The perfect vacation getaway
Guests have full access to our 75 acres, including trails, nice views, and produce from our organic gardens. Our trails wind through a variety of woodland and fields and connect to a 28 mile network of trails that lead to Hogback and Frye Mountains, the two highest mountains in Waldo County (see the swla.org link below for more trail information, as well as information on guided walks and tours.) There is a variety of bird life in Montville, and at least one guided bird walk hosted by the local land trust each year. The birds will be about the only noises you'll hear on the ridge; we're far removed from all other sources of noise. If you want to feel away from it all, this is the place to be, while still being close enough to go into town for an afternoon.
Montville (www.montvillemaine.org) is an eclectic town of 1,000. As the name suggests, it is hilly. Primarily woods and farmland connected by a mix of dirt and paved roads, the "Center" is nothing more than a crossroads hosting the grange hall, town meeting house, town office, and a recently restored one-room schoolhouse. In the late 60s and early 70s, many people moved to Montville from away as part of the Back-to-the-Land movement. There were three communes in Montville. Although they no longer function as communes, their influence in town is still present. Montville recently made national headlines by outlawing the use of Genetically Modified Organism (GMOs) within its borders. Montville is home to Frye Mountain Game Management area, one of the largest game management areas in the state.
Penobscot Bay and the towns of Belfast and Camden are within a short drive. There is great road and mountain biking from our house in all directions. Freedom Pond, the perfect spot for a peaceful afternoon in the canoe, is a five minute drive from the yurt. This link will take you to a travel article on Freedom Pond from the Maine Sunday Telegram. http://maineoutdoorjournal.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=276590&ac=Outdoors We are also close to nice white water canoeing on the George's River.
Helpful links and additional information:
Maine Organic Farmers and Growers Association (MOFGA)
Home of the Common Ground Country Fair, Small Farm Days, and many other events. (Montville frequently makes MOFGA news, having the distinction of being the only town in Maine to have outlawed the use Genetically Modified Organisms)
Sheepscott Wellspring Land Alliance
SWLA is a local organization working to protect lands in the upper Sheepscot River region that have ecological, or esthetic significance. SWLA jointly maintains a 25-mile network of trails in Montville with the George's River Land Trust.
Unity Center for the Performing Arts
This 200 seat theater, built from an old barn, has fabulous sound and attracts an eclectic mix of local, national, and international acts.
http://www.unityme.org/theater/
Belfast Maine
Belfast summer nights is a fun outdoor music series on Thursday nights from 5:30 to 7:30. Generally a downtown street is blocked off to traffic....bring your dancing shoes or lawn chairs! You may also want to check out the 13 studios and galleries in town during the Friday night Artwalks July - August from 5:00 - 8:00. Music and dance performances are also sometimes offered during the walks. Helpful links to these events, other activities, and locations in Belfast can be found at
Rail Bikes
Ride the rails on special bikes (similar to a paddle boat) that fit the tracks. The 4 mile trip runs from Thorndike to Brooks on the Belfast and Moosehead Lake right of way. The start of this excursion is a short 10 minute drive from the yurt. Information can be found at
http://www.brookspreservation.org/railbikes.htm
Camden Maine
Helpful links to locations and a
Microbreweries
There are two good commercial microbreweries within 20 miles, Andrews in Lincolnville (no website) and 3 Tides in Belfast
Pacific Yurts
Information on Yurts!
http://www.yurts.com/
Gooseridgeyurts on facebook.....become a fan!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1441908606&ref=name#/pages/Goose-Ridge-Yurts/99372714920?ref=sgm
