Moving from urban legends to local folktales, I head three miles west of Freeport to the Desert of Maine. This geological anomaly dates back to the last ice age. As glaciers retreated, they left behind a deposit of sand-like glacial silt. Unfortunately for William Tuttle, who bought the land in 1797, this is where he decided to start a farm. Overgrazing can destroy land, but this example is a bit extreme: As he let the sheep enjoy themselves, they slowly unearthed not just a few hills of poor soil, but literal sand dunes. Since 1925, the site has operated as a tourist destination, undergoing a massive revitalization in the past few years. The new design falls somewhere between a classic TV game show and a nostalgic roadside attraction. Throughout the 20 acres of rolling sand, families can embark on a scavenger hunt, ride an electric train-themed trolly, or glamp along the river in a variety of structures, including A-frames, full cabins, and picture-worthy tents.