Maine : A Winter Destination for More Than Skiing

With the current economy being what it is, it might seem that a winter vacation is out of reach. That’s not the case, however, if you choose to visit Maine during winter. A trip to Maine can encompass all sorts of things, including sightseeing, attending festivals, and finding some offbeat places that you’ll remember for a lifetime. Because this is considered “off season,” you might get some great rates on places to stay, including motels, bed and breakfasts, or resorts.

Sightseeing

There are many things to see in Maine during winter. If you like lighthouses, winter is the best time to photograph them because you can get clear shots of the lighthouses without crowds in the way. In Rockland, Maine, a little town in Mid-Coast Maine, there are three lighthouses nearby which are accessible by car. One is Marshall Point Light, a picturesque lighthouse which was the ending point of Forrest Gump’s run across America. Portland has four lighthouses within a short distance of each other, including the famous Portland Head Light. Pemaquid Lighthouse at Pemaquid Point, Maine, is famous for its unusual rock formations—hence its presence on the state quarter.

The Maine Eastern Railroad, which starts from the Rockland train station, features the Jingle Bell Express every year, usually the first week of December. It is a short trip for the family and children, with or without their pajamas and stuffed animals. The destination is the “North Pole” and the children will enjoy seeing Santa at the end of the ride.

If you’re in Rockland, the self-proclaimed lobster capital of the world, don’t miss the famous lobster crate Christmas Tree, which makes for an interesting photo. Rockland also boasts several of Robert Indiana’s famous “LOVE” sculptures; there are many such sculptures worldwide but since Robert Indiana lives in Maine, the sculptures seem to have a more personal touch.

Camden, Maine’s U.S. Toboggan Championships

The United States Toboggan Championships is held in Camden, Maine every February, usually during the second weekend. It is the official championship using a wooden toboggan chute and there are usually more than four hundred entrants. People enter in teams of two, three or four, and many come in costume because they can win best costume even if they don’t win the toboggan race. This event is worth seeing so long as you bundle up. It is held at the Camden Snow Bowl, which also has some skiing. Other events and places at the toboggan championship usually include a chili and chowder contest, which is for sampling, places to warm up such as trailers, and musical entertainment. There’s usually someone who decides to do something funny for the weekend, such as sit in a bathtub with a fire roaring underneath. It’s definitely worth seeing.

Skiing

If you’re a skier, you’re in luck. Maine has some of the best trails for skiing. Right outside Bethel, Maine is Mt. Abram and Sunday River, famous ski resorts. These mountains are right next to one another. If you go to this area, make sure to ask for directions to the famous Sunday River Covered Bridge. This covered bridge is photographed more than any other Maine covered bridge.

Sugarloaf is also a popular destination for skiers in Maine. Like Mt. Abram and Sunday River, Sugarloaf can be found in Western Maine although it is in another area, near the town of Farmington.

If you’d like to try snowmobiling, there are many areas open to the public for the sport. You can find information about snowmobiling here.

Enjoy your Maine winter vacation. You’ll come back with lots of stories and wonderful memories.