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Photographs + stories by Maine magazine staff:
Jeffrey D’Amico

Jeffrey D’Amico
Account Manager

Friday

My first experience in Maine was at Sebago Lake, so I am excited to bring to you the beautiful region I now call home. Living a couple of miles from Sebago Lake has been everything I could ever dream of. From the sweeping views to the fog that crawls through our yard each morning, this lake is the place to be in the summer.

2:00 p.m. @ Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake 
Pulling onto Migis Road is breathtaking enough, but as I get closer to the grounds, I start to get the feeling that I am somewhere special. I leave my wife Danielle and my daughters at the conveniently located playground as I head to check in. I am almost knocked off my feet by the view of Sebago Lake as I turn the corner and peek through the tree line.

4:00 p.m. @ John Cole Architect 
I leave my girls to play on the beach and head over to meet with architect John Cole. He is taking me on a tour of two lakefront homes he designed in the area. The smell of strawberry jam and biscuits fills one home, and I think to myself that this really is the way life should be.

6:00 p.m. @ Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake 
Our cabin is as family friendly and elegant as we could ever wish for. After spending time enjoying the view, we head out to the family-style cocktail hour where we meet with Jed Porta, the general manager of Migis Lodge. He tells us about the property and explains how Migis caters to families on vacation through their baby-sitting services and all-day activities.

7:00 p.m. @ Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake
The dinner bell rings and we head to the outdoor dining area for the weekly lobster bake. The menu looks amazing and the food tastes even better. We sit with the Bundy family from Massachusetts. Like me, they have a special connection to this place—they were married at Migis Lodge and have taken a vacation here every year since their wedding.

9:00 p.m. @ The Galley Restaurant and Pub
After dinner, I decide to head out to a local pub that I saw featured on the Travel Channel’s show Man vs. Food. Adam Richman, the host of the show, says that the Galley has “the best lobster roll in the world.” Already stuffed from dinner, I decide not to eat, but am very impressed with their selection of craft beers on tap.

Saturday

9:00 a.m. @ Port Harbor Marine 
I make my way over to Port Harbor Marine in Raymond to meet up with Terry, who is providing us with a boat for our tour of Sebago Lake. Looking around at the expansive property, I note that the store has everything you could need for a day on the water; they’re stocked with new and used boats, not to mention a wide variety of water sport equipment.

10:00 a.m. @ Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake 
I head back to the cove at Migis to pick up my family and take a spin on the lake. Triumph, the boat that Port Harbor Marine has rented to us, is amazing, and both of my daughters are having a blast. The lake is like glass as we cruise around the little islands. My daughter encourages me to go faster, but as our speed picks up significantly, she says, “Okay Daddy, maybe not that fast.”

12:30 p.m. @ Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake 
We head back to the docks at Migis Lodge to meet up with my friend and colleague Chris Kast of The Brand Company. Chris will be joining me for the afternoon on the lake. We start off by having lunch and devour a perfect summer buffet, served in the outdoor dining area.

2:00 p.m. @ Frye Island 
Soon enough, we’re back on the water. We approach the docks at Frye Island and see the beautiful island scenery. The view is breathtaking, and I feel lucky to live the island life, even if only for an hour. Once on the island, we also find out that there is ferry service at Raymond Neck to and from Frye.

2:30 p.m.@ Frye’s Leap General Store and Cafe 
Walking from the boat, we notice a general store with an attached bar reminiscent of Key West. “Two, please,” I quickly request. We head over to a table and enjoy frozen drinks garnished with the traditional island umbrella.

3:30 p.m. @ Frye’s Leap Cliff 
We are tempted to try the death-defying jump from the cliff, but the wardens are on patrol, and we decide to chicken out and obey the law. If you are on the lake by boat this a perfect place for a photo-op. But maybe skip the cliff-diving.

4:00 p.m. @ Good Life Market
Back on land, we stop by a local hot spot in Raymond for lunch. I’m greeted by the owner, Walt, and his staff, who know exactly how to make you feel at home with welcoming smiles and their willingness to assist visitors. Pick anything off of this menu; it’s all amazing.

6:00 p.m. @ Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake
I head back to the resort for some lakeside cocktails before dinner. I meet up with Tim Porta, the owner of Migis Lodge. I enjoy listening as he shares old stories of Migis’s past.

8:00 p.m. @ The Village Side Restaurant
After dessert, we hit another local spot owned by Larry Morton, a man famous for opening amazing restaurants in Maine. The Village Side offers great drinks, awesome appetizers, and good music. If you find a reason to leave Migis for a bit, stop here, and you’ll be very pleased with both the food and the atmosphere.

Sunday

6:00 a.m. @ Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake
Waking up this morning knowing that it is our last day here immediately has me thinking of when I can come back. We head to breakfast at the main lodge to find Tim manning the omelet station.

10:00 a.m. @ Cry of the Loon
Cry of the Loon sits at the top of Migis Road. It’s a great store for true Maine products and more. We pick up a few collectibles to send to our family from away. The store also offers a beautiful collection of lawn and garden ornaments. My favorite are the pretty mushrooms—they remind me of The Wizard of Oz when Dorothy is in Munchkin Land.

11:00 a.m. @ Norm’s O Scale Trains 
We see this historic train store while driving and decide to stop and check it out. Norm’s selection is quite amazing; there are trains made by Lionel, and historic models like the Polar Express, Amtrak, and even Union Pacific.

12:00 p.m. @ Blacksmiths Winery 
Next, we head over to Blacksmiths Winery, located right across from the gates of Migis. We’re on a mission to pick up a few bottles of our favorite cider. Fatty Bampkins is a best-seller, among other tasty varietals of wine, like Sweet Elderberry, and a distinctive desert wine made from Maine elderberries. Thank you, Steve. We loved visiting Blacksmiths.

1:00 p.m. @ Migis Lodge on Sebago Lake 
Check-out time has come, so we decide to take a long walk along the lake and soak in the perfect view before we leave. We want to keep this picture in our minds forever. Migis Lodge has left us with a feeling of  complete relaxation—like we are floating on air.

2:00 p.m. @ The Mosquito 
We head to the Mosquito, where they serve my favorite summertime ice cream flavor, pumpkin. We grab a few pints to take home with us. The line is worth the wait, the ice cream is fantastic, and the surrounding scenery always makes you feel like you are on vacation.

Gallery 302, Bray’s Brewpub + Depot Street Tap House 
We missed out on these spots during this trip, but I highly recommend stopping by. Gallery 302 houses a local collection of art from artists around the area. Bray’s has been a staple for a long time in Naples, and Depot Street Tap House is brand new but busy as can be. Sebago Lake, you have charmed my family once again.