Showing posts with label maine. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maine. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Apple Picking Season in Maine - Listing of the best Apple Orchards to Visit











Maine's blueberry season may be over, but it's prime apple-picking time. Visiting an orchard is a great way for the whole family to spend time outdoors together. So, be sure to put on a cozy sweater, grab the family and pull over at one of these great orchards listed below to do some good-old-fashioned apple picking and enjoy some fresh cider and a slice of pie. 

This year, due to COVID 19 safety protocols, other orchard activities like wagon rides will not take place. Call ahead for details as these are constantly changing and the most accurate, up-to-date information may not be reflected here.

 


Douglas Hill Orchard
42 Orchard Road, Sebago | Get directions
207-787-2745 | www.facebook.com

Open dawn to dusk daily beginning in early Sept. 
Pick your own apples. Pumpkins available for purchase. Apple products, maple syrup, honey, corn stalks, gourds.

Douglas Hill Orchard



Five Fields Farm
720 South Bridgton Road, South Bridgton | Get directions
207-647-2425 | www.facebook.com
Open daily
Pick your own McIntosh, Paula Red, Ginger Gold, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious and Lady Apples.

Five Fields Farm



Hansel’s Orchards
44 Sweetser Road, North Yarmouth | Get directions
207-829-6136 | www.hanselsorchard.com
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and Columbus Day.
Pick your own McIntosh, Cortland and Macoun apples.

Hansel’s Orchards



Meadow Brook Farm
727 Webbs Mills Road (Route 85), Raymond | Get directions
207-627-7009 
Call for hours.
Pick your own apples or buy fresh-picked, along with cider and baked goods.

Meadow Brook Farm



Randall Orchards
1 Randall Road, Standish | Get directions
207-642-3500
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Pick your own apples and pumpkins, plus peaches and squash.

Randall Orchards



Thompson’s Orchard
276 Gloucester Hill Road, New Gloucester | Get directions
207-926-4738
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Labor Day to the end of the year.
Pick your own apples and purchase fresh cider, homemade baked goods, pumpkins, squash, jams, jellies and more.

Thompson’s Orchard



Brackett’s Orchards
224 Sokokis Ave., Limington | Get directions
207-730-9169 | brackettorchard.com
Open for picking 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday from early September through October.
Pick your own apples and purchase cider, jam, pumpkins, donuts and more.

Gile’s Family Farm
139 Waterboro Road, Alfred | Get directions
207-324-2944 | www.facebook.com/pages/Giles-Family-Farm
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily beginning Sept. 5
Pick your own apples.

Libby & Son U-Picks
86 Sawyer Mountain Road, Limerick | Get directions
207-793-4749 | www.libbysonupicks.com
Generally open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m daily (hours can change based on weather).
Pick your own apples, high-bush blueberries and raspberries – check website for what’s picking that day. Apples and raspberries should be available through October. Also purchase freshly pressed cider, donuts, kettle corn, caramel apples and more.

McDougal Orchards
201 Hanson’s Ridge Road, Springvale | Get directions
207-324-5054 | www.mcdougalorchards.com
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
Pick your own apples and raspberries. Check website for apple varieties. Enjoy wagon rides on weekends, pet farm animals and purchase pumpkins and sweet cider.

Pine View Orchards
17 Sunset Lane, Berwick | Get directions
207-715-0365 | www.pinevieworchard.com
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily (except Wednesday) through October.
Pick your own apples. Nine varieties (McIntosh, Cortland, Gala, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Empire, Yellow Delicious, Mutsu and Shizuka. Also peaches.

Snell Family Farm
1000 River Road, Buxton | Get directions
207-929-5318 | snellfamilyfarm.com
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Pick your own apples.

Spiller Farm
85 Spiller Farm Lane, Wells
207-985-2575 | spillerfarm.com
Pick your own apples from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sat. and Sunday; call for weekday availability or check the website. Hayrides and farm tours on weekends.

Ricker Hill Orchard
Route 117, Turner | Get directions
207-225-5552 | www.rickerhill.com
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Pick your own apples (check the website for what’s picking now) and pumpkins through October and enjoy the corn maze, petting zoo, disc golf and more.

