Winter Activity Maine

Must do

MAINE’S HIGH PEAKS WINTER EVENTS: WINTERPALOOZAH!

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POLAR BLAST

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Connecting you to the Best Maine Adventures since 1984

Get yo ur o utdo o rs o n! /// Winter on Wheels P. 22 /// Biddeford–Maine’s New Hip City P. 5 /// ’Tis the Season Way Down East P. 42

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WINTER in Maine Moosehead

Guest post by CAROLANN OUELLETTE

The County

Jackman

Director of the Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation

9 Susan’s Way, Windham, ME 04062 www.activitymaine.com stan@activitymaine.com (207) 671-7230

HIgh Peaks

“The Farmer’s Almanac” is calling for a cold and snowy winter – what better forecast could there be than that? What I love about winter in Maine is the spirit of winter outdoor enthusiasts, how we celebrate the beauty of the season, and the remarkable winter wonderland that is Maine.

Winter is special to me because it kicks off the holidays and welcomes the new year – I think that’s why it’s so energizing. And there’s no shortage of things to do – it’s all about bundling up and getting outside. Pond hockey to ice-fishing; snowshoeing to snowmobiling; skiing to fat biking or fun festivals; to sitting around a fire toasting marshmallows. (Truth be told, I have roasted my fair share of marshmallows, but haven’t tried fat biking yet, so this is the year.)

Living in Jackman, just about all these activities are literally out my back door, so for me the question is, “What’s on for today?” Honestly pretty much any back door in Maine has winter fun just outside – all you need to do is discover your winter “Maine Thing” and get out there and enjoy!

Did You Know?

Across Maine there are lots of amazing people who work on winter trails well ahead of the first snowfall and through the season to maintain the best conditions possible. Volunteers and staff from snowmobile clubs, trail organizations, land trusts and more, clear brush, repair bridges, sign and groom trails. Also, remember that much of the land on which we recreate is private. Please be respectful of all lands, public and private, be safe and have fun!

THE MAINE OFFICE OF OUTDOOR RECREATION will focus on

leveraging Maine’s assets and outdoor recreation heritage to grow the outdoor recreation economy and build Maine’s outdoor recreation brand as part of a coordinated effort with partners from the public and private sectors.

Rangeley & Oquossoc

PUBLISHER Stanley J. Rintz III

Bethel Down East Farmington/ Wilton

Lakes Region

Bangor Augusta/ Waterville

REGIONS & EVENTS

FOUNDING PUBLISHERS Stanley & Barbara Rintz SENIOR EDITOR Jim Harnedy ART DIRECTOR Larissa Davis GRAPHIC ARTISTS Robin Bean Kristina Roderick Elizabeth Berry MacKenney SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Kristina Roderick MANAGING EDITOR Kay Stephens

5 BIDDEFORD Looking to explore a new

PHOTOGRAPHY Mike Leonard

20 BETHEL The place to play this winter

ADVERTISING SALES Jim Harnedy Stanley J. Rintz Sr. Ellie Stengel

corner of Maine? Biddeford is a feast of experiences.

26 RANGELEY’S WINTERPALOOZA!

Curling, Fat Bikes, Snow Kiting, Skating, Dog Sled Rides, Pond Hockey, just a few activities this new annual free winter festival has!

29 HIGH PEAKS REGION Plan an adventure in Stratton and the High Peaks to coincide with the February Polar Blast.

32 FARMINGTON & WILTON The perfect

jumping-off point to winter adventure.

35 MOOSEHEAD Come ski Big Squaw

Mountain this year and experience Moosehead’s winter recreation and events!

42 MACHIAS Winter Arrives Way Down East ON THE COVER: Snowshoeing photo courtesy of UMaine

Farmington; Inset photo by Pat Johnson.

2 winter/spring | 2018-2019

22

Winter on Wheels

14

features 10 WINTER RUNNING GROUPS

36

30 Winter gear reviews AMC’s Maine Wilderness

40

JOIN A GROUP FOR COLD WEATHER RUNNING

14 MAINE OUTDOOR

ADVENTURE CLUB ENCOURAGING NETWORKING AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS

19 SKI & ’SKEY

Maine Outdoor Adventure Club

40 WINTER ADVENTURING

AMC’S MAINE WILDERNESS LODGES IN THE THE 100 MILE WILDERNESS

00

WHITE HEAT & WHISKEY

22 WINTER ON WHEELS 24 BE READY FOR WINTER TRAVEL SAFETY GEAR FOR THE ROAD

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Johanna S. Billings Jim Harnedy Carey Kish Lafe Low Sasie Moore Chelsea Patterson Alex Ribar

30 WINTER GEAR REVIEWS 39 HIKES & BREWS

BANGOR FOREST CITY & BANGOR BEER CO.

