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Happy Acres: Home to campers, travelers

WATERVILLE – Many campers and travelers have called Happy Acres Resort, 3332 Little Pine Creek Road, Waterville, home for 60 years.

And after taking over the property nine years ago, Gene and Irene Feerrar are hoping to continue giving visitors an enjoyable and comfortable time.

“There’s something for everybody,” Irene said.

Happy Acres offers cabins that can sleep anywhere from two to 25 individuals, yurts – a combination of a tent and cabin – and areas for tents. The resort’s cabins are stocked with many of the amenities of home, including DIRECTV, kitchens and in some cases Jacuzzi tubs.

Gene noted that they specialize in “luxury, full-service cabins,” in their 50-acre property. All camp sites come with fire ring. Cabins are equipped with gas grills. The resort also offers a space with several computers equipped with high-speed internet.

The site, which is open year round, also has a swimming pool. Irene said many take advantage of the property’s lodge for family reunions and weddings.

After visiting Happy Acres for years prior to purchasing it, the Feerrars decided they would take it over. The property sat closed for five years prior to the Feerrars purchasing it.

And although the business included a restaurant, Gene said they first gave their attention to the campground. Cabins were renovated, replaced and updated.

He added that they continuously look to enhance the site.

The resort offers special event, such as an Easter egg hunt and pig roasts, for their guests. But when it comes to keeping busy, Gene said there’s many outdoors activities for campers to do, especially with a state park next to it.

“We’re all about hiking,” Irene said.

The restaurant offers food made from scratch and changes its menu seasonally. It also offers over 100 kinds of beer. Gene said the restaurant is a “vital” part of the operation, saying that many people take advantage of it on nights when they don’t feel like cooking.

A general store sells supplies, snacks and other items.

“We have all sorts of unique gifts, a lot of camping supplies,” Irene said. “This is a convenience for those who come camping.”

Irene added that she enjoys the business because customers enjoy their time there.

“This is a fun business because you’re dealing with people on vacation,” she said.

Gene attributes the success to the staff.

“We have a lot of good people that work here,” he said. “We have professional people that know what they’re doing.”

And he also said by continuing to listen to the campers, Happy Acres will stay in business.

“We listen to people,” Gene said. ” We want to get better and better and better.”

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