Gems of 26

The Gems of 26: Secrets of “The Road Less Traveled”

The Gems of 26 consist of multiple points of interests that dot the relatively short distance between the town of Gray in the south to South Paris in the north along Route 26. The central point, and only “Gem” with hotel accommodations is the Poland Spring Resort located in Poland Spring, Maine.

Weary travelers began seeking accommodations in Poland Spring in the late 18th century, when the land was acquired by Jabez Ricker in a trade with the Shaker Community. In 1876, the Ricker family opened the Poland Spring House, a Grand Hotel and destination resort that touted the unusually healthful qualities of its spring water. In 1895, the resort opened a nine-hole golf course designed by Arthur Fenn. In the early 20th century, Donald Ross was employed to redesign the course, making it the scenic and historic 18-hole course that it is today.

When the original Poland Spring House burned to the ground in the 1970s, the somewhat smaller Maine Inn was built in its footprint, and the Resort still boasts three inns and 11 cottages. Though having multiple amenities including a large swimming pool, grass tennis courts, entertainment including the Summer Concert Series and live theater, lovely and romantic settings for weddings, historic buildings and hiking trails to explore, an award winning golf course, pro shop and club house, Poland Spring Resort is still an affordable weekend get-away or, per Cyndi Robbins, owner of Poland Spring Resort, a perfect “staycation.” Meals are served at the Maine Inn, Mel’s Hilltop Restaurant, the Garden Snack Bar and at Cyndi’s Dockside on Middle Range Pond where you can also rent boats, and even buy a fishing license. The new driving range will be open by May 1, 2011, with mini and disc golf courses to open shortly thereafter.

Adjacent to the Maine Inn you will find the Maine State Building. Built of granite, hardwoods, and slate from Maine, the Maine State Building was originally constructed as the State’s entry for the Chicago Worlds Fair in 1893, and purchased by the Ricker family the following year. Under the watchful eye of Hiram Ricker, it was carefully disassembled, transported by railroad and ox cart to Poland Spring, and reassembled for use as a library, museum and art gallery for guests of the Poland Spring House.

In 1907, a modern bottling facility, springhouse and warehouse were built on the property. By this time, travelers had been visiting Poland Spring for more than 60 years to enjoy the benefits of Poland Spring water. These buildings, collectively known now as the Preservation Park, have been painstakingly restored to their original grandeur and now house a museum, conference center and offices. The museum’s collection includes vintage memorabilia as well as displays affording visitors a glimpse at the history of the water industry in Maine in the place where that history was made.

Finally, the All Souls Chapel, just a few steps from the Maine State Building, is a dramatic and beautiful granite structure that dates back to 1912. With colorful stained glass windows, exquisite interior woodwork, and a mosaic of inlaid floor tiles, the structure itself is a work of art and an example of the finest craftsmanship available in the early 1900s. Today the Chapel is the site of many weddings, concerts and other special events.

Visitors to Poland Spring are encouraged to visit the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village just a few miles south of the Resort. The Shaker community has lived and worshiped at this location since 1783, and were close friends and business associates of the Ricker family. Presently, according to its website, the village at “Sabbathday Lake is the only active Shaker Community” where it maintains “eighteen buildings located on 1,800 acres of land … a tree farm, apple orchard, vegetable gardens,” sheep and other livestock. Shaker traditions of worship and work are practiced daily, and all are welcome to visit the museum Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., to study Shaker history in the Shaker Library (by appointment, please), to browse through the Shaker Store where Shaker-made goods, local crafts, herbs and medicinal teas are sold, and to attend workshops conducted by Shaker craftsmen, demonstrations, nature hikes and other events that celebrate the bountiful harvest at the Shaker Village.

Another “Gem,” the Maine Wildlife Park, is located just a few miles further south on Route 26 in the town of Gray. Open daily from mid-April through Veterans Day, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Park provides educational opportunities through exhibits and programs, as well as wild animals and nature trails to observe and explore. Many of the animals that you will see at the Maine Wildlife Park are there because they were injured, orphaned or, for various reasons, dependent upon humans for their survival. During a visit to the Park you will have the opportunity to observe Maine moose, black bear, eagles, fox, turtles and even mountain lions, to name just a few.

Heading north on Route 26 from the Poland Spring Resort, just across the town line in Mechanic Falls, you will discover Farm House Pizza & Deli. There you can enjoy a gourmet pizza, pasta, subs, salads, homemade bakery products and a great cup of coffee all day long. While your meal is being prepared, you can shop in the Farm Market for some locally grown range-fed beef, turkey, or chicken, maple syrup boiled at Harvest Hill Farms’ own sugar house, as well as fresh vegetables and many other healthful and beautiful products created by local craftsmen. Kids of all ages are invited to explore the Petting Barn and meet the animals at Harvest Hill Farms. In the fall, come back to visit Pumpkin Land, to meander through the Corn Maze, and to enjoy all that harvest time has to offer at Harvest Hill Farms.

A visit to central Maine is never complete without time spent wandering through the gardens at the northern most “Gem” along Route 26. Only a short drive beyond Farm House Pizza, the historic and beautiful McLaughlin Garden in South Paris is a dream-come-true. Fragrant and colorful magnolias and lilacs in the spring yield to irises, daylilies, and hostas, as well as many other horticultural delights later in the summer. McLaughlin Garden is also host to many activities and experiences and has a busy schedule of events including workshops and projects for gardeners, Art in the Barn featuring the work of local artists, Meditation and Shakespeare in the Garden, opportunities for artists to create and interact among the flowers, and cooking classes using local farm produce. While there, be sure to visit the Garden Cafe and the Garden Gift Shop. On August 28, 2010, the Garden will host “the social event of the season” and its annual fundraiser, featuring silent and live auctions, delicious food, beverages and live music.

For more information please visit www.gemsof26.com where you will also find contact information, including phone numbers and websites, for each of “The Gems of 26.”