Sunset cabins is the kind of place where you go to experience lakeside Maine from a forgotten decade. Four of the cabins press right up against Damariscotta Lake, and you can listen to the sound of the water lap against the rocks of the shore as you sleep. They are comfortable, dry and smell like a mix of pinewood and vintage furniture (as classic lakefront camps should). The cabins have the basics for a relaxing week including a refrigerator, stove, wood stove, microwave, coffeemaker, electric tea kettle. I have mixed feelings about how awesome the cell service is at the lake. There is no wi-fi on site to distract you, but on the other hand the 4G I had with AT&T was so good that I found it easy to brag about my vacation online. Each cabin has a fieldstone fire pit in front surrounded by Adirondack chairs. There is one grill to share although we brought a little travel Weber grill for ourselves. Aloisia is a perfectly amiable and hospitable host and she has gardens to envy on the hill in front of her house that is perched above the cabin. We regularly used the wooden barrel sauna for $10/hr (worth every penny), jumping in the lake intermittently to cool off.

A couple of tips: water shoes or sandals are useful if you plan to swim from the beach as the pebbles are pretty sharp. A fan can really help with air circulation if you are able to bring one with you. Swimming at sunset is magic.

If you want a real rustic lakeside experience in Maine, these cabins will absolutely fit the bill. If you expect lots of modern conveniences or have a fear of cobwebs or insects, then it might not be the place for you. I've spent three weeks of my life at Sunset Cabins all told and I personally think it's perfect. I plan to come back yearly!