These Towns in Maine Come Alive in Winter
“Dashing through the snow in a one-horse open sleigh, O’er the fields we go, Laughing all the way…”
Jingle Bells has become a yuletide classic, composed by James Lord Pierpont, the uncle of J.P. Morgan. The song tells of the New England sleigh races held on Salem Street in the 1800s. The images of the song’s lyrics capture quaint New England in the joy of the Christmas season.
Maine is one of those New England states known for its rocky coastline and lobsters, but it can also play host to a grand old-fashioned Christmas and winter wonderland. There are small towns dotting the coast and inland that offer downhill skiing, nature hikes in parks and preserves, ice climbing, and darling holiday festivals with activities for the whole family to spread the seasonal cheer.
Bar Harbor
The resort coastal town of Bar Harbor is located on Mount Desert Island. The small town was settled in 1763. The town has long been associated with the wealthy and powerful. Ben Harbor was the birthplace of former American vice president Nelson Rockefeller. His father, John D. Rockefeller, Jr. owned a home on the island, as did J.P. Morgan and Cornelius Vanderbilt. More recent notable residents include Roxanne Quimby the founder and CEO of Burt’s Bees and Martha Stewart.
While typically thought of as a summer paradise with yachting and beachgoing activities, Bar Harbor is a winter haven, as well. Acadia National Park (donated by the Rockefellers) can be experienced in the winter by cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. There are 32 groomed trails and the 27-mile Park Loop Road and the trail up to Cadillac Mountain. Check-in at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center for the best snowmobile routes. Consider Acadia Mountain Guides for their directed ice-climbing tour. For something more relaxing, investigate the downtown and enjoy the walking path with views of the rugged coastline. There are also several excellent museums in town, including the Abbe Museum, which is affiliated with the Smithsonian (the only one in the state).
Camden
The small town of Camden is in Maine’s mid-coastal region, on Penobscot Bay. Known for its 19th century architecture and Camden Public Library’s landscaped amphitheater. The charming downtown has been featured in many Hollywood movies. It's a great place to visit year-round. While many visit in the summer, winter is also a popular time to visit. The Camden Snow Bowl is the best place to ski and snowboard, with its 15 trails and over 100 acres of mountain and ocean views. Camden Hills State Park has over 5,700 acres to explore with views of Penobscot Bay and its groomed trails can be traversed in the winter via snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Some areas can still be hiked on foot. Mount Megunticook stands at 1,385 feet and offers all season hiking with views of the ocean and the town. The Equinox Guiding Service has directed ice climbing for people of all skill levels. Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in nearby Boothbay has light displays in November and December. December also brings Christmas By The Sea, which is a fun family holiday festival.
Bethel
The ski town of Bethel is in Oxford County, and its motto is “Maine’s Most Beautiful Mountain Village.” Sunday River is the local ski resort with well over 100 trails and 15 chairlifts. The resort offers a vertical drop of over 2,300 and bunny hills for skiers of all levels and families. Some of the runs are lit up at night for night skiing. Alternatively, Mt Abram Ski Area and Bike Park have skiing, fat bike trails and stunning views. Sno-Go-Ski Bikes is the place to bikes rent from. Note that reservations are required. In the evenings, the Slopeside Firework Shows lights up the skies. There’s ice-skating at the Grand Summit Hotel and at the public ice rink in Bethel Village. Geology lovers can warm up at the Maine Mineral Gem Museum.
Wiscasset
Another town in Maine’s mid-coastal region, Wiscasset, is regarded as the “Worm Capital of the World,” according to National Geographic. The waterfront village offers a thriving arts community and many natural beauties. The historic downtown, dating back to the late 1600s has remarkable period architecture. The Nickels-Sortwell House is worth a look, and so is Castle Tucker, an 1807 mansion with its historical furnishing and intricate designs. If nature beckons, Eaton Farm and The Back River Trail have both easy and more advanced hiking trails with rewarding scenery. This is an excellent spot for birding and nature photography. Cushman Preserve boasts mini-islands, beaches, forests, and farms, which can be explored in the winter by snowshoeing. Stop by Sylvan Gallery to see some of the best contemporary art New England has to offer.
Freeport
Home to L.L. Bean’s headquarters, Freeport does winter right. Each December, Freeport hosts the Sparkle Celebration on the first Friday in December with its Parade of Lights and the festivities continue all week long with Talking Christmas Tree, the Holiday Decorating Contest and Stealth Elf. In February, there’s Flavors of Freeport with local eateries on display and live music. Hike, cross-country ski or snowshoe, the trails at Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park and Bradbury Mountain State Park offer amazing views. Birdwatchers should grab their binoculars and head over to Freeport Wild Bird Supply for an opportunity to see many species in their habitats. Meadow Creek Farm around the Christmas season, comes to Freeport, offering horse-drawn carriage rides.
Maine’s Best Winter Towns
Maine is a winter playground with first-rate ski resorts, ice fishing, parks with cross-country skiing and nature hikes, birding sites, charming historic architecture, and family-friendly seasonal festivals. Come experience Maine in the winter and discover what all these small towns have to give!