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Kristina Roderick MEMBER Maine Tourism Association Convention & Visitors Bureau Maine Merchant’s Association Chambers of Commerce

5 10 Biddeford on the Map

Winter Running Groups

19

39 Hikes & Brews

activitymaine.com 3

WELLS

Conveniently Located "On The Way" North or South

Celebrating Over 30 Years in Business!

THIS PAGE: French Toast, Jacob Beal

behind the scenes and the “Palais Royale” their double cheeseburger.

{:.�it 26ebUO\(, tJ\E. �eoo Route 1

1-95

Portland

Open 7 Days • Route 1 North, Wells • 207-646-4441 • MaineDiner.com

Biddeford on theMap

PHOTOS COURTESY GRETA RYBUS.

Maine’s new ‘It’ city takes the throne

S

ince its earliest days as a European settlement in the 1600s, Biddeford has

Maine Diner and Remember the Maine Gift Shop With six million customers and counting – appearances on “The Today Show” and raves from the Phantom Gourmet – it takes quite a bit to get the Maine Diner all abuzz. However, in the summer of 2010, The Maine Diner hit another

4 winter/spring | 2018-2019

milestone as they were featured on the Food Network program “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.”

The Maine Diner has been serving delicious food for over 30 years. In addition to the extensive menu selections there are daily specials also made fresh to order.

Enjoy chowders and stews, salads, seafood and steaks, comfort

foods, burgers and sandwiches, and much more. Try one of their homemade desserts. Breakfast is served anytime!

Be sure to visit the Remember the Maine Gift Shop located next to the Maine Diner. In May of 1997, the Gift Shop opened its doors to offer their customers an assortment of gifts from America's

favorite Diner, The Maine Diner!

Since opening day, Remember the Maine has grown to include gifts not only from the Maine Diner, but also Maine memorabilia, collectibles, postcards, gourmet food and so much more—there’s something for everyone.

bustled with industry, fuelled by the relentless surge of the Saco River that

snakes through the heart of the town. These days, designers and distillers By SAISIE MOORE have replaced the textile workers and shipbuilders throughout the redbrick mill district that defines the cityscape. The Pepperell Mill building now houses more than 100 small businesses, and this creativity spills out through the streets, where new talent mingles with familiar faces among the city’s cozy restaurants, bars, and boutiques that are sure to entice you in from the snowy sidewalk. So whether you’re a first-time visitor or a staycationer looking to explore a new corner of Maine, Biddeford is a feast of experiences. activitymaine.com 5

Before you declare Portland to be Maine’s unrivaled gastronomic star, take a tour of its southern cousin, a newly minted foodie destination in its own right. Suddenly, we’re spoiled with choices. Begin your day with breakfast at Palace Diner. The city’s worst-kept secret, the train-car diner, is a magnet for brunch hunters even on weekdays. Any wait you endure will be worth it though, once you bite into that crunchy fried chicken or syrup-smothered French toast at the long counter. Bring cash and an empty stomach. If you’re looking for something a little more on-the-go, Rover Bagels serves fire-blistered bagels and pizza fresh from its wood-fired oven to enjoy on a cold day as you wander around the corner to Main Street. If you cross the street, you might spot a pink- and yellow-hued mural covering an exterior wall. That’s the first clue that you’ve stumbled across Elements, a quirky coffee shop specializing in coffee, books and beer. Is there a better trio out there? It’s easy to lose an hour browsing titles and sipping your brew of choice within its buttercream-colored walls.

Foodies can find pages of inspiration at the city’s dedicated cookbook store, Rabelais. If that kick-starts your appetite again, Elda on Main Street has national critics clamouring over its seasonal Maine-inspired dishes. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a special meal, this is the place to do it. And for an authentic Maine Italian, make a beeline for George’s Sandwich Shop, a Biddeford

ABOVE AND RIGHT: Tasting room and video games at

Banded Brewing Co. PHOTOS BY SAISIE MOORE

LEFT, ABOVE, AND RIGHT: Elements: Books, Coffee, Beer, and a cozy place to stop in the winter.

PHOTOS BY SAISIE MOORE

6 winter/spring | 2018-2019

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PORTLAND The Pepperell Mill.

PHOTO BY SAISIE MOORE

both excellent spots to nurse a drink or a small plate while watching the icy currents of the Saco River churn past the window.

Work off all this indulgence with a visit to the shorefront; Biddeford Pool is the area’s exclusive oceanfront zip code.

Parking on Gilbert Place is mercifully quiet during the winter, allowing you

to access the wide, sandy beach for a bracing walk beside the icy surf. Or visit the Rachel Carson Wildlife Center and walk 2.5-mile out-and-back trail from Timber Point Trailhead out to the ocean.

