Part 1: The Top Slice of Bread
Lets Get Started
Looking for a truly special vacation retreat? Grab your beverage of choice, sit back, and kick your feet up as I take you on my peanut butter sandwich vacation.
Background
What is a peanut butter sandwich vacation, you ask? It’s a unique experience that brings you back to the simplicity of childhood and the comforts of home. This vacation consists of three parts: two thin slices of bread on either side, with the main event sandwiched in between. Intrigued? Keep reading for more details.
After several years in the fast-paced rhythm of the National Capital Region, I, a middle-aged mom and wife of 19 years, have come to cherish peaceful and restful vacations with my husband. In recent years, we’ve made it a priority to escape as a couple and enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of daily life. Last year, we ventured to Northern New York, and this year, we chose to explore Prince Edward Island, with stops in Maine along the way.
As a Maine girl, there’s nothing quite like the opportunity to return to the beauty of my childhood, and as a self-proclaimed lobster connoisseur, I always crave my favorite world-renowned cooked crustacean. So, pour yourself a drink and let’s embark on this three-part journey together.
The Beginning
We began our drive from Virginia to my hometown of Bridgton, Maine, miraculously completing the trip in just ten hours—traffic angels were on our side! I must admit, we did have one shopping delay along the way, but it wasn’t my fault. Two miracles in one day! As soon as we crossed into Maine, my husband insisted we stop at Cabela’s for a few items. First, I desperately needed a restroom break, as my 49-year-old mom bladder was at its limit. Second, my husband genuinely needed a few items for the trip. And third, it was shopping, so I was all in—I had never set foot in a Cabela’s before. Ninety minutes later, after another restroom break and two shopping bags in hand, we were back on the road.
For those who may not know, Cabela’s is like a candy or toy store for some men. My patience while he shopped and his enjoyment in the store were a great kickstart to our vacation.
About an hour after leaving Cabela’s, we arrived in my hometown of Bridgton, Maine. For those who have never been to Maine, your life is not complete; and for those who have, you’ve experienced some of the magic that Maine offers you know exactly what I’m referring to. I hail from a small town near the Western border of New Hampshire, known as the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine, which is filled with lakes and ponds, resembling a vein of glacial water that spreads across a small portion of the state.
Our accommodations were a friend’s rustic cabin on the lake, exactly as you might imagine—a perfect and peaceful retreat filled with the owning families love and memories. My husband and I spent nearly all our evenings and early mornings on the screened porch in rocking chairs, listening to the sounds carried across the lake. Our favorite sound was the haunting calls of the loons that echoed throughout our stay.
Oh the Places We Go
Our only full day began with a trip to Beth’s Kitchen Café (https://www.bethskitchencafe.com) on Main Street. Beth’s is a hub of the small town, where many come for a good meal, others to connect with friends, and some just to catch up on local gossip over coffee and baked treats. Although Beth’s opened after I left for adulthood many years ago, it has become a staple for us every time we visit. The baked goods, food, and atmosphere are unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere. The walls are adorned with local artwork for sale, the tables are filled with locals and visitors alike, the portion sizes are generous, and the staff is friendly, making you feel right at home. We can’t leave Beth’s without a box filled with homemade ginger snap cookies, some chocolate flavored delights, and a muffin or biscotti—based on their serving sizes, the box of treats lasts for days.
After grabbing our breakfast to go, we returned to our porch perch to eat and listen to the loons. Once we finished, we quickly donned our hiking boots and prepared for our adventure of the day: hiking Pleasant Mountain, the local ski mountain and southern Maine’s tallest peak at just over 2,000 feet.
We planned a seven-mile hike that allowed us to summit the mountain from various points. The view from the top is nothing short of awe-inspiring and always brings back memories of skiing as a child. Loon Echo Trust, a non-profit land trust dedicated to protecting portions of this area in Maine, partners with private landowners to maintain a ten-mile trail network on and around Pleasant Mountain. The trails are exceptionally well-maintained, clearly marked, and well worth the energy expended to enjoy them.
After a day of hiking, my city guy and I were exhausted. We craved nothing more than food and beverages on our porch perch to listen to the loons. Our bodies were yearning for something easy yet satisfying, which led us to the local favorite, Bridgton House of Pizza (https:www.bhopandbar.com), for our take-out dinner. This iconic pizza place has been a part of my life since childhood, and just ordering the pizza transported me back to the days when my dad and I would share a take-out pie from the same spot. Yes, it’s a small-town, no-frills pizza place, but the pizza is among the best I’ve ever had. The gyro as a topping is an absolute must.
With full bellies and sore legs, the only thing left to do in Bridgton was prepare for the next leg of our trip, which would kick off early the following morning.
Until Next Time
We’ve finished the first slice of this expedition and are now ready to dive into the peanut butter portion of our adventure. Time to refresh your cup of coffee or glass of your favorite beverage for the next exciting segment of this peanut butter trip!
