Town of Manchester, Maine
Source: Lakeside Orchards Facebook
Lakeside Orchards
And the southern part of the town lies on Cobbosseecontee Lake, which is part of the larger Winthrop Lakes Region.
This area provides the best of two worlds: a small close-knit lakeside community and a larger metropolitan area with its shopping, restaurants, and events. Great schools, parks, and access to the lakes make this an ideal place to live.
Exploring Manchester Maine
This home of the popular reality series Maine Cabin Masters is headquartered in an 1850 homestead that was built on the site of an old tavern. The old hitching post still lies out front.
Chase Morrill and his team (which includes his sister, brother-in-law, and two close friends) renovate and restore rustic cabins and camps all over the state of Maine. You can catch up with them through their podcast From The Woodshed. And you can stop by their headquarters and enjoy some local music, beer garden, and food trucks at The Woodshed.
History
The town was first settled in 1774 and was often referred to as “The Fork” during the early 19th century because of the four roads that branch off from one another. It was officially named Manchester in 1850 because many of the residents here were originally from Manchester, Massachusetts.
Agriculture was prominent here during the 19th century, especially apples. The apple orchards of Manchester were deemed excellent by the surrounding communities and there are still thriving apple orchards here today.
In 1793 the North Manchester Meeting House was built for the community to gather in. It still functions as a church to this day and is located at 143 Scribner Hill Road.
In the adjoining cemetery lies a rock referred to as the Devil’s Footprint. This stone bears a strange mark said to have been made by the Devil himself during the creation of the stone border around the cemetery.
Source: Wikipedia
Ladies’ Delight Lighthouse
Lakes and Trails
There are many lovely lakes and ponds in and around Manchester. If you are looking for a cabin on the lake for your next vacation look no further than Cobbosseecontee Lake. You’ll spend a joyful summer with all the lake has to offer: swimming, boating, fishing and bird and other wildlife watching.
And if it’s fishing that you’re searching for, Manchester has several great spots including Tyler Pond, Fairbanks Pond, and Jamies Pond.
Jamies Pond Wildlife Management Area is an 840-acre wooded area that lies along with three communities: Manchester, Hallowell, and Farmingdale. There is also a 107-acre pond here that’s ideal for fishing and boating.
This protected area is owned and managed by The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and is open year-round. This makes it a great spot for not only warm-weather activities, such as hiking and bird watching but also cold weather activities, such as cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
This 6.5-mile trail runs parallel to The Kennebec River and is perfect for walking, running and biking. And it’s dog friendly!
The New England Forestry Foundation and the Allen Whitney Memorial Forest located on Scribner Hill Road offer more trails to enjoy all year round. This sustainable forest conservation ensures that this area can be enjoyed by all for generations to come.
Ladies’ Delight Lighthouse is a 25-foot stone lighthouse was erected on Ladies’ Delight Island in Cobbosseecontee Lake in 1908. It was then presented to the Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club (now the CYC Lake Association) for safeguarding and upkeep.
It is possibly the only active inland waters lighthouse in the state of Maine. The lighthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.
The Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club was established in 1904 and is one of the oldest inland waters yacht clubs in the US. They strive to promote appreciation and use of the lakes and instruct on boating and water safety.
Local Flavor
Lakeside Orchards is a200 acre farm has a farm market store at 318 Readfield Road (Route 17) where you can buy fresh-picked fruits and vegetables. You also have the choice to pick your own.
They also have an onsite bakery and their own fresh baked bread, fruit pies, cider donuts, and turnovers.
Lighthouse Wine and Seafood Market is located on 918 Western Ave. This restaurant offers only the best selection of fresh seafood, freshly made sweets and wines from all over the world.
Mulligan’s on 926 Western Ave is a restaurant, convenience store and gas station all rolled into one. They have an extensive menu that includes All Day Breakfast, yummy lobster rolls, pizza, and the popular Krispy Krunchy Chicken.
Fielder’s Choice Ice Cream is a family-owned business on 937 Western Ave. They have the most delicious homemade ice cream and toppings. You’ll want to stop here a few times during your stay and try their different flavors like mint chocolate chip, cookie dough, or peanut butter cup. They also have sugar-free and dairy-free options.
Thai Spice Restaurant is a great restaurant for when you’re looking for something unique and spicy.
Manchester has you covered for outside activities and some wonderful food choices. If you’re looking for shopping and lodging you’ll find what you need in Augusta and other nearby towns.
Stay somewhere else but come back to Manchester to play and eat!
