Escape to Serenity: Gorham's Best-Kept Secret (Ladd Pond Cabins & Campground)
Escape to Serenity: Gorham's Best-Kept Secret? (Ladd Pond Cabins & Campground) - My Honest Truth
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Ladd Pond Cabins & Campground (a.k.a. Escape to Serenity, if you're feeling fancy) and I have thoughts. Lots of them. This ain't your perfectly curated Instagram review, folks. This is the messy, the real, the "did-I-remember-to-pack-deodorant?" version.
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- Keywords: Ladd Pond Cabins, Escape to Serenity, Gorham Maine, Campground Review, Cabin Review, Maine Cabin Rental, Spa Getaway, Outdoor Pool, Wi-Fi in Room, Pet-Friendly (sort of), Family-Friendly, Accessible Cabins, Restaurant with a View, Maine Vacation, Spa with Sauna, Romantic Getaway, Maine Lakes Region, COVID-Safe, Family Vacation, Things to Do Gorham, Accessible Amenities, Maine Campground, Luxury Cabin, Cabin with a View, Couples Retreat, Wheelchair Accessible, Pet-Friendly.
- Meta Description: My brutally honest review of Escape to Serenity (Ladd Pond Cabins & Campground) in Gorham, Maine! From the surprisingly good spa to the, uh, interesting internet situation, I spill the tea. Is it really "serenity"? Find out here, plus all the accessibility, safety, and dining details you need! #LaddPond #EscapeToSerenity #MaineVacation #TravelReview #HonestReview
(Let's Dive In - Where Do We Even Begin?)
Well, first things first: finding the darn place. GPS was… well, let’s just say it had a personality. We ended up down a dirt road that looked suspiciously like a raccoon’s personal highway. But when we actually arrived, there was a glimmer of… potential.
Accessibility: Okay, solid start for accessibility. They say they have accessible cabins. I didn't specifically need one, but I checked them out. The ramps looked good, and the doorways seemed wide enough for a wheelchair. I saw a couple of ramps. Now, if you have super-specific accessibility needs, I'd strongly recommend calling ahead and making sure it's exactly what you require. Don't take my word for it. Verify. Verify. Verify. It's a Maine thing; they're still getting to grips with the whole idea of "perfect."
On-site Accessible Restaurants / Lounges: Hmm. This is where things get a tiny bit complicated. I didn't see a restaurant but there were some very nice picnic tables and other spots to sit and eat. There weren't any traditional "lounges" as you'd expect. This place is more rustic.
Wheelchair Accessible: As mentioned earlier, it appears that they have at least one wheelchair-accessible cabin, but confirm this with the staff before booking.
Internet Access: Ugh. The internet. Where do I even begin? "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" they boast. Which, technically, is true. Sort of. It's like the Wi-Fi is whispering sweet nothings from a faraway land. It's there, theoretically. But actually using it? That’s a whole other adventure. I'm talking dial-up in the 21st century kind of slow. Especially if you're in a cabin that isn't right next to the main office. Especially on a Saturday afternoon when everyone is streaming cat videos. I spent a good hour trying to upload a photo of the incredibly tasty breakfast I had (more on that later) and I think I made more progress trying to communicate telepathically with a squirrel. The frustration almost made me resort to carrier pigeons. Seriously, pack a book. Or maybe a Ouija board. Just in case. I could not get internet working.
Internet [LAN], Internet services: Nope. Forget about wired internet. Unless you bring your own 1990s setup, and you want to try again using that approach.
Wi-Fi in public areas: Okay, the Wi-Fi in public areas worked slightly better. But slightly is the operative word.
Things to do, ways to relax: Okay, here's where Escape to Serenity actually shines. Remember that whole "serenity" thing? They're onto something. This place is all about chilling out.
* **The Spa (Spa, Spa/sauna, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath):** Okay, confession time. I *love* a good spa day. I was slightly skeptical, given the rustic vibe. But the spa was surprisingly good. The sauna was hot, the steam room was… steamy. I got a massage that was so good, I briefly considered running away and becoming a permanent resident. The masseuse was amazing. The body scrub and wrap were a lovely extra touch. The foot bath was divine. Honestly, I could have spent the entire weekend *just* in the spa. It was total bliss. It was probably the highlight of the trip.