Wallingford’s Fruit House
1240 Perkins Ridge, Auburn | Get directions
207-225-3455 | wallingfordsorchard.com
Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Pick your own apples and enjoy wagon rides, fresh donuts, pies and dumplings.

Rocky Ridge Orchard & Bakery
Route 201, Bowdoin | Get directions
207-666-5786 | www.rockyridgeorchard.com
Open daily 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. U-pick starts Sept. 11. Pick Macintosh, Cortland, Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Crab Apples, Macoun, Red Free and others. Also buy homemade pastries, sandwiches, cider, ice cream, maple syrup, local crafts, soaps, honey and more.

Doles Orchard
187 Doles Ridge Road, Limington | Get directions
207-793-4409 | www.dolesorchard.com
Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Pick your own apples and raspberries and buy other products from the farm store.

Lakeside Orchards
318 Readfield Road, Manchester | Get directions
207-622-2479 | lakesideorchards.com
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Pick your own apples through Columbus Day. Wagon rides provide transportation to the orchard.

Boothby’s Orchard
366 Boothby Road, Livermore | Get directions
207-754-3500 | mainehoneycrisp.com
Open noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Wagon rides to pick-your-own apple orchard. Daily wine tastings, too!

Pietree Orchard
803 Waterford Road, Sweden | Get directions
207-647-9419 | pietreeorchard.com
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily for pick-your-own apples. Wagon rides every weekend through Columbus Day. Farmstand open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for pre-packed apples, cider, cheese, farm fresh produce and baked goods. Call 207-647-9419 for what’s picking.

Apple Acres Farm
363 Durgintown Road, South Hiram | Get directions
207-625-4777 | www.appleacresfarm.com
Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
PYO apples or visit the gift store for pre-picked apples. Cider, wine, meats, cheeses. Playground.

Kelly Orchards
1881 Route 109 and 82 Sanborn Road, Acton | Get directions
207-636-1601 | kellyorchards.com
Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Call ahead to find out what’s available.
Pick your own apples (over a dozen varieties, including Gala, Macoun, Jonagold, Cortlands, Macs and Northern Spy) and pumpkins or buy pre-picked at the farm stand.

Sweetser’s Apple Barrel and Orchards
19 Blanchard Road, Cumberland | Get directions
207-829-6599 | maineapple.com
Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The orchard grows 50 varieties of apples for PYO, or buy them at the farm market. Check the website for what’s available.





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Monday, August 31, 2020

Top Seafood Restaurants in Maine (recommended by the locals)






Maine is well known for its lobster shacks and fried fish joints. Here's a list of the 17 must try coastal gems which are a mix of sit-down restaurants and take-out shacks and are the most recommended by the locals and Maine natives.

The first four seafood restaurants mentioned are located in Scarborough, Maine near the Old Orchard Beach area; Ken's Place, Bayley's Seafood Restaurant, The Clambake, Salty Bay and in Saco Maine Huot's Seafood restaurant.


Ken's Place

Ken's Place - 207 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 - Phone: (207) 883-6611

Located on the way to Old Orchard Beach on Pine Point Rd in Scarborough, Maine just beyond Bayley's Seafood Restaurant and before the Clambake this seafood spot offers everything from fish, steamed lobster to steamed and fried clams, lobster rolls, deep-fried scallops and a raw bar. When it comes to fried clams, Ken’s gets it right. It's no wonder, this place has been frying clams since 1927, and has generations of Mainers as devotees. Ken's daily selects the best-grade fish, right off the boat.



While the whole belly clams are most popular fried in batter, fried clams are also available in crumbs. Ken's made-to-order clam cakes that are the biggest sellers while their seafood platter feeds two.



Website: https://www.facebook.com/KensPlace1927/




Bayley's Seafood Restaurant

Bayley's Seafood Restaurant - 165 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 - Phone: (207) 885-9754

For a fast pit stop for Maine seafood, like steamed lobsters & clams, clam chowder, clam cakes, crab cakes, fried haddock dinners that included french fries, cole slaw, and a dinner roll, at picnic tables or inside.

