Winter Weekend Itinerary: Bethel Maine

Year after year, Bethel, ME entices outdoor enthusiasts near and far to escape their busy lives and slow down in the mountains. This small town has a little something for everyone—ski resorts, sleigh rides, spa treatments, hiking, biking, and more. There’s no time like the present to plan your Winter getaway!

Lodging

Bethel is home to several B&B’s, Inns, Hotels, and Air B&B’s. A quick google search will yield several results.

The Bethel Inn is within walking distance of downtown, has a heated pool and sauna, provides breakfast, and offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat tire biking, and sleigh rides on-site.

Maximize your mountain experience by renting an Air B&B in Bethel or Newry with scenic views of the Western Maine mountains.

Friday

Arrive in Bethel. Unpack and settle into accommodations, followed by dinner and drinks at a local favorite—Steam Mill Brewing. Be sure to their check social media, as they regularly offer live music and other events. They also offer outdoor seating with fire pits to keep you cozy year-round.

Saturday

Start your day off right with breakfast from The Local Hub in Greenwood.

Then, it’s ski time. For alpine skiing, check out the small-mountain vibe at Mt. Abram or take on the beast of Sunday River, which is home to seven peaks and over seven-hundred acres of skiing in addition to Après, nightlife, and other special events.

If Nordic skiing is more your speed, check out the Inland Woods and Trails outdoor center based at The Bethel Inn. They offer 85 miles of trails, which includes groomed cross-country trails, fat tire biking trails, and snowshoeing trails.

After skiing, warm up with lunch from Le Mu Eats. Their fries, coffee, porke bowl, and basic batch are to die for.

Top off your afternoon of relaxation with a beautiful sleigh ride at The Bethel Inn, or skip right to brick oven pizza, drinks, and live music at the Matterhorn Ski Bar. To reserve a sleigh ride, call 207-824-2175.

Sunday

Wake up with a quick breakfast from Gemini Cafe on Main Street.

Follow breakfast with a slow, scenic hike. Table rock and the eyebrow loop in Grafton Notch are both fantastic family-friendly options. Mount Will (located off Route 2 across from the Bethel Transfer Station) also provides great views for a shorter hike.

Winter hiking requires proper clothing, gear, and preparation. Click here to read about how to prepare for a Winter hike.

Additional Activities

Catch a movie at The Gem. Their friendly atmosphere and selection of snacks and drinks won’t disappoint.

Bowling at River Lanes is always a good time. They also have an arcade, pool tables, darts, corn hole, a restaurant, and a full bar.

Go ice skating at the Bethel Recreation Department’s ice rink! Located at 21 Philbrook Street, next to the old Ethel Bisbee School. It is open during daylight hours and is bring-your-own-skates.

Happy exploring, friends!

MyMaine