Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Guidebook FOR RESERVATIONS, CALL (207) 846-9131 SUMMER/FALL 2012 EDITION The Ideal Group Getaway
The Maine House The Maine Farm House The Maine MountainView House The Maine Country House Bryant Pond, Maine
Web Site: www.themainehouses.com E-mail: [email protected] 1 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Index
Welcome to The Maine Houses Things To Do – Winter Maine Facts...... 3 Cross Country Skiing...... 52 Directions...... 4 Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding...... 53 Ideal for Groups...... 4 Ice Skating...... 55 When You Arrive...... 4 Snowshoeing...... 56 When You Depart...... 5 Snow Tubing...... 57 Telephone Numbers...... 6 Sleigh Rides...... 57 Locations of The Maine Houses...... 6 Snowmobiling...... 58 Parking for The Maine Houses...... 7 Services Lakefront Recreation Area...... 8 Child Care...... 59 The Maine Houses – History and Floor Plans Fitness Centers...... 59 The Maine House...... 9 Churches...... 59 The Maine Farm House...... 14 Mind, Body and Spirit...... 60 The Maine MountainView House...... 17 Movies and Theater...... 60 The Maine Country House...... 21 Pet Services...... 61 Video Rentals...... 61 Things To Do – Spring, Summer and Fall Antiquing...... 24 Shopping ATV Rentals and Trips...... 24 Convenience Stores...... 61 Auto Racing...... 24 Grocery Stores & Other Provisions...... 62 Auto Touring...... 25 Pick Your Own Produce & Farm Stands...... 62 Biking...... 27 Ski and Snowboard Shops...... 63 Billiards...... 35 Specialty Shops...... 63 Boating/Canoeing/Kayaking...... 35 Outlet Shops...... 65 Boating Safety...... 36 Dining and Night Life Bowling...... 39 Caterers...... 65 Chairlifts/Train Rides...... 39 Where to Buy Fresh Lobster...... 65 Family Fun & Theme Parks...... 39 Restaurants...... 66 Fishing...... 40 Nightlife, Bars and Entertainment...... 68 Golf...... 41 Hiking...... 42 Local Activities Horseback Riding...... 44 Local Events...... 69 Lake Christopher Recreation...... 46 Rainy Day Activities...... 70 Local Items of Interest...... 46 Web Links to Local Attractions...... 70 Miniature Golf...... 47 Area Maps...... 71 Museums...... 47 What People Have To Say Picnics...... 48 Down East Magazine Review...... 73 Portland Sights...... 48 Testimonials...... 74 Rockhounding and Gems...... 49 Tennis...... 50 Frequently Asked Questions Walks...... 50 Questions and Answers about The Houses...... 76 Waterfalls...... 50 Special Occasions White Water Rafting...... 50 Planning A Family Reunion...... 78 Wildlife Areas and Gardens...... 51 Photographers...... 79 Wildlife Watching Trips...... 51
2 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Maine facts
Nickname...... The Pine Tree State State Gemstone...... Tourmaline State Tree...... White Pine State Animal...... Moose State Bird...... Chickadee State Cat...... Maine Coon Cat State Insect...... Honeybee State Fish...... Landlocked Salmon State Herb...... Wintergreen Average Temperature – Summer...... 70° F Average Temperature – Winter...... 20° F State Capital...... Augusta State Parks...... 30+ State Motto...... Dirigo (I lead) Statehood...... March 15, 1820 (23rd state in the union) Landsize...... 30,862 square miles Number of Counties...... 16 Number of Cities...... 22 Number of Towns...... 424 Population (as of 2005)...... 1,321, 505 Highest Point...... Mt. Katahdin, Baxter State Park 5,267 feet above sea level Coastline...... 3,500 miles Maine has 6,000 lakes and ponds and approximately 32,000 miles of rivers and streams. Maine grows 98% of the lowbush blueberries in the nation.
3 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Maine Farm House is the first house Directions to on the right, The Maine Country When you House is next, and The Maine The Maine House is the third house on the arrive Houses right. The Maine MountainView House is located on the left side of Welcome to The Maine Houses! Route 26, just past the Lake Road The purpose of these self-service turnoff for The Maine House and From Boston/Providence guest houses is to: The Maine MountainView House. I-95 North to Maine Turnpike, North • provide the ideal group facility to Exit 63-Gray (formerly Driving times from • create a comfortable and Exit 11-Gray). Take Route 26 North major cities informal environment towards Bryant Pond/Bethel for Boston...... 3 hours • offer the experience of new 42 miles. Pass through Norway Providence...... 4 hours places and activities in the and South Paris to Bryant Pond. Hartford...... 5 hours mountains of western Maine In Bryant Pond, Route 26 makes a Portsmouth...... 2 hours • allow guests to spend time sharp turn to the right by the Post New York City...... 7 hours relaxing with members of the Office at the flashing yellow light. Philadelphia...... 8 hours group Immediately after this turn, you North Conway...... 1 hour • offer a way to enjoy, will see a large Victorian house Portland...... 1.5 hours promote and protect the on the right. This is The Maine environment in and around MountainView House, 2 Main The Maine Houses Street. You’ll also see a green and Ideal for white sign with The Maine Houses Each of the four Maine Houses logo and directions to the other groups from are set up to run smoothly without houses. To proceed to The Maine a live-in manager or owner. This House and The Maine Farm House, 4 to 94 allows for our flexible check-in and take your first left and cross over check-out times if we do not have back-to-back groups. The Maine the railroad tracks, go straight on • Large guest houses Houses are open 365 days a year. Lake Road. The Maine Farm House • Fully equipped kitchen facilities is the first house on the right, 20 or catering When you enter The Maine Lake Road. The Maine Country • Range of sleeping House, please use the side House is the second house at 24 accommodations (Bunk beds to entrance near the parking lot. This Lake Road and The Maine House private suites) is the easiest access to the house, is the third house on the right, 30 • Large fieldstone fireplaces leading directly into the mud room Lake Road. If you pass Breau’s Too • DVDs, VCRs, TVs and CD players and kitchen. store and restaurant on Route 26, • Steam room Guest rooms are decorated for you’ve gone too far. • Hot tub spa simple use to encourage you to • Open year round From New Hampshire/ enjoy the common areas and • Affordable vacation getaways Bethel Area outside space. You can sit by our • Private, exclusive use of Houses Take Route 26 South. About 8.3 miles fireplace in the Great Room of • Lakefront accommodations past Bethel, you will enter the Village The Maine House and enjoy your • Great for families of Bryant Pond. You will pass a ball favorite music or game. In the living field on the right. Look for “The Call Today! (207) 846-9131 room, you can watch television or Maine House” state sign. For The a movie. There are many ways to E-mail: Maine House and The Maine Farm spend quality time with family and [email protected] House, take the second right after friends in a relaxed atmosphere. the ballfield onto Lake Road and Website: www.themainehouses. cross over the railroad tracks. The com
4 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Bedroom doors do not lock from The Maine Country House has a the outside, but do lock on the washer/dryer combination unit. We When inside. We have never had a theft provide linens and ask you to leave problem, but suggest you do not the sheets and towels on the bed in you leave valuable items in the open. each bedroom after your stay. depart If you bring your own food, please We have a very sensitive septic clearly label it with your name. system. Place only toilet paper in toilets and non-chemical liquids in Thank you for choosing to stay at At The Maine Farm House, the sinks. The Maine Houses! kitchen island is well-equipped and decorated with country charm. We If you bring sports equipment, feel We welcome your suggestions provide a starter supply of fresh free to store it at the houses during and ideas for ways to improve The Down East coffee (regular and your stay. At The Maine House, Maine Houses, or this guidebook. decaf) and tea for your convenience please keep bikes outside the Please call or write to: at each house. side door if the weather is dry. In The Maine Houses inclement weather, store your bikes Please be considerate when using Administration/Reservations in the lower level porch area or the the common areas of The Maine Department garage. During the ski season, keep Houses. Be responsible for your P. O. Box 1138 skis and boots on the racks in the own belongings and help keep the Yarmouth, ME 04096 mud room at The Maine House, house neat and clean. We ask that (207) 846-9131 The Maine Country House and you wash, dry and put away any E-mail: [email protected] The MountainView House, and dishes and kitchen utensils you use. in the hall area of The Maine Farm If you are the last to leave, we Please note, the four Maine Houses House. Please do not wear ski would appreciate it if you please are smoke-free and pet-free boots in any of the houses. turn down the heat, close any environments. windows and lock the deadbolt A cedar paneled steam room is behind you. The Maine Houses are organized located on the Lake Level of The to be compatible with Maine House. It is simple to use A note about the environmentally-aware guests and and a wonderful way to relax after Guidebook we actively encourage recycling. a day skiing or exploring western At the time of publication, all There are a series of recycling bins Maine. To use the steam room, set phone numbers, dates and times in the entrance/mud room at the timer inside the door for 12 were accurate. However, these The Maine House and The Maine minutes. Wait 4 or 5 minutes for may change without notice. Also, Country House, in the hall of the steam, then enter the room and information may change for some The Maine Farm House, and close the door. Relax and enjoy! activities and attractions. Be sure off the back porch of The Maine There is also an eight-person hot to confirm this information before MountainView House. Bins tub/spa available in The Maine making plans. are marked with signs indicating MountainView House. Please the material to be placed in each, read the directions posted by the Also, take a moment to review the spa carefully before using. recycling information sheet. We hope you enjoy your stay at The Because of our septic system, there Maine Houses! is a coin-operated washer and dryer at The Maine House and The Maine Farm House. The Maine MountainView House has a washer and dryer in the basement.
5 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Calling Options Telephone Long Distance Credit Card Calls: • You can dial a 1-800 number from the phone. numbers Collect Calls: • Dial 0, then speak to operator.
Local Emergency Support Note: Calls outside of Bryant Pond are considered Fire Dial ...... 911 long distance. This includes Bethel! Police Dial...... 911 Cell Phones Ambulance Service...... Dial 911, then: We are in an analog area – your cell phone may lose its • Ask for Tri-Town Rescue, and charge very quickly if left on. • Advise location: a) The Maine House 30 Lake Road, Bryant Pond, ME 04219 b) The Maine Country House Location of 24 Lake Road, Bryant Pond, ME 04219 c) The Maine Farm House The Maine Houses 20 Lake Road, Bryant Pond, ME 04219 d) The Maine MountainView House 2 Main Street, Bryant Pond, ME 04219 Lake Christopher Poison Control...... 1-800-442-6305 Central Maine Power Company...... 1-800-696-1000 The Maine House State Police...... 1-800-482-0730 Maine Forest Service...... (207) 674-2442 The Maine Country House Cable Television...... (207) 665-2668 1 minute walk to Lake Bryant Pond Post Office...... (207) 665-2827 The Maine Farm House Hours: M-F 8:00 - 12:30, 2:00 - 4:00 2 minute walk to Lake Hours: Sat 8:00 -10:30
Local Support Road Lake Main Street / Route 26 Off-Premise Manager...... (207) 665-2293 The Maine Other Helpful Numbers MountainView House The Maine House...... (207) 665-2866 5 minute walk to the Lake The Maine Farm House...... (207) 665-2814 (regular adult pace) The Maine MountainView House...... (207) 665-2690 The Maine Country House...... (207) 655-2037 The Maine House Reservations...... (207) 846-9131 House Emergencies...... (207) 665-2293 (207) 846-9131
6 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Parking for Lake Christopher The Maine Houses The Maine House Lake Road The Maine Country House Farm House The Maine
Park to the left entering the driveway of The Maine Farm House
Main Street
The Maine Mountain View House
7 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Lakefront recreation area
8 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com The history of The Maine House
The Maine House, overlooking Lake Christopher, was constructed in 1891 and was known as a “Manor House.” Rebuilt several times over the years, not much of the original house survives, though the shape of the house and barn, what is now the “Great Room,” may be seen from the outside. In addition, look closely at the wagon wheel ceiling light in the Great Room. We believe it may date to the turn of the 20th century, if not earlier. One of the more interesting facets of The Maine House’s history is the fact that in the 1930s and 1940s, it was the winter home of Frances Hayes, daughter of President Rutherford B. Hayes. Mrs. Hayes purchased The Maine House, then known as the Marcotte Home, in the 1930s and wintered there until her death in 1949. She was 82. In 1954, Mr. Harold Clukey bought the house. He and his wife raised 7 children there over 32 years in the shadow of Mt. Christopher. It was • Newly remodeled kitchen with Mr. Clukey who remodeled and Special Features: 3 refrigerators, 3 dishwashers, modernized the house, keeping • Nine comfortable bedrooms with icemaker, gourmet cooktop, it cozy and old-fashioned while sleeping space for up to 33. oven, warming drawer, coffee providing it with the advances • 7-1/2 private and shared bar and beverage station. technology had to offer. (Please try bathrooms. • View of Lake Christopher and out the steam room.) • Large “Great Room” accented with knotty pine paneling, mountains. The house was offered up for sale, hardwood floors, and a • Beautiful yard with 189 feet of and, in 1992, was bought by Tim & floor-to-ceiling fireplace. lake frontage. Linda, Tony, and Steve & Sue. It was • Enclosed wrap-around porch • 10’ x 10’ steam room. another step in creating the ideal with dining tables and seating • Gas grill and picnic tables. self-service group lodging facilities for up to 50. • Heated playroom with Lego table in New England. and table hockey game. • Beautifully landscaped grounds.
9 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
The Driveway Maine House
First Level Parking Lot
Room Assignment Wildflower Bedroom
Room Assignment Widlberry Bedroom
Room Assignment MountainView Bedroom
Lake Christopher/Yard
10 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com The Maine House
Second Level
Room Assignments Autumn Woods Bedroom
White Pines Bedroom
Covered Bridge Bedroom
11 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Room Assignments The Country Road Bedroom Maine House
Lake Level
Big Lakeside Bedroom
Little Lakeside Bedroom
Lake Christopher/Yard
12 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com The Maine House
Wraparound Porch Dining
Seats 43
Seats 54
13 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
A large kitchen/dining room in Special Features: The history the four bedroom suite features • Seven bedrooms with sleeping of The Maine a six-burner gourmet gas stove space for up to 24 guests; most to make any group’s culinary with private bath. Farm House specialties a breeze to prepare. The • Comfortable country feel – one bedroom and two bedroom lots of wood. suites contain their own private • Unique kitchen island which The Maine Farm House was kitchenettes. includes separate storage purchased in 1994 by Tim and If you desire a relaxing day of cabinets for each room’s food, Linda, Tony, and Steve and Sue. mountain biking, hiking, skiing, a prep sink and electric outlets It is designed to allow more people canoeing or kayaking – the range for blenders, coffee makers, etc. to “enjoy life the way it should be.” of activities is unlimited. Whether • A six burner Wolfe gas The house was completely you prefer sightseeing, outdoor commercial-size range – renovated into three separate suites recreation or reading a good book a cook’s delight. with a special country feel. These on the front porch, you will enjoy • In the summer and spring open suites are available separately or as every minute of your stay at The the two sets of French doors in a total package. Guests are given Maine Farm House. the kitchen area and let the the flexibility to design the space fresh air in. to suit the needs of their group. • A stereo system for sound in the Each tastefully decorated room has living room, dining room or a private bath (one in 2 Bedroom both (including CD player). suite) and its own temperature • Individual thermostats in each control. Each unit is adorned by a bedroom. fieldstone fireplace handcrafted by • Beautifully landscaped yard and “Down East” Maine artisans. garden. • Gas grill. • Fire pit. • Large yard and play area. • Handcrafted fieldstone fireplaces in each section. • Expansive front porch and stone patio.
14 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com The Maine Farm House
First Level
Room Assignments Bedroom #1
One Bedroom Suite
Two Bedroom Suite
15 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Bedroom #5 The (One Bedroom Suite) Maine Farm House
Second Level
Room Assignments Bedroom #2 Bedroom #6 (Two Bedroom Suite)
Bedroom #3 Bedroom #7 (Two Bedroom Suite)
Bedroom #4
16 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Take in the view of Mt. Christopher Special Features: The history while relaxing in the rocking chairs The Maine MountainView of The Maine on the front porch of the house. Or, House has undergone extensive take a short stroll (just a five-minute renovations and remodeling since MountainView walk) down to the lake for a swim its purchase in 1996. Some of the or canoe ride. special features include: House • Seven comfortably decorated bedrooms, most with a private bath. In 1996, The Maine MountainView • Eight person indoor spa/hot tub. House was purchased from • Fully equipped country kitchen Margaret and Robert Hand. The with dining area. original building was built in 1850 • Double living room area with and stood as the Glen Mountain fireplace. Hotel until it burned in 1907. The • Dining room with built-in oak house was rebuilt shortly thereafter hutch with leaded glass as the stately, turn-of-the-century cabinets. Victorian house you see today. The • Gas grill. house was once a nursing home, • Wraparound porch with rocking offices and most recently operated chairs to relax and enjoy the view by the Hand’s as a bed and of Mount Christopher. breakfast called The Glen Mountain House. This house was remodeled in 2000 by adding bathrooms, sleeping space and an 8-person spa.
