Locals and visitors from every corner of the world are encouraged to go and experience these rare, unique places all less than an hour from each other on the picturesque Route 26 in Western Maine. The road meanders through gorgeous countryside and boasts culturally, historically, and ecologically significant attractions. Just thirty minutes north of Portland, a family can spend a day or several days visiting these destinations for very little money – a true value! The Gems include: The Maine Wildlife Park, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Poland Spring Resort & Golf Course, Maine State Building Museum, Poland Spring Bottling Museum, McLaughlin Garden & Homestead and more.

Resting Lynx at Maine Wildlife Park. Photo: Michael Leonard.

Fenn Park has it all! Located across from the 18 hole Poland Spring Resort you will find Miniature Golf, a Disc Golf Park even private and group golf lessons with a delux driving range. Plus you can reward yourself at the ice cream shop that serves Gifford’s Ice Cream specializing in cones, sundaes and more!

The driving range at Poland Spring Resort stretches over 330 yards in length with spectacular views of Mount Washington. There is a practice bunker and several different target greens for you to work on different distances and clubs in your bag. The Golf Learning Center has all facets of improving your game covered from video analysis to on course instruction!

Poland Mining Camps is located in Poland, Maine and our primary business is to cater to the needs of the pegmatite mineral collector, enthusiast or geologist, whether as individuals or as a Group. Our customers have exclusive access to famous pegmatite quarries and are allowed to collect mineral specimens, study the geology and enjoy the opportunity unavailable to the general public.

Egg-Ceptional Restaurant serves breakfast and lunch from 6:00am until 2:00pm everyday. WIFI & cable, handicap services available and ask about group event services.

A brown bear at Maine Wildlife Park. Photo: Michael Leonard

Smedberg’s roadside stand was originally built in 1967 and is owned and operated by Roger and Gayle Smedberg and Roger Smedberg Jr. From Made-in-Maine products like maple syrup, honey, fruit salsa, soaps, and ornaments, to their own One Cow Homemade Ice Cream that’s “udderly delicious”, Smedberg’s Crystal Spring Farm is an experience unlike any other. Stop by and check out their homemade baked goods including pies, bread, and Gayle’s delicious homemade baked beans and chicken pies. Smedberg’s fully-stocked greenhouses feature beautiful annuals, hardy perennials, fertilizer, soils, as well as seedlings and plants. Smedberg’s all-natural, home-grown beef, pork, and lamb are raised on the farm, fed from the field with no added hormones. Also available: chicken, turkey, seafood and live lobster. You won’t want to miss a stop at Smedberg’s Crystal Spring Farm.

Oxford Casino, located in the heart of southern Maine, just minutes from Exit 63 off the Maine Turnpike is your destination for wicked good fun. The casino offers a unique gaming and entertainment experience unlike any other. From table games to slot machines, their non-stop gaming action delivers a thrill a minute to fortune seekers, and their on-site restaurant and full bar provide places to refuel.

The Inside Scoop offers their own delicious homemade ice cream that is made onsite! They have soft serve ice cream featuring flavor-bursts, fresh waffle cones, yummy sweet treats. They also offer non-dairy treats, sugar-free ice cream, ice cream cakes and Inside Paws Treats for furry customers. You have the option of inside service with seating, a walk up window or drive thru service for your convenience.

Creaser Jewelers owners Dennis and Julie Creaser have turned their love of gemstones and jewelry into a thriving small business which specializes in Maine Gemstones (Maine Tourmaline, Maine Amethyst), fine jewelry and custom design. Dennis has dedicated over 20 years to gemcutting and jewelry design – and the pursuit of Maine gemstones. He facets and carves gems with one goal in mind: create the brightest, cleanest, most beautiful jewel possible. He designs jewelry to perfectly enhance, perfectly compliment a beautiful gemstone. Julie has over 12 years experience in business management and customer service and a lifetime of appreciation for fine jewelry. This combined with her knowledge of styles and trends, both current and traditional, guarantee their customers’ satisfaction.

Photos: Michael Leonard