When those with taste and panache picture a summer vacation spot in Maine, chances are the image in their mind’s eye most closely resembles either the Black Point Inn or Migis Lodge. The quintessential bastions of summer style in the Pine Tree State are Maine’s most historic retreats, and both are located within easy driving distance of Portland. The Black Point Inn is situated overlooking the ocean in the exclusive area of Prouts Neck, while Migis Lodge is on the shore of the famous Sebago Lake.
The Inn has a rich history indeed. Built in 1878, it was originally known as Southgate House, and over the years it has played host to railroad barons, socialites, politicians and famous artists like Winslow Homer, who established his studio, now a museum, just up the road. One of the oldest settlements in Maine, Prouts Neck was colonized by the English in the 1600s and the same proud tradition came to characterize the Inn, an impressive shingled building in the grand American summer-house style.
In 1923 the Inn expanded and guest cottages were built for the presidents of the Pennsylvania and Lackawanna Railroads, who used the Inn as their summer retreat. Though times and owners changed, and Prohibition came and went, the Inn remained largely set in its ways. In 1969, two gentlemen were asked to leave the cocktail lounge because they were in short sleeves in violation of the dress code, never mind that they happened to be the governors of Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Fast forward to 2005 when rules changed and the Inn was purchased by an investor group with strong ties to the local community and the careful process of modernizing the place while preserving its strong traditions began. Improvements were made both to the property and to the Inn’s culinary offerings, which include The Chart Room, an informal bar and restaurant with seating on the Inn’s porch looking out over the water, and The Point Restaurant, which focuses on fine dining.
With its alluring artwork, rich wood paneling and accents, massive fireplace, and views out over the ocean, The Point is the place for dining in the grand tradition of the Inn. The focus is of course on seafood, and menu standouts include Milk Poached Haddock with spinach, citrus brioche crumb, Maltaise sauce and smashed Yukon Gold potatoes; Applewood Smoked Salmon with asparagus, caper berry roasted fingerlings, and horseradish Chantilly cream; and Prosciutto Wrapped Halibut with Meyer lemon roasted asparagus, sour cream and chive spätzle and grapefruit beurre blanc.
Accommodations keep with the upscale summer abode look and feature views of the ocean and landscape. Black Point guests can also arrange to play golf and tennis at the adjacent Prout’s Neck Country Club, relax on the beach, or go on the famous Cliff Walk which passes by the Winslow Homer Studio.
Migis Lodge boasts nearly as much rich history as the Black Point, having been established in 1916. Both properties are now managed by the Migis Hotel Group. The Lodge is the more family-oriented of the two, and the property consists of a luxurious Main Lodge and 35 cottages nestled amidst 125 acres of pine forest spread out along 3,500 feet of Sebago Lake shoreline. Every pine-paneled cottage has a wood-burning fireplace, and all offer easy access to Migis’ array of activities, from boating of every description to waterskiing, wakeboarding, swimming, fishing and tennis. There are also all-day programs to keep children busy as well.
The easiest way to describe Migis Lodge might be summer camp with cocktails, though the property also has the feel of a sprawling private family compound. Guests mingle for drinks on the porch of the Main Lodge in the evenings, where jackets are still required for gentlemen, or at numerous cookouts and lobster bakes that are an essential feature of the lodge’s experience. Numerous generations of families have been going to the property every summer for decades and treat it as a second home, but newcomers are always given a warm welcome.
The fare in Migis’ main dining room at the Lodge is a tad more traditional than at Black Point. The Saturday night gourmet buffet features an array of favorites including lobster, carved beef, shrimp, scallops, and poached salmon. The food is always extremely fresh, the preparations simple and delicious. Cocktails tend toward the time-honored standards though there are some more mixologist-oriented offerings as well. The young staff, as friendly as can be and attired in simple uniforms of khakis and polo shirts, reinforces the high-end summer camp feel.
A perfect day at Migis Lodge means spending most of your time on the lake trying out the various water sports, reading a book in the shade of the tall pines or relaxing on your cottage’s porch. Long summer daylight hours mean there’s plenty of time for canoeing, sailing, rowing, tennis, swimming and a spot of fishing well before the first gin and tonic is passed to you. Migis is family run and has been for decades, adding to its aura of comfort and relaxed elegance.
While summer is the prime time for most visitors to Maine, we highly recommend a September sojourn at one or both properties. Migis Lodge stays open until Columbus Day (Oct. 12 this year), while the Black Point Inn extends the season until November 1.