17 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com The Maine MountainView House
First Level
18 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Room Assignments The Bedroom #1 Maine MountainView House
SecondFirst Level Level
Bedroom #2
Bedroom #3
Bedroom #4
Bedroom #5
19 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com The Maine MountainView House
Third Level
Room Assignments Bedroom #6
Bedroom #7
20 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
The spacious three bedroom • Fireplace in the cozy living room. The house can accommodate up to Firewood provided. nine guests in two, three, and four • Dining room with built-in history of person rooms. cabinets and seating for nine. The Maine Special Features: • Fully equipped old-fashioned country kitchen with electric It is perfect for a family or few range, dishwasher and washer/ Country couples getaway. The Maine dryer. Country House is just a few House • Glass enclosed sun porch. hundred feet from Lake Christopher • New outdoor deck. and offers a great view of the lake • Side deck and enclosed front and mountains from the enclosed For years, a quaint privately-owned porch. porch. The Maine Country House is Dutch Colonial house sat tucked • Television/VHS/DVD player. fully equipped with: between The Maine House and • CD player. • Three quaint bedrooms with The Maine Farm House. In the • Linens provided hardwood flooring, twin, full, spring of 2005, the house went • Gas grill. queen and/or king size beds. on the market and the owners of • Playhouse. The Maine Houses jumped at the • One full bathroom on first floor chance to purchase the house and • One full bathroom with tub/ add it to its unique group of shower on second floor. self-service guest houses. • New hot tub
21 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com The Maine Country House
First Level
22 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com The Maine Country House
Second Level
Bedroom #1 Bedroom #2 Bedroom #3
23 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Antiquing ATV rentals Auto and trips racing If the summer skies are grey, or if you just want a change of pace, try browsing some of the area’s Sun Valley Sports & Oxford Plains Speedway antique shops. The perfect piece of Guide Service (ATV-ing) Route 26, Oxford vintage furniture, glassware, china 129 Sunday River Road (207) 539-8865 or other collectible may be waiting Bethel, ME 04217 www.oxfordplains.com for you to take it home. (877) 851-7533 3/8 mile oval, asphalt. www.sunvalleysports.com Open April-September. Bennett’s Antiques and See the beautiful Western Collectibles Mountains of Maine on a guided 21 Mechanic Street, Bethel four-wheeler tour. See moose, deer, (207) 824-2336 bears and other wildlife. Learn Mark Bennet, proprietor about the forestry management Victorian furniture, porcelain, practices. Half and full-day tours. glass and silver. Guided ATV Tours in the winter Touch of Class Antiques when there is NOT enough snow and Minerals for snowmobiling. Trips run from 279 Walkers Mills Road, Bethel 9:00 am -12:00 noon and (across from Telstar Regional 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Reservations High School) are recommended. Hours 8:30 am (207) 824-8501 -5:00 pm. Gloria Arrow, proprietor Eclectic assortment of collectibles, fine antiques, Tibetan artifacts, gemstone jewelry and costume jewelry of the 1930s. Vintage Living 130 Main Street, Bethel (207) 824-2997 Pok Sun Lane, proprietor Oriental and American antiques.
24 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Before returning to Bethel, take Upon your return to Bethel, take a Auto a left turn for the Patte Brook walking tour of the Broad Street/ Tour, a short distance off Route Church Street National Historic touring 5. This 4-mile auto tour offers District. Maps are available at the excellent examples of Multiple Use Chamber of Commerce office, or at Resource Management. Self-guided the Moses Mason House Museum Scenic drives are found throughout stops explain how water, timber, on Broad Street. the region. A complete set of recreation and wildlife are managed driving tours is available at the Bethel Region in the White Mountain National Bethel Chamber of Commerce Driving Tour (67 miles) Forest. A sharp eye may help you information center or by calling Begin on Route 2 in Bethel and go see some of the wildlife residents of (800) 442-5826 or visiting their east on Route 2 (also called north the Patte Brook area. website at www.bethelmaine.com. Route 5 and north Route 26) to Below is a popular tour. To aid the visitor, brochures are Newry. The turnoff for point A Bethel/Evans Notch available at the start of the tour. is on your left (see map). At Newry, Region Driving Tour continue on Route 2/Route 5 (no longer Route 26) east through Beginning in Bethel, head west Hanover to Rumford Pt. Rockhounding on Route 2 to Gilead. Turn left on is prevalent in this stretch (6 miles). Route 113 and enter the White Mountain National At Rumford Pt., go left on North Forest. Beautiful Wild Route 5 to Andover. Point D is located River runs alongside just before you reach Andover the road, and dense (11 miles). At Andover Center, go foliage forms a cool, west/left on East B Hill Road to leafy canopy overhead. Upton. Point F is located several Stop to sway across the miles outside of Andover (15 miles). suspension footbridge Make sure your gas tank is full, this over Wild River, then stretch is a long, rural road through continue on Route 116 the wilderness. At the intersection to the town of Fryeburg. of East B Hill Road and Route 26, go (See map at right.) right/north to Point G, the public In Fryeburg, turn onto landing in Upton on Lake Umbagog Route 5 for the drive (2 miles). Turn around at the Upton back to Bethel, along landing and continue south on Route the shores of pristine 26 through Grafton Notch State Park. Kezar Lake and through Follow Route 26 to Bethel (23 miles). the quaint villages of Point A: Artists’s Covered Bridge Lovell, Center Lovell, Soon after leaving Bethel on Route North Lovell, and East 2, take a left on Sunday River Road Stoneham. and follow signs to the covered bridge. This area has excellent river swimming and picnicking on the rocky ledges beneath and downstream from the bridge. Return to driving the route the way you came in.
25 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Point B: Rest Area Along the stretch between Bethel and Newry, there is a Department of Transportation Riverside/Roadside rest area with bathroom facilities. The road follows the Androscoggin River, which extends from the White Mountains of New Hampshire through Lewiston- Auburn to the ocean at Brunswick. Point C: Rock and Mineral Hounding This area is noted for rock and mineral deposits. Contact the Bethel Chamber of Commerce or local mineral stores for specific locations and information. Point D: Lovejoy Covered Bridge In Andover, follow the signs to another scenic covered bridge for picnicking, swimming and sightseeing. Point H: Grafton Notch Point E: Andover Village State Park Route 5 brings you right into the On Route 26 between Upton center of Andover, with its period and Newry, the main features of the architecture, its Common Area, the park are: Spruce Meadow historic Merrill-Poor House, and more. (a scenic picnic area), Main Parking There are three small general stores. Lot (trail-heads for the Appalachian Point F: Frye Brook Trail and 4 local hiking trails), Once you’re on East B Hill Road, Moose Cave (a 1/4 mile nature look for Frye Brook on the left for a walk mixed with flora and legent), short hike with a splendid view. Mother Walker Falls (a nature walk and geological exhibit) and Screw Point G: Umbagog Lake and Auger Falls (picnic tables, fireplaces, Upton Village falls and deep pools in Bear River). Just up Route 26 north in Upton, you can catch some breathtaking Point I: Step Falls view of Umbagog Lake. On Route 26 after Grafton Notch State Park, look for a white Farm House on the left and a grassy parking area. It is a preserve of the Nature Conservacy on Wight Brook, and has a short hike with a spectacular view. Point J: Bethel Upon returning to Bethel, visit the historic district, local shops or try one of Bethel’s fine restaurants.
26 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Biking Scenic Ponds South Loop...... 16 miles Moose Valley...... 21 miles Androscoggin River Loop...... 29 miles The opportunities for biking near Scenic Ponds...... 31 miles The Maine Houses are endless. Tour Paris-Buckfield Loop...... 40 miles miles of rural backroads, or be more Peru-to-Paris Loop...... 48 miles adventurous and try mountain Norway-Waterford Loop...... 56 miles biking on some of the region’s Grafton Notch...... 70 miles numerous logging roads. Evans Notch Loop...... 80 miles
Bike rentals are available at: Mountain Bike Park Bethel Outdoor at Sunday River Adventure Sunday River Ski Resort 121 Mayville Road / U.S. Route 2 Newry, ME 04261 (800) 533-3607 (207) 824-3000 www.betheloutdooradventure.com www.sundayriver.com/summer The Sunday River Mountain Bike Following are several bike routes Park offers 15 trails and 20 miles in the area of The Maine Houses of lift serviced riding with varying which are ideal for touring. Our difficulty levels and terrain ranging thanks to Bill Hansen of the Mt. from open work roads to single Laurel Ski Club (and an avid biker) track. Lift 6 on North Peak will be for many of these routes. The running to serve the mountain names and approximate mileage of bike trail network. A fleet of new each is shown. Kona downhill mountain bikes The Maine Department of are available for rent, with front Transportation has also developed suspension models available. All a bike map including 21 bike tours services are based out of the South throughout the state. Visit their Ridge Lodge. Hours: 10am-4pm, website at www.state.me.us/ Friday-Sunday. (non-winter season!) mdot-old/bike_tours/index.html. You can also contact the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for more information at (207) 623-4511 or visit their website at www. bikemaine.org.
27 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Mountain Biking the windshield of the family sedan–but this quiet Many mountain bikers first visit the Bethel area in world is readily accessible to the adventuresome the winter, as skiers at Sunday River Ski Resort or mountain biker. Mt. Abrams. In the summer, they return to sample the A long hike will also get you there, but an increasing varied pleasures and thrills of the Maine countryside number of visitors–along with lots of local folk– and valleys. have discovered that a mountain bike might just But having tasted the pleasures of the Maine woods be the best way to enjoy these off-the-beaten-path – and seen from the mountain tops the miles and pleasures. miles of prime mountain bike country that surround Some excellent off-road trails began just outside Bethel–many find themselves setting out to explore the Bethel village and the rich logging tradition of the the area. northwoods has left the local forest crisscrossed with For those who do–and are willing to earn their dirt roads that are ideal for mountain biking. turns–the rewards are substantial: The area is also crossed by miles of snowmobile • Slick rock summits trails, most with well-maintained bridges over the • Mountain meadows filled with wildflowers larger streams and rivers they cross. Just grab your • Old twitch roads, miles from the nearest highway bike, a topo map and compass, and head out. • Abandoned logging camps and long-deserted hill And one big plus of these off-road byways– farms especially when you travel them on a quiet mountain • Snowmobile trails meandering through the puckerbrush bike–is the chance to come upon a fox, bear, deer, • Dry, boulder-bottomed river beds moose or countless other species of birds that are Much of the best of Maine and some would say the rarely found along busy main highways. most “real” parts of Maine cannot be seen through
28 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Biking Moose Valley Bicycle Tour Distance Directions 0.0 Turn LEFT out of the driveway. Moose Valley 0.1 LEFT onto Route 26 North toward Bethel. Bicycle Tour 3.1 Picnic area on the right which has a portable toilet Except for a 3-1/2 mile stretch along (seasonal). Route 26, this route follows quiet back roads. Total distance is 21 3.8 RIGHT onto East Bethel Road toward Rumford. In miles. The majority of the ride is flat 2 miles, you will pass by Walkers Mountain on your left. or rolling. You may even catch sight 8.5 RIGHT at the stop sign onto Rumford Road (unmarked) of a moose! toward Rumford. This route starts and ends at The 11.5 RIGHT at the yield sign onto Route 232 South. Maine Houses. 13.6 BEAR RIGHT to stay on Route 232 toward Bryant Pond. Please use extreme caution 17.4 Continue STRAIGHT on Route 232. Don’t go right onto crossing railroad tracks. Always Gore Road. Just ahead on the right is the Ancient Burial wear a helmet, and obey all Ground. traffic laws. 18.7 RIGHT onto Rumford Avenue (unmarked). This is just past the Pinhook Meeting House, a large white building on the left. 20.6 RIGHT at the yield sign onto Route 26 North. 21.0 LEFT onto Lake Road (unmarked) just before the Woodstock Historical Society. Cross the tracks and The Maine House and The Maine Farm House are on the right. Time for a swim!
The Maine House...... (207) 665-2866 The Maine Farm House...... (207) 665-2814 The Maine Country House...... (207) 665-2037 The Maine Mountainview House...... 207) 665-2690
29 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
30 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Biking Scenic Ponds Bicycle Tour Distance Directions 0.0 Turn LEFT out of the driveway. Scenic Ponds 0.1 RIGHT onto Route 26 South toward Bryant Pond Bicycle Tour 0.2 STRAIGHT off Route 26 at the yellow flashing traffic This tour takes you by scenic ponds signal at the Post Office onto Railroad Street. and mountains. It almost entirely avoids busy Route 26 and is ideal 0.5 RIGHT at the intersection with Church Street, cross the for those who prefer quiet back tracks, then LEFT onto Birch Street. roads. Total distance is 32 miles. The 1.1 Continue STRAIGHT at the intersection with Rowe Hill first section has a few moderate Road and cross the tracks onto Outlaw Valley Road hills, but the majority of the ride (unmarked). is flat or rolling. Some of the road 4.4 At the bottom of the hill, cross the tracks, then RIGHT at surfaces are rough, especially the stop sign onto Route 216 West, County Road. The road through Greenwood, so keep your follows the Little Androscoggin River for several miles. speed in check. There are also 6.8 RIGHT at the stop sign at the end of Route 219 onto numerous rail crossings. Twitchell Pond Road (unmarked). The road goes by This route starts and ends at The Twitchell Pond and South Pond. At mile 11.8 is the Maine Houses. Greenwood Town Beach, which has picnic tables and a portable toilet (summer only). Please use extreme caution crossing railroad tracks. Always 13.8 RIGHT at the stop sign at the end of Greenwood Road wear a helmet, and obey all onto Howe Hill Road. traffic laws. 13.9 Cross the tracks, then LEFT at the stop sign onto Route 26 North toward Bethel. 14.2 RIGHT onto East Bethel Road toward Rumford. In 2 miles, you will pass by Walkers Mountain on your left. 18.9 RIGHT at the stop sign onto Rumford Road (unmarked) toward Rumford. 21.9 RIGHT at the yield sign onto Route 232 South. 24.0 BEAR RIGHT to stay on Route 232 toward Bryant Pond. 27.8 Continue STRAIGHT on Route 232. Don’t go right onto Gore Road. Just ahead on the right is the Ancient Burial Ground. 29.1 RIGHT onto Rumford Avenue (unmarked). This is just past the Pinhook Meeting House, a large white building on the left. 31.0 RIGHT at the yield sign onto Route 26 North. 31.4 LEFT onto unmarked Lake Road, just before the Woodstock Historical Society. Cross the tracks and The Maine House and The Maine Farm House are on the right.
The Maine House...... (207) 665-2866 The Maine Farm House...... (207) 665-2814 The Maine Country House...... (207) 665-2037 The Maine Mountainview House...... 207) 665-2690
31 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
32 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Biking Evans Notch Metric Century Bicycle Tour Distance Directions 0.0 After parking in Bethel, leave town via Route 26 North, Evans Notch Railroad Street. At the highway overpass, continue Metric Century STRAIGHT onto Route 2 West toward New Hampshire. Bicycle Tour 10.1 Gilead Picnic Area on the left. This challenging ride lets you 10.5 LEFT onto Route 113 South toward Evans Notch. Route 113 experience the grandeur or the is a narrow, winding road but the surface is well maintained. White Mountain National Forest on As a courtesy to motorists, pull off the pavement to allow your bicycle. It requires a remote cars to pass. There are no stores to purchase refreshments start in Bethel. The total trip is for the next 19 miles. 65 miles, or 100 kilometers. The truly ambitious may bike from The 18.9 Evans Notch. This is the top of the climb. Watch your Houses to Bethel, adding 18 miles speed on the downhill. to the trip. It is an advanced ride 21.6 Basic Recreation Area on right. Leaving the National Forest. for those comfortable doing longer 26.3 STRAIGHT to stay on Route 113. Don’t take Route 113B. distances and dealing effectively 29.5 LEFT in the village of Stow to stay on Route 113 toward with automobile traffic. Fryeburg. There is a general store in Stow. This route starts and ends at The 32.4 LEFT off Route 113 in North Fryeburg into the unmarked Maine Houses. road toward Fryeburg Harbor. Please use extreme caution 33.7 BEAR LEFT to follow the main road around the “S” curve. crossing railroad tracks. Always 37.0 LEFT at the stop sign onto Route 5 North. wear a helmet, and obey all 39.5 BEAR LEFT at the intersection with Route 5A to stay on traffic laws. Route 5. 52.1 LEFT at the yield sign at the junction with Route 35 to stay on Route 5. 64.5 RIGHT at the intersection with Grove Hill Road to stay on Route 5 toward Bethel. 64.8 Bethel Town Common. You may tour this historic section of town or relax on the grass before returning to your car.
Evans Notch Bicycle Tour Evans Notch Bicycle Tour This ride lets you experience the Distance Directions grandeur of the White Mountain 0.0 LEFT out of the picnic area onto Route 2 West. National Forest on your bicycle. It requires a remote start in Gilead, 0.4 LEFT onto Route 113 South toward Evans Notch. 10 miles west of Bethel. The total Route 113 is a narrow, winding road but the surface is trip is 18 miles. Bring food because well maintained. As a courtesy to motorists, pull off the there are no stores in the pavement to allow cars to pass. There are no stores to National Forest. purchase refreshments along this route. 8.8 Evans Notch. This is the top of the climb. Return the way Please use extreme caution you arrived, Route 113 North. Watch your speed on the crossing railroad tracks. Always downhill. wear a helmet, and obey all 17.2 RIGHT at the end of Route 113 onto Route 2 East. traffic laws. 17.6 RIGHT into the picnic area to return to your car.