Along the way you might spot the wild residents who call this little pocket of natural splendor home.

SAISIE MOORE has worked at Portland Monthly and The Daily Telegraph in London.

When she’s not writing, she explores Maine and beyond in a converted camper van with mountain bike in tow.

L

OOKING FOR SOME WINTER FUN IN PORTLAND? Pull on your long johns and embrace the invigorating

fresh air.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL LEONARD

institution that can whip up a classic sub for you in minutes.

But to truly appreciate Biddeford’s recent appeal, one need only look to the burgeoning scene of brewers and distillers, many of whom are earning national recognition for their creations. For a glimpse of the city’s growing momentum, visit its creative engine: the Pepperell Mill, the 35-acre mill district in the heart of Biddeford downtown. Amid the local business, artisans and even glassblowers, you can enjoy a pint at Banded Brewing’s lively taproom. The winter seasonal stout – the Jolly Woodsman, made with Portland’s Speckled Ax coffee – will give you a boost as you play arcade and board games. If you prefer the harder stuff, Round Turn Distilling is just next door, offering award-winning Bimini Gin in a selection of winter cocktails.

Sample straight or enjoy blended up in a Hot Toddy or with spiced syrup and pineapple juice in a Pacific Rim cocktail. Additionally, Dirigo Brewing on Pearl Street in the mill district and Run of the Mill brewpub on Factory Island, are

Once you have the right gear, we have a few suggestions for you. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers should check out the trails at Mayor Baxter Woods, Capisic Pond Park, Riverton Trolley Park and Evergreen Cemetery Woods. Follow the miles and miles of trails from Oat Nuts Park to the Presumpscot River Preserve and you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Presumpscot Falls. And

for groomed cross-country classic and skate skiing trails, check out the Riverside Snow Park at Riverside Golf Course. Riverside Snow Park also has hills for snowboarding, sledding and tubing.

The same is true near the Back Cove at Payson Terrain Park.

And Eastern Prom Hill is a great place to sled, tube, telemark ski, cross-country ski and snowshoe. For other opportunities, Portland Trails offers maps of the trail systems and occasional guided walks/hikes. Sharpen your blades, lace up your skates and take a spin on the ice at Deering Oaks Park, Nason’s Corner/Breakwater School Pond, Payson Park and Riverside Snow Park. At Riverside, the rink is lit for night skating.

Kon Asian Bistro Hibachi Bar offers a wide range of cuisine including sushi, sashimi, hibachi, chicken, shrimp, steak, calamari, salmon, fillet mignon, lobster tail, pad thai, teriyaki, tempura, scallop, tuna, rolls, sushi bar entree, orange ginger duck, general tso’s chicken, fried rice, fried udon, soup, salad and beef.

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/// SPECIAL RaceME SECTION ///

/// SPECIAL RaceME SECTION /// physical toughness. When running with a group, you’re surrounded by people who have experienced the same things and can help pull you out of a slump when you may have otherwise quit, had you been running solo. Helping someone achieve their goals can be as fulfilling as nailing Fleet Feet Winter Warriors your own workout.

FLEETFEETMAINERUNNING.COM So, layer up and find your tribe.

There’s something about fighting Maine Track Club the elements, pushing through it MAINETRACKCLUB.COM NNING together, and upon return, swapping FEET MAINE RU ET FLE OF Y PHOTO COURTES Old Port Pub Run high-fives and bonding over the OLDPORTPUBRUN.COM experience you just endured.

Group training keeps the conversation flowing and the miles seem to fly by.

Suddenly, those long runs don’t seem so CHELSEA PATTERSON is a member of Thick Quad Squad, a weatherproof (rain or shine) run club long anymore. and community offering free weekly runs and events for all paces. The group meets at Coffee Every runner deals with high and lows

By Design on 1 Diamond Street in Portland every Sunday at 8:00 a.m. For the most up-to-date during a run, and sometimes those lows meeting times and info, please visit our social media instagram: THICKQUADSQUADRUNNING can really take a toll on your mental and

FIND OTHER WINTER RUNNING GROUPS AROUND MAINE

COLD-WEATHER

RUNNING W inter running in Maine is the epitome of “embracing the suck,” but, dressing for the weather and joining a group

can make all the difference. The elements outside can be

intimidating, but it’s more runnable than you think. Before resorting to

the treadmill, consider with the right shoes, clothes, and planning, winter running can actually be fun.

First, invest in the gear to keep you comfortable. For temperatures in the 30s, make sure you have a base layer of an undershirt (never cotton), some kind of insulating layer, such as fleece or wool, and over that, a vest to keep your core warm.

Top that with a wind-resistant light jacket.

