Our Maine Winter Bucket List

January 30, 2020

Like clockwork after MLK weekend, we become stir crazy in the Northeast and ready for whichever warm weather getaway we can manage. But, whether we have a sunny destination trip planned or not, we know that we have to be prepared for winter to last through the end of April. So what to do to make it through the long winter? We have put together a Maine Winter Bucket List to stay active and to not only survive the winter blues, but to enjoy the winter season!

“Maine is a joy in the summer. But the soul of Maine is more apparent in the winter.” - Paul Theroux

1) A WEEKEND IN PORTLAND

Friday Night: Enjoy cocktails at Blythe & Burrows. The cozy and inviting atmosphere is perfect for a chilly New England night. Afterwards, head over to Commercial Street for a warm and unique Italian meal at Solo Italiano. This is a delicious family-style restaurant where you can start out sharing a charcuterie board, fresh tuna, or their lightly-fried sage focaccia with Italian buffalo burrata and prosciutto, followed by any of their fresh curated pasta dishes or pizza.

Saturday: If you are an early riser, head over to Standard Baking Co. for the best pastries, coffee and tea in town. If it is not too chilly, take a walk along the Eastern Promenade with views of the many Maine islands off the coast of Portland. After some time outside in the fresh Maine air, you will want to warm up quickly. Check out Health Resonates for an array of wellness services, or The Regency Hotel spa for a massage or facial, followed by a steam and dip in the hot tub. For dinner, walk over to the West End to an Asian style restaurant called Empire to enjoy their amazing cocktails and warm gourmet Chinese dishes that are perfect for sharing.

Sunday: Now that you have eaten your way through Portland, get a sweat in at our favorite workout studio, Orangetheory Portland. With 60 minute classes and awesome music you can get a quick sweat in before heading out of town. If you would prefer a Bloody Mary and more food - go to The Front Room for the best brunch around.

2) A GETAWAY UP NORTH

Skiing or Snowshoeing: Book an airbnb and head up to Sugarloaf or Sunday River for a weekend of skiing or snowshoeing.

Book a cozy Inn: Stay at the Harraseeket Inn, Freeport. This quaint Inn is perfect for a weekend of eating, relaxing and shopping! They have a great restaurant/bar if you want to stay inside or venture out to the many shops and restaurants within walking distance.

Snowmobile: Maine has many miles of snowmobile trails whether you head north to Sugarloaf Mountain, Moosehead Lake, Aroostook County or Rangeley Lakes.

3) CHECK OUT LOCAL BREWERIES & TASTING ROOMS

Brewery Tour: Maine has become a national craft beer destination and winter is the perfect time to enjoy it! If you are into craft beer, make sure to stop by one of the many breweries in and around Portland - Allagash Brewing, Austin Street, Shipyard, Bissell Brothers, Rising Tide and Maine Beer Company just to name a few.

Maine Craft Distilling: If you are not a beer person, check out Maine Craft Distilling located in Portland's East End where they craft unique spirits using locally sourced ingredients.