Lobster Roll and Fries


Website (menu): http://www.bayleysseafood.com/index_htm_files/Bayleys%20Menu.pdf




Clambake Seafood Restaurant

Clambake Seafood Restaurant - 354 Pine Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074 - Phone: (207) 883-4871


With portions are just as good as the food, this place is considered by many to be one of the best seafood restaurants around.  You wont leave disappointed or hungry! The Clambake specializes in Maine seafood dishes and overlooks the salt marsh and has 4 dining rooms!



Website (menu): https://www.theclambake.com/menus/





Salty Bay Seafood Take-Out

Salty Bay Seafood Take-Out - 68 Jones Creek Dr, Scarborough, ME 04074 - Phone: (207) 883-9717

Just beyond the Clambake heading south on Pine Point Road, make a left at the intersection on to Jones Creek Drive and up a bit on the left and you will find this typical New England fried seafood shack. This place is definitely worth getting a little off the Old Orchard Beach Grid and trying out next time you are in the mood for seafood. Order at the window, wait for your number to be called and eat either in your car or on one of the picnic tables out back along the marsh. This place is known for its clam cakes, fried clams, fried scallops, clam chowder, lobster rolls, fish,  and they make a great pepperburger as well!


Huot's Seafood Restaurant

Huot's Seafood Restaurant - 29 Eastern Avenue, Camp Ellis Beach, Saco, ME - Phone: (207) 282-1642

Located in Saco just south of Old Orchard Beach and along the water, this Family-run venue has been offering New England seafood classics, plus a takeout window, since 1935! Located conveniently by Camp Ellis, Huot's attracts many tourists, visitors as well as locals looking to fill their craving of Maine seafood.



Huot's offers two options: you can either order from the outside and take your food to the beach or the car, or you can dine inside. Whether you enjoy scallops, clams, haddock or combo, this is the place to go. You must try their clam chowder and freshly made clam cakes. They're out of this world!

Website: http://huotsseafoodrestaurant.com/index.html




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The Lobster Shack at Two Lights

The Lobster Shack - 225 Two Lights Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107 - Phone: (207) 799-1677



 Perched above the rocks at the end of Two Lights Road on the rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth, Maine, this lobster-&-fried-seafood spot has the commanding ocean & lighthouse views. There are few places that compare to The Lobster Shack at Two Lights for both delicious seafood fare and surrounding scenery.



The Lobster Shack is an award-winning restaurant that has been a local landmark since the 1920s, but when it comes to the view nothing compares with The Lobster Shack at Two Lights. Here vacationers, especially, are in abundance at The Lobster Shack during the summer season. Families can be seen enjoying their meal ocean-side on the picnic tables, perched just above the crashing waves, below the lighthouse and next to the fog horn. Or for a more intimate dining experience stay in the cozy dining room, where you can watch the ships entering Portland Harbor and the local fishermen haul up their daily catch.



 The favorites here include the Lobster Roll, Lobster Dinner, Haddock Plate and Shrimp Plate. The Lobster Stew and Clam Chowder are both thick and hearty with lobster and clams in every bite.




Website: http://www.lobstershacktwolights.com/menu.html




DiMillo’s on the Waterfront

DiMillos's On The Water - 25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 772-2216
DiMillo's On The Water is an upscale seafood restaurant directly on the water in a huge former New York City ferry nicely renovated. DiMillo's  features seafood, steaks, local Maine Seafood with nautical decor & harbor views.

25 Long Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 772-2216

Landmark floating seafood restaurant. “The clams you eat here today slept last night in Casco Bay.”




Website: https://www.dimillos.com/



Js Oyster

5 Portland Pier, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 772-4828

Nicknamed "the pearl of the waterfront", J's Oyster is a small seafood restaurant by the dock which has been a local favorite since 1977. You want a local Portland Maine lobster roll - this is your place. J's also has a full bar and some non seafood menu items.

This place will be full of regulars, local fishermen as well as airline personnel and tourists. You can even spot business people here during the lunch hour. It's decor and atmosphere is like that you'd see in a New England fishing town drama or television show which seems to add to the whole experience of the meal. You'll no doubt feel like you are living and eating like the local dockworkers and fishermen do, even if it is just for an hour or so.

