Bresca & the Honeybee – New Gloucester, Maine

Overview

Set on the serene shores of Sabbathday Lake, Bresca & the Honeybee offers one of Maine’s most magical warm-weather escapes. This seasonal lakeside retreat is the creation of renowned chef Krista Kern Desjarlais, known for her fine-dining background and her ability to elevate the everyday. While there’s a beloved ice cream stand at its heart, the real experience is about lazy afternoons by the lake, picnicking barefoot, and savoring beautifully crafted treats in a rustic, back-to-nature setting. Expect chef-quality flavor in every bite—and an atmosphere that feels like summer slowed down. Most treats range from $4–$8, making it an affordable luxury in a lakeside paradise.

Why Visit

• Curated by a James Beard–nominated chef—this is not your average beach stand
• Located directly on a spring-fed lake with sandy beach access and Adirondack chairs
• Rotating menu of small-batch sweets, snacks, and frozen treats made with seasonal ingredients
• It’s more than food—it’s a lakeside picnic, a slow afternoon, and a local summer ritual

What to Try

• Burnt Honey Vanilla: A house signature that feels both nostalgic and elevated
• Dark Chocolate Sorbet: Intense and dairy-free, for serious chocolate lovers
• Ginger Cream: Spiced and smooth, with warm, subtle kick
• Seasonal Specials: Flavors like blueberry basil, rhubarb, or sweet corn pop up regularly

Insider Tips

• Outlet Beach access requires a small fee, but includes swimming and lakeside lounging
• Arrive early on sunny weekends—both the beach and the flavors can fill up fast
• Bring a picnic blanket, towels, and maybe a book—many stay for hours
• Cash or Venmo only; no card payments

Nearby Attractions

• Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village: Visit the last active Shaker community just minutes away
• Pineland Farms: Explore farm trails, cheese-making, and markets nearby
• Backroad Drives: New Gloucester offers peaceful country roads and rolling Maine scenery