The tranquil beauty of Kezar Lake in Lovell, Maine
Nine mile long Kezar Lake has been described as “one of the three most beautiful lakes in the world” by National Geographic. Known as a summer resort area since the late 1800s, Lovell’s natural beauty and peacefulness attract people to this small town along the lake. Superb swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, dining and golfing are all right here.
Many roads throughout town bear the name “Hill,” which should give you an idea of the terrain in Lovell. And from those hills, the views of the White Mountains are spectacular.
The Greater Lovell Land Trust maintains reserves and preserves throughout town and offers guided walks and hikes year round. One such reserve, the Heald and Bradley Reserve off of Slab City Road, includes the western shore of Heald Pond, access to the southern shore of Bradley Pond, much of Whiting Hill (elevation 801 feet), Flat Hill (elev. 891 feet) and Amos Mountain (elev. 955 feet). The GLLT is working on a trail for handicapped access up Amos Mountain suitable to wheelchairs and scooters.
Sabbatus Mountain, on Sabbatus Mountain Road, offers a more moderate hike and splendid views.
Lake Kezar Country Club is known as the best kept secret in western Maine. And beside hole number 3 is Ebenezer’s Pub, rated number one beer bar in America by Beer Advocate. Ebenezer’s boasts over 800 selections of beers with more than 35 on tap, which are mostly Belgian.
You’ll find two wonderful libraries, the Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library in Lovell and the Lewis Dana Hill Memorial Library in North Lovell for your reading pleasure. And while at the latter . . . you might just find yourself standing beside Maine’s favorite horror writer, Stephen King. He and his wife, Tabitha frequent the Lewis Dana Hill Memorial Library and are responsible for some of the updates to the building. The hours are limited, but it’s worth the visit.
The arts are alive in town with summer performances at The Brick Church for the Performing Arts. The Harvest Gold Gallery and several other studios offer fine hand-crafted items for viewing and sale. And the annual Lovell Arts and Artisans Fair takes place each August.
The Lovell Recreation Director, tells us that the Tour de Lovell, a 20K bike race, is an all around fun event. “It’s not the most grueling race, but it does provide challenges,” says the recreation director. In the past few years he’s noted that people are planning their vacation time to Lovell around the race.
You might consider planning your vacation time in Lovell. Take a look at lakefront property and make this your destination place.
Lovell Town Office, 1069 Main Street, Center Lovell 04016
www.lovellmaine.us, 207.925.6272, 207.925.1710
Incorporated 1800
Named for Captain John Lovewell
Square miles: 43.4
Population: 1,000
2010 Tax Rate: $9.15/thousand
Fire/Police/Ambulance: 911
Non-emergency—Fire: 207.925.2623
Oxford County Sheriff: 800.733.1421
Maine State Police: 800.228.0857
Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library: 207.925.3177
Dana Lewis Hill Memorial Library: 207.928.2301
Lovell Recreation Department: 207.697.3574
New Suncook Elementary School: 207.925.6711
MSAD 72, Fryeburg School District: 207.935.2600
Boat Launches: Kezar Lake’s Upper and Middle Bay, Horseshoe Pond, Bradley Pond (rough access), Heald Pond (6 mph limit), Farrington Pond (carry in)
Public Beaches: Town Landing, Pleasant Point, Kezar Landing (all for residents only)
Playgrounds: Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, Lewis Dana Hill Memorial Library (basketball court), New Suncook Elementary School*
*Not available during school hours