Website: http://jsoysterportland.com/menu/


Boone's Fish House & Oyster Room



Rustic, historic setting. Country-chic 2-story seafood venue with wood-grilled entrees, a raw bar & waterfront views. This place has patio seating on both levels. If the bar downstairs is crowded, try heading to the second floor for more seating. They are known for their baked stuffed lobster but will see just about every typical Maine seafood dish on their menu.






Website: https://www.boonesfishhouse.com/


The Porthole Restaurant & Pub

Porthole Restaurant - 20 Custom House Wharf, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 773-4653
This place is an authentic Maine experience and another favorite of the locals. The Porthole offers seafood and diner type food at decent prices and huge portions. You would swear the fish is so fresh that they were swimming in the Atlantic just this morning. And probably were! You can't beat the outdoor deck/patio. For one, it's huge and facing the ocean! There are two bars on the back patio facing the water and a few picnic tables for seating. There is almost always live music playing and it's just a great spot to hang out. Drinks are cheap and the lines are not long. Service is friendly inside and outside. If you're looking for fresh seafood such as mussels, lobster rolls, fish and chips, scallops, swordfish, haddock just to mention a few, the Porthole is the place to be.






Website: http://portholemaine.com/menu


Gilberts Chowder House

Gilbert's Chowder House - 92 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101 - Phone: (207) 871-5636
Great little place on the waterfront in Portland. The staff is friendly and the food is great. This place has the best chowders in a bread bowl. Definitely check it out if you're in town.





Website: http://www.gilbertschowderhouse.com/




Susan's Fish-n-Chips

Susan's Fish-N-Chips - 1135 Forest Ave, Portland, ME 04103 - Phone: (207) 878-3240
Hefty portions of deep-fried fish, clams, lobster & ice cream sundaes in a nautically-themed garage-like space.



This garage-turned-fish shack evokes the sea, from the mermaids and fish painted on the exterior to the netting hanging over the counter inside. But don’t expect a fishy odor, Susan’s is clean, efficient, and dishes out some of Portland’s best and cheapest fried seafood. Owner Susan Eklund makes sure Susan’s delivers on its motto: “Our fish is so fresh, you’ll want to slap it.” Big portions, low prices, crispy flavorful fish and daily specials reel in the locals. Open year round.






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Bull N' Claw






The Bull and Claw in Wells, Maine is a popular old-school surf 'n' turf eatery & watering hole, featuring a soup-&-salad bar.  Th Bull N' Claw offers the highest quality seafood and steaks at the reasonable prices with portions that will make you smile. Open all year round, the Bull N' Claw is a favorite destination for locals and visitors to Maine  to who enjoy deliciously fresh and authentic Maine seafood. 



Service options: Fireplace · Private dining room · Great cocktails


Try the Bull N' Claw's "2-FOOTER", Maine's (possibly the World's)
Largest Lobster Roll measuring at 2 feet long with the meat of 3 lobsters!













Bay Haven Lobster Pound

Bay Haven Lobster Pound - 101 Maple St, Cornish, ME 04020 - Phone: (207) 625-7303

A drive inland and away from the coast you will find the Bay Haven in Cornish, Maine. This place is definitely a favorite of the locals and native Mainers from as far away as Portland. If you're craving seafood this is the place to go! The seafood is fresh, hot and the portions are huge! You'll hear more of the Maine accent here as this is where local farmers and families from the surrounding towns come to enjoy their seafood. Very few tourists here but the seafood here is hard to match.


Website: https://www.bayhavenlobsterpound.com/


Warren's Lobster House

Warren's Lobster House - 11 Water St, Kittery, ME 03904 - Phone: (207) 439-1630
Coming into Maine from New Hampshire Warren's Lobster House has made a name for itself by the quality of seafood it's been serving over the many years it's been in business. It's also known very well for its salad bar which is genuinely impressive. If you're headed into Maine for seafood but cannot wait until you get to some of the above mentioned seafood restaurants, you certainly cannot go wrong stopping at Warren's Lobster House in Kittery near the Maine / New Hampshire border.