33 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
34 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
The Androscoggin Round Pond Corner Store Billiards Errol, NH Greenwood, ME For lots of excitement, the (207) 875-2590 Androscoggin offers a white-water Canoes and kayaks rentals Funky Red Barn challenge. Bethel, ME Sebago Sailing, Inc. (207) 824-3003 Bethel Outdoor (207) 647-4400 Adventures www.sebagosailing.com Sunday River Bethel, ME Located in the Kettle Cove Marina Brewing Company (800) 533-3607 on Sebago Lake in Windham. Bethel, ME Canoe and kayak rentals and guide Sail boat rentals, charters, and (207) 824-4253 service are available. American Sailing Association Provides tables during the non-ski www.betheloutdooradventure.com School. The only complete sailing season. Carter’s Farms service on the Maine Lakes. They will also deliver sail boats to the Oxford, ME Houses. Contact Maura (Mo) Boating, (207) 539-4848 Mulcahy. canoeing and Canoes and kayaks rentals Mahoosuc Guide Sun Valley Sports kayaking Service, Inc. & Guide Service Offers canoe and kayak rentals with 1513 Bear River Road/Route 26 shuttle service to the Androscoggin Newry, ME 04261 River and local ponds. (207) 851- Enjoy a quiet paddle around (207) 824-2073 7533. one of our many lakes and ponds, www.mahoosuc.com or drift lazily down a stretch of Outdoor guide service offering flatwater on the Androscoggin, canoeing trips (and dogsledding in Ellis or Saco Rivers. the winter) in Maine. Reservations If you don’t have time for a day required. All trips are owner- trip, you can enjoy a leisurely tour guided with more than 25 years of Lake Christopher in our house experience. Polly and Kevin are canoes, kayaks or windsurfer. Life registered Master Maine Guides. jackets are provided and must Located in the Maho mountains be worn whenever you are on near Grafton Notch State Park. the water. Head north, go past the Sunday River Road about 3 miles, turn left If you have a boat or kayak of your onto Bear River Road/Route 26, own, feel free to bring it along. continue 7 miles. They are on the Watch the loons at play while you right. Look for the Mahoosuc Guide explore Lake Christopher. The Service sign in front of a cedar-clad Maine House has two private docks farmhouse with a big red barn that are open during the milder attached to it. months for our guests’ enjoyment. Note: Jet skies are not permitted on Lake Christopher.
35 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Type 3: Flotation Aid by having to wait for Emergency Boating safety These life jackets are considered the Medical Services to arrive to begin most comfortable, with styles for CPR. Four to six minutes without different activities and sports. oxygen can cause irreversible brain National statistics show that 90% damage or death. of boating deaths result from Children and water drowning; 80% of those drowning safety Take small children with you. If the phone rings or if you should victims were not wearing a personal Approved PFDs should be worn have to perform a brief task, keep floatation devices. Life jackets, live by all passengers in powered and young children with you rather vests or PFD (Personal Floatation unpowered watercraft, or by than trusting them to be careful Device)…no matter what you call it, anyone who is unable to swim or or to stay away from water while it won’t work if you don’t wear it. unsure of their swimming abilities unsupervised. Once you’re in the water, even an when in and around water. “Water experienced swimmer can quickly Wings” are not a dependable Encourage older children and lose coordination and drown. floatation device and are no adolescents to learn how to swim, The problem is compounded if a substitute for adult supervision of but remember, even good swimmers person has been drinking alcoholic small children in and around water. can drown. Swimming lessons are beverages–half of boating fatalities Be sure to use a PFD that is an no substitute for supervision of involve alcohol. appropriate buoyancy and a good young children in and around water Who needs a life jacket? fit for the child who is wearing it and no one should ever swim alone. Everyone who goes boating! Note: Maine law requires all Be aware of streams, creeks, ponds, More than 90% of deaths are children 12 years of age or ditches, etc. that may be located on from drowning. And 80% of those younger to wear a life jacket or near your property. Make certain victims were not wearing a personal while in a boat, canoe or kayak. that a responsible adult knows the whereabouts of small children at all floatation device. Anytime anyone Never leave small children times if there is any water nearby. If goes boating, there’s a chance to unattended around any body of a child is missing, search the water fall overboard. A PFD is designed to water. Small children don’t often areas first to save valuable seconds. keep your head above water and think of water as danger and to help you remain in a position they are, by nature, very curious. Encourage adolescents to avoid which permits proper breathing. An Being left alone in or around water drinking alcoholic beverages average adult only needs artificial without supervision can be fatal. especially if they plan to engage in buoyancy of 7 to 12 pounds to Learn CPR especially if you own a recreational water activities such as remain afloat, and virtually all boat, a pool, or live near the water. swimming, fishing, boating, etc. approved PFDs provide this amount Valuable lifesaving seconds are lost of floatation. Don’t take your chances–wear your PFD!
Type 1 : Offshore Lifejacket This PFD is designed for extended survival in rough, open water.
Type 2: Near Shore Buoyant Vest This “classic” PFD comes in several sizes for adults and children and is for calm inland water where fast rescue is most likely.
36 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Surface blood vessels dilate - Safe boating Boating safety Alcohol causes blood vessels on the surface of the skin to dilate, Life jackets don’t work unless increasing the rate of body heat you wear them. Even if you’re Alcohol and water don’t loss. If, while the vessels are dilated, a strong swimmer, you may mix you fall overboard into cold water, involuntarily gasp and drown if you hypothermia sets in even more fall without a life jacket into water Just as with a car, alcohol decreases quickly, further reducing your cooler than your body. Struggling a person’s ability to handle a decision-making abilities. to stay afloat in cold water hastens boat. As a depressant, alcohol hypothermia. goes straight to the nerves, blood Dehydration - As the sun beats stream, and the brain. Just a few down and the body naturally Watch the load. Stay within load beers, especially on a hot day, can tries to cool itself by expelling limits shown on the capacity plate. cause the following: perspiration, the body starts to Make extra trips for gear rather
get dehydrated. Drinking alcohol than risk capsizing. Distribute the Eroding sense of balance - Most while dehydrated greatly enhances load evenly, keep it low. boating deaths result from falling the rate at which the alcohol is out of a small open boat without Stay seated. Standing to land a absorbed. a life jacket, whether it capsizes or fish or pull up the anchor is not not. Judgement is impaired - Drinking worth the risk of parting company
makes you lose your judgement. with your body! Sitting on the sides Vision difficulties - The sun and Alcohol makes a person more or the bow can swamp or capsize reflections can make objects on relaxed, more likely to perform the boat very quickly. the water hazy and difficult to see. dangerous acts that one would Color perception and peripheral Note: Maine law requires each not normally do if not under the vision deteriorate, and at night adult to have a floatation device influence. depth perception decreases. These in the boat, though they are not issues are exacerbated by alcohol Boater’s Hypnosis - Natural required to wear one. However, use. stressors such as sun exposure, common sense suggests even an glare, wind noise, vibration, and adult should wear a life jacket. Decreased coordination - Should motion on the water produce All children under the age of 12 a person fall into the water without “boater’s hypnosis” or fatigue. MUST wear a floatation device a life jacket, they may have trouble This can reduce reaction time (life jacket) while on the water. just floating, let alone grasping almost as much as being under the onto a life ring or throwable influence. Adding alcohol to these devices. The shock of the cold water environmental stressors intensifies significantly increases the risk of their effects. cramping and drowning. One-third of all boating fatalities are alcohol-related. It is illegal to operate a boat, or permit others to do so, while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
37 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
How to prevent Hypothermia–how to Boating safety drowning fight this killer. Most people who die in aquatic Exposure causes loss of body heat. accidents succumb to drowning. Most This is called hypothermia. Watch the weather and the drowning result from three major Hypothermia can kill. Defense against water. Check the forecast before factors–inability to swim, effects of hypothermia is to avoid exposure you leave home, and keep a radio relatively cold water, and alcohol. to cold. Do this by staying dry with you for weather updates. Most drownings occur 10 feet or and avoiding the wind. Put on Avoid running broadside into less from safety, and roughly 60 rain gear before you get wet. If waves; keep weight even and low, percent of the time another person you fall into cold water, do NOT and trail a sea anchor. Keep low in is both witnessing and in position discard clothing; it will help trap thunderstorms. Use caution around to rescue the victim. Unfortunately, heat. Avoid moving as much as dams, rough water, fast currents, would-be rescuers are not aware of possible. A life jacket helps in two and areas where rocks, limbs, or the classic signs of drowning. These ways; it reduces the need to move, other debris may be submerged. signs are: and it helps insulate against heat Anchor your boat from the bow. 1. Head back. loss. When you wear a life jacket, Adding anchor pull to the stern 2. Mouth open, establishing an draw your knees up into a H.E.L.P. can let water over the transom, airway–but not vocalizing. (Heat Escape Lessoning Position). swapping the boat. 3. Arms doing an involuntary, If several persons are in the water, Leave your plan. So people will know above-the-water breast stroke. huddle together so you can if your missing, tell someone when 4. Head bobbing up and down, conserve heat and stay alive. above then below the surface. you’re leaving on your boat, where To care for someone experiencing you’re going, and when you’ll return. Drowning occurs rapidly and hypothermia, get the victim out of soundlessly, averaging 20 the wet clothes. Warm the victim seconds in small children and gradually by wrapping him or up a minute in adults. To the her in blankets or dressing in dry uninitiated, a drowning person’s clothing and moving into a warm surface struggle may appear to environment. If the victim is alert, be playing, clowning, or splashing give warm liquids to drink that do accompanied by lack of requests for contain alcohol or caffeine. DO help. Simply observing and reacting NOT warm the victim too quickly, to the signs of drowning by basic, by immersing in warm water, shore-based reaching or throwing for instance, as this can cause rescues may cancel a needless dangerous heart rhythms. Seek tragedy. professional medical attention. Bottom Line: Don’t drink and boat, wear your lifejacket, take a safe boating course and maintain a proper lookout, especially for boaters who fit the profile of an accident-maker.
38 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Cannon Aerial Tramway Bowling I-93, Exit 34B Family Franconia Notch, NH fun and The Oxford Hills (603) 823-8800 Bowling Lanes Rates: Adults $12, ages 6 –12 $8, theme parks under age 6 free. The 80-passenger Bowling, a favorite family aerial tramway whisks you above rainy-day activity, is only 14 miles timberline to the 4,200-foot The Big Adventure away from The Maine Houses at summit for outstanding views of Center the Oxford Hills Bowling Lanes on the White Mountains and into At the corner of Airport Road and Route 26 South, in South Paris. Maine, Vermont and even Canada. Route 2, Bethel, (207) 824-0929. Open year-round. For more Step into a dimly lit fogged arena of information, call (207) 743-9863. Sunday River Scenic Lift barriers, ramps, platforms, bridges Rides The Big and other obstacles providing Newry, ME Adventure Center a unique multi-level laser-tag (207) 824-3000 12 North Road in Bethel. playing field. Plus indoor rock www.sundayriver.com Offers mini or duckling bowling. climbing gym, video games and Rates: $8, age 5 and under free Call (207) 824-0929 for details. four lanes of mini-bowling, 18- North Peak, Lift #6 A great family activity. Visit www. hole miniature golf area and water Open Friday – Sunday, 10 – 4. bigadventure.com for more slides in the warmer months. www. information. Wildcat bigadventure.com Mountain Gondola Polar Caves Park Route 16, Pinkham Notch, NH Off I-93, Exit 26, Route 25 (603) 466-3326 Plymouth, NH Chairlifts/ www.skiwildcat.com (603) 536-1888 Rates: Adults $15, ages 6 – 12 train rides www.polarcaves.com $7, under age 5 free. ZipRider: All A family adventure since 1922. Ages: $20, add a 2nd ZipRide for Cave tours continuously, nature $10. Experience the ZipRider, NH’s Attitash trails, waterfowl and animal newest thrill ride. Soar 1/2 mile Route 302, Bartlett, NH exhibits, maple sugar museum, the over trees, ski trails, and a river at (603) 374-2368 Glacial Boulder Maze, and the Polar up to 45 mph, while taking in the www.attitash.com Mining Expedition Sluice. majestic mountain scenery. Then Rates: $15/single ride, 1-day ticket Rates: Adults 10+ $14, ride the Wildcat Express Gondola $35. Relax on the Scenic Sky Ride Children 4-9 $10, under age 4 free. to the summit of Attitash. Other Skyride to the 4,062’ summit, attractions include their mile-long in just 12 minutes! Views of Mt. Santa’s Village Alpine Slide, Eurobungy Trampoline, Washington, Tuckerman’s Ravine, Visit Santa’s Village, on Route 2 23’ climbing wall, waterslides, and the Presidential Range offer in Jefferson, New Hampshire. See horseback riding and extensive memories and photo opportunities. Santa’s summer home, where kids mountain biking trails. can sit on Santa’s lap to get an early start on their Christmas lists, pet and feed live reindeer and ride the exciting roller coasters, antique cars, carousel, bumper cars, the Yule Log Flume Ride, and more. Call (603) 586-4445 or visit www. santasvillage.com. Directions: Turn left onto Route 26 toward Bethel. In Bethel, turn onto Route 2 (continued)
39 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
West (8 miles). Route 2 takes a Sun Valley Sports & sharp left when you reach Gorham Fishing Guide Service (fishing) (44 miles from The Houses). 129 Sunday River Road Continue on Route 2 West. At 44 Bethel, ME 04217 Whether your preference is trolling miles, you’ll see Six Gun City on the (877) 851-7533 the lakes and ponds, casting a line left. At 48 miles, Santa’s Village is (207) 824-7533 from shore or fly fishing the rivers on the left. Total drive time from www.sunvalleysports.com and streams, you’re sure to find a The Maine Houses is about one An Orvis-Authorized full line favorite fishing spot near The Maine hour. dealer shop and Orvis-Endorsed Houses. For more information and guide service for Maine and New Six Gun City & Fort regulations, Maine Open Water Hampshire. Offerings include Splash Fishing law books are available fly-fishing Instruction and lessons Also located in Jefferson on Route at the Woodstock/Bryant Pond with the latest Orvis equipment, 2, Six Gun City is a replica of an Town Office, the Bethel Town drift boat/wading on the American frontier town, complete Office and the Bethel Chamber of Androscoggin, Magalloway, Ellis with stagecoach rides, a jail and Commerce office. Non-resident and Rapid Rivers, as well as all of shootouts in the town square. temporary fishing licenses may be the ponds and lakes in Maine and Includes shows, horses, rides and purchased at Round Pond Corner New Hampshire. slides, go karts, laser tag, carriage Store on Route 26 in Greenwood. museum and more. Call (603) 586- Local guide services are available Water’s Edge 4592 or visit www.sixguncity.com. for amateurs to experts through Guide Service Story Land Sun Valley Sport, Mountain Ranger 23 Fox Lane You’ll have as much fun as the Guide Services, and Bethel Outdoor New Sharon, ME 04955 kids when you spend a day at Story Adventures in Bethel. (207) 778-9385 Business (207) 576-3795 Cell Land – on Route 16 in Glen, New On a local level, Lake Christopher is www.watersedgeguides.com Hampshire – where storybook stocked with land-locked salmon, Located in the foothills of western characters come alive. Visit Heidi’s brook trout, smelt and splake – a Maine, Water’s Edge Guide Service grandfather in his mountain cabin cross between a female lake trout is a professional fly fishing and and take a ride in Cinderella’s and a male brook trout. If you waterfowl hunting outfitter. pumpkin coach. Enjoy antique cars, would like some help in planning They offer an endless variety of full- a raft ride, a bamboo chute flume your Maine fishing excursion, day and half-day guided fishing and ride, a roller coaster and more. Plan contact Chris Manjourides at Great waterfowl hunting trips, including to make a day of it – pack a picnic Outdoor Guide Service at (207) ones for parents who may be lunch or choose from several snack 665-2075. They offer half- and interested in getting their kids on bars on the grounds. Story Land is full-day trips for fly fishing, spin the water. located about one hour from The casting, trolling and bait fishing. Maine Houses. Call (603) 383-4186 or visit www.storyland/nh.com for more information.