You’ll also need some insulated running tights or leggings that can wick away the sweat, while holding in heat. For your extremities, plan on socks with sweatresistant fabric, a hat, gloves and a neck

10 winter/spring | 2018-2019

By CHELSEA PATTERSON

warmer. Don’t wear all black: keep your layers bright so traffic can spot you.

Next, find the motivation. When the temps are below freezing, having the support of a group can help you reach your goals and stay on track. It’s easy to ignore the alarm and pull the blanket over your head, but knowing there’s a group of people waiting for you can help push excuses aside and get out the door.

Sometimes, just joining a group is the hardest part, especially if you’re new to running, but after taking the plunge into a group run, be prepared for instant camaraderie and community. Chances are there will be someone with a similar pace to your own.

Group runs can push you to do things you would never consider solo, be it a hill workout or Sunday morning long run.

PHOTOS BY CHELSEA PATTERSON

join a group for

• • • • •

Mid Winter 10 Mile Classic - February 3, 2019 Peaks Island Road Race - July 27, 2019 Maine Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay - October 6, 2019 Farm to Farm Ultra Run and Relay - October 2019 Maine Track Club Turkey Trot - November 24, 2019

• Portland Sea Dogs Mother’s Day 5K - May 12, 2019 • Pat’s Pizza Clam Festival Classic 5 Miler - July 20, 2019

For more information or to get involved, visit

MaineTrackClub.com

Founded in 1979, the Maine Track Club is Maine's largest and most active running club. Our non-profit club has over 700 members and organizes several popular road races throughout the year. Part of our over all mission is to give back to the communities we run in. In 2017, the Maine Track Club donated $105,978 in charitable donations.

Our members enjoy the camaraderie of fellow runners at races, in group runs, free training sessions, social events, our annual awards banquet, and while volunteering at races. If you are looking to be a part of an engaged running community as a beginner, or a seasoned runner, we invite you to join us and share our love for the sport in Maine, and have a blast doing it! Run with a friend!

activitymaine.com 11

ME SECTION ///

ME SECTION ///

/// SPECIAL Race

/// SPECIAL Race

WHY FLOAT? WINTER WARRIORS: COURTESY OF FLEET FEET MAINE RUNNING

RUN CLUB

FLEET FEET’S FREE PROGRAM looking for a fun and social running group?

TRAIN ON YOUR SCHEDULE MAINE SOURCE FOR QUALITY FITNESS EQUIPMENT SINCE 1983

$200 RACEME DISCOUNT

Treadmills, Ellipticals, Bikes, Rowers & Home Gyms

on Cardio Equipment!

200 Gorham Rd. South Portland (next to Olive Garden) Monday – Saturday 10 – 5:30

www.workoutfitnessme.com 772-7110 Workout Fitness Store sells top quality home and commercial fitness equipment.

They offer great service and advice to help you meet your fitness goals and turn your home into a great fitness experience! Try their equipment in store before you buy it! They have catered to all levels of abilities for over 30 years and provide top

As a part of our group, you will receive: Dedicated support and individual counseling from a “Run Club” coach.

■■ 3 group training sessions during the week (option of 5 if you attend both Portland + Brunswick!)

■■ Each week may include one structured workout (depending on race season), one group run of three to five miles, and a Saturday long run.

■■ Information clinics by coaches and vendors on proper footwear, gear, injury prevention, and nutrition featuring product try-ons and more!

■■ Planned Pub Runs, Scavenger Hunts and many other fun runs!

■■ Facebook Run Club Training Page ■■ Race Course Preview Training Runs ■■ The camaraderie of others like you with the same goal!

■■

weather bike rides,

Portlandyoga, hiking, and outdoor Where: Fleet Feet Maine Running, 309 Marginal Way, Portland

than 1,000 pounds of Epsom salt. This solution is warm, supportive, rich in magnesium and allows you to float effortlessly on the surface. The water and air are heated to the same temperature as your skin (about 94 degrees). Weightless with senses dampened; the salt solution, your body, and the air all merge and sensational boundaries become blurred. Modern float tanks are spacious and often equipped with colored lights and music options for easing into the sensory reduced environment. You can choose to turn both off and allow your central nervous system a reprieve from external stimulation. Float

sessions are recommended to be around 60-90 minutes.

Research suggests that around the 45-minute mark during a float session your body begins to show signs of reduced cortisol production, reduced inflammation, increased blood flow and dopamine production. It is a truly unique way to achieve deep physical and mental relaxation.

Floating was developed by a neuroscientist in 1954 at the National Institute of Mental Health to study the brain and its response to reduced stimulation. These studies became known as R.E.S.T. (Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy) or Sensory Deprivation.

paddling feel more like

adventures than Jan exercise.