Warren's Lobster House Salad bar




The Clam Shack

The Clam Shack - 2 Western Ave, Kennebunk, ME 04043 - Phone: (207) 967-3321

The lobster roll here has an interesting take - circular bun but still remains very honest to the ingredients - the lobster is king and no mayo or sauce getting in the way.  When they tell you it's the meat of a 1.25 pound lobster in your lobster roll, they really are serious. The meat is basically each portion of the lobster (tail, claw, etc) simply cut in half, as opposed to diced up.




Website: http://www.theclamshack.net/menu



Red's Eats

Red's Eats - 41 Water St, Wiscasset, ME 04578 - Phone: (207) 882-6128
Very well known for their award winning lobster roll, there are literally people who have driven from as far away as New York City to get a lobster roll at Red's Eats. The lobster roll at Red's Eats comes on a perfectly toasted bun where it's crunchy on the outside and warm and soft on the inside. They top it off with a generous amount of lobster.

Red's Eats infamous Lobster Roll




Website: http://www.redseatsmaine.com/





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Saturday, May 2, 2020

Places in Maine where it's Free to Go Camping

Camping Gear





Maine is full of spectacular campgrounds with postcard-like scenery. While most require a fee, there are many free places to go camping across the state!  Free campsites don’t have all of the amenities that campgrounds have, but they do offer seclusion and oftentimes incredible views!

So, if you don't want to pay to pitch a tent? Here is a list of places where it's free to set up camp this summer without having to empty your pockets.




  • Chain of Ponds- Eustis, Maine


Address:

Maine 27
Eustis, Maine
GPS: 45.335733, -70.659587
Elevation: 1280'
Get Directions


Chain of Ponds, Eustis, Maine


The Chain of Ponds Public Reserved Lands unit includes Natanis, Long, Bag, and Lower Ponds joined by short thoroughfares to form the "chain." The unit includes frontage on each of the ponds and offers lake shore camping at primitive remote sites, or a commercial campground with amenities.


  • Hay Brook- Brownville, Maine



Address:

Katahdin Iron Works Road
Brownville, Maine
GPS: 45.483942, -69.27507
Elevation: 719'
Get Directions


Hallbrook Falls, Maine



  • Jewett Cove- Greenville, Maine


Address:

45.687199, -69.551319
Greenville, Maine
GPS: 45.687199, -69.551319
Elevation: 1040'
Get Directions



Getting there:


The road in is Gravel and 5.2 miles from a paved road. Jewett Cove is open Year Round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location.

Along the Eastern shoreline of Moosehead Lake sits Jewett Cove, a boat launch site and beach area with a few primitive campsites. The area has several fire rings in a wide open clearing and a well-maintained outhouse nearby. The beach faces West/Southwest and offers a great access point for other sites along the lake by canoe like Fox and Salmon Islands. The sites are first come, first serve.


Jewett Cove- Greenville, Maine




  • Machais River Corridor- Machais, Maine


Address:

State Route 9
Wesley, Maine
GPS: 44.905921, -67.836207
Elevation: 190'
Get Directions



The Machias River, one of Maine's wildest and most cherished waterways, flows for 76 miles from Fifth Machias Lake to tidewater in downtown Machias. The State oversees stewardship and recreational use along its nearly unbroken shoreline, thanks to a remarkable effort that has protected more than 60,000 acres in the Machias River watershed-the country's largest, self-sustaining wild Atlantic salmon run. This landscape-scale conservation project, which spanned more than a decade, successfully preserved 252 miles of river and shore frontage from development and subdivision, while ensuring that the region's working forests can keep contributing to the local economy. Recreational access is guaranteed for all time, helping to maintain a scenic and popular backcountry canoe route (considered by paddlers to be more accessible than the St. John and less heavily traveled than the Allagash).



Machais River Corridor- Machais, Maine





  • Peabody Mountain- Bethel, Maine


Address:

Little Larry Road, Batchelders Grant, Maine
Bethel, Maine
GPS: 44.356623, -70.958912
Elevation: 1611'
Get Directions



The road in is Gravel and 6 miles from a paved road. Peabody Mountain is open Always, road not maintained in winter. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 35 feet. You may stay 14 days at Peabody Mountain.

Five large well spaced sites with fire rings in the White Mountain National Forest. Very quiet, on a dead-end, gravel mountain road. No amenities. Going South, take the first left after Hastings Campground on Route 113.

