We stayed at the Maine Inn, part of a resort complex that includes three hotels and 10 cottages, all within walking distance of each other and built around a golf course. For just $55 a night, we received a nice first-floor room, two all-you-can-eat buffet meals a day (breakfast and supper) and evening fling entertainment, not to mention pleasant people everywhere.

      All meals are served at the Maine Inn, and the menu changes daily. You never know what you’re going to get, but it’s always good homemade food. If peach or apple cobbler is on the menu, don’t miss it! Made from an 1809 recipe, it’s delicious served warm.

      This Maine resort dates back to 1790, when a prominent local family, the Rickers, established a stagecoach stop. By the early 1900s, it was one of the Northeast’s grandest resorts, frequented by such notables as world royalty, presidents and industrial barons.

      The resort grew famous for its natural spring water which was pumped to guest rooms. Eventually, the water was sold worldwide and it’s still marketed today. We tried some, and it’s very good.

       The resort eventually fell on hard times and closed. But new owners Mel and Cyndi Robbins have revived the resort to its former glory.

       Maine History buffs will enjoy visiting the Poland Spring Water Museum, which chronicles the history of the local bottled water industry ...the All Souls Chapel behind the Maine Inn, which features the most beautiful stained-glass windows I’ve ever seen... and the Maine State Building, (listed on the National Register of Historic Places) is a museum that exhibits Ricker family memorabilia from the old hotel’s heyday (open Tuesday - Saturday) from Memorial Day through Columbus Day; $3 admission/house guests FREE.

        Steeped in history and filled with charm, this old town and resort must be one of Maine’s best-kept secrets. Come see for yourself!

By Shirley Bunting, Conway, South Carolina  Country Discoveries  2003

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