Naples, ME

I was driving over the causeway in Naples earlier this week and saw the strangest sight out on Long Lake. The ice had just gone out and there on the lake, probably a mile or two from the causeway, was this big black thing floating on the water. What could it be?

Stopping to have a look - I saw that it was moving! It was a beautiful early spring day - no fog or rain - visibility for scores of miles. I could see the top of snow-covered Mount Washington. The lake was blue and dappled with sunlight. I watched that thing, moving slowly against the horizon.

Then it hit me! That floating monolith was the Songo River Queen out for its maiden voyage. Every fall they basically shrink wrap "the Queen" in black plastic to protect it from the elements. For some reason, they hadn't yet removed the plastic before taking her out on her initial cruise of the season. What a sight!

If you've never been out on "the Queen" you might want to give it a go the next time you're up this way. The Songo River Queen is an authentic Mississippi River Stern Paddle Wheeler. It has an open deck on the second level for open air viewing and an enclosed deck below. It can accommodate up to 300 people, is wheelchair accessible, and provides one of the most relaxing and enjoyable rides you'll ever want to take by boat.

Sometimes the cruise will take you out onto Long Lake and other times it will go down through Brandy Pond and the Songo River, then through the historic Songo Locks. Whichever way you go there's plenty to look at whether it be the wide vistas while out on Long Lake or the shorefront homes as you cruise Brandy Pond and the Songo River.

If you come, though, don't expect to see this big boxy floating thing all wrapped in black plastic. She will have shed her winter coat and will show herself in all her familiar glory - white paint trimmed in red, flags flying, and her stern wheel paddling.

When it opened its doors in the summer of 1900, the Bay of Naples Hotel on the east shore of Long Lake in Naples, Maine had a full compliment of guests ready to occupy its four floors and 72 rooms.

A staff of 85 would have waited on the front veranda and watched as their guests disembarked from a boat provided by hotel owner Charles Goodrich. Horse-drawn buggies would have taxied the guests from lakeside, up the gravel path, to the hotel front door. Before entering, they could turn and take in a sweeping view of Long Lake, the causeway and Naples Village and, on the horizon, the Presidential Range of the White Mountains and mighty Mount Washington.

Goodrich built the Bay of Naples Hotel as a destination for all the passengers he carried on the Songo River Steamboat Company, which he also owned, as well as for well-heeled summer vacationers looking to escape the heat and humidity of east coast cities.

Once inside the hotel, two grand staircases would lead guests to their rooms or, if they prefered, they could take the elevator. In the lobby a stone fireplace with a 12 foot mantel provided heat, if necessary. A similar fireplace could be found in the main floor dining room, as well.

The hotel kept a stable-full of horses to take guests out for daily excursions to area points of interest. Before too many years passed the horses were replaced by Model-T Ford automobiles.

For fifty years this magnificent hotel graced the southern end of Long Lake, welcoming visitors from near and far. But with the advent of the automobile, air conditioning, high-speed highways, motels, and private residences on the lake, the days of the grand summer hotel came to an end.

Guests stopped arriving at the Bay of Naples Hotel in 1951 and it was demolished in 1964. Today on this spot you'll find the Bay of Naples condominiums. They command the same stellar view as the hotel, but lack the imposing grandeur. Sadly, we'll probably never see its like again.

Naples will be a beehive of outdoor activity this weekend as it welcomes one and all to its 9th annual Winter Carnival. There will be plenty of outdoor activities for the whole family and plenty of indoor stuff, too. Here's the lastest schedule of events:

Two full days of winter fun on Long Lake, Naples Maine
Naples Town Dock * Route 302
Radar Run * Sat & Sun - 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Poker Rally * Saturday - $100 first prize *
(Registration: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM)
Food Booths * Naples Fire Dept & Lions Club

Announcing:
Hannaford Bros. & United Way's
First Annual Fishing Derby !!!
&
"SAVE SEBAGO COVE" - Help us Erase Milfoil

Stop at our Club House for food & beverages

Antique Snowmobile Show - Helicopter Rides - 50/50 Raffle - Snowmobile
Jumps - Santa Claus - Snow Coach Rides - Warm Up Shuttle - Naples Town Gym -

Free Hot Chocolate - Movies - Snow Sculptures -Fireworks - On
the Causeway - Saturday at 6 PM Bonfire on the lake during the fireworks.