  • Scoodic Beach- Sullivan, Maine


Address:

Sullivan, Maine
GPS: 44.565119, -68.12768
Elevation: 367'
Get Directions





From Coastal Route 1 take Route 183 (north) until the highway ends and the name of the road changes to Tunk Lake Rd. Turn left onto Schoodic Beach Rd. This is a gravel road. At the first Y in the road keep left and at subsequent Y's  keep right. You will come to a trail head and parking lot with a dump toilet. Take the .5 mile easy hike to the lake.

You can camp up to 14 days. There are fire rings, two dump toilets, dogs on leash permitted, boat access.





These campsites are all are on a first-come, first-serve basis.  Be aware that trapping is allowed on some properties so dogs should be kept on a leash.  It is prohibited to cut down live trees at these sites.  Instead, look for dead, fallen limbs and trees in the woods, or purchase local firewood (firewood from other states is illegal) and bring it with you.  Fire permits are required at most locations, contact the property manager for more information.


When boating make sure your boat and equipment do not have plants from other water bodies on them.  As always, carry in-carry out to keep these open and free for many others to use in the future!



Many of these sites are first come first served and have limited spots, with no reservations taken. Remember to follow the 'leave no trace' rule and try to keep these spots beautiful and free for years to come!


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Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Portland, Maine Like You've Never Seen It! (VIDEO)






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Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Top 5 Ski Resorts in Maine






Maine may be a top destination for those who love the ocean, naturalists and seekers of rare treasures created by local artisans, but the true Maine experience awaits in winter in the mountains at ski areas and destination ski resorts. While many may think of New England skiing in the Green Mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire’s White Mountains, the biggest two ski areas in New England are Maine's Sugarloaf and Sunday River. The same spine of mountains carved by the glaciers wind majestically through Maine offering some of the finest terrain and the least crowded skiing and snowboarding on the East Coast.

Here's a list of the top five ski resorts in Maine:

Sugarloaf

 

 

Sugarloaf, located on Sugarloaf Mountain in Carrabassett Valley, western Maine is the largest ski resort east of the Mississippi in terms of number of skiable acreage (1,230 acres) and snowmaking percentage (95%); its continuous vertical drop of 2,820 feet (860 m) is the second longest in New England.

At 4,237 feet Sugarloaf Mountain is second in elevation to Maine's highest peak, Mount Katahdin. The summit of Sugarloaf offers the only lift-serviced above-treeline skiing in the Northeast. The Appalachian Trail crosses within 0.6 miles (0.97 km) of Sugarloaf's peak and the summit offers 360 degree views of Maine's western mountains and New Hampshire's White Mountains.

Sugarloaf is home to six on mountain restaurants, including: 45 North (Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel), Shipyard Brewhaus (Sugarloaf Inn), The Rack (Access Road), Gepetto's (Village West), The Bag & Kettle (Village East), and the Widowmaker Lounge (Base Lodge), which also includes a bar and nightclub.

The Sports and Fitness Center is located on Mountain Side Road, and includes an indoor pool, hot tubs (indoors and out), a weight room, racquetball courts, and a full spa. There is also a hairstylst located upstairs in the center. Sugarloaf has nine shops located between Village Center, Village West, Village South, and the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel. They offer everything from skis and snowboards, to apparel and jewellery, along with photography supplies and gifts. There are also many shops and outlets located in the nearby towns of Stratton and Kingfield.

The Anti Gravity Center is a 20,000 square foot facility located at the base of the mountain. The complex includes a rock climbing wall, skate park, work out area, and set of olympic trampolines. It is home to Maine's largest indoor skate bowl.

A zipline tour was introduced in 2011 and runs in the summer and winter seasons. It is built in the old path of the historic Sugarloaf gondola, which was taken down in 1997.

Sugarloaf offers many on-mountain summer activities such as golf, hiking, mountain biking, ziplines, and court sports such as tennis and basketball.

