“It’s the best place in the world to write… The townspeople are just great, very kind, very interesting. They take great care of us (when) we’re not competent to fix the things that break.”

Michael Katz, college professor, Philadelphia, second-home owner since 1980

“The mountains. I’m president of the local hiking group here. I like wildlife watching. Canoeing. Kayaking. And just kind of connecting with the wild up here.”

Allen Wicken, former second-home owner from Cape Elizabeth, full-time since 2000

“It’s quiet and cool, and that’s particularly important when you’re 84-and-a-half.”

Chet Duke Jr., Front Royal, Va., second-home owner since 1996

“The people. It’s a nice community. It’s interesting because we keep track of how the community is doing” (when they return home, things like sports and graduation announcements).

David Sheffield, Wellesley, Mass., second-home owner since mid-’70s

“Lack of traffic. It’s low-key and we enjoy every minute – except for the black flies and no-see-ums.”

Allison Sheffield, Wellesley, Mass., summering since 1960, second-home owner since mid-’70s

“My husband loves the fishing. He thinks about it a lot. And I just think it’s so beautiful, unspoiled.”

Dottie Wonson, Newburyport, Mass., summering since 1960, second-home owner since mid-’70s

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