ExploringMaine.com

You're a city-dweller and you like it that way. You know if you're almost out of gas there's a Mobil station just a couple miles away and you pass Shaw's on your way home from work every day.

It's convenience unlike anything folks who live in the North Maine Woods can boast. But wouldn't you like to get away? Wouldn't you like to spend a weekend (or a week) where you don't wake to the sound of traffic or feel the urge to run out to McDonald's for a midday snack?

You can do that at Pittston Farm, located three miles beyond the North Maine Woods Gatehouse checkpoint (translation: don't bother looking for the Dunkin Donuts). Not only is Pittston Farm a National Historic site, it's also on its way to going green. Last fall owners Bob and Jenny Mills began converting to wind and solar power. Those changes, along with new commercial refrigeration equipment and the elimination of kerosene heating in the cabins, were expected to make the farm 75-85% green.

So what can you do at Pittston Farm? How about relax? How about turn off the cell phone and open up a book? How about fishing in Seboomook Lake or hiking or biking near Moosehead?

There are four lodging options at the farm, including The Lodge and the Carriage House, which each have individual rooms. The rooms at The Lodge look over the fields and streams and rooms feature handmade quilts and claw foot tubs. You can sit on the porch with other vacationers or enjoy the wireless internet of the large screen satellite TV in the guest living room. The Carriage House features sturdy wood furniture and in-room TVs. Fees include bedding, towels and meals.

You can also choose a cabin, which sleeps two to seven people or one of the mobile home units which sleep up to 10.

All meals are served in the dining room and all are all-you-cat-eat. Enjoy fresh baked bread with breakfast (it's ready by 4:30 am for those who are at the farm to hunt). For lunch there's a soup and sandwich bar or you can order from the menu. Dinner is served lumberjack-style — meaning eat anything and everything you want. There are also snacks, homemade desserts, fruit, coffee and tea available all day.

Drive time

About 4 hours, at least 213 miles

Head north on I-295 toward Falmouth. I-295 will become I-95 and you're going to stay on it for about 100 miles until you reach Exit 157 for Newport/Moosehead Lake. Follow Rte. 7 through Corinna to Dexter, then turn left onto Rte. 23 after passing Dexter Village. Take Rte. 15 through Monson toward Greenville and Rockwood. Just after Moose River Country Store in Rockwood, turn right, cross the bridge and bear right onto 20 Mile Road. Go straight for 20 miles. Pittston Farm is three miles past the North Maine Woods Gatehouse.

Touring tips

If you visit in winter, you may need a four-wheel drive vehicle to get down 20 Mile Road to the farm.

Pittston Farm is big on family reunions and weddings so call 280-0000 to book your green and woodsy event.