The Sugarloaf Explorer is a free public transportation system that services the resort. It features eight bus routes linking residential neighborhoods, condominiums, inns, and hotels in Carrabassett Valley with the Sugarloaf Base Lodge, the Outdoor Center, and local shops and restaurants.[34]

There are no regular service coach buses, commercial airline flights, or rail service to the mountain. The closest bus service is Augusta (80 miles), which is served by Greyhound Lines and Concord Coach Lines. The closet commercial airline service is also Augusta, which is only served by Cape Air. However, Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Portland (134 miles) is served by eight different airlines, including low-cost carriers such as JetBlue. For the best deals on flights to Portland, CheapOair.com is a popular site to check for flights to Portland. Amtrak also serves Portland, with five round-trip trains daily on the Amtrak Downeaster. If you're looking to spend the night(s) in Portland, Maine check out hotels.com or booking.com for some great rates on hotels in Portland.

Ski Resort Website: www.sugarloaf.com/

Sunday River

 


Sunday River is a ski resort located in Newry, Maine, in the United States. It is one of Maine's largest and most visited ski resorts. Its vertical drop of 2,340 feet (710 m) is the second largest in Maine (after Sugarloaf) and the sixth largest in New England. The resort features 135 trails across eight interconnected mountain peaks, and is serviced by a network of 15 lifts.


Ski Resort Website:  www.sundayriver.com/



Skiing in Maine is as diverse as the state is immense. Maine has big mountains like Sugarloaf with well over 2,000’ vertical of snowfields, steeps and glades for the extreme skier to local ski hills for the newest skier in the family at very affordable lift ticket prices - like Shawnee Peak.


Shawnee Peak 

 


Shawnee Peak is a ski resort located in Bridgton, Maine, in Cumberland County Shawnee Peak on the northern end of Pleasant Mountain. Shawnee Peak features two base areas and 245 skiable acres. The ski area first opened on January 23, 1938 and is the oldest major ski area in Maine. Shawnee Peak has 19 trails for all abilities lit for night skiing.


Ski Resort Website:  www.shawneepeak.com/


Lost Valley

 



Lost Valley is a ski area in the northeastern United States, in Auburn, Maine. Its east-facing slopes feature 15 trails across one hill, and is served by two chairlifts.

Lost Valley's variety of 15 trails and a terrain park offers a full and interesting ski day for skiers of all abilities. Most of Lost Valley's trails are rated easiest and intermediate, while offering a challenge to expert skiers on a few difficult trails. Family regrouping is simple as all trails come together a short distance from each other.

Lost Valley also offers 15 km (9.3 mi) of Nordic skiing trails and a ski lodge offering food and skiing equipment for sale or rent.

In the summer months, Lost Valley changes from a ski resort into a mountain biking and paintball facility.


Ski Resort Website: lostvalleyski.com/


 Ski Mount Abram



 Ski Mount Abram is a small family ski area in Greenwood, Maine, located a few miles outside of Bethel, Maine, and the Sunday River Resort. It consist of 10 easy, 21 Intermediate, and 13 expert trails. Along with five lifts which service 1,150 feet (350 m) of vertical drop.

Mt. Abram can be broken up into two parts, the main mountain and Westside. Westside is the beginner area which has one Double Chairlift and a Ski tow, most lessons are taught in this area. The main part of the mountain, serviced primarily by The Way Back Machine, another double chair, consist of many Black Diamonds and Blue Square trails.

The trails at Mt. Abram are all named after Rocky & Bullwinkle; names include Dudley Do Right, Boris Badenov, and Natasha's Niche.


Ski Resort Website: mtabram.com/


Maine continues to be the host of many national ski competitions, even World Cup ski events, with top racers and freestyle contenders to thrill spectators, while on slope festivals like Parrot Head and Reggafest at Sugarloaf, and winter carnivals are held throughout the winter for all to join in the fun. Best of all skiing in Maine is roomy, friendly and fun in a setting that is unique the world over.
Finding enough winter recreation is no problem, on and off the slopes you will find snowboarding half-pipes and terrain parks to moonlit cross-country touring and night skiing in the clear star-filled mountain air. And new waves of activities abound at Maine ski resorts, which are not just for skiing anymore, as many have dedicated snow tubing parks, toboggan runs and ice skating for extended family fun. You can even snowshoe to a bonfire in the wilderness for a mug of hot cocoa.
 A ski vacation in Maine just may be the perfect cure for cabin fever.





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