40 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Poland Spring Golf Country Club 41 Riccker Road Poland Spring, ME The Western Mountains of Maine (207) 998-6002 are home to some of New England’s www.polandspringinns.com most picturesque golf courses, most 18-hole course, 6,156 yards, par 71 of which are within a short drive of The Maine Houses. Sunday River Golf Club Jordan Bowl For an 18-hole challenge, tackle Newry, ME these courses: (207) 824-GOLF (4653) Androscoggin Valley www.sundayrivergolfclub.com Country Club 18-hole course, 7,100 yards, par 72 2 Main Street This new 18-hole championship Gorham, NH course, designed by Robert Trent (603) 466-9468 Jones, Jr., strikes a perfect balance www.avccgolf.com between challenge and playability. 18-hole course, 6,110 yards, par 70 It follows the natural landscape Bethel Inn and and offers stunning views of the Country Club Mahoosuc Range and Sunday River Maine Street, Bethel, ME Valley. (207) 824-2175 www.bethelinn.com If nine holes are more your speed, 18-hole course, 6,663 yards, par 72 try these courses: For beginners or pros improving Norway Country Club their game, the Bethel Inn and The Lake Road Country Club offers golf instruction, Norway, ME as well as a tough course rated (207) 743-9840 among the top 10 in New England. 9-hole course, 5,909 yards, par 70 Includes group and private lessons, Oakdale Country Club driving range, golf shop and more. Country Club Road Lake Kezar Country Club Mexico, ME Lovell, ME (207) 364-3951 (207) 925-2462 9-hole course, 6,221 yards, par 72 www.lakekezargolf.com Paris Hill Country Club An18-hole, par 72 gem in the 355 Paris Hill Road foothills of the White Mountains. Paris, ME Superior public accessibility and (207) 743-2371 discounted group rates. 9-hole course, 4,367 yards, par 66
41 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Hiking Grafton State Park Hiking Distance Directions 0.0 Turn LEFT out of the driveway of The Maine House/ Breathtaking views, varied terrain The Maine Farm House or RIGHT out of the driveway of and the area’s pristine beauty make The Maine MountainView House. Maine a paradise for hikers of all 0.1 LEFT onto Route 26 toward Bethel. Continue on 26 North abilities. Two major state parks toward Sunday River. are ideal for hiking. They include 8.1 Turn RIGHT onto Parkway. Grafton Notch and Evans Notch State Parks. 8.5 Turn RIGHT again onto Route 2 East/Mayville Road. 11.0 Pass Sunday River Brewing Company on the left. Grafton Notch State Park 13.4 Will Trail on left. A very small sign marks parking area and From the Grafton Notch State trail entrance. Park trailhead, north of Newry on Route 26, hikers can choose any 14.0 Route 26 North makes a sharp left at the town of Newry of four day-hikes in the 3,112-acre onto Bear River Road. park. You can make a full day of 21.8 On the right, you will see a road just before a very small sign exploring the many scenic areas in that says Wright Brook. This is an entrance to the Step Falls the park, stopping for a dip in the hiking trail. You can park your car in the open field. It’s an refreshingly cold Bear River. easy hike, 30 minutes roundtrip, and is a great place for a picnic lunch, though there’s no picnic table. The 2,000 mile Appalachian Trail passes through the park on the way 22.4 A sign tells you you’re entering Grafton Notch State Park. to the trail’s northern point, Mount 23.4 Screw Auger Falls is on your left. There is a parking lot, Katahdin. Geological exhibits at picnic tables and a public toilet. At the Falls, you can play in Screw Auger Falls and Mother cascading waterfalls and the wading pools below them. Walker Falls offer insight into There are short exploration trails in the immediate area. the natural history of the area, 24.5 Mother Walker Falls. A ten-minute walk to a beautiful while self-guided nature walks at scenic outlook. Mother Walker Falls and Moose 25.2 Moose Cave Gorge, a 15 minute hike (1/4 mile). This is a Cave describe the native flora. 40-foot deep gorge with a 200-foot long crack in the Picnic areas are located at Screw bedrock. This site is of geological interest. Auger Falls and Spruce Meadow. 26.0 At this point, you can wander onto five major hiking trails. Directions on hiking to Grafton Loop Distances: Notch and Evans Notch follow at the end of this section. • 2.4 miles Table Rock hike – 1.45 hours • 2.1 miles Eye Brow hike–1.40 hours Next to Grafton Notch is Step • 7.8 miles Old Speck Trail–6.50 hours Falls, a preserve of the Nature • 5.8 miles Baldpate Mountain Trail/West Peak–4.40 hours Conservancy on Wight Brook. • 7.6 miles Baldpate Mountain Trail/East Peak–3.30 hours A short hike rewards you with spectacular views of waterfalls, as A more intermediate trail can be For more information on the well as swimming holes and natural found in the Table Rock section Grafton Loop Trails visit rock “slides”– bring an extra pair of on Baldpate Mountain, where www.matc.org. shorts to try them out. a beautiful table rock formation can be reached via the 2-1/2 hour West Peak Trail. The caves make for interesting spelunking. Keep in mind that they can be dangerous.
42 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Trail, which ascends to open ledges Height of Land Hiking with views of the Androscoggin River One of the most stunning Valley and the village of Bethel. This overlooks in the state of Maine. is a 2 - 3 hour hike. The trail begins View hundreds of miles of lakes Evans Notch State Park at a chained-off logging entrance on and mountains. On Route 17, The Evans Notch area, overlooked the northwest side of Route 2 and about 10 miles north of Coos for the popular Mount Washington is marked with blue-green blazes. Canyon is a scenic overlook of the Valley, deserves consideration from Goose Eye Mountain Trail White Mountains and Rangeley. serious hikers. Beautiful birch and Breathtaking! pine stands, dramatic rock slabs and Goose Eye Mountain Trail is a five- cliffs, and excellent campgrounds mile trail up Goose Eye Mountain, Swift River Falls make this area a worthwhile which begins a few miles west of Off Route 17 in Roxbury. The destination. The Baldface Range the Sunday River Ski Resort. Travel falls have two short drops with a runs along the Maine-New up the Maine side of the mountain hydraulic granite structure. Hampshire border; it is the range to the 3,800 foot summit, from which Old Speck, Sunday River’s Angel Falls to the east of the Carter Range. A hanging falls with a 90 foot drop Although the summits are below Whitecap, and New Hampshire’s Success Pond can be seen. – the largest drop in Maine. Off treeline, many of them are open, Route 17 above Byron, follow the with views of mountains and lakes. Additional locations for hiking include: old railroad line west of Route 17 In particular, the exciting circuit to Berdeen Stream after the gravel over North and South Baldface is Coos Canyon pit. Moderate to difficult access, but outstanding. The loop hikes on On Route 17 heading north from worth it. Caribou and Speckled Mountains Mexico, located in the Village of are also excellent. Evans Notch is Byron. Watch for signs marking the White Mountains accessed by NH-ME 113, which scenic turn-out. The canyon offers National Forest links US 2 (east of Gorham) to US fabulous geology and a fabulous Route 2 through Bethel, then 302 in Fryeburg, Maine. view as well. The Swift River is Route 113. The Androscoggin River stocked with gold, so you may get culminates at an overlook of Wild Mt. Will Trail River Valley, with a suspension foot The Bethel Conservation lucky. Visit www.newengland waterfalls.com bridge nearby; scenic Caribou Trail Commission maintains the Mt. Will will lead you up a mountain and past a 25-foot falls. Area includes Evans Notch State Park Hiking hiking, camping, wildlife, viewing, Distance Directions driving tours, skiing, and snow- 0.0 Leave The Maine House - go LEFT onto Route 26 toward shoeing. Nearby Hastings Plantation Bethel was once a flourishing logging town. Call (207) 824-2134. 8.3 Take a RIGHT onto Route 26 North and Route 2 West in Bethel, just over railroad tracks. Continue on Route 2 West Poland Springs toward Gilead, NH Preservation Park 18.3 White Mountain National Forest picnic area Located atop Ricker Hill on Route 18.7 Take LEFT onto Route 113 at signs that point toward 26 in Poland springs – 10 miles Evans Notch State Park north of Gray. 100 acres of woods and nature trails open to hikers and 20.6 Sign: Entering White Mountain National Forest mountain bikers. Beautiful grounds 21.7 Sign for different areas in park: Hastings Campgrounds include a museum and visitor 23.3 Entrance to hiking trail - left side center. Cafe, gift shop and historic 26.1 Entrance to hiking trail - right side buildings. Cross country skiing in winter. For more information visit 27.1 Cold River Overlook www.polandsprings.com
43 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
The Roost Loop Two more hikes in the Bethel area For a moderately difficult 1.8 mile rank among the most spectacular Horseback round trip hike, access the Roost and popular all-day hikes in New riding Loop at the east side of the Evans England. Named Baldpate and Brook Bridge, just north of Hastings Baldface, both mountains require a full day’s commitment. Hikers Campground. The trail follows Deepwood Farm should be in excellent physical a moderate to steep grade for 84 Parsonage Hill Road condition, wear sturdy shoes or roughly 0.5 miles to an open ridge. Albany Township (near Bethel), ME boots and carry ample food and (207) 824-2595. Albany Mountain Trail water. For a nice hike to an open summit www.deepwoodfarm.com close to Bethel Village, travel south Baldpate Guided trail rides, lessons, summer on Route 5 past Songo Pond, This mountain is reached by driving camp, boarding and sleigh turning right onto Patte Brook north on Route 26 in Bethel to the rides. Contact Diane Ward for Road. Follow the signs to Crocker hiker parking area near the height- reservations and more information. Pond Campground, stopping at the of-land in Grafton Notch State Park. Sparrow Hawk trailhead about 0.5 miles before the 7.6 mile round trip hike. Mountain Ranch campground. Follow the Albany Baldface 120 Fleming Road Notch Trail about 0.6 miles, turning This mountain is reached by driving Bethel, ME onto the Albany Mountain Trail. west from Bethel on Route 2, then (207) 836-2528 After another 0.5 miles you’ll pass a turning south on Route 113 in www.sparrowhawkmountain trail junction on the right; continue Gilead. After passing through Evans ranch.com straight ahead on the Albany Notch, find the Baldface parking Located on 160 acres bordering the Mountain Trail. area on the left. 10.5 mile trail. White Mountain National Forest, 5 miles from Bethel. It offers a 160’ x 80’ indoor riding arena, a 300’ x 150’ outdoor arena, and an 18-stall barn. With many miles of riding trails, Sparrow Hawk caters to small groups, families or individuals looking for a personalized riding vacation. Day long rides with lunch and 1- or 2-hour rides are among the options available. The ranch also sponsors riding clinics, horse problem workshops, and trail riding clinics.
44 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
45 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
- Lovejoy Bridge is a short Lake Local items bridge (70 feet), located off Route 5 at S. Andover over the Ellis Christopher of interest River. Directions: Turn left out of recreation driveway at The Maine House or The Maine Farm House. Turn • Bethel is home to the world’s right onto Route 26 South and tallest snowman, Angus, King of drive through Bryant Pond. At One of the best places for the Mountain, measuring 113’- Junction 232 (1.2 miles from the swimming is right at The Maine 7,” recorded in the Guiness Book houses), turn left heading north. House. Our 189-foot shore front of Records, February 1999. In At Route 2 (12.0 miles from the offers a section of sandy-bottom February 2008, Olympia, the largest houses), turn left onto Route beach and crystal clear water. The snowwoman at 122 feet, was 2 West. Continue on Route 2 Maine House is located right on completed. Lake Christopher, which is a West. Turn right onto Junction 5 spring-fed lake. The clear waters of • The island to the left of The heading north. Drive 17.1 miles the lake are surprisingly warm near Maine House is owned by Richard on Route 5. Look for a small the shore. It is not unusual to see Carlson. For years he was the Voice “covered bridge” sign on the people swimming in the water as of America. He uses the property right. Turn right at the sign and early as May and through October. about twice a year. drive approximately 5/10ths of a mile to the covered bridge. Total • The tallest white pines in the The grassy area by the lake, plus mileage from the houses is 29.1. canoes, kayaks and other outdoor Pine Tree State can be viewed in - Babb’s Bridge, Maine’s oldest sports equipment are available for Norway’s Ordway Grove. These covered bridge, lies over the the use of guests of all four Houses, trees are believed to be more than Presumpscot, 2-1/2 miles north of unless prior arrangements have 375 years old and measure more S. Windham, then 1/2 mile west. been made for exclusive use. than 150 feet tall. From The Maine Houses, take Route 26 South to the - Moose watching – M o o s e a r e Lake Christopher is spring-fed center of Norway and Main Street. most likely spotted during late and is 1-1/2 miles long by 1/2 mile Take Main Street to Pleasant Street; spring to mid-summer and the wide – the perfect size for a leisurely turn right. The Grove is about month of September. Early paddle. It is 60’ deep at its deepest 1/10th of a mile on the left. Park morning and evening, and noon point, with a mean depth of 33’. by the sign. The Grove is about a to 2:00 are the best times of day 15–30 minute walk. to spot these animals. Best • New England is famous for its viewing along Route 17 – covered bridges, and The Maine Rangeley to Rumford area Houses are within miles of some of between Rangeley Scenic the most beautiful. Overlook and the Height of Land. - Artist’s Covered Bridge is the most photographed covered bridge in Maine. It crosses the Sunday River and is located off Routes 2 and 26, about four miles northwest of Bethel in Newry. Turn onto the Sunday River Access Road near the Brewing Company Restaurant and follow the signs.
46 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Miniature Museums Village and Shaker Museum off Route 26 on Shaker Road in golf New Gloucester – 34.5 miles to Step back in time to 19th century the south of The Maine Houses – New England when you tour offers a fascinating insight into the Two miniature golf courses the Bethel Historical Society’s daily life of one of the country’s last are located within an hour from The Regional History Center and the remaining Shaker communities. Maine Houses: Moses Mason House Museum. Open Memorial Day to Columbus The Big Adventure Center Meticulously restored to reflect its Day. Call (207) 926-4597 for hours 18 hole miniature golf appearance during the lifetime of or visit www.shaker.lib.me.US. Corner of Airport Road and Dr. Moses Mason, one of Bethel’s Many other towns in this part of Route 2, Bethel ME most prominent citizens of the Maine have local historical societies (207) 824-0929. 1800s, the house offers a glimpse and museums full of interesting www.bigadventure.com at everyday life more than a century artifacts. Not to miss are: Offers mini golf, along with laser ago. Located on Broad Street in tag, rock climbing gym, water slides the Village of Bethel. Admission: • Peabody Fitch House Museum, and bowling. $3.00 for adults, $1.50 for children Ingalls Road, South Bridgton ages 6-12. (207) 824-2908. Visit at Oxford Plains Fun Park www.bethelhistorical.org. • Bridgton Historical Society Route 26 Museum, Gibbs Ave., Bridgton Oxford, Maine The collections of the Naples (207) 647-3699 (207) 539-8330 Historical Society Museum (take • Jones Museum of Glass and www.oxfordplains.com/funpark Route 5 South from Bethel) include Ceramics, off Route 27, Sebago Take Route 26 South for 21 miles; a slide presentation on the historic on right-hand side, opposite Oxford Cumberland and Oxford canals • Wilton Farm and Home Museum, Plains Speedway. Activities include and the old Sebago-Long Lake Canal Street, Wilton go kart, mini golf, arcade games, steamboats. Contact the museum • Jay Hill Antique Auto Museum, pool, and air hockey tables. at (207) 693-4297. Route 4, Jay At the Norlands Living History Center in Livermore (take Route 2 • Fryeburg Fair Farm Museum, to Rumford, then Route 108), Route 5, Fryeburg you’ll experience first-hand what • Rumford Area Historical Museum/ life was like in the mid-1800s on a Lufkin School, Route 2, Rumford 445-acre farm. Tour the restored library, church, barn, schoolhouse, • Woodstock Historical Society, and Victorian home, and capture Main Street, Route 26, the authentic flavor of the past. Bryant Pond For more information, call (207) 665-2450 (207) 897-4366 or visit us at www. (open Saturdays from norlands.org. 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.)
47 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Downeast Duck Picnics Portland Adventures Portland, ME sights (207) 774-DUCK (3825) Bethel Parkway www.downeastducktours.com This multi-use recreational pathway Enjoy this fully narrated 65-minute borders the Androscoggin River and Eagle Island Tours Long Wharf, Portland, ME adventure through Portland, is enjoyed by tourists and locals year Maine! As you twist and turn round. It combines the recreation (207) 774-6498 www.eagleislandtours.com through the Old Port, you will facilities of Davis Park picnic area hear about the legends and lore and playground with a skate board Enjoy this narrated 90 minute scenic cruise through the busy that have shaped Portland into park and public canoe launch on one of the most historical cities the river. Featuring a replica of the harbor and innermost islands to see lighthouses, forts, lobster boats, in the nation. Learn about places famous Artist’s Covered Bridge over of interest to visit and many little the Sunday River, this pathway is seals, and seabirds. As many as seven lighthouses can be seen known facts about the city that was handicap-accessible with parking nicknamed “The Phoenix.” Then, on either end. It is used in the during the cruise. You will see a close-up view of Maine’s oldest and hold on as you drive into the water summer by walkers, rollerbladers, of Casco Bay to view Portland’s joggers and cyclists and in the most photographed lighthouse, Portland Head Light. Combine the working waterfront, Calendar winter by snowmobilers, cross Islands and marine wildlife. country skiers and snowshoers. boat cruise with a Portland Trolley tour, and see Portland Head Light Cabbage Island from both land and sea. Tours Clam Bake depart Long Wharf 11:30 am, East Boothbay, ME 1:30 pm, and 3:30 pm daily. (207) 663-7200 Bay View Cruises www.cabbageislandclambakes.com Long Wharf, Portland, ME Daily trips from late June though (207) 761-0496 Labor Day. Experience Maine’s first Climb aboard this 66-foot downeast clambake on the 5-acre sightseeing boat and enjoy a variety Cabbage Island. Scenic harbor tour of daily scheduled trips throughout and delicious feast. the summer. On-board lobster bakes are also available.
