Naples in Summer

Summer comes and goes quickly in Maine.  The season officially begins on the 4th of July and ends on Labor Day, not long before the first snow comes.  In the Lakes Region of Western Maine, summer residents head up to camp to enjoy boating, fishing, and just sitting on the porch listening to the loons calling out over the lake.

The small town of Naples (population 3,872) becomes a booming lakeside resort in the summer.  Situated on a causeway separating Long Lake and Brandy Pond, Naples is a mecca for summer tourists looking for T-shirts, ice cream, boat rentals, and waterfront dining.

Up to camp in Naples, Maine

For years I've dreamed of spending summers in Maine, far away from the muggy Florida heat.  This year, I decided to make that happen by convincing a friend to let me stay in her basement, and getting a summer job working at Gazebo Tee's on the causeway in Naples.

I spend my afternoons and evenings at the T-shirt shop helping tourists find souvenirs, enjoying the view of Long Lake across the causeway.  In the mornings I'm out on the porch, sipping coffee and learning to play my ukulele, enjoying the smell of the pine trees and breathing in the fresh Maine air.  I'm in heaven.

As I learn my way  around town, visiting all that Naples has to offer, I'll write about it here. That way, even if you're stuck somewhere in your own private hell, you can share in this little bit of heaven.  Light a stick of balsam incense to set the mood, kick your feet up, and come with me as we learn to kick back and relax, Maine style.