My Top Four New England Winter Weekend Adventures
If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway with a little adventure in New England, check out these top four travel destinations!
Moosehead Lake
November: not exactly the ideal time of year for hiking in the mountains of New England- but I got lucky this time! Moosehead Lake is the biggest lake east of the Mississippi that’s contained in one state. Nestled in a log cabin too beautiful for words and surrounded by amazing views of the lake, I sat close to an indoor fire, inhaled the aroma of a Maine Mountain Candle (Apple Butter to be exact) and sipped hot apple cider from an oversized mug. The Fall season would probably be the ideal time for this trip, when you could pick and choose the time of day to set out on a stroll along the water, or to start your two mile hike to the top of Borestone Mountain, where a breathtaking view of the land below is waiting patiently. However, if you do find yourself in the area in the midst a winter storm, there are some notable spots where you can stay warm and wait out the weather, like The Stress Free Moose: a laid back Pub & Café in Greenville.
Sugarloaf Ski Resort
If you’re in the market for a great day of skiing, a relaxing lunch at Bullwinkle’s mid-slope and a few après-ski beverages to get your night started at the Widowmaker Lounge, then look no further than Sugarloaf Ski Resort. Nestled away in New England’s Carabasset Valley, and boasting Maine’s second highest peak at 4,237 feet, Sugarloaf is a true “skier’s mountain”. With 152 trails and glades and a 2,820 foot vertical, Sugarloaf has it all: skiable terrain for all levels of skiers; an extensive base camp with shops, a convenient store and the Sugarloaf Resort Village; late night lineups at the Widowmaker Lounge and The Rack; and an overall happening atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
Saddleback Mountain
Okay, so I know I had some great things to say about Sugarloaf Ski Resort, and I’m hesitant to disclose the following information because of how special this within-reach resort is, but here it goes…
Saddleback Mountain is truly a hidden gem. Tucked away in Rangeley, Maine, this one of a kind mountain resort features a family friendly atmosphere and a less commercialized overtone than some of the bigger mountains here on the East Coast. Perhaps this is because of the more intimate size of Saddleback, which features 66 trails and glades and the main lounge (Swig ‘n Smelt Pub) is a ten-out-of-ten on my radar!
Several beautiful ski-in / ski-out condos and lodges surround the mountain, many of them offering weekly rentals with anywhere from 1 to 4 bedrooms, all at a great price! Speaking from experience, you just can’t beat the convenience of ski-in / ski-out access; not to mention some of the amazing amenities these condos have to offer, like hot tubs and gas fire places.
Kennebunkport’s Christmas Prelude
If you’re going to be in the area during the holidays, then a visit to Kennebunkport for their famous Christmas Prelude is a must. Not only does this quaint fishing village offer multiple cobblestone streets with shops and cafes galore, but it also boasts some carefully thought out and well planned holiday events for the entire family to enjoy. I had the pleasure of attending this past December, and some of my favorite activities included the Tree Lighting & Christmas Stroll and the Candle Light Caroling, which was hosted by the Franciscan Monastery. With a candle in one hand and a cup of chestnuts that had just been roasted on an open fire (compliments of the monastery), this day of festivities was just what I needed to get myself in the Christmas spirit!
About Kate Erickson
Kate is our expert on North American and Caribbean travel. She currently lives in Portland, ME, but is originally from San Diego, CA. She is an adventure-traveler extraordinaire, who finds herself in the great outdoors more often than not. With a strong passion for both traveling and writing, She pens interesting, useful and entertaining material.
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