48 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Mt. Mann Jewelers Western Maine Mineral Rockhounding Main Street, Bethel Adventures (207) 824-3030 P.O. Box 26, Paris, ME www.mtmann.com (207) 743-6286 Mineral collecting is a popular Proprietor Jim Mann is an active www.diggems.com pastime in Western Maine, home collector and miner of gems and Take an educational excursion and of many mines yielding a variety minerals in western Maine. In his learn about the earth sciences and of semi-precious gems. What will shop, local gems, many mined by local mining history. Spend the you need for equipment if you set Mann, are set in handcrafted gold day screening buckets of mine-run out for rockhounding? You might and silver, and displayed among material from local mines. Only choose to carry along a hammer mineral specimens from Maine 1 mile north of Trap Corner, West and chisel, a spade, a three-tine and afar. He also has an extensive Paris, along Route 26. Call or check garden scratcher and possibly a line of quartz crystal. His “healing online for group discounts, birthday small pick. tree” offers branches of common parties, family discounts and tours. At Perham’s, Mt. Mann Jewelers, and uncommon stones used for Maine Mineralogy Sunday River Gems and Mt. Mica healing. A Crystal Cave, located in Expeditions the basement of the shop, provides Rarities, you will also be able to 121 Mayville Road an opportunity for youngsters to obtain much information about Bethel, ME see and sample western Maine other quarries in the area. Maps are (800) 533-3607 gems and minerals in their natural available at Mt. Mann for 25¢ each. (207) 824-4224 form. Mt. Mann also has one of the www.rocksme.biz Perham’s of Maine most complete mineral museums in Explore area geology, mineralogy Route 26, West Paris Maine. (207) 674-2341 and mines! They offer expeditions A complete jewelry store that offers Mt. Mica Rarities of approximately 4 hours which displays and information about 162 Main Street, Bethel include an introduction to local local gem collecting. The shop also Philbrook Place geology, mineralogy and mining sells fine gifts and has a museum. (207) 875-3060. history, followed by a guided tour They also operate live mines which www.mainetourmalineonline.com of the Bumpus mine tunnels and are open to the public. Directions At Mt. Mica Rarities, you’ll find digging opportunities. Open daily are available at the store. Open 9-5 handcrafted gold and silver jewelry Spring, Summer, and Fall. daily. set with Maine gemstones, as well as unset gemstones, mineral Sunday River Gems specimens and more. Sunday River Road (off Route 2) (207) 824-3414 Songo Pond Mine Here you will find handcrafted South Shore Road off of Route 5 jewelry made with Maine Albany, ME gemstones including tourmaline, (207) 824-3898 aquamarine, amethyst, garnet Open seasonally, providing visitors a and rose quartz. They also have a chance to collect minerals and see a nice variety of gemstones. Sunday small-scale mining operation at the River Gems offers a large collection same time. Minerals at this mine of Maine and worldwide mineral include beryl, quartz, feldspar, mica, specimens, books, mining tools, garnet and black tourmaline. The unique gifts and a total of more mine tailings are open to collectors than 75 years of experience. Open on a fee basis. Call for advance 10-6 daily. reservations.
49 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Tennis Waterfalls White water rafting Tennis courts are available at Gould Maine has nearly 32,000 miles of Academy in Bethel. There are also rivers and streams – some of these tennis courts on the Mt. Abrams produce spectacular waterfalls and Raft Maine Association access road in Greenwood. Check cascades. A few of these are not www.raftmaine.com signs for policies. You will find a too far from The Maine Houses. 800-RAFT-MEE (800-723-8633) basketball court there as well. For information about several rivers The Cataracts on Frye Brook are in western Maine that offer some along the East B Hill Road leading of the best rafting in the Northeast. Walks into Andover, near Grafton Notch Enjoy the Penobscot, Dead River State Park. and others. Dunn Falls on the west branch of For a quiet morning or evening the Ellis River in Andover. It’s a hike walk, try Linda’s favorite scenic along the Appalacian Trail, but the tour. Go out the driveway of The series of falls is impressive. Maine House, Country House or Farm House and take a left. Walk Screw Auger Falls in Grafton down Lake Road to Route 26 and Notch State Park in Grafton go right. Pass the post office and Township near a parking lot off of bear right onto the side street. Route 26. Go about 1/3 mile and cross the Mother Walker Falls is located in railroad tracks on the right. Bear Grafton Notch State Park, further to the left onto Birch Street, which up Route 26. borders Lake Christopher. Go one mile to Rowe Hill Road and turn The Coos Canyon Falls are located right. Pass the boat landing on your in Byron off Route 17 and are part right to Alpine Shores Road. Take a of a 1,500-foot gorge that has a right and go to the end. You’ll pass roadside stop. beautiful homes and see glimpses Step Falls in Wight Brook Natural of the lake through thick woods. Preserve, a part of the Nature Return the same way. You’ve just Conservancy, is a favorite with walked about 3 1/2 miles. families. Located on Route 26 North You can add a few more miles by of Bethel it is just before Grafton proceeding up Rowe Hill Road. It’s a Notch State Park. Kids swim in steep hill, but a great workout. glacial pools beneath cascading waterfalls. Snow’s Falls on Route 26 in West Paris offers a picnic area and path to the falls over the Little Androscoggin River.
50 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
The Maine Wildlife Park, off Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Route 26 in Gray, offers exhibits Wildlife Refuge, 6 miles north of indigenous wildlife – deer, bear, of Errol, NH on Route 16, is just areas and moose, game birds, etc. – and a short drive from Bethel and gardens fascinating opportunities to view is a resource for north country various sizes of trout, raised for wildlife lovers. Call (603) 482- stocking Maine’s lakes and rivers. A 3415 or visit www.fws.gov/ A variety of birds and small wildlife favorite of children, the game farm northeastlakeumbagog can be observed as you walk on the also has picnic tables and a large many wooded and waterfront trails pen where white-tailed deer can be in and around the Bethel/Bryant seen in their natural habitat. Open Wildlife Pond area. April through November, daily 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Call watching trips The Annie Sturgis Wildflower (207) 657-4977 for information Sanctuary is a woodland preserve or visit www.state.me.us/ifw/ Moose are most likely spotted owned and operated by the New education/wildlife. during late spring to mid-summer England Wild Flower Society. and the month of September. Early On land once used for camping The McLaughlin Foundation morning and evening, and noon and fishing by Native Americans, Garden and Horticultural Center to 2:00 are the best times of day you will find some of the most on Main Street in South Paris boasts to spot these animals. Best viewing beautiful of New England flora. one of the state’s most impressive along Route 17 – Rangeley to The sanctuary is open daily sunrise collections of lilacs and irises, as Rumford area between Rangeley to sunset, and is located on Old well as countless other varieties Scenic Overlook and the Height of Federal Road between Route of flowers found in its 4.6 acre Land. 201 and the Kennebec River in garden. It also offers an opportunity Vassalboro. for quiet reflection and escape. It is Mountain Ranger open to the public and includes a Hedgehog Hill Farm in Sumner Guide Service gift shop and tea room. From The 1094 Route 2 sells flower and vegetable seedlings, Maine Houses, take Route 26 south Rumford, Maine as well as herbs, flowers, and dried to Paris. At 15 miles, turn right at (207) 221-0798 arrangements and is open to the the stop sign at the intersection of www.mountainranger.com public Tuesday – Saturday from Routes 26 and 117. Go another .4 Registered Maine Master and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed miles to Western Avenue. Take a New Hamspire Guide Sandy January and February. Directions for quick right turn after the railroad MacGregor offers high quality a 3/4 mile walk are also available on tracks. The garden will be directly drift boat float trips and wade the grounds. Call for information in front of you. (207) 743-8820. fishing on the premier blue ribbon on their special programs and www.mclaughlingarden.org. rivers of Western Maine and New workshops. The Stanton Bird Club’s Hampshire. 54 Hedgehog Hill Road Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, Sun Valley Sports Sumner, ME off Sabattus Street in Lewiston, is (207) 388-2341 & Guide Service one of the largest bird and small 129 Sunday River Road www.hedgehoghillfarm.com animal sanctuaries in New England. Bethel, ME From Norway/South Paris take For information on bird walks and (207) 824-7533 Route 117 to Buckfield. At wildlife tours, call (207) 782-5238 www.sunvalleysports.com Northeast Bank take left over bridge or visit us at www.stantonbirdclub. Offers canoe and kayak rentals with and left on High Street. Right onto org. shuttle service to the Androscoggin Old Sumner Rd. Follow signs for River and local ponds. Hedgehog Hill Farm.
51 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Dear Meadow Farm & Elk Farm Carter’s Cross Country Route 26 Cross Ski Center West Paris. ME country Located just east of Bethel, Carter’s (207) 674-2819 has over 60K of trails, including many Just 7.5 miles south of The Maine skiing for beginners and intermediates, as Houses. well as some advanced challenges. The touring center and trails are a Contact the Maine Nordic Ski perfect mix of groomed and Council at (800) 754-9263 for ski ungroomed trails, helpful advice from conditions or visit www.mnsc.com. people who know cross-country skiing, Bethel Inn Cross Country and a distinct lack of crowds. Rentals Center and lessons are available. Say “Hi” to Dave and Anne Carter and say Located at the Bethel Inn and Country you’re from The Maine Houses. Club, you’ll find 40 km of groomed Carter’s also has a ski touring center cross country trails, snowshoeing, and ski shop on Route 26 in Oxford sledding and skating. Lessons Hills, (207) 539-4848, just 23 miles and rentals available. For more south of The Maine Houses. For information, call (207) 824-2175 more information, call Carter’s in or (207) 824-6276 or visit www. Bethel at (207) 824-3880 or visit bethelinn.com. www.cartersxcski.com. The Sunday River Inn Cross Country Ski Center Located on the Sunday River access road, this center offers over 40 km of trails throughout the mountains, including one that leads to the Sunday River covered bridge. Features groomed trails, events, lessons and rentals. For directions and more information, call The Sunday River Inn Cross Country Center at (207) 824-2410 or visit www.sundayriverinn.com. Lake Christopher Ski Touring Take a spin around the lake and enjoy many of the snowmobile trails in the area for a day of skiing. It’s free! Do not forget to read “Watch That Ice!” on page 54.
52 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Mt. Abram Black Mountain of Maine Downhill Another great place to ski is 39 Glover Road skiing and Mt. Abram family ski area in P.O. Box 296 Greenwood. Only a few minutes Rumford, ME snowboarding from The Maine Houses, Mt. (207) 364-8977 Abram is a rapidly growing, newly www.skiblackmountain.org refurbished ski area perfect for Located in the Longfellow Contact the Ski Maine Association families and beginners. Under Mountains of Western Maine, at (207) 773-SNOW for snow and new management in the summer Black Mountain has operated for ski conditions. of 2008, Mt. Abram expects to more than four decades offering Sunday River continue expanding snow making affordable, family-oriented downhill and the westside. skiing, snowboarding, and cross In the winter, one of Maine’s greatest country skiing. Snow tubing and a attractions is skiing! And just 14 They have doubled their wide range of lessons for all ages short miles away from The Maine snowmaking capacity and have and abilities are available. Houses is the Sunday River Resort. rebuilt the lodge inside and out. Superb snow, dazzling trails, speedy Mt. Abram is one of the most Black Mountain is owned by the lifts–everything to make a day of family-friendly ski areas in New non-profit Maine Winter Sports skiing or snowboarding the most England. They offer 41 trails and Center, which has helped the incredible time of your life. glade skiing with five lifts. They mountain expand and reach out to have special programs for adults, the communities of the River Valley. Sunday River is listed among the seniors, children 6 –16, advanced They have added new trails, lights, top three ski areas in the East by SKI parallel skiers and telemark skiers. a new novice/intermediate section, Magazine. In addition, it receives They also have a 1325’ tubing park, and new lifts to the top of the top ratings for its snowmaking and child care, cafeteria and lounge. mountain. lift service, as well as high scores for snow and terrain quality, ski school For more information call and family fun. (207) 875-5002 or visit their website at www.skimtabram.com. At Sunday River, you’ll find 131 trails and glades plus 18 modern lifts including four high-speed quads, a snowboard park, a 3,200 square-foot Children’s Center and what may be the largest high-pressure snowmaking system in the world. Sunday River is 663 acres and has eight interconnected mountain peaks, featuring the magnificent Oz. You’ll also find a tubing park at the Nite Cap Fun Center, a double diamond glade, and a full-length terrain park. For more information, see “Sunday River: This Week,” a weekly Sunday River events magazine available at many Bryant Pond/Bethel area stores. For upcoming events, call Sunday River at (207) 824-3000, or visit www.sundayriver.com.
53 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Lifts: Sunday River has the East’s Learning Programs: The Perfect Downhill most modern and efficient lift Turn skier development programs system. With 18 high-capacity lifts, for skiers and snowboarders of all skiing and including the most quad chairs abilities have revolutionized on- snowboarding in the East (9) – four of which are snow instruction. With professional superquads – skiers can count on coaching, a focus on building spending more time on the slopes. upon a skier’s existing strengths (as What’s Up, They guarantee short lift lines – opposed to correcting weaknesses) What’s New, even during peak periods – as and small class sizes, Perfect Turn is What’s Hot At each mountain is served by its own the most innovative in the country. Sunday River lift. Skiers get more runs for their Sunday River offers Guaranteed money. Learn-To-Ski or Ride in one day #1 Snow Quality: Sunday programs, as well as cutting edge Snowboard Terrain: Sunday River River operates the East’s biggest children’s development programs. features six snowboard terrain snowmaking system, making more Sunday River’s learn to ski programs parks with a superpipe, 1/4 pipe snow all season long than any feature the revolutionary Elan SCX and a mini-pipe. Spread across Eastern resort. The snow quality Parabolic Ski, which accelerates the eight mountain peaks, our uniquely is so light and powdery that many learning process. Beginners can feel challenging terrain parks are for all skiers prefer it to natural snow. the carving sensation almost from abilities. Choose from hits, rails, big Sunday River makes snow into April the moment they step on them. long after other resorts have rolled air, double shotgun pipes and more. Foggy Goggle: Sunday River’s up the hoses. Oz: Sunday River’s eighth and ultimate slopeside aprés-ski newest mountain peak, situated Terrain: Sunday River is by far hangout – featuring retro-1960s between Jordan Bowl and Aurora the largest ski resort in Maine, decor. Live music and great pub Peak. Oz, a natural snow magnet, New Hampshire or Northern fare. Vermont, with 47 miles and offers terrain unique to Eastern 663 acres of skiing, spanning skiing, with its exciting mix of open eight interconnected mountain slope and glades. The centerpiece peaks. The award-winning terrain is a 500 foot wide swatch liberally includes the largest collection of studded with tree islands. It’s similar intermediate terrain in the East, to western bowl skiing in that skiers more than 14 miles of expert trails have an infinite number of lines and a separate learning area. Over from which to choose. Oz is served three miles wide from east to west, by a new quad chairlift. Sunday River has doubled its skiable White Heat: Sunday River’s terrain the past five years, so skiers signature trail is the steepest, can expect wide, roomy trails – even widest, longest lift-served trail in the during peak periods. East. White Heat is frequently half- groomed, allowing skiers to either bash the bumps or take a cruising route down the same trail. White Heat hosts top mogul competitions throughout the season, including the Legends of Freestyle/Bust ’N Burn in early April.
54 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Ice skating WATCH THAT ICE! During the winter and early spring, Foresters often receive questions concerning the strength of pond and lake ice. An Ice Strength Table was Lake Christopher published in Forest Notes of the American Pulpwood Association. It is as Closer to home, feel free to follows: clear the snow on frozen Lake Ice Thickness Permissible Load Christopher and skate right at (in inches) (Clear, blue lake ice) The Maine House. Bring your 2...... One person on foot own skates. 3...... Group, in single file White Cap Fun Center 7-1/2...... Passenger car (2 ton gross) On the Sunday River access 8...... Light truck (2-1/2 ton gross) road. White Cap Base Lodge 10...... Medium truck (3-1/2 ton gross) offers a lighted outdoor skating 12...... Heavy truck (7-8 ton gross) rink. Rentals are available for 15...... 10 tons $7. Call (207) 824-5969 for 20...... 25 tons more information or visit www. 25...... 45 tons sundayriver.com/eventsactivities/ 30...... 70 tons white_cap_fun_ center.html. 36...... 110 tons
55 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
White Mountain Stony Brook Snowshoeing National Forest Recreation 18 Mayville Road 42 Powell Place Bethel, ME Hanover, ME Step out the door to any one of www.fs.fed.US.r9/forests/white_ (207) 824-2836 The Maine Houses and strap on mountain/ www.stonybrookrec.com your snow shoes for a walk on The White Mountain National This small family campground is the grounds. Do you want a more Forest covers nearly 800,000 acres just minutes from Sunday River rigorous adventure? Check out in both Maine and New Hampshire. Ski Resort. In the winter, they have these other locations. Visitors can experience a variety of sledding, cross country skiing, Sunday River Inn activities including snowshoeing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. XC Ski Center hiking, skiing, driving tours, Sun Valley Sports 23 Skiway Road camping and much more. & Guide Service Newry, ME Black Mountain 129 Sunday River Road (207) 824-2410 Of Maine Bethel, ME www.sundayriverinn.com 39 Glover Road (877) 851-7533 A nationally acclaimed X-C ski P.O. Box 296 www.sunvalleysports.com center with groomed trails, events, Rumford, ME Provides trail maps and snowshoe lessons and rentals. Cross country (207) 364-8977 rentals. Also offers snowmobile retail shop, rentals, and repairs on www.skiblackmountain.org rentals, guided tours plus guided premises. “Get Back to Black!” Black ATV tours in the winter when The Bethel Inn Mountain of Maine offers there is not enough snow for Resort: Nordic Ski & affordable snowshoeing, Alpine snowmobiling. Snowshoe Center skiing, snowboarding, Nordic skiing On the Common and tubing, to both residents and P.O. Box 49 visitors, as it has for four decades. Bethel, ME Mt. Abram Family Resort (800)-654-0125 Howe Hill Road off Route 26 www.bethelinn.com Greenwood, ME The 40km trail network offers (207) 875-5000 a variety of spectacular terrain www.skimtabram.com and are dotted with vistas of the A full service ski area offering Mahoosuc Mountain Range and 1,150 vertical feet with 44 expertly Androscoggin River Valley. groomed trails, ski school, cafeteria, and lounge/restaurant. Daycare center also available. Snowshoeing, cross country skiing and ski tubing also available.
