The Portland daily press., 1864-06-23
Thursday Morning, June 23, 1864.
Pleasure Resorts in Maine.

The Augusta correspondent of the Boston
Advertiser, In a late letter thus alludes to the
pleasure resorts Ia Maine:
As the season draws near when everybody
leaves the city to rustieatc in some one of its
many forms, would suggest TO your readers
the eminent propriety OF looking towards the
clld p northern State OF Maine in seeking
places of resort during the summer months.
People of different tastes and habits choose
differently, but there are places within our linn
Its which will satisfy the most fastdious.
For one who would seek the seaside, its cool
oreezes, pleasant sailing, its variety VI fishing
and invigorating baths, know OF no place
which presents more attractions than Cam
den, town OF Knox county, on the western
side OF Penobscot Bay. Here are all the ele-
ments that go TO make up beautiful summer
resort-grand bay scenery, fine coast and
deep sea fishing, aud the broad bay for sailing
on the one side; on the other, high noun
tains, fine trout and other fresh water fishing,
pleasant drives, and the many other attrac-
lions OF a country town. In fact, Camden Is
fine example OF the rural and the marine,
Joined hand In hand. But one does not wish
in these stirring times, TO be isolated from the
world, even when rusticating; nor is he at
Camden. The steamers from Boston and
Portland to Bangor touch at the wharyes dali
iy, and there is telegraphic communication
with all parts OF the country. Add 10 all
this a line new hotel with ample accommoda-
tions and what remains TO be desired in wa
tering place?
Next would mention the twin resort
at Saco and Biddeford-the.0ld Orchard
Beech" at the former place and the spool" In
the latter, only few miles apart, each pro-
vided with good hotels, accessible TO within a
mile or two BY rail, and having in good de-
gree all the advantages necessary for such
retreats.
Harpswell is peninsula in Casco Bay-a
bay that can hardly be surpassed for the beau
ty OF its scenery. Here, in q space of about
twenty miles long by fifteen broad are islands
almost innumerable, OF all shapes and sizes
from q few feet In area TO several miles in cir
cumferance. These islands are forlhe most
part wooded, but here and there riseB a barren
rock 20 vary the scene. Many Of them are in
b ibited. This multitude or fsiauus cut, utY
the view In every direction 10 sailing, so that
one seems TO be floating on an inland lake, but
with every turn new islands rise into sight and
new beauties unfold themselves. Somuch for
the surroundings. At the extreme seaward
point OF tae peninsular town OF Harpsweli Is
y new hotel, built the past year, and a little
further up an older one, both commodious,
pleasant and well conducted. The facilities
Tor fishing, boating and bathing are unriveled.
/ may remark thai just across an arm Of the
sea east Of Harpswell, Is Orr's Island, which
Mrs. Stowe has made famous by her story
the Pearl of Orr's Island.p Harpswell is ac-
cessible By steamboat from Portland, and by
stage from Brunswick.
Boothbay IL favorite place OF resort, com
bining 10 perhaps NJ so great degree the is
land scenery OF Harpsweh, with its excellent
fishing facilities and beaches of many-colored
sand, and pebby beaches similarly variegated.
The route for a passenger Is by rail or steamer
TO Bath. where conveyance to Boothbay is al
ways TO be found.
Mt. Desert is still another favorite, more es-
peclally with people in the eis.ern section Of
the State. IL Is the largest island on our
coast, and situated in Hancock county
The island Is historical as the landing place
OF French colony at a very early date,
but precisely when, do not remember
The attractions are similar TO those of
the places / have named, with magnificent
mountain and valley views and beautiful
walks.
But many prefer the country pure and
simple, with good fishing. For such, Moose
head Lake presents many attractions. The
accommodations at the Mt. Kineo House Oh
nm island in the centre of the lake and at
the foot OF the mountain, are very good, the
trout are large, plenty, and l presume shy
enough aud slow enough 10 crafty the most
enthusiastic Walton. The Rangely Lakes, In
ground, and the opportunities for camping
OFT ale all that any one can desire: and there
Is hardly q town In the State where good fish,
Ing may not be found within the distance OF
an hours drive. Se
The mineral (sulphur) spring in Togus,
only four miles from this city. has long been
q fayorite watering place with the people
In our vicinity. A few years ago, Mr..
Beals, a wealthy citizen OF New York, pur-
chased the spring and large amount of ad-
joining land, and built q large and-elegant ho-
eel. Owing TO insufficient advertising the ho-
tel and spring have hardly had the patronage
which their merits ought TO have obtained for
them, but the place is becom' ng more and more
frequented every year.
There Is another spring, called Mt. Zircon,
In Milton plantation, Oxford county, only
about eight miles FROM the Grand Trunk
Railway at Woodstock. which offers many at
trsctions.
have named but few of many places In
the State, which are well worthy OF visit
from those tourists, who, when they escape
from the city, prefer comparatively quiet,
yet sufficiently social spot, TO one where the
gaeties OF the city are enjoyed, and the dis
comforts Of crowd are endured with only a
change OF scene.