* **Swimming Pool (Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view):** The outdoor pool was gorgeous. The view was spectacular. I spent a good chunk of time floating, thinking happy thoughts, and pretending I was a mermaid. (Don't judge.)
* **Fitness Center, Gym/fitness:** Honestly, I didn’t even *look* at the gym. Who needs a gym when you're surrounded by nature and opportunities to chill? This is not the place for hardcore fitness. This is about relaxing.
Cleanliness and Safety: This is where I was super impressed. They really took safety seriously.
* **Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Sterilizing equipment :** The cabins felt fresh and clean. They had all the COVID precautions in place.
* **Hand sanitizer:** Abundant. Everywhere. Which made me feel good.
* **Staff trained in safety protocol:** Yes.
* **Hygiene certification:** I didn't specifically check for that, but I did feel safe.
* **Safe dining setup:** (See dining section for more on that)
* **Cashless payment service:** Mostly, yes.
* **Individually-wrapped food options:** A few, yes.
* **Physical distancing of at least 1 meter:** It felt easy to maintain distance.
* **Shared stationery removed:** Correct.
* **First aid kit:** I didn’t need it, thankfully, but I’m sure there was one.
* **Doctor/nurse on call:** Yes, listed.
Dining, drinking, and snacking: Let's talk food, shall we?
* **Restaurants, Coffee shop, Snack bar:** I am going to have to say, there was *no* obvious restaurant or snack bar on site. There wasn't even a coffee shop.
* **A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant:** No to all of those.
* **Bottle of water:** Yes! Free bottled water in the room. Nice touch.
* **Safe dining setup:** I felt safe about the dining, the food was all pre-packaged
* **Breakfast takeaway service:** Yes, there was.
* **Bar:** No bar.
My Breakfast Tale: This is where things got interesting. There was a breakfast takeaway service! It was pre-packaged and you could take it back to your cabin. Which meant I had a delicious breakfast burrito (seriously, it was amazing) and tried to upload that picture. You already know how that went.
Services and conveniences:
* **Air conditioning in public area:** No need! It's Maine.
* **Audio-visual equipment for special events:** Didn't see any.
* **Business facilities, Xerox/fax in business center, Meeting stationery, Meetings, Seminars, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Wi-Fi for special events:** Nope. This place is all about unplugging.
* **Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange:** No.
* **Concierge:** No.
* **Contactless check-in/out:** Yes! Easy and fast.
* **Convenience store:** No convenience store. So pack snacks!
* **Daily housekeeping, Daily housekeeping:** No.
* **Doorman:** Nope.
* **Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service:** No.
* **Elevator:** No
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's pristine travel itinerary. This is a Ladd Pond Cabins & Campground, LLC Gorham (NH) survival guide – or at least, my attempt to survive it, with a healthy dose of humor and a side of utter bewilderment.
Ladd Pond: My Imperfectly Perfect Adventure (and Possible Descent into Madness)
Day 1: Arrival and the Quest for the Holy Toilet Paper (Gorham, NH - Population: Mostly Trees, Apparently)
1:00 PM - ARRIVAL: Well, WE MADE IT. After a six-hour drive that felt like an eternity punctuated by screaming children and the existential dread of "are we there yet?" – we’re here. Ladd Pond Cabins. The website photos were suspiciously idyllic. Let's hope the reality doesn't involve a swarm of bloodthirsty mosquitoes. First impressions: scenic, yes. Slightly…rustic, also yes. My inner neat freak is already twitching, but I'm trying to embrace the "outdoorsy" vibes. God help me.
1:30 PM - CABIN CHECK-IN (AND PANIC): Okay, the cabin. It's…cozy. Let's call it that. Think "tiny house" but with all the charm of a slightly disgruntled squirrel. The air smells faintly of pine and something suspiciously like old socks. The biggest issue is the toilet paper. Apparently, the supplies are not as abundant as in the city. (This is already a metaphor for something deep, I'm sure). I'd pack my own, but thought, "no sweat, I can buy some." So, now I will be forced to go on a quest for the HOLY TOILET PAPER. Wish me luck.
2:00 PM - GROCERY STORE RUSH: Found a local market. Stocked up on essentials (beer, chips, peanut butter, and actual food). Also, acquired the Toilet paper. Victory is mine! Also bought a weird local jam that looked suspiciously like something a badger might eat. Am I supposed to be more in tune with nature? Yes. Is that happening? No.
