Naples

During the summer and fall the lakeside town of Naples comes alive with visitors eager to soak up a bit of Maine charm. Bounded by Long Lake and Brandy Pond with a tiny downtown that splits the bodies of water, Naples caters to water sport enthusiasts and those looking for a relaxing waterside escape.

The downtown Causeway area is packed with antique shops, restaurants, art galleries, gift shops and two miniature golf courses. It is also the place to rent boats, kayaks or jet skis, buy a ticket for a sea plane ride, or catch a ride on a 300-passenger replica of a Mississippi River stern paddle wheeler. For evening entertainment, establishments on the Causeway offer live music, and the nearby Bridgton Drive-In shows first-run movies on two screens under the stars. Those looking for more water to play in can visit Sebago Lake, the state’s second largest, a short drive to the south. Accommodations in Naples include many lakeside cottages along with motels, inns and B&B’s.