Local Activities
No need to leave the grounds, you can relax and enjoy all that Kezar Lake House has to offer: waterfront and mountain views, swimming, fishing, boating, recreational facilities, and foot paths. But, should you desire to venture out and explore, there are myriad activities nearby including boating, fishing, cycling, golfing, hiking, skiing, dining, farmers markets, fairs/festivals, shopping, and much more! You’ll find plenty of brochures and information at the house.
Hiking
There's a wide variety of hiking available in the area for all ages and abilities.
- Sabattus Mountain (Lovell)
- Kezar Falls Gorge (Kezar River, Lovell)
- Evans Notch, White Mt. National Forest
- Grafton Notch State Park (Grafton, Newry)
- Pleasant Mountain (Fryeburg)
- Jockey Cap (Fryeburg)
- Bickford Slides (Bickford Brook, Stow)
- Douglas Mountain
- Click here to see more details about these and other hikes in Western Maine.
Other Western Maine hiking resources:
Skiing
For downhill skiing, the house is located just 30 minutes from Sunday River Ski Resort, 20 minutes from Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, and 35 minutes from Cranmore in North Conway, a few more minutes and you’re at Attitash or Wildcat. And, you can cross country ski on the grounds of Westways or, if you prefer groomed trails, head to Carter Cross Country in Bethel or Five Fields Farm in Bridgton.
Boating & Fishing
Kezar Lake offers terrific warm and cold water fishing including bass, lake trout, and salmon. You can fish from the dock or take out the canoe. The Kezar Lake Marina has power boats available for rent, and sells bait and tackle. If you want to venture out to some of the other great fishing lakes or rivers in the area, consider hiring a guide to take you to the best spots!
- Kezar Lake Marina
- Fishing licenses online
- White Birch Guide Service
- Sun Valley Sports & Guide Service
- Maine Professional Guides Association
Golfing
Several championship golf courses are located nearby, including the Lake Kezar Country Club, right in Center Lovell just 5 minutes from the house. Within half an hour you can be at the new Sunday River golf course or Bethel Country Club.
Dining
In town, you’ll find casual local dining at the Loon’s Nest on Kezar Lake (open during the summer season only) or Ebenezer Restaurant & Pub (a favorite for Belgian beers and dining--read this Boston Globe article to learn more about this favorite of ours), pizza at the Center Lovell Market, breakfast at Rosie's, or fine dining at Center Lovell Inn. And nearby, both Bridgton and Bethel offer a wide variety of fine and casual dining options.Fairs/Festivals
- Fryeburg Fair held for a week in early October, Maine's largest agricultural fair, held during prime foliage time. Exhibit halls, museum, harness racing and livestock shows.
- Fall foliage reports
- Brewers Festival, September (Bridgton)
- Mushers Bowl, February (Bridgton)
Farmers Markets
Held during the summer season from May-October, these weekly open air farmers markets are a great way to sample local products in season.
- Lovell Farmers' Market, open June 3 - September 30, Wednesday's from 9 am-1 pm, located in front of Brandon Gregor Marine and The Wicked Good Store on Rt. 5.
- Bethel Farmers Market, Bethel Health Center parking lot, Rt, 26, Saturdays, 9:00am-12:00noon
- Bridgton Farmers Market, Community Center, Depot St., Saturdays, 8:00am-1:00pm
Shopping
Harvest Gold Gallery - Just up the road from us in Center Lovell on Route 5, across from the town hall office, is this exquisite gallery. Jewelry is their specialty, but the indoor and outdoor art is outstanding -- American-made fine art and sculpture. Their view is to-die-for! And, be sure to check out their Harvest Gold Jewelry blog.
You'll also find quaint gift shops on the streets of Bridgton and Bethel, and if you’re looking to do some serious shopping, head over to North Conway where you’ll find plenty of tax-free outlet stores, including L.L Bean's Factory Outlet.
Music
Carol Noonan's Stone Mountain Arts Center located in nearby Brownfield, Maine features local and national performers year-round in an exquisite setting. Performances have included: Indigo Girls, Ellis Paul, Cheryl Wheeler, Altan, Shawn Colvin, Paula Poundstone, Melissa Manchester, David Bromberg Quartert.
Theatre
Deertrees Theatre & Cultural Center, Harrison, housed in an Adirondack style performing arts center with a schedule that runs from June to September.