Saturday night party at the "Tiki Bar " 8 PM Dinner *Appetizers * Cocktails
* Live Entertainment

For more info contact Dan Allen at 207-318-6965 or 207-693-3876.

Stop on by and partake of some great community fun - all on or near beautiful Long Lake in Naples! See you there!

Here it is!! The place to check out!!!!

770 Roosevelt Trail, Naples, Me. 207-693-5332. tikibar@roadrunner.com

Steve Kirk has owned the Tiki Bar & Grill in Naples, Me. for the past three years and has brought it to a local mecca of entertainment. Steve is involved in the Naples local events and this coming Naples winterfest along with Hannaford's fishing derby which is supporting United Way. This will be taking place the weekend of Feb.14th. There will be all kinds of events going on around the lakes to see and be a part of.

The Tiki Bar & Grill will be hosting a party on Saturday, Feb.14th. There will be special foods,beverages,prizes, and other fun things to be had. The save sebago cove raffle drawing will be held during the party. For more information regarding the Winterfest and the party call Matt at: 207-577-3788.

The Tiki Bar and Grill has a new website being launched where you will be able to find information on their menu and entertainment schedules. Some of the entertainment venues brought in to the restaurant are: Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country, and Reggae music. That site is : www.naplestikibar.com

This restaurant is a family oriented restaurant with a tropical theme situated in the heartland of the lakes region with great views. When I say Views!!!!!! You can sit at a table looking out over Brandy Pond which connects to both Long Lake and Sebago Lake. You might see a beautiful sail boat glide by while having your meal. The menu prices range from $5.99 to $18.99. Specialty drinks range from $6.00 to $10.00. There will be a different menu for the summer crowd. Some of the items to choose from are: Turkey Club, Tiki Burger, Chili Dogs, Baked Haddock, Crab Cake Platter, Chicken Parmesan, Steak Tiops, and much more.

The Tiki Bar and Grill also will cater to those who need to plan an event in the area. Their upstairs open area with its' own views and deck is a great place for your meeting or wedding. Steve can help you plan your event so it will be the success you wish it to be.

Don't hesitate to contact him for more information.

Steve Kirk has been married for 20 years and has four children. Two of his children are an integral part of his business. His daughter Kayla is a waitress there and his son, JT works in the kitchen, at the bar, or at the door. It is a family affair.

Give the Tiki Bar & Grill the opportunity to entertain you and your family or date. Let Steve know you found him on this blog.

About the author: Susan Paige is a real estate agent for ERA Today Realty, l ocated on the causeway in Naples. Susan.paige@era.com. She is there for your real estate needs and information regarding what is happening in Naples, Me.

I thought I would look up Naples, Fl and see if we had some sisterhood between the two places. Well, both sell waterfront, both have shops, both have golf courses and both have fine dining. The differences? Well, one is very cold in the winter while the other is the escape from the northern area of the East Coast. Naples, Fl. has the gulf of Mexico to enjoy the world of water sports. We in Naples, Me. have several lakes and ponds to enjoy the world of water sports.

Naples, Me. is my mecca. We have a pet friendly camp ground, a great cruise on the River Queen, fine dining looking out over the water. We have views of mountains along with the views of the water. The population in 2005 was around 3589. We are a vacation town, so many homes are vacant during the winter. The jobs are mainly in the service, sales and office employment. This is a great place to retire, raise children, play in the snow or the sand.

What else would you like to know about Naples, Maine? Let me know what you want to know and I can find the answer.

susan.paige@era.com