess often served tea. At this summertime tea party, delicious baked goods and iced tea will be served by the quilters. Quilts will be displayed on pews as well as throughout the meeting house.

You won't want to miss this old-fashioned quilt show and tea party in Bethel's oldest civic and religious structure. The quintessential country setting with the meeting house, adjacent cemetery, dairy farm, plus field and forest beyond, provide the perfect background for a picturesque celebration.

If you're up for the weekend and love Maine lakes and ponds like we do, you might want to check out the current lakefront properties for sale in the area. Here they are:

Search for properties on Bethel, Woodstock, Greenwood, Albany

The Lewis Dana Hill Memorial Library in North Lovell is a gem. Close by the waters of Kezar Lake in Lovell and Keewaydin Lake in Stoneham, I love how quaint and old-fashioned it is.

Step into the foyer of this former one-room schoolhouse and step back in time.

Though the collection isn't large, current best sellers, fiction and non-fiction, large print books, videos and audio tapes are available. A children's section is located near the foyer and antique signs are displayed in the front room. This historical and pleasantly surprising library offers something for everyone, including a friendly atmosphere.

Public libraries are centers where community members gather to meet and interact. Enter any of the small libraries dotted throughout the Sebago Lakes and western Maine areas and you'll be greeted with smiles and a welcoming atmosphere where you can pursue educational, recreational and cultural interests.

And if you do visit the Lewis Dana Hill Library keep an eye out ... you might just find yourself standing beside Maine's favorite horror writer, Stephen King. He and his wife, Tabitha frequent the Lewis Dana Hill Memorial Library and are responsible for some of the updates to the building.

The hours are limited, but it's worth the visit.

"In the highest civilization, the book is still the highest delight." Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1876.

If you might be interested in buying a little - or big - cottage on the lake that's near this quaint little library here are all the lakefront listings in Lovell and Stoneham:

Search for properties on Kezar and Keewaydin Lake

Throughout the Sebago Lakes Region of western Maine are many small "mom and pop" establishments; places where you can purchase just about anything from coffee to kerosene, falafel to fly swatters, beer to backscratchers, t-shirts to Tiparillos. More than that, though, these are places where people come and get more than just their purchase.

It's here where folks are waiting to greet you with jokes, share a dose of gossip, and talk about current events. Here you can find advice and directions to anything that's worth doing, as well as the how, what, where and when to do it.

Need hunting or fishing advice? You've come to the right place. These are places where "everybody knows your name," and expect you to order the "usual, please." I know I love it when they have my coffee and paper ready before I've even asked for it.

These are the places where people of different ages, genders and interests casually gather, talk, laugh and get to know one another. It's hard to beat the feeling of walking into a neighborhood diner, market or shop and feel recognized and special.

If you do visit one of these places give yourself some extra time. It's not a quick trip as you'll inevitably connect with someone. Speak up! People are pretty engaging around here.

It's easy to become a "regular" at the following fine establishments in the Sebago Lake area:

Beth's Kitchen Café, Main Street, Bridgton

Main Street Variety, Main Street, Bridgton

Ricky's Diner, Main Street, Bridgton

Quinn's Jockey Cap Store and Motel, Bridgton Road, Fryeburg

Lovell Village Store, Route 5, Lovell

Center Lovell Store, Route 5, Center Lovell

Wicked Good Store, Route 5, Center Lovell

Springer's General Store, Waterford Road, Rte. 37, East Waterford

Melby's Store and Restaurant, Rte. 35, North Waterford

Market Basket, Main Street, Harrison

Village Tie-Up Market and Deli, Main Street, Harrison

Webbs Mills Variety, Poland Spring Road, Casco

Jordan's Store, Route 114, Sebago

Gemmes Variety, Route 114, Sebago