56 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Snow tubing Sleigh rides
Black Mountain of Maine Deepwood Farm 39 Glover Road 84 Parsonage Hill Road P.O. Box 296 Bethel, ME Rumford, ME (207) 824-2595 (207) 364-8977 Deepwood Farm is a 4-season, www.skiblackmountain.org 7-day a week facility. Open 7:00 am Mt. Abram Family Resort - 9:00 pm. They offer sleigh rides midweek at the farm on a romantic Howe Hill Road off Route 26 old-fashioned sleigh pulled by Sam Greenwood, ME I Am. Large group sleigh rides are (207) 875-5000 Saturday nights at the Bethel Inn www.skimtabram.com Resort, only $15 per person. Sleigh Sunday River leaves at half-hour intervals from Ski Resort 5:00pm to 7:30pm. P.O. Box 4500, Skiway Road Newry, ME (800) 543-2754 www.sundayriver.com White Cap Fun Center Sunday River Ski Resort P.O. Box 4500, Skiway Road Newry, ME (800) 541-2754 (207) 824-3000 www.sundayriver.com/ EventsActivities/ Located at White Cape Base Lodge. Oxford Plains Snow Tubing 877 Main Street Oxford, ME (207) 539-8865 Add some excitement to your winter at the Oxford Plains Snow Tubing park. The tubing park offers lift service, so you won’t have to walk back up the hill after your exciting ride down.
57 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Sun Valley Sports Snowmobiling & Guide Service Prices start at $175 per half day for a two person, double rental After skiing, snowmobiling may be including fuel, clothing and a one of Maine’s most popular winter guide. (Prices subject to change.) All sports. Away from the paved roads snowmobile rentals require a credit and organized ski slopes, many card security deposit. visitors and natives find another Call Rocky Freda for reservations world among the rougher, more at (207) 824-7533 or toll free picturesque snowmobile trails. You (877) 851-7533. Open daily. can find many launching points Call about their special Maine right from The Houses for a day’s Houses services. They can bring trek through the woods of Maine. snowmobiles to The Maine Houses, One spur trail comes right up to The plus provide guide service at an Maine House on Lake Christopher. additional fee. Visit them online at You can pack a lunch for a day’s www.sunvalleysports.com. exploring and be back at The Evans Notch Houses in time for dinner and some Ranger District hot cocoa. White Mountain National Forest, The International Trail System is a Rangers Headquarters, Route 2, large 25-by-25 square mile network Bethel, ME (for snowmobiling in the of trails, perfect for a day’s ride or White Mountain National Forest), as the beginning of a journey to (207) 824-2134 Northern New England or Canada. The Maine Snowmobile The Rangeley Lakes region is only Association a few hours away by snowmobile, (207) 622-6983 accessible from Aker’s Field on www.mesnow.com Branch Road in Newry. Also easy to get to from Aker’s Field is Maine Bureau of Grafton Notch, home of hiking Parks & Lands, trails in summer, but perfect for Snowmobile Division snowmobiling as well. (207) 287-4956 www.maine.gov/doc/parks/ For more information, contact any programs/snowmobile. of the following local snowmobiling groups, or the Maine Snowmobile Association.
58 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Child Care Churches
Childminders If your day of worship falls on a vacation day at The Maine Houses, feel (207) 824-2551 free to visit any area church. Call for directions and to confirm times of Childcare solutions for your services. For weekly information, see the Bethel Citizen. family. Their in-home services Bethel Church of the Nazarene (Protestant)...... (207) 824-7289 include: short-term arrangements, 40 Church Street, Bethel babysitting services, overnight Worship hours: 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Sunday or early morning care, plus entertaining children’s programs for Bethel Alliance Church...... (207) 824-2289 group gatherings. Route 26, Bethel Worship hours: 10:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Sunday Bethel United Methodist Church (Methodist)...... (207) 824-0797 Fitness centers Main Street, Bethel Worship hour: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Ellie’s & Andy’s Bryant Pond Baptist Church (Baptist)...... (207) 665-3133 Workout Express Main Street, Bryant Pond 23 Cross Street Worship hours: 10:30 a.m. & 6:00 p.m. Sunday (Above Casablanca Cinema 4) “Jews in the Woods” informal Jewish group Bethel, ME Contact Marcel Polak...... (207) 665-2577 (207) 824-3539 Locke Mills Union Church...... (207) 875-3355 Two fitness clubs for women and Route 26, Greenwood men: Ellie’s Ladies Workout and Worship hour: 9:00 a.m. Sunday Andy’s Workout Express. Fitness club, 30 minute circuit, hydraulic, Our Lady of the Snows (Catholic)...... (207) 824-2933 cardio, weights, and classes. Route 26, Bethel (207) 364-4556 Friendly atmosphere! Worship hour: 4:30 p.m. Saturdays Hours: Monday-Friday, 6am - 8pm. Pleasant Valley Bible Church...... (207) 836-2828 Saturday, 7am - 1pm. Flat Road, West Bethel (2 miles south of Route 2) Sunday, 7am - 11am. Worship hour: 10:00 a.m. Sunday (Both Ellie’s and Andy’s have the Universalist Church...... (207) 665-2024 same hours.) Birch Street, Bryant Pond Workout 24/7 Contact Ed Howe 32 Parkway West Bethel Union Church...... (207) 836-2925 Bethel, ME Route 2, West Bethel (207) 824-4524 Worship hour: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Open 24/7 so you can workout whenever you want. This full West Parish Congregational Church (UCC)...... (207) 824-2689 service facility features a variety Church Street, Bethel of cardio systems (some with iPod Worship hour: 10:30 a.m. Sunday connectors), treadmills, eliptical, Woodstock Seventh Day Adventist...... (207) 674-3232 stationary bikes, universal weight 109 Koskela Road, Bryant Pond systems and free weights. A fitness Woodstock, Worship hour: 11:00 a.m. Sunday instructor, showers, locker rooms, direct TV’s, and stereo system are available for your use.
59 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Massage & Bodywork Mind, body for Spiritual Retreats Movies and Theresa A. Sargent, LMT and spirit (207) 749-2620 Theater Planning a retreat, conference or Bethel Bodywork a get together? Bring tranquility Casablanca Movie Sharon Lyon to you. Massage table/linens, Cinema 4 Bethel, ME candles, lotions/oils, music. Licensed Route 2 and 26. (207) 824-3314 massage therapist, polarity and (207) 824-8248 Mind/body/spirit connection. Reiki practitioner since 2004. www.casablancatheater.com Sharon Lyon has studied and Many Hands Massage Located on Cross Street in Bethel practiced massage since 1971. at The Bethel Inn Resort Station. Call for features and show Her technique integrates Swedish, Bethel Inn Drive times. French, and German massage, as Bethel, ME Celebration Barn Theater well as Shiats, Reiki, & Reflexology. (207) 824-2175 ext. 1 Summer only, 190 Stock Farm Road On-site massages available. For www.bethelinn.com South Paris, (207) 743-8452. groups, consider on-site chair (seat) Located within the health club www.celebrationbarn.com. massages. of The Bethel Inn, Many Hands Healing Touch provides Swedish, sports, deep Deertrees Theatre & Therapeutic Massage tissue, Reiki, and hot stone Cultural Center Deertrees Road, Harrison, ME 161 Main Street, Bethel, ME massage. (207) 583-6747 (207) 824-5445 Fountains of Wisdom – www.deertreestheatre.org Massage at office or home, body A Path To Healing Located at the head of Long Lake in wrap, facials. Anne Stuer the heart of Western Maine’s Lakes Spirit Wings Certified Reiki II practitioner Region. It is about a half-hour from 14 Main Street, Bethel, ME 15 Tyler Street Bethel. (207) 824-2204 Bethel, ME www.spiritwings.biz (207) 357-2828 Body work including Reiki, massage www.fountainofwisdommaine.com and Shamanic healings. Native Holistic treatments to improve American crafts also available. Call your health, naturally and safely! for appointment. Offering Reiki to relax and balance your body, Aqua-Qi foot treatments Therapeutic Massage (ionic detoxing footbath) to Janet Willie, LMT rejuvenate aching, tired feet and 12 Main Street, Bethel, ME legs (plus remove unhealthy toxins (207) 824-3889 from your body), and Acutonics Offering full body massage, heated Sound Healing to bring your body stone therapy, classic hydrotherapy into harmony with nature. Office treatment and foot massage. hours by appointment only.
60 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Pet services Video Convenience rentals stores Doggie & Kitty Salon Owned by Gloria Lewis and Lauretta Varo. Boarding available on a daily, Viewers Choice Video Breau’s Too Convenience overnight, weekend, weekly and Main Street Store monthly basis. Rates vary by length Bethel, ME Route 26 of boarding. The motel offers walks (207) 824-4290 Bryant Pond, ME and homemade biscuits for pets. The Village Store (207) 665-2933 Ice cream breakfast, lunch, pizza Pet supplies are available as well as Lower Main Street and more. grooming services by appointment. Bryant Pond, ME Check-in hours are 8:00 a.m. to (207) 665-2508 Round Pond Corner Store noon and 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Route 26 daily. Reservations are necessary. Greenwood, ME Located on Route 2 in West Bethel. (207) 875-2590. For more information, call Gas, groceries, pizza, sandwiches, 207-836-DOGS (207-836-3647). milk, beer, canoe and kayak rentals. The Doggie Cottage The Village Store Owners: Sean and Jill Kelly. Lower Main Street 35 Bull Run Road, Gray, ME Bryant Pond, ME Exit 63 (formerly exit 11) (207) 665-2508 off of Maine Turnpike. (207) 657-7311 Day camp and overnight for your pet. Private theme rooms, play time with other dogs, puppy training, grooming salon and more. Enjoy a guilt-free day or weekend away. Bethel Animal Hospital 179 Walkers Mills Road Route 26, Bethel, ME (207) 824-2212 Bethel Animal Hospital is a full service veterinary hospital. Day care and overnight boarding is available for your companion animal upon advance notice and proof of current vaccinations. Pickup and dropoff of boarding animals is available.
61 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Carter’s Farm Market, Grocery stores Pick-your-own Route 26, Oxford, ME (207) 539-4848 and other produce and Organically grown fruits and provisions farm stands vegetables. 23 miles south of The Maine Houses on Route 26 . Smedberg’s Crystal Bethel IGA Food Store Pick-your-own seasonal farms and Spring Farm 72 Main Street, Bethel, ME farm stands are a common sight Route 26, Oxford, ME (207) 824-2121 throughout the New England area. (207) 743-6723 About 7 miles north of The Maine You might want to call in advance Great seasonal produce, farm- Houses. for hours open. A few near The raised beef and pork, maple syrup, Maine Houses include: Good Food Store Maine lobster and some of the best Route 2, Bethel, ME The Farmer’s Market homemade ice cream in the area. (207) 824-3754 On Railroad Street at the Bethel www.goodfoodbethel.com Family Health Center. Open every Natural foods, gourmet specialties, Saturday from the end of May to produce, wine, cheese, sandwiches October, rain or shine, from to-go. Open daily at 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m.–12 noon. About 8 miles north of The Maine Cooper’s Farm Stand Houses. Route 26, West Paris, ME Hannaford Supermarket (207) 674-2200 and Pharmacy Apples, fruits, vegetables, and (207) 743-2522 baked goods. 9.8 miles from The Large supermarket on Route 26, Maine Houses. Norway/Oxford. Take Route 26 Cumming’s Blueberries South 17 miles on the left. (207) 743-7919 Rite Aid Buckfield Road, Route 117 North, 26 Mayville Road, Route 2 3 miles from the interchange of Bethel, ME Routes 26 and 177 to King Hill (207) 824-8085 Road About 8 miles north of The Maine Houses. Across from Norway Savings Bank. Wal-Mart Super Center Route 26, Oxford, ME (207) 743-0882 Take Route 26 South, 17 miles on the right.
62 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Mahoosuc Mountain Ski and Sports Specialty Route 26, Greenwood, ME snowboard (207) 875-3786 shops shops Telemark ski equipment rentals. Sunday River Sports There are dozens of places to shop Sunday River Ski Resort in the Bryant Pond/Bethel area, Poles twisted? Ski snapped? Boots Skiway Road including antique shops, fine craft busted? We hope not, but if they Newry, ME and gift shops, outlets for clothing should, look no further than Bethel (207) 824-5090 and stores for “the basics.” for your every skiing need, even to Formerly Crisports Ski Shop. tune up your bindings! Bonnema Potters Sunday River Sports offers a full line 146 Main Street, Bethel, ME Bob & Terri’s Ski of the latest equipment, apparel (207) 824-2821 & Sports Outlet and accessories, as well as custom Noted for its distinctive lamps, 61 Sunday River Road bootfitting and complete tuning they have been making beautifully Bethel, ME and repair services. You’ll also find functional stoneware and porcelain (207) 824-2323 Sunday River logo wear, through pottery in Bethel since 1974. Full service alpine ski shop. Tuning the “Everything Sunday River” Showroom open daily from and repairs, equipment sales and shop. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m, closed rentals, supplies and apparel. True North Wednesday. Carter’s Cross Country Adventureware Books ‘n Things Ski Shop & Ski Center 196 Walkers Mill Road 130 East Main Street Route 26 Bethel, ME Pok Sun Emporium, Bethel, ME Oxford Hills, ME (207) 824-2201 (207) 824-0275. (207) 539-4848 Extensive collection of clothing and Hours: 10-6 M-Sat, 12-5 Sun Carter’s offers one of the widest gear for any outdoor adventure, for selections of brand name cross men, women, and kids. Brooks Brothers country skiing equipment, clothing Hours: M-Th 10-6, F&S 9-6, S 10-5. Hardware and accessories. Call for more 73 Main Street, Bethel, ME information and hours. (207) 824-2158 Hours: M-F 7-5, Sat 7-12 Great American Ski Renting & Skiwear Outlet Kair Clothing 95 Sunday River Road 32 Parkway Bethel, ME Bethel, ME (207) 824-4524 (207) 824-3092 Kai Clothing sells men’s and Ski equipment rentals, clothes and women’s seasonal street wear. accessories. Primarily retailing clothing, shoes, and Lim outerwear. Brands include Jack Frost Ski Shop Element, Billabong, Kr3w, Supra Sunday River Road, and O’Neill. Kai Clothing also Newry, ME carries Oakley sunglasses. (207) 824-2519 Ski and snowboard equipment, rentals, and apparel.