First Night: Thursday, 3, 2019 at 6 p.m.

And waking up for that When: Tuesdays and Thursdays early-morning fitness 6 p.m., Saturdays at 9 a.m.

class ain’t so hard when Cost: FREE! Coaches: Dave Dowling, it’s 75 degrees out and Erin Flatley, John Rogers,

sunny.

Brunswick We are excited to once again offer our popular Winter Warriors Program in Brunswick this year!

Where: Brunswick store, 89 Maine Street When: Mondays and Wednesdays 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 8:00 a.m.

Cost: FREE! Coache: CeCe Camacho

quality products that offer the latest technologies to improve and protect your body!

RECOVERY

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

S

taying active intrain Looking for a fun and social running group? Join our Run Club to for your spring and summer races! Whether you are not currently the summer is active or you are a seasoned ultra marathon runner, there is a running buddy in a breeze. Warmour Run Club for you!

If you keep hearing about this floating thing, it’s for good reasons. Floating is just starting to reach the mainstream, but the concept has been around since the mid-1950s and offers many benefits, with little to no drawbacks. Top level athletes, Navy SEALs, busy executives, mindful people, pregnant women, parents, grandparents, and even some kids are experiencing how this simple practice of floating in Epsom salt can benefit their health. Floating is used for muscle recovery, relaxation, pain management, rest, mindfulness and more.

A float tank is filled with 10" of water saturated with more

Eventually float tanks were made for commercial use as well. No longer exclusively for research, they became popular with athletes and hippies. Float centers were predominately located on the west coast, however sprinkled throughout the U.S. and Europe as well. With recent research and the momentum of the speed at which information now spreads, floating is experiencing a resurgence and centers can now be found in most major cities.

As people all over are waking up to the importance of a healthy, active lifestyle, many are using floating as another tool in their wellness routine.

It couples nicely with yoga, meditation, chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture.

Try it for yourself and see how much better you can feel.

MUSCLE RECOVERY RELAXATION PAIN MANAGEMENT MEDITATION Relieve aching muscles and clear your mind! Floating in warm, Epsom salt saturated water reduces inflammation, cortisol production and can help you to reach a deep meditative state.

COME IN AND FLOAT YOUR CARES AWAY!!

For more info visit

fleetfeetmainerunning.com

12 winter/spring | 2018-2019

floatharder.com

500 Washington Ave. Portland

207.400.5187 activitymaine.com 13

Don’t go it alone ABOVE: Acadia National Park carriage

trails PHOTO BY PAT JOHNSON

MAINE OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CLUB

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOAC

encourages networking and new friendships

By JOHANNA S. BILLINGS

BELOW: Hodge Mountain, New Hampshire PHOTO BY PAT JOHNSON

H

PHOTO COURTESY OF MOAC

EADED OUTDOORS? WANT SOME COMPANY? Members of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club can always find someone

with whom to hit the trails and waterways of the Pine Tree State.

“MOAC is a member-driven organization,” said the group’s president, Jeffery Berry of South Portland. “It’s really based off what people want to do.”

The organization itself hosts four events annually, one each quarter.

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“That’s just a chance for members to get to see each other in a group setting,” said Berry, emphasizing that most of the club’s activities are organized by its approximately 700 members. Anyone who wants to plan a trip can post details on the members-only

portion of the group’s website at moac.org. Other members can then join in.

“The members who post make the decision on where they want to go,” said Berry, who joined the group about a year ago.

“The key thing is [MOAC] just gets me more active and out with like-minded individuals,” said Berry, who participated in a canoeing trip in Machias recently. “I got to have people in my canoe that I might not have met otherwise.”

He described the club as an activities and social group that aims to get people outdoors.

“We’re a social club with a hiking problem,” he quipped.

Of course, the group’s activities are not limited to hiking.

“Our outdoor activities range from peaceful and relaxing to challenging and full of excitement,” states the website. “From the extremes of winter camping, ice/ rock climbing, strenuous hiking, mountain

biking, whitewater kayaking, to the gentle sail, walk or snowshoe, MOAC has something to offer everyone.”

The group was originally founded in 1989 and ran operated through the magazine Casco Bay Weekly.

Though the magazine no longer exists, the club has survived and gone digital.

More than half of the group’s membership is retired, said Berry, though the organization is not specifically geared toward older folks. Many younger people join, but get sidetracked by work and family obligations.

“Life keeps getting in the way,” he said. “We’d like to attract more younger folks.”

Most MOAC members also live in southern Maine. In addition to organized annual activities and member-led trips, the group hosts monthly meetings in Portland. About 50 people typically attend these meetings, which include speakers discussing topics

PHOTO COURTESY OF

MOAC

ranging from outdoor cooking to first aid.

