Visiting This Middle-Of-Nowhere Maine Restaurant Is Like Taking A Daylong Vacation
By Michelle|Published February 13, 2020
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
Here’s something we know to be true about Maine: in the winter we’re all dreaming of going on vacation. Sure, the snow is fun. The first few times. But after a while things get mentally challenging. So much cold, so much rain, so much snow, so much wind. We just want a break. And, strangely, that’s what you’ll get if you head a bit off-the-beaten path to visit this wonder of a restaurant. Or, rather, sporting club! And it’s open year-round so you can take a break any day of the week!
Winter, spring, summer or fall, the Long Lake Sporting Club in Sinclair is there to make things feel a little more festive. This is especially welcome in the winter, when Maine is often at it's dreariest.
It got its start in 1922 when Maxine Albert and George Gagnon built it. It changed hands some time later, but ultimately shut its doors in 1929 during the depression. It was reopened in 1933, this time with electricity and a liquor license!
But not soon after, in 1938, it burned down. The good news? It was rebuilt and officially given the name it has today!
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Today the Long Lake Sporting Club is run by members of the same family who have run things since 1971! Things have changed, but much of the tradition here has stayed the same.
That includes how hoppin' it is in the winter time. Folks arrive on their sleds and spend the day. The Sporting Club offers gas and oil for snowmobilers, too.
While the Long Lake Sporting Club might be a trek for those who live in southern Maine, it's a stalwart of the community for those in The County. And it doesn't get much more Maine than this!
The Long Lake Sporting Club is open year-round, every day of the week. Monday through Saturday they’re open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m and on Sunday they’re open from noon to 9 p.m. You can learn more about them on their website or visit them on Facebook. They can be reached on 207-543-7584.
