When I tell people we’ll be visiting friends in Maine at their summer cottage on Lake Sebec, they look at me like I’m confused and reply, “You mean Sebago.” “No,” I counter, “I mean Sebec.”

And I do.

Lake Sebec stretches lazily along for 13 miles and is 5 miles wide, its seductive serenity luring visitors year-round. Located in Piscataquis County, which is larger than the state of Connecticut, Sebec is one of many towns and lakes in the Maine Highlands Region, which encompasses areas in the northern and central part of the state. Rolling hills, dramatic vistas, lakes galore, small towns and simple pleasures appeal to countless segments of the population, some of them choosing to live there year-round. In the 2000 census, Sebec boasted 612 residents. The nearest sizable city is Bangor, about 55 miles away from the town of Dover-Foxcroft. With the Bangor International Airport, it makes the area convenient for commuters.

The name Sebec derives from an Abnaki or Abenaki term. Several different spellings and meanings are attributed to the Indian name, but they were definitely a tribe who once dwelled in New England, inhabiting what is now northeastern U.S. and southern Canada. Their history isn’t clear, but, of those who remain, many live on reservations.

Visitors and residents never run out of things to do. Bays, coves and islands offer enthusiasts countless opportunities to indulge their favorite water activities, be they swimming, boating, canoeing or zooming along on jet skis. In winter, ice fishing on many of the county’s lakes and ponds, snowmobiling on trails maintained by local clubs and cross country skiing make for a white wonderland. Even non-athletic types find activities to enjoy such as the Maine Highlands State Championship Sled Dog Race held in Dover-Foxcroft, on the shores of Sebec Lake.

Biking, hiking or leisurely roaming the back roads and woods, picking berries or hunting for antiques are other enjoyable activities, but it won’t take much investigating to satisfy everyone’s interests. Golfers can tee off at a number of courses, equestrians can rent a horse, sightseers can enjoy the view from a seaplane, and photographers will never run out of subjects to shoot, including covered bridges. And one popular pastime is simply sitting on the front or back porch and watching the sunrise, sunset or the world go by.

Since water was once the main method of transportation, cruises are a given. The Katahdin is the last survivor of the region’s many steamboats. It endured changes through the years, but now the National Historic Landmark reigns as a passenger-toting tour boat. It was acquired by Moosehead Marine Museum, which is dedicated to the days of steamboating, as well as the Moosehead Lake Region’s marine heritage. The museum exhibits a collection of steamboat memorabilia including a number of early photographs of the area.

Landlubbers find plenty to enjoy exploring the many small towns. The Harriman School Museum in Sebec is the last remaining of nine one-room schoolhouses. Reflecting a different generation as well as way of life; the slate blackboard, teacher’s desk complete with bell and the wood stove are a few items reflecting days long gone.

The Katahdin Iron Works, another historic site, stands as a testament to the past. Its remote location contributed to its demise, but, in its heyday, the iron works produced 18-20 tons of pig iron daily. The Blacksmith Shop Museum in Dover-Foxcroft preserves a slice of history and way of life, when horses and oxen were vital to the area’s many farmers.

Dover-Foxcroft is also home to Maine’s only flatiron building museum with a ship’s prow roof, the Observer Building. Originally a tenement, it eventually housed the county’s earliest weekly newspaper, the Piscataquis Observer.

Visitors are always on the lookout for moose, which are abundant in Maine. From spring to fall, moose sighting tours are available. Birders will find a variety of winged creatures taking to the skies. Many homes are graced by delightful gardens; Shiretown offers self-guided walking tours of residents’ floral displays.

Anyone who loves small town shopping has plenty of places to poke around in. For larger venues, Bangor has much to offer. Bidders may take home the item of their dreams at one of the area’s auctions.

Lodgings include cottage rentals and camps, inns, bed and breakfasts and motels. Wherever you choose, rise early to enjoy what promises to be an enjoyable stay in Maine.

http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/Living/Travel/

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