Only a mile or two from the hub of activity, the resort was established an artists’ colony by the Branch family, it later served as a girls’ camp. Much of this camp ambience remains. The Linekin Bay Resort, now in its sixtieth season, is still owned by the same family, and includes five lodges and thirty cabins on fifteen oceanfront acres.

Imagine awakening to the sound of birds chirping in the pine trees. Relax on your porch in the morning mist, the scent of salt water in the air, and watch the sun rise over the tranquil bay, glistening bands of gold reflecting in the rippling waters. Ospreys flap their wings and seagulls swoop by. A bright yellow kayak glides silently along. Sailboats bob at their moorings, their masts swaying like conductors’ batons over a natural symphony.

The tranquility is punctuated by the splash of sea birds as they snatch their morning’s catch, sending gentle ripples that bounce against the shoreline. There’s a distant hum from the motors of the lobster boats, and soon one appears, gulls circling. This is Maine, and, as the saying goes, the way life should be.

Linekin Bay Resort is an unpretentious place in an unspoiled and secluded waterfront setting. While not for those seeking glitz or luxurious amenities, it is the rustic nature of the place that has kept families returning year after year, most for decades, often as children, then parents, and now grandparents or even great-grandparents. One woman was celebrating her sixtieth consecutive year there. Many return the same weeks each summer to spend time with friends from prior vacations. As first-timers, we were asked repeatedly how we found Linekin Bay Resort. In fact, the only other first-timers we encountered were long-time residents from a nearby town in Maine and had just discovered this property. Despite being a well-kept secret, the resort gained national attention when voted the top family resort by Parents Magazine.

A throwback in time, this is a place to savor life as it used to be-- families relaxing by the heated saltwater pool overlooking Linekin Bay, fishing from a dock, playing tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, or ping pong. You can hike, birdwatch, or take out a rowboat, kayak, or canoe. Seals may pop their heads up as you navigate the bay. Board the 30-foot sailboat for a morning or afternoon cruise or sail a smaller craft independently or with an instructor. Linekin Bay Resort offers the largest resort sailing fleet on the East Coast.

Individual sailing lessons are geared to your level of interest and ability. Our instructor, Eben, native to the area, skillfully guided Roger and me around the islands and lighthouses of Linekin Bay while clearly explaining the mechanics of sailing. By Thursday, many guests participate on the weekly regatta.

According to Ron Brann, General Manager of Linekin Bay Resort, “It is a way for families to get together and truly enjoy the time together. No one is burdened with meals, cleaning, and looking for things to do. We do it all for you.”

Board games, cards, and jigsaw puzzles bring people together evenings or during episodes of the inevitable Maine fog. Walk into the main lounge or bar at West Lodge and you’ll likely be invited to join in on a lively game or discussion. A pay phone and a wide-screen television used primarily for nightly movies, are tucked away, a bit out of place at this resort.

Guest rooms are comfortable, with vintage furnishings and knotty pine walls. We felt our East Lodge room, with a porch overlooking the harbor, was well worth the slightly higher cost.

Meals and all activities and instruction, including camp activities for those between the ages of three and ten, are included in the daily or weekly rates. The chef prepares three delicious meals a day, served in the Main Lodge, which has panoramic views of the bay and a large fieldstone fireplace.

Our delightful waitress, Anastacia, a university student from Belarus, offered us tempting choices at every meal, and made sure that we did not miss our favorites. Dinners, with seafood, meat, and vegetarian options, ranged from Maine seafood favorites to pomegranate glazed game hen. Leave room for dessert--these are not to be missed! On Tuesday and Friday, lobster buffets with steamed mussels and other well-prepared treats are served outside overlooking the pool and bay. Sunday is smorgasbord night.

The season runs June 18-September 3. In the off-season, the resort operates as a B&B and is also available as a destination for wedding and other functions.