63 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Linda Clifford - Philbrook Toys, Fibers, Timberlake’s Home Store Scottish & Irish Merchant Deelz, Overstocks, 158 Mayville Road Route 2 91 Main Street Moosely Seconds East of Bethel Village Bethel, ME 162 Main Street Bethel, ME (207) 824-6560 Bethel, ME (800) 780-6681 www.lindaclifford.com (207) 824-8697 (207) 824-6545 Linda Clifford has selected work The Toy Shop – hundreds of toys www.stimberlake.com from Scotland and Ireland’s finest in stock. Philbrook Fibers – lots Shaker furniture reproductions artisans, plus a few choice lines of patterns and yarn. Deelz – on have been handmade in Bethel by from England. They offer custom- men’s and women’s clothing and the Timberlakes since 1974. Their made kilts, gents and ladies more! Moosely Seconds – find Classic Shaker chair has won the Highland Wear and tartan fabric by brand names such as Polo, LL Bean, admiration of collectors around the yard. They also carry gorgeous Oshkosh, Abercrombie, Lands’ End, the world and their popular Shaker jewelry from Scotland and Ireland and more! kitchen stools will look great in any including Celtic diamond wedding Ruthies home. Hours may vary. Please call and engagement rings and ahead. 88 Main Street stunning Claddagh rings. Bethel, ME Village Sweets Maine Line Products (207) 824-2989 162 Main Street Two locations: Main Street, Bethel www.ruthiesboutique.com Bethel, ME and Route 26, Greenwood A ladies’ specialty shop offering (207) 824-0636 www.mainelineproducts.com separates from 4p-18. Ruthie’s is A chocolate and candy store with They carry a great selection of known for beautiful sweaters with premium chocolate, Jelly Belly’s 32 Maine products and souvenirs – selections from Sigrid Olsen, Marisa jars of bulk candy – mix ’n match!, everything from stuffed animals to Christina, Alps, and Northern Isles. nostalgia and memory candy, sweet weathersticks! They’re open 9:00 Pants and skirts from Tribal and gifts, sugar-free and organic candy, a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through French, Dressing coordinates with specialty items. Saturday. Call (207) 824-2522 sweaters and tops. Swimwear is Wild Rose in Bethel and (207) 875-2522 in available year-round. 162 Main Street, Philbrook Place Greenwood. Sunday River Alpacas Bethel, ME Mt. Mann Jewelers 471 Flat Road (207) 824-3563 57 Main Street, Bethel, ME Bethel, ME Has unique clothing, scarves, bags, (207) 824-3030 (207) 890-3148 hats, hair accessories, handcrafted An interesting shop for gemstones, www.sundayriveralpacas.com jewelry and lots of gifts including jewelry and other unique gifts. Sunday River Alpacas, in West natural creams and oils, yoga Open Monday-Friday 9-5, Bethel, is home to a growing herd products, candles, picture frames, Saturday 10-5. of alpacas, many of whom take cards and much much more! Office Supplies their names from your favorite ski trails at Sunday River Ski Resort. The Bethel Citizen Sunday River Alpacas farm store is 19 Main Street, Bethel, ME open for your shopping pleasure (207) 824-2444 and carries a wide assortment of their own alpaca fiber, roving and yarn in several natural colors, as well as an assortment of sweaters, capes, shawls, hats, mittens, gloves, and scarves. Hours are subject to change…call first to make sure.
64 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Trolley House Outlet shops Caterers 237 Main Street, Norway, ME (207) 743-2211 Freeport, Maine (L. L. Bean) and Cafe DiCocoa & Market- White Flour Catering North Conway, New Hampshire, Bakery 32 Danforth St, Gardiner, ME are widely known as an outlet 125 Main Street, Bethel, ME (207) 582-0900 shopper’s paradise. Both are Contact: Kathy DiCocoa www.whiteflour.com about 1 hour and 15 minutes (207) 824-5282 Contact Carla Noyes from The Maine Houses. The Good Food Store Lewiston-Auburn area is a regional Route 2, Bethel, ME shopping center for all of Western Where to buy Contact: Heather Hale Maine and offers a wide variety (207) 824-3754 of stores. For more information, fresh lobster Specializing in natural foods, visit www.freeportusa.com and gourmet specialties, organic www.4seasonresort.com. produce, and Maine-made Hannaford Supermarkets products. Route 26, Norway/Oxford, ME (207) 743-2522 Rising Sun Cafe & Bakery Smedberg’s Crystal 74 East Main Street Springs Farms Paris, ME 1413 Main Street, Route 26 (207) 743-7046 Oxford Hills, ME Breads, muffins, pastries, baked (207) 743-6723 fresh daily. Breakfast, dessert, sandwich, and fruit platters available. Restaurant serves soup, sandwiches, salads, quiche and more meals to go. Hours: M-F 6:00 am - 4:00 pm, Sat 6:00 am - 2:00 pm. Steve’s Store & Classic Catering Route 26, Oxford, ME (207) 743-9553 The Feeding Friendzy 11 South Main Street Bryant Pond, ME (207) 665-3007 Email: [email protected] Contact Wendy Bertrand Baked goods, entrees, sandwiches, natural and organic. The Hungry Hollow Country Store Route 26, West Paris, ME Contact: Shirley (207) 674-3012
65 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Legends at the Bethel’s Best - Pizza Grille Restaurants Summit Hotel (B, L, D) & Dairy Bar (B, L, D) (800) 543-2754 Route 2 Open daily. Serving breakfast, lunch Bethel, ME The following restaurants are our and dinner. (207) 824-3192 for delivery guests’ favorites. We welcome your www.bethelsbest.com ☛ Suds Pub (D) comments to add to or change this Just west of the village across from 151 Main Street list. Steam Mill Antiques. Opens at 7am Bethel, ME daily to serve you a home cooked This guide shows B (breakfast), (Below the Sudbury Inn) breakfast. Offers many other L (lunch) and D (dinner). A “☛” (207) 824-6558 meals, including a wide variety indicates our guests prefer these www.sudburyinn.com of seafood baskets and dinners establishments. See The Bethel Live entertainment Thursday, Friday (including clams, scallops, shrimp, Dining Guide for more information. and Saturday nights. There’s a big and haddock), signature panini screen TV, darts and a great sound ☛ Sunday River Brewing sandwiches, all kinds of ice cream system. Open nightly 4:30 til late. Company (L, D) treats including soft serve and 25 Take-out available. Intersection of Route 2 and flavors of Maine’s famous Gifford’s Sunday River Road 22 Broad Street hard serve. Eat-in, take-out or Bethel, ME Italian Cuisine and delivery. (207) 824-4ALE Martini Bar (D) ☛ Breau’s Too (B, L, D) www.stonecoast.com 22 Broad Street Route 26 Experience the American Beer Bethel, ME Bryant Pond, ME Renaissance by trying one of the (207) 824-3496 (207) 665-2933 many ales brewed on premises. www.gideonhastingshouse.com Eat-in or take-out at Breau’s Too Classic American fare, with Enjoy authentic Italian fare in pizza, sandwiches, soda and ice hamburgers, entrees, pasta, an intimate dining room. Linen cream bar. Breakfast, lunch and vegetarian dishes and daily specials tablecloths and candles adorn each dinner are available right around as well as a kid’s menu. Live music, table. Dinner and Sunday brunch the corner. dancing and pub fare. Open seven available. days, serving 11:30 p.m. til close. BBQ Bob’s Real S.S. Milton ☛ Restaurant (L, D) Sudbury Inn (Upstairs) (D) Pit Barbeque (L, D) 43 Main Street 151 Main Street 212 Mayville Road (Route 2) Bethel, ME Bethel, ME Bethel, ME (207) 824-2589 (207) 824-2174 (207) 824-4PIG (4744) Seafood, steak, pasta and www.sudburyinn.com Barbeque done in real pit style, more. Casual and comfortable Fine dining. The menu varies from cooked with all wood, over low atmosphere. fresh seafood to choice steaks to heat for hours. Located adjacent homemade soups. Extensive wine to the Good Food Store on Pat’s Pizza (L, D) list. Reservations recommended Route 2. Hours: 11:30 am - 7:00 37 Mayville Road (Route 2) and necessary on weekends and pm, Thursday-Tuesday. Closed Bethel, ME holidays. Open Tuesday-Sunday Wednesday. Lunch and dinner (207) 824-3637 5:30-9:00 p.m. available. A full-service family restaurant. Pizza, Italian food, calzone, salad, subs and soups. Take-out or dine-in.
66 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Matterhorn Ski Bar (L, D) Home Slice Pizza (L, D) Kowloon Village (L, D) Sunday River Road, Newry, ME 177 Main Street, Bethel, ME Lower Main Street (207) 824-6836 (207) 824-4700 Bethel, ME Great tasting brick oven pizza and Serving burgers, pizza, pasta, salads (207) 824-3707 pasta made from fresh ingredients. and subs. Open Sunday-Thursday Chinese and Hunan restaurant in Pizza, crusty breads and pastas 11 am - 9:30 pm, Friday & Saturday Mountain View Mall. made fresh daily. A nice selection 11 am - 10:30 pm Indoor/outdoor Mouse & Bean of appetizers, steaks, fondue, dining available. Free delivery. Internet Cafe soups, salads and desserts, too. Cho Sun Place (D) 63 Main Street Beer and wine available. Open 141 Main Street, Bethel, ME Bethel, ME daily for dinner at 3:00 pm. Great (207) 824-7370 (207) 824-2366 place for the whole family. Take-out www.chosunrestaurant.com At Mouse & Bean you’ll find the available. Open November-April. Japanese and Korean cuisine, plus best coffee, tea and hot chocolate Call for hours as schedule varies. sushi bar. selections. Also serving Mocha ☛ Cafe Di Cocoa Crossroads Diner Joes coffee, roasted to order and & Market-Bakery (B, L, D) delivered the next day, loose leaf & Deli (B, L, D) 119 /125 Main Street, Bethel, ME teas, brewed to order and European 24 Mayville Road (207) 824-5282 hot chocolates steamed with milk. Bethel, ME www.cafedicocoa.com Hours: Monday - Saturday 7:00 am (207) 824-3673 Vegetarian and international - 4:00 pm. Located at corner of Route 2 and cuisine. Also includes espresso Parkway, next door to Rite Aid. Rising Sun Cafe bar, juices, organic coffee and Great food. Great prices. Daily & Bakery (B, L) wines, and homemade ice cream. specials. Serving breakfast, lunch, 74 East Main Street Restaurant, groceries, take-out and and dinner. Eat-in or take-out. Paris, ME bakery. (207) 743-7046 Gringo Harry’s (D) Liam’s Restaurant Breads, muffins, pastries, baked Sunday River Ski Resort and Pub (L, D) fresh daily. Breakfast, dessert, Newry, ME Sunday River Skiway Road (opposite sandwich, and fruit platters (207) 824-4000 South Ridge), Newry, ME available. Restaurant serves soup, www.gringoharrys.com (207) 824-6755 sandwiches, salads, quiche and more Located at Fall Line Condominiums, Casual family dining. Seafood, meals to go. Hours: M-F 6:00 am - Sunday River Ski Resort. Serves steak, pizza, pasta, burgers and 4:00 pm, Sat 6:00 am - 2:00 pm. Mexican and South American sandwiches. cuisine. Hungry Harry’s Ice Phoenix Cream & Burger Bar (L, D) L’Auberge Bistro (B, D) House & Well (L, D) 190 Main Street 15 L’Auberge Lane 96 Sunday River Road, Bethel, ME (Corner of Main & Cross) (to the right of the Fire Station) (207) 824-2222. Bethel, ME Bethel, ME Steakhouse, trattoria and comfort (207) 824-4002 (207) 824-2774 food. 100% Angus beef burgers, hot www.laubergecountryinn.com dogs, French fries, chicken fingers, Barbara’s Chowder Excellent food in a homey lobster rolls, haddock sandwiches, Barn (L, D) atmosphere. All food prepared á salads, and more. Hand-dipped Route 26, West Paris, ME la minute to your specifications. Hershey ice cream – 24 flavors! (207) 674-2222 Come as you are. Reservations Serving lunch and dinner. Take out only, including chowder, recommended for Friday and sandwiches, fried seafood meals, Saturday. Nightly from 5:00 pm and more. -9:00 pm during ski season. Breakfast 7:00 am - 9:00 am.
67 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Rooster’s Roadhouse (D) The Victoria Funky Red Barn 159 Mayville Road, Route 2 Inn Restaurant (L, D) 19 Summer Street Bethel, ME 32 Main Street (Just off Main Street behind Designs (207) 824-0309 Bethel, ME Florist) A chef-owned casual restaurant (207) 824-8060 Bethel, ME and pub located one mile outside www.thevictoria-inn.com (207) 824-3003 the village of Bethel and five miles Bethel Village’s newest restaurant www.funkyredbarn.com from Sunday River, and just 6 miles serving dinner with exquisite Bethel’s newest and oldest hot from Mt. Abram Ski Area. They appetizers, entrees, and decadent spot. Previously the Backstage offer a large and varied menu of desserts, Monday through Saturday. Lounge, Funky Red Barn is the Maine seafood, steaks ’n chops, Also offering lunch and afternoon same beautiful old barn, with a Italian favorites, and a great kids’ tea, Wednesday through Saturday. whole new atmosphere. Full dinner fare with half-pound burgers, menu, burgers, appetizers and wings, nachos, and more. Nightlife, more. Game room with pool table, Millbrook Tavern foosball, pinball and more. & Grille (L, D) bars and Legends – On the Common Sunday River Ski Resort Bethel, ME entertainment Located in the Summit Hotel. (800) 654-0125, (207) 824-2175 (800) 543-2754 www.bethelinn.com Legends offers North American Downstairs at The Bethel Inn Sunday River Brewing Co. Intersection of Route 2 and and European dishes at reasonable Resort, offers casual dining at its Sunday River Road prices. Serves daily from 7:00 a.m. best! Millbrook Tavern and Grille Bethel, ME to 11:00 p.m. is open for lunch, dinner and late (207) 824-4253 for cocktails with dinner specials Foggy Goggle Pub – The Brew Pub features live bands nightly. Offering fresh seafood, Sunday River Ski Resort and the East’s only brewery at a steaks, burgers, soups, salads, Located on the third floor of major ski resort. Experience the sandwiches and more. South Ridge American Beer Renaissance by (207) 824-3000 The Jolly Drayman (D) trying one of the many fresh ales Sunday River’s Hottest Ski Bar just 150 Mayville Road (Route 2) brewed on the premises. got better! The All New Foggy
Bethel, ME Suds Pub Goggle, open till 8:00 pm, has an (207) 824-4717 appetizing new menu, a “Hot” 151 Main Street Located at The Briar Lea Inn, 1 mile new look, 7 flat screens including a Bethel, ME from downtown Bethel on Route 58” screen TV and a sound system Downstairs at the Sudbury Inn 2 on the way to Sunday River, The to rock you to the core! If you’re in (207) 824-6558 Jolly Drayman is an intimate English the mood for deli sandwiches, your Suds is the backbone of local Pub and restaurant featuring a favorite beverage and large-screen nightlife. Suds offers live music great selection of beers on tap, TV, the Goggle is the place to go. Wednesday through Sunday night, cask-conditioned ale, wines, a tasty a full menu, great pizza and an selection of single malts and foods extensive beer list, hearty drinks, from around the colonies. New England sports and ski videos and the best bands around. Music usually starts around 9:00 p.m.
68 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Local events
Special annual events include: Dates Events January Bethel Winter Festival. Nordic ski events, alpine ski events, snowmobiling, telemarking, snowshoe clinics, snow and ice sculptures, sleigh rides, food and fun. Call (207) 824-2282. June Two Fly Contest and Drift Boat Competition has demonstrations and events celebrating the recreational and fishing potential of the river. Call Rocky Freda at (877) 851-7533 or visit www.upperandro.com for details. Trek Across Maine. Bike Sunday River to the Coast of Maine to benefit the American Lung Association. Contact (800) LUNG-USA or visit www.mainelung.org. July Annual Bethel Arts Fair on Bethel Common. Fireworks, music, food, artists and craftsmen from across New England, children’s activities. Call (207) 824-2282 or contact [email protected]. Mollyockette Day is a day-long celebration on Bethel Common, with plenty of great good and music. On the third Saturday in July, watch the parade wind its way down Main Street, view a duck race and road race, and visit the exhibits of local artwork and historic pieces. Later that night, be on hand for the spectacular fireworks display. Call (207) 824-3575 or (207) 824-2282 for details. July-August Bethel Bandstand Concert Series. Free concert series on Sundays at 4:00pm in Bethel Commons. August Sudbury Canada Days. Bethel Historic Society Annual Heritage Festival. For more information, email [email protected] or call (207) 824-2908. Maine State Triathlon/Aquabike. Sponsored by Bethel Chamber. For more information, email [email protected] or call (207) 824-2282. September Bethel Harvest Fest and Chowdah Cook-Off held on Bethel Common. Old-fashioned fun, fall festival including arts and crafts, chowderfest, food, demonstrations, hiking, canoeing, guided and self-guided bike tours, and more. For more information, call (207) 824-2282 or email [email protected].
October The Fryeburg Fair is a fun local event in Fryeburg, located on Route 5. Annual Bethel Antique Show and Sale features quality dealers from around New England offering distinctive antiques and collectibles. Call (207) 824-2282 for details. Columbus Fall Festival. Sunday River Ski Resort hosts its annual weekend Fall Festival. A variety of events Day including races, arts and crafts, hot-air balloons, hiking and biking events, music, food, ski sale and Weekend more are featured during this three-day festival of fun and excitement. Contact Sunday River at (207) 824-3000 or [email protected], or visit www.sundayriver.com/summer/ for more info. December Annual New Year’s Bethel Celebration. Affordable, chemical-free festival featuring a variety of live entertainment at selected sites in Historic Bethel Hill. Contact Bethel Historical Society at (207) 824-2906 oremail [email protected].