Membership is $20 annually for an individual and $30 for a family. It includes full access to the website, where members can organize trips and chat, as well as access to the MOAC library, which includes reviews and howto guides. It also includes a monthly emailed newsletter, discounts, voting privileges and even what the website describes as a “nifty” car decal.

For those who want to know more, the monthly meetings are open to the public as are some of activities, such as films devoted to conservation topics, trail maintenance days, a fall foliage paddle and winter activities.

JOHANNA S. BILLINGS is an avid hiker as well as an award-winning writer and photographer. She is based in Steuben.

activitymaine.com 15

26 ROUTE

/// ROUTE 26 ///

PHOTO COURTESY OF HIGH VIEW FARM

PHOTO BY CHERYL BARKER

H

EADING NORTH ON RT 26 FROM PORTLAND TO GRAY TAKES YOU TO THE HEART OF MAINE’S WINTER PLAYGROUND. When

planning your trip, leave some extra time to visit these great destinations along the way. Carter’s XC Ski in Oxford has purposely built fat bike trails and the Green Machine Bike Shop offers fat bike rentals on site. Other noteworthy places to ride are Shepard’s Farm Preserve in Norway and Range Pond State Park in Poland. Snowmobile trails are also a great option; just be sure to ask permission from your local snowmobile club, as not all snowmobile trails are fat-bike friendly.

Interested in mushing? Founded in 1977 by mushers Grey and Kathy Pickett, Nooksack Racing Supply is a provider of topquality equipment (proudly made in Maine, USA) for novice and experienced mushers and dog-powered sports. Friendly, courteous and knowledgeable staff will help you and your four-legged friends.

Stop in Smedberg’s Farm roadside stand in Oxford for made-inMaine products such as maple syrup, honey, fruit salsa, pottery, soaps and ornaments. In winter, pick up your fresh cut Christmas trees and in the summer, try their own One Cow Homemade Ice Cream that’s “udderly delicious.” Smedberg’s Farm is an experience unlike any other. They have been growing and making many updates to the store this past year. Stop by and see what is new and take homemade baked goods including pies, breads and delicious homemade baked beans and chicken pies home with you. Smedberg’s all-natural, home-grown beef, pork and lamb are raised on the farm and fed from the field, with no added

events 2018-19 Down East Sled Dog Events & Meetings FEB 16-17 Farmington Frolic (Maine State Championship) Sandy River Farm RT 2 Farmington, Maine

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FEB 24 Fun Day Sunset Ridge (tentative) Sunset Ridge Golf Club 771 Cumberland St Westbrook ME

hormones. Also available: home-grown beef and pork, seafood and live lobster.

Creaser Jewelers owners Dennis and Julie Creaser have turned their love of gemstones and jewelry into a thriving small business which specializes in Maine gemstones (Maine tourmaline, Maine amethyst), fine jewelry and custom design. Dennis has dedicated over 20 years to gemcutting and jewelry design – and the pursuit of Maine gemstones. He facets and carves gems with one goal in mind: create the brightest, cleanest, most beautiful jewel possible.

He designs jewelry to perfectly enhance, perfectly compliment a beautiful gemstone. Julie has more than 12 years experience in business management and customer service and a lifetime of appreciation for fine jewelry. This, combined with her knowledge of styles and trends, both current and traditional, guarantee their customers’ satisfaction.

At High-View Farm in Harrison, establish a tradition for your family and friends and enjoy winter in all its snowy glory. A sleigh ride stirs the senses and relaxes the soul: strong horses, crisp country air, and jingling bells—when you crawl into bed after a sleigh day, you’ll sleep deeply, wrapped in the ride’s wonders.

• • • •

Expert In-house Jewelry Repair & Restoration Fine Jewelry • Maine Tourmaline Custom Design • Maine Amethyst Gem Cutting • Mineral Museum

145 Main Street, South Paris, ME • 800.686.7633

creaserjewelers.com

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HITE HEAT CASTS AN IMPRESSIVE VISION FROM THE ROAD LEADING INTO SUNDAY RIVER. From the proper angle, it looks like a wall of white. If you didn’t have a healthy respect for White Heat and Shock Wave (to the left looking up), the warning signs posted as you get off the chair will have you paying attention. It starts off with a couple of nice gentle rollers, then the long consistent pitch drops off and you know you’re in for a good ride.

Early in the day when skier’s right (looking downhill) is freshly groomed, you will not find a snow surface any finer. The smooth corduroy begs you to unleash as much speed and as high an edge angle as you dare. The first time I skied White Heat, the snow was firm, but easy to carve. I could hear the snow landing and sliding from the rooster tail coming off my skis. I was honestly giggling by the time I reached the bottom.