3:00 PM - CABIN INSPECTION AND UNPACKING (AKA, THE REALITY HITS): Unpacking. My travel companions have their own issues. The kid has an allergy to mosquitos, and my partner's a whiner. The cabin is, in fact, small. And the "rustic" touches I saw in the pictures, were NOT the kind of touches I had in mind.
5:00 PM - POND SIGHTING (AND SUBSEQUENT DEPRESSION): The brochure promised "breathtaking views." It's a pond. It's… a pond. It may be a beautiful pond, with all the trees in reflection, but, it's a pond. The sun is setting. The mosquitoes are starting their assault. I'm questioning all my life choices.
6:00 PM - FIRE PIT FAIL (AND THE SMELL OF DEFEAT): The fire pit! A symbol of wholesome family fun! Turns out, starting a fire is harder than brain surgery. After an hour of smoke inhalation and a near-miss with my eyebrows, we gave up. Dinner: cold sandwiches. I am officially a campfire failure.
7:00 PM - STARGAZING (AND THE COLD TRUTH): Okay, the stars are pretty amazing. Seriously. No light pollution. Pure, unadulterated cosmic glory. But the wind is biting, and I'm starting to question the wisdom of packing only a light jacket. Also, I miss my heated blanket.
Day 2: Hiking, Hysteria, and the Accidental Wildlife Encounter
8:00 AM - BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS (AKA, COLD CEREAL AND REGRET): No hot water. The breakfast of champions is cereal and a lukewarm cup of water. My partner is already complaining. My kid is complaining. The dog is…well, the dog seems happy. God bless that dog.
9:00 AM - HIKE OF DOOM (OR, AT LEAST, MODERATE DISCOMFORT): We attempted a hike. The trail description promised "easy and scenic." My ankle remembers it as "muddy, uphill, and infested with biting insects." We saw a squirrel. Exciting. I'm pretty sure I'm permanently attached to my water bottle. Still questioning every choice.
11:00 AM - THE ACCIDENTAL DEER ENCOUNTER (OR, WHY I SHOULDN’T TRUST MY EYES): We're back at the cabin. The kid is complaining. The whiner is complaining. I'm on my phone when I hear her scream. Turns out, standing ten feet from the cabin is a deer. A freaking deer. Holy. Crap. I swear. I was more scared than she was. Apparently, I'm not as tough as I thought.
1:00 PM - LUNCH AND THE RECOVERY OF MY SANITY: After the deer fiasco, we retreat to the cabin for a sandwich and to try to get my head on straight. After a nap and 2 cups of coffee, I start to see the light. Maybe I'm not built for the wild.
3:00 PM - POND-SIDE RELAXATION (OR, ATTEMPTING TO FIND PEACE): Okay, I'll admit it. The pond is, at least, peaceful. The water is reflecting the trees. I'm trying to meditate. Am I relaxed? Not really. But hey! I'm outside!
5:00 PM - FAILURE OF THE FIRE PIT (PART TWO): I vowed redemption. I bought the "easy-start" fire logs. The result? A slightly less smoky…campfire. With the wind in our favour, we manage to enjoy it for a bit, but then it started raining.
7:00 PM - THE CABIN FEAST (OR, HOW I EMBRACED MY INNER COOK): We retreat to the cabin. The kid is complaining. The whiner is complaining. The dog has eaten all the snacks. I decide to make Chili and garlic bread. The results were unexpectedly good. Yay.
Day 3: The Grand Finale (And a Desperate Plea for Civilization)
8:00 AM - BREAKFAST AND THE FATEFUL TOILET PAPER CHECK: Let's see. The toilet paper supply is dwindling. I am beginning to panic. I need to ration the supply. I may have overdone it.
9:00 AM - THE ROAD TRIP (OR, A DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE): We drive into town on the last day. The kid and partner are asleep. I'm driving, but all I can think of is going home. This isn't my idea of fun.
11:00 AM - THE LAST SUPPER (OR, CHICKEN NUGGETS AND REFLECTION): Last meal. Chicken nuggets, I tell my companions. They cheer. I secretly cry.
1:00 PM - CHECK OUT: PEACE AT LAST (OR, THE SWEET SMELL OF FREEDOM): Driving home.
1:30 PM - GORHAM, NH (AND THE REST OF MY LIFE): The road is long. I'm not sure how I fared. Maybe I've become somewhat better. Maybe I can cope with the wild.
3:00 PM - HOME SWEET HOME: The drive back home. I'm exhausted, I smell of smoke, I'm covered in scratches, and my soul has taken a beating. Am I glad I went? Yes, of course. Do I need a shower, a glass of wine, and a week-long nap? Also yes.
Final Thoughts: Ladd Pond Cabins: It's an experience. It challenges you. It pushes you. It may even drive you slightly mad. But hey, at least it's memorable. I'll probably be back. Eventually. After a very long break. And with way more toilet paper.
Barcelona's Hidden Gem: Hotel Grums - Unbeatable Luxury!
So, what *is* this whole "FAQ" shebang, anyway? I'm, like, perpetually confused.
Ugh, seriously, who doesn't feel lost in a sea of information these days? Basically, this is a collection of questions and answers… *supposedly* the ones people ask most often. It's meant to be helpful, you know? But honestly? Sometimes I think it's just a way for people to pretend they have all the answers. Which, spoiler alert, NOBODY does. Anyway, here are *my* take on things - and I'll probably contradict myself halfway through. Prepare for liftoff and chaos!
Okay, fine. Let's get *serious*. What's the deal with… (dramatic pause) … *productivity*? I feel like I'm forever behind.
Oh, the *productivity* question. The bane of my freakin’ existence! Look, I've read the books, I've downloaded the apps, I've even tried that weird Pomodoro thing (which mainly resulted in me eating all the snacks). I'm generally a whirlwind of procrastination, and I'll be the first to admit it. I *yearn* to be the kind of person who wakes up at 5 am, meditates, and writes a novel before breakfast. But, the alarm clock goes off, and I'm back asleep. That's the truth of my mornings - I'm just a sleepy, slightly-stressed person, okay?
My main productivity tip is this : sometimes, just show up. That's it. No huge goals, no pressure. *Just show up*. Make your bed. Brush your teeth. Send that email. Even if you only manage ONE thing, you've won. It's a small victory, sure, but a victory nonetheless!
Alright, so, what are your thoughts on *failure*? I'm, uh, currently failing at avoiding failure...
Oh, failure is my *specialty*. I consider myself a connoisseur. I've failed at relationships, jobs, diets, DIY projects (let's not talk about the disastrous attempt to build a birdhouse). Failure is messy, it's humiliating, and sometimes it feels like the freaking end of the world. But here's the thing: it's also... inevitable. And honestly? Sometimes it's pretty damn hilarious in retrospect.
Remember that time I tried to bake a cake for my friend's birthday? It looked okay, it tasted okay… until I sliced into it and found a giant, *undeveloped* raw egg yolk in the middle. I wanted to die! But we laughed about it for a solid hour. That's the golden rule: embrace the mess. Learn from it. And maybe, *maybe*, don't share your "failure cake" with anyone, unless you want them to join in with the giggles. Seriously, nobody wants a raw eggcake, trust me! The cake itself failed at the most basic thing a cake is supposed to do: be edible. But the failure served a purpose; it was a story. And it was funny.
Failure is a teacher. A harsh, sometimes brutal teacher, but a teacher nonetheless. You learn what *not* to do. You learn resilience. You learn to laugh at yourself, which is a super important life skill!
What about… *relationships*? Ugh. Asking for a friend. (It's me, I'm the friend.)
Ah, relationships. The land of joy, heartbreak, and general bewilderment. From my experience, they're kinda like those carnival rides that are *slightly* terrifying but also strangely addictive. You go through a lot of ups and downs, you hang on for dear life, and you sometimes feel like you're going to puke.
The best relationships are the ones where you can be your messy, flawed self and still be loved. It's about communication (which I'm still working on, let's be real), forgiveness (big one!), compromise (also challenging!), and a boatload of laughter. And maybe, just maybe, a shared love of terrible reality TV shows. Because honestly, what's life without a bit of trashy escapism?
And look, some people are just *not* for you. And that's okay! That's not a failure, either. It's just… life.
Okay, last one! What do you *really* believe in? The Big Stuff?
Hmm. The Big Stuff. That's a tough one. I believe in kindness, even when it's hard. I believe in showing up for the people you love. I believe in the power of a good book and a strong cup of coffee. I believe in the beauty of nature, even when it's raining sideways.
I'm still figuring out the rest. I'm a work in progress, a constant learner, a perpetual questioner. And, honestly, I think that's part of the fun.