69 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Carter’s Cross Country BIG Adventure Center Rainy day Ski Center & Shop www.bigadventure.com www.cartersxcski.com 207-824-0929 activities 207-824-3880 Amusement center featuring Intervale Road, Bethel, ME miniature golf, water slide, rock 50 K of scenic groomed riverside, climbing, laser tag, bowling and Billiards...... Page 34 rentals available. Second location more. Bowling...... Page 38 on Route 26 in Oxford Hills. Family Fun & Theme Parks...Page 38 The Bethel Area Chamber of Museums...... Page 46 Sun Valley Sports & Commerce Massage...... Page 59 Guide Service www.bethelmaine.com Movie Theater...... Page 59 www.sunvalleysports.com 800-442-5826 or (207) 824-2282 Video Rental...... Page 60 207-824-7533 Calendar of local events and Shopping...... Page 62 Orvis authorized full line dealer outdoor recreation information, & fly shop. Offers fly fishing restaurants, shopping, and more. instruction and lessons, as well as The Oxford Hills Area Chamber Web links canoe & kayak rentals, snowmobile of Commerce rentals, tours, guided fly-fishing www.oxfordhillsmaine.com to local trips, moose and wildlife safaris, 207-743-2281 and non-resident licenses. attractions Calendar of local events and Bethel Outdoor Adventure & outdoor recreation information. Campground Looking for some things to do in Black Mountain of Maine www.betheloutdooradventure. the area while visiting The Maine Rumford, ME com Houses? Check these links to www.skiblackmtnofme.com 800-533-3607 some of the more popular local (207) 364-8977 Full service outdoor trips-guided businesses and attractions for more Affordable alpine skiing and and unguided. Snowmobile and information. snowboarding, nordic skiing, and snowshoe rentals, guided trips, tubing. Site of many alpine races. Sunday River Ski Resort camp, maps & trails; canoe, kayak, www.sundayriver.com bike and raft rentals, shuttle (207) 824-3000 service. Four seasons resort. Fourteen miles Bethel Inn and Country Club from The Maine Houses. Downhill www.bethelinn.com skiing, snowboarding, mountain 207-824-2175 biking park, hiking and more. 18 hole, 72 par, championship golf Mt. Abram Family Ski Resort course, rentals, lessons, and golf www.mtabram.com school plus cross country skiing in 207-875-5000 winter months. Family friendly mountain just Story Land minutes from The Maine Houses. Glen, NH 36 trails, ski/ride school, rentals, www.storylandnh.com tubing park, day care, restaurant 603-383-4186 and lounge. Storybook character theme park for children. One hour from The Maine Houses.
70 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Area maps
71 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Area maps
72 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Special Issue: Maine Vacation Ideas
Help Yourself Inn vacationers can find a pleasant substitute. Not everyone can afford a home Maineaway from House, home. Especially not a comfortably appointed one with lake frontage. But in the Once the summer home of the daughter of President Rutherford B. Hayes, the Maine House is a 140-year-old farmhouse on Lake Christopher in the western mountain community of It has eight bedrooms, hardwood floors, a wraparound porch, and a dock Bryant Pond. on the lake with canoes. And for the past three years, the place has been operated as a It works a lot like a hostel–albeit a deluxe one–or an inn with no self-service inn. innkeepers: guests supply and cook their own food and tidy up after themselves. The setup is entirely informal, with everything from linens to plates in place and waiting. With sleeping space for up to thirty-three, the Maine House is sizable enough to accommodate a family reunion or wedding party; you can call ahead and find out who, if anyone, will be staying there during your visit and plan accordingly. The small village in which the house sits, Bryant Pond, is not far from the restaurants and shops in Bethel and North Conway, New Hampshire, the wildly beautiful White Mountains National Forest and Grafton Notch State Park, and the resort community of Rangeley. But a lot of people are perfectly content sticking around the house with simply a book and the views from their own private porch. Summer rates range from $22 per person, per night to $39 per person, per night depending upon the month and day of the week. Call (207) 846-9131 for more information.
73 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
”Practically speaking, our group loves it because of the Testimonials kitchens since our Nordic team requires a special diet. And the management team was very helpful, too. But, personally I like it because the countryside reminds me “About 20 of us have been gathering here for quite a a lot of my homeland. I’m from Czechoslovakia, and so few years. We love the huge porch with all the light are many of my students, and it reminds us of home.” coming in. We can spread our materials out and have Richard Rokos just the best time. Lakeside in Maine in the Fall…it just University of Colorado Ski Team doesn’t get any better.” Connie Schmotzer Fletcher “It’s the one place where our group, which ranges Rug Hooker Group from 25 to 45 people, can experience sitting down in one room for dinner. My kids love it. My friends love “It’s a beautiful setting for hiking, biking and kayaking. it. And I love it because you can’t create that festive We have anywhere from 25 to 35 in our group and atmosphere anywhere else. It’s truly unique. And sometimes take three of the Houses. The yard and fire with the lake, the steam room, indoor fireplaces, and pit are great and the individual Houses are just the outdoor fire pit, there’s something for everyone.” right size for congregating. My personal favorite is the Randy Langmaid reclining sofa in front of the fireplace.” Friends and Family Annual Gathering Tom Zumwalt Appalacian Mountain Club, Worcester Chapter “We’re still basking in the pleasant memories of our family vacation at The Maine House.” “We’ve been taking our Residents up for over 6 years. Doctor and Family from Hershey, PA It’s a regular event and they really look forward to it. Their professional lives are so hectic and busy and this “The layout of the Mountain View House was perfect is their one chance to bond as a group and really let for our group. The bedroom variety also gave everyone it out. It’s a piece of heaven. The peacefulness, the something they wanted.” mountains, the crystal clear lake, it’s so nicely isolated Family Group from Merrimack, but so close. Our Residents from out of state are New Hampshire amazed at the serenity.” Rosemary Munson “I cannot begin to tell you in words what a great time Maine Medical Center, we all had. The Houses were beautiful and the size of Department of Pediatrics each House accommodated everyone perfectly.” Family Reunion from Wolcott, Connecticut “It’s perfect for our group, which is usally around 30 people. We’ve got couples, and singles, and they’ve “What a great place for a family gathering. There was got the setup to accommodate everyone with plenty a lot of room for all of us.” of rooms in all configurations. Everybody takes turns Family Group from Dover, New Jersey cooking, and they’ve got the stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers to handle us. They even provide ”Our weekend was a huge success. We had a great bed linens. I tell everybody it’s just a tremendous time and everyone loved the House. It was clean, experience. And the roads are ideal for daily rides. comfortable and very homey.” Such scenery can’t be matched anywhere. ” University Group from Boston, Massachusetts Don Paiva Narragansett Bay Wheelmen “Fabulous spot for a large group get together. We needed a retreat to recharge. It was a relief to be in such a relaxing, natural environment.” Family Group from Gray, Maine
74 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com Testimonials
“The location was fantastic! The House itself was exactly what we were hoping for-clean, roomy and a fully stocked kitchen. We had the best time.” Family Group from East Patehogue, New York
“We are enjoying the afterglow of the perfect family vacation in the perfect spot.” Family Vacation from Norway, Maine
“We celebrated my parents 50th wedding anniversary at The Maine House and had a wonderful time. It did rain most of our stay, but it probably worked out for the best because it kept us all in the House together and we had a great time. It was so fun to sit down and have dinner together, too. Thank you.” Anniversary Celebration from Merrimack, New Hampshire
“The House was amazing. All my friends were very impressed with the neatness, space and the many accommodations. Everything on the House was useful and over and above our expectations.” Friends Getaway from Weymouth, Massachusetts
“Mary Jo’s family has been holding a reunion every three years for the past 30 years in various locations across the country. Their 2005 reunion was held at The Maine House. The group was so overwhelmingly pleased; they have booked again for their 2011 reunion.” Family Group Testimonial
“Various chapters of the Appalachian Mountain Club have enjoyed many outings to The Maine Houses. Chuck and Mary, group leaders of the Worcester Chapter of the AMC, brought their bike group to The Maine House when the house first opened. About 10 years ago, the couple were married at The Maine House and, since then, have brought their bike group back to enjoy the fall foliage every Columbus Day weekend.” AMC Group Testimonial
75 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Oars for the canoes, kayak paddles, Q. What kind of supplies are in Frequently and life jackets are stored in the the kitchen? sports closet in the yard of The Kitchens at The Maine Houses asked Maine House. Life jackets should are stocked with an assortment questions be worn by all whenever boating of pots, pans, mixing and serving or kayaking. bowls, baking sheets, dishes, bowls, silverware, drinking and Q. What time is check-in and wine glasses, mugs, cooking Questions and Answers check-out? utensils, knives, cutting boards and about The Houses Our regular check-in time is 3:00 more. There is enough equipment p.m. and check-out time is 9:00 Q. Where can we go to enjoy to prepare for and serve up to 25 a.m. We are extremely flexible in Lake Christopher? to 30 people at each house. Each allowing people to check in early Lake Christopher is a clear, spring- kitchen has full-size refrigerators, and stay late, providing we don’t fed lake ideal for swimming and a microwave oven and toaster. have any other guests or groups other water recreation. There is a The Maine House has two electric conflicting with your stay. Please public beach and dock at the end ovens and a six-burner gourmet inquire before your arrival. of Lake Road. In addition, there is gas Wolf range. The Maine Farm a grassy area at The Maine House Q. How do we get into House offers a gourmet Wolf with two private docks along 189 The Maine Houses? range with a six-burner cooktop, feet of lakefront. Outdoor sports Each house is usually open upon oven and broiler. Each suite of equipment is available for the arrival. In addition, there is a The Maine Farm House also has use of guests at all four houses, push-button combination lock. its own refrigerator, electric stove/ and can be found in the sports See your confirmation letter for oven and coffeemaker. The Maine shed (see yard layout). The yard the code. In case of emergency or MountainView House has a is available to guests at all four questions, call our off-premises four-burner electric range with houses, unless prior arrangements manager at 665-2293. oven. We provide dishwashing have been made for exclusive use soap and clean-up supplies. All Q. Do we need to bring our by one group (i.e., a wedding). guests are expected to wash, dry own sheets and towels? and put away the dishes they Q. Are pets allowed? Sheets, blankets, pillows and use. Each House has at least one Because some future guests may towels are provided. Extra blankets dishwasher. Finally, we provide be allergic, all four of The Maine are located in the white bench on coffeemakers and complimentary Houses have a strict no pets the first floor of The Maine House Down East coffee (regular and policy. Guests will be financially by the Wildflower Room. At The decaf) at The Houses. A starter responsible for any cleaning fees Maine Farm House, you’ll find extra supply of complimentary coffee is and follow-up de-infestation blankets on the shelves above the provided for groups with discount treatment costs if evidence of a pet washer and dryer or in individual rates. is found. rooms. You will find extra blankets Q. What kind of watercraft are in the second floor hallway at The Q. Can we dine on the allowed on Lake Christopher? Maine MountainView House in the wrap-around porch at Lake Christopher is 1-1/2 built-in cabinet between Rooms The Maine House during the miles long and 1/2 mile wide. 2 and 3 and in the hallway on winter months? Canoes, kayaks, sail boats, small the third floor. Extra linens can Yes. The key to keeping the porch motorboats and wind surfers be found in The Country House warm is to leave the French doors are welcome. Jet skis have been bathroom. in the Great Room open. Be sure banned and are not welcome on to leave the heat and ceiling fans the lake. The Houses have five on in the Great Room to help keep canoes, two kayaks, and two wind the dining area at a comfortable surfers for the use of all guests. temperature. Also, leave the lower (continued)
76 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com level door open so the radiator Q. Are there laundry facilities Q. Do The Houses have heat can rise. at The Maine Houses? internet access? We have coin operated washers We have Wi-Fi at The Maine Q. What if we want to set up and dryers at The Maine House Country House, located between tables for a nice dinner? and The Maine Farm House. We The Maine House and The Maine Each house has tablecloths, provide the detergent for you to Farm House. There are extenders at napkins and candles. We suggest use because of our septic system. The Maine House and The Maine you use these just for the special There is a washer and dryer in Farm House, making internet dinner. At The Maine House, they the basement of The Maine access available at all three houses. are located in the hutch on the MountainView House and Country Internet access is not available at wraparound porch, in The Maine House kitchen. The Maine MountainView House. Farm House, they are located in a cabinet of the kitchen island, Q. What do we do with the Q. What should we do when and at The Maine MountainView trash and recyclables? we leave? House, they are located in the At The Maine House, we have Please turn off the lights, turn the dining room in the drawers. recycling bins and a deposit thermostats down, wash and put container located in the entrance away the dishes and leave the Q. How do the fireplaces work? area of the mud room. Please do place in an orderly, broom swept Kindling and logs are provided not put trash in those bins. When manner. Our off-premises manager at all of The Houses. In addition, the trash container becomes full stops by and checks each house simple instructions are posted near in the kitchen, take the bags to upon departures. the fireplaces that explain how the lower Lake Level and place to start a fire. We encourage the Q. What questions do you get them in the garage in the trash group leader to assign a couple most often from guests? barrels. At The Maine Farm House, of people to keep a supply of logs The most frequently asked recycling bins are located in the near the fireplace during your questions are easily answered hall. A marked trashcan is located stay. We do ask that you exercise in your confirmation letter, our on the back porch for deposits. common sense safety procedures brochure and The Guide Book. Please ensure that the outdoor when using the fireplaces. People usually ask about the code trash containers are locked so to unlock the doors, which is in Q. Where do we find firewood? that animals do not disturb their your letter. Be sure the first person The Maine House has large contents. Bagged trash should in your group scheduled to arrive three-foot logs outside the door be placed in the trash shed off knows the code. Also, the guest off the Lake Level wraparound the back porch of The Maine phone number to each house is porch. These large three-foot MountainView House. Recyclables found in the brochure and below. logs are ideal for the fireplace go in the green bins. in the Great Room. The Maine Farm House has firewood located in the back yard off the deck. Firewood is found off the back porch of The Maine MountainView House. Please be careful when making and using fires and note Q. What are the phone numbers at The Houses? the directions by each fireplace. Each of The Houses has its own phone number. There are no voice Always test and make sure the mails or answering machines. damper is open before starting a fire in any fireplace. In addition, The Maine House...... (207) 665-2866 please note the location of the fire The Maine Farm House...... (207) 665-2814 extinguishers in the event of an The Maine MountainView House...... (207) 665-2690 emergency. The Maine Country House...... (207) 665-2037
77 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Here are some tips to streamline the IMPORTANT NOTES: Planning planning process: DO NOT FEED THE GEESE Network. You may need to AND DUCKS AT THE LAKE! a family play detective to locate far-flung IN CONSIDERATION OF reunion relatives. “Start by contacting your OTHER GUESTS AT THE immediate family and all others in HOUSES, NO LOUD NOISE your personal phone book,” Fall OUTSIDE AFTER Reprinted from an article appearing suggests. “Then use this network to 10:00 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS in www.americanprofile.com. track down the others.” AND 11:00 P.M. ON A family reunion can be a fun Involve family members. Fall WEEKENDS. and memorable occasion for all recommends creating committees ages, but to be successful, such for responsibilities such as set-up, a gathering requires thorough food, entertainment, cleanup, and planning. “Planning a reunion isn’t correspondence. always easy, but the results are immensely rewarding,” says Cheryl Save the date. Most reunions Fall, author of the Family Reunion are held in the summer, when Planning Kit for Dummies. commitments often are less demanding. If a summer event isn’t Tracking down family members, possible, choose a school break or sending invitations, and selecting a three-day weekend, especially if location, food and entertainment attendees have to travel from out of are just a few of the tasks involved. town. Consider the weather, which To manage all the details, Fall may dictate the success of outdoor recommends that you begin parties. planning more than a year in advance. The important questions Choose the right location. Select “Who? Where? When?” should be a site that’s large enough to fit the answered as soon as possible. party comfortably, yet small enough to be intimate. Small reunions are “Family reunions come in all shapes held easily in the host’s backyard and sizes, from small groups of or a family room. For larger parties, immediate family to large groups research a variety of sites, narrow pulled from all corners of the the list to three, and ask attendees world,” Fall says. “The type of to vote on it. reunion you plan depends on the number of people attending, the site and theme chosen, and the activities involved.”
78 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition Reservations: (207) 846-9131 • [email protected] • www.themainehouses.com
Develop a budget. “I recommend Create a memento. One idea is charging a small fee, even for to ask relatives to submit a favorite Photographers potluck, picnic or ‘bring-your- recipe, and compile them to create own-meal’ reunions, because a family cookbook. Also, take expenses always crop up and the plenty of group pictures and send Andree Kehn host or planner shouldn’t bear the copies to each attendee with a Wedding and Event Photography burden,” Fall says. wrap-up letter after the reunion. P.O. Box 264 Greenwood, ME Consider creative fund-raising Most importantly, remember that (207) 665-2117 to offset expenses. The Randolph this is about family. Don’t worry [email protected] E. Smith family of Washington if things go wrong; after all, the www.andreekehn.com state holds a family auction at mistakes of the day could make the their annual reunion. “Each family best memories tomorrow. Carol Savage member donates an item, such as Photographer a quilt or hand-painted Christmas Bethel, ME ornaments, and we buy dollar- (207) 875-7509 store items for the kids to bid on,” [email protected] family member Donetta Allen says. Karen Swanson “One of the older relatives acts as Photographer auctioneer, and all proceeds go to Bethel, ME our reunion fund.” An auction, (207) 875-3688 online sale or yard sale could work if money is needed before the reunion takes place. Blend generations. Design a theme and choose activities that allow generations to intermingle. Scavenger hunts, trivia quizzes and activities such as three-legged races or broom hockey can be fun for everyone. When planning games, create teams that are multi- generational. “Try your best to assign spouses to opposing teams and to separate children from parents, so everyone gets to know other family members,” Fall says.
79 The Maine Houses • Summer/Fall 2012 Edition