Now that winter finally seems to be winding down, we’ve realized that there are a whole bunch of places we meant to get to this winter that we missed! The good news is that mountain towns in Maine are actually great all year-round! One of our favorites is Bethel, with the nearby bonus of Newry. Winter lovers will know this as the ski area of Sunday River, but we recommend you take a trip here anytime!
Sure, this looks fun.
Sunday River / Facebook Zipping down a mountain in shorts and a smile living your best life. We can dig it. But, we can also dig hanging out in town eating at awesome local restaurants and seeing the sights.
Lovely downtown Bethel, Maine!
jstephenconn / Flickr
First stop is for some awesome BBQ at Smokin’ Good BBQ in Bethel.
Reuben G. / Yelp
This gives the thrill of skiing a run for its money!
Andy G. / Yelp This bright orange trailer serves some of the best stick-to-your-bones BBQ you can find in Maine. You’ll order at the window and then dig into a delicious serving of meat, cooked slow and low in the on-site smoker. Try the North Carolina pulled pork plate, with two sides, cornbread and a pickle! You’ll find them at: 212 Mayville Rd, Orange Trailer, Bethel / 207-824-4744.
Or, skip the BBQ and create your own lunch from Good Food Store & Catering Co. in Bethel.
Chris D. / Yelp Half grocery and half catering company, this unique spot is where you’re sure to find some great snacks to takeon your journey through town while you wait for your friends to finish their day skiing. You’ll find this spot at: 212 Mayville Road, Route 2, Bethel / (207) 824-3754.
Now that you’re fed, take yourself to the local movie house - The Gem!
The Gem / Facebook This independent movie theater also doubles as an art space, showing blockbuster films and smaller flicks as well. They’re only open from Friday to Monday, so time your visit with a weekend. They’re located at: 23 Cross Street, Bethel / (207) 824-8248.
If you prefer the natural wonders of Maine, you’ll want to get right to Screw Auger Falls in Newry.
Doug Kerr / Flickr These Bear River-sourced falls are comprised of two impressive drops. The first is a 30’ drop over a granite ledge into a gorge. The second is just below the first and features another 30’ drop. These are heavily visited in the summer, but are beautiful any time of year.
Continue the outdoor portion of your mountain town day by heading to The Artist’s Bridge in Newry.
The B’s / Flickr Built in 1872, the Sunday River Bridge is also known as “Artist’s Bridge” due to its common use in photographs and art. It’s easy to see why! In 1958 it was closed to traffic when another bridge was built nearby, but it’s still worth a sightseeing visit.
In addition to these spots, one of our favorite things to do is simply driving around the back roads and enjoying the changing seasons. Whether it’s winter, spring, summer or fall this mountain area is perfect!
Sunday River / Facebook
Zipping down a mountain in shorts and a smile living your best life. We can dig it. But, we can also dig hanging out in town eating at awesome local restaurants and seeing the sights.
jstephenconn / Flickr
Reuben G. / Yelp
Andy G. / Yelp
This bright orange trailer serves some of the best stick-to-your-bones BBQ you can find in Maine. You’ll order at the window and then dig into a delicious serving of meat, cooked slow and low in the on-site smoker. Try the North Carolina pulled pork plate, with two sides, cornbread and a pickle! You’ll find them at: 212 Mayville Rd, Orange Trailer, Bethel / 207-824-4744.
Chris D. / Yelp
Half grocery and half catering company, this unique spot is where you’re sure to find some great snacks to takeon your journey through town while you wait for your friends to finish their day skiing. You’ll find this spot at: 212 Mayville Road, Route 2, Bethel / (207) 824-3754.
The Gem / Facebook
This independent movie theater also doubles as an art space, showing blockbuster films and smaller flicks as well. They’re only open from Friday to Monday, so time your visit with a weekend. They’re located at: 23 Cross Street, Bethel / (207) 824-8248.
Doug Kerr / Flickr
These Bear River-sourced falls are comprised of two impressive drops. The first is a 30’ drop over a granite ledge into a gorge. The second is just below the first and features another 30’ drop. These are heavily visited in the summer, but are beautiful any time of year.
The B’s / Flickr
Built in 1872, the Sunday River Bridge is also known as “Artist’s Bridge” due to its common use in photographs and art. It’s easy to see why! In 1958 it was closed to traffic when another bridge was built nearby, but it’s still worth a sightseeing visit.
Did you see our article on a special general store in Maine? It’s for sale and you can read about it here!
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