Approach White Heat with fresh legs, smooth snow surface, and sharp edges.

Then, whether you opt for smooth, rhythmic speed control turns or laying them over as far as you can in huge giant slalom turns embracing your inner Ted Ligety, you’ll want all your strength, balance, and concentration.

Pay particular attention to that last part—concentration. If you tumble on White Heat, several things will happen.

You will spread your gear in a classic “yard sale”; you will slide a considerable distance, and last but most certainly not least, you will be vocally and ruthlessly

INGREDIENTS ■■

White Heat at Sunday River

■■

Fifty Stone Highland Style Whiskey

■■

Glass with one ice cube

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNDAY RIVER

judged by the skiers and riders on the chair running right over White Heat. It always reminds me of the Lunch Rocks crowd at Tuckerman Ravine. Whenever someone eats it, there’s a moment of respectful silence to ensure they’re not injured, then uproarious cheers and laughter once they raise a hand.

Once you’ve blazed a couple of runs down White Heat, you’ll need some refreshment. Equip yourself with a bottle of Fifty Stone Highland Style Whiskey.

This whiskey reminds me of a Balvenie or a Glenmorangie—a smooth single malt style with a bit of complexity hidden beneath its smooth golden complexion.

You won’t be disappointed with the first sip, the warm embrace, and the smooth finish. I prefer it with a single ice cube to impart a wee bit of water to open the whiskey and cool it down. So, pour yourself a glass, and have a seat. Better yet, pour yourself a double.

LAFE LOW is the former editor of Explore New England and Outdoor Adventure magazines. He is also the author of Best Tent Camping: New England, Best Hikes on the Appalachian Trail: New England, and 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Boston, 2nd Edition. He has no more room in his garage for any more skis, but that will not stop him from trying. activitymaine.com 19

/// BETHEL, MAINE ///

M A I N E ’ S W I N T E R P L AY G R O U N D

Bethel

Maine’s Most Beautiful Mountain Village

Call for a free Visitors’ Guide and map

800-442-5826 | www.BethelMaine.com

THINK SNOW

Photos: © 2018 S.Vlaun /MMGM

PHOTO COURTESY OF

MAINE GEMSTONES. LOCALLY MINED, GLOBALLY WORN. MUSEUM STORE & PREVIEW GALLERY JEWELRY | MAINE GEMS | GIFTS

99 MAIN STREET | BETHEL, MAINE | 207.824.3036 | www.mainemineralmuseum.org

20 winter/spring | 2018-2019

MARK ETTINGER

outdoor writers wanted Email subscribe@activitymaine.com with ideas or content!

events | Bethel

Be sure to check activitymaine.com for the most up-to-date information.

DEC. 2: Light Up Main Street Jingle Walk – Watch Main Street businesses light up one-by-one as carolers walk up Main Street towards the town common to light the Christmas tree.

Santa will accompany the parade on a firetruck! Meet at Philbrook Place by 3:45 pm to participate. Tree lighting on the common will take place at approximately 4:45 pm.

DEC. 3: Santa Sunday Sunday River.

Dress up as Santa, make a donation to the Sunday River Charitable Fund, you can ski for free. (Pre-registration required online Nov. 27). sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754 DEC. 9,16, 23: Horse-drawn wagon rides through historic Bethel village.

Free! Meet in front of the Chapman Inn on the corner of Church Street and Main St. 1-3pm.

DEC. 15-18: Winterfest Weekend Sunday River. 24 Hour Race (either support The Dempsey Center or SRCF) Meet Santa and Eddy the Yeti (times & locations TBD), Barker Birthday Party, $5 night skiing (4-8 pm), fireworks at South Ridge at 8:30 pm on Saturday. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754 JAN. 1: 33rd Carter’s Last Stand Carter’s XC Ski Center. 786 Intervale Road, Bethel. Come celebrate with a New Year ski or snowshoe followed by a potluck lunch & bonfire. cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880 JAN. 8-12: Children's Festival Week Sunday River. An entire week of family fun with plenty of activities including scavenger hunts, live entertainment, movies, and themed Perfect Turn kid's ski and snowboard clinics. Plus, kids can ski, snowboard, rent, learn, and stay-all for free when staying with a paying adult! sundayriver.com, 800543-2754 JAN. 25-29: Veterans No Boundaries Sunday River. Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation invites disabled veterans, active-duty personnel, and wounded warriors from all over the country along with their families and caregivers for a weekend of camaraderie and self-discovery. maineadaptive.org, 800-639-7770 FEB. 4: Winter Triathlon Bethel Village Trails at The Bethel Inn Resort.

Register for a snowshoe, ski and fat biking race and have fun on the village’s newest 5k trail! mahoosucpathways.org, 207-824-6276

FEB. 9-11: White Out Weekend (WOW) Sunday River. WOW is all about stellar skiing and riding, special events, including a themed party, fireworks, and après-ski socials, all hosted by Sunday River Resort in association with The OutRyders, New England's largest GLBTQ ski and snowboard club. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754 FEB. 10: Fat Bike Race #1 Bethel Village Trails. Start time 10am. mahoosucpathways.org, 207-824-6276 Feb. 18: Fat Bike Race #2 Shepard’s Family Farm Preserve, 121 Crockett Ridge Road, Norway. Start time 10am. wfltmaine.org, 207-739-2124 MAR. 4: Fat Bike Race (Bethel Village Trails or Carter’s XC Ski - TBA). Start time 10am. mahoosucpathways.org, 207-824-6276 MAR. 12: MS Camp Sunday River.

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation will host a dedicated day of programming for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis. maineadaptive. org, 800-639-7770 MAR. 24: 33rd Annual Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation Ski-A-Thon Sunday River. Hundreds of skiers, riders, volunteers, and participants join together raise money for Maine Adaptive’s free programs. Once again this year, the Ski-A-Thon will include The Something Bigger Rando Race, part of the New England Rando Series.

Start a team, register for the race, or donate today. maineadaptive.org, 800-639-7770 APRIL 6-7: Maine Brewers Fest “Spring Session” Sunday River. This is Sunday River's way of celebrating another great season. Live music, Margarita Mix-Off, Slip 'N' Flip, and more. sundayriver.com, 800-5432754 APR. 5-8: Spring Fling Weekend Mt. Abram Ski Area. Bloody Mary Mix-off on Saturday at 11am and see where it goes from there…. mtabram.com, 207-875-5000 APRIL 14: Spring Après Concert #3, Pond Skimming, and Bloody Mary Brawl: Sunday River Resort will host its third live show, featuring live music slopeside at South Ridge along with a barbecue and family-friendly fun.

Which Bloody Mary reigns best in the land? You be the judge. Restaurants from around the state will be providing samples of their Bloody Mary concoctions. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

/// BETHEL, MAINE ///

Welcome to

BETHEL T

HE CENTERPIECE OF WINTER SPORTS IS SUNDAY RIVER, eight mountain peaks connected by 135+ trails, across 870 acres of developed trails and glades served by 15 lifts. It’s a family-friendly place, where kids love the slope-side

entertainment and snow tubing at South Ridge and teens appreciate the six terrain parks. Cross-country skiers find trails and equipment right in town at Bethel Nordic Ski Center, at the start of 30km of classic and skate tracks, through forests and across fields with views of the Mahoosuc Mountains. Five miles of snowshoe trails and a skating rink make this a onestop winter recreation center. Plenty of scenic trails are available, too, for those who prefer to explore the woods and fields on a snowmobile.

For rooms, dining and an après-ski scene in one place, consider The Sudbury Inn (thesudburyinn.com), a familyfriendly inn with a French bistro and lively Suds Pub, featuring more than 29 beers on tap. The free Mountain Explorer (mountainexplorer. org) shuttle takes skiers right to Sunday River and home again, so you can leave your car right at the inn.

No winter getaway is complete without some quality après-ski time. Check out Rooster's Roadhouse, a chef-owned casual restaurant and pub, located just one mile outside the village of Bethel, five miles from Sunday River Resort, and just six miles from Mt. Abram. Their pub fare includes Rooster’s char-grilled half-pound burgers, grilled

chicken sandwiches, buffalo wings, nachos, wraps and specialty pizzas. The upstairs pub sports a full bar, nine beer on tap, an excellent wine list, four TVs, a 100" projection TV, and Free WiFi. Stop by the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum, a unique and valued, year-round, visitor-centered resource in town. MMGM offers many opportunities to visitors, and the beauty of the specimens and collections cannot be put into words. See their website mainemineralmuseum.org for more on this wonderful attraction.

As you can see, there’s plenty of winter fun in Bethel; stop by the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce (bethelmaine.com) at Station Place in the center of town to learn more or call (207) 824-2282.

activitymaine.com 21

SARAH WEAFER PHOTO COURTESY OF

r e t Win s l e e n o Wh

By SAISIE MOORE

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEMBA

The growing popularity of fat biking has opened the door to exhilarating winter riding across Maine.

Prepare to meet the powder with our newcomer’s guide.

D

ID YOU, ONCE AGAIN, HANG UP YOUR BIKE HELMET FOR THE SEASON WITH A PANG OF REGRET? The colder months no longer need to be an enforced separation from two

wheels. Fat bikes make it easy for riders of all levels to explore Maine’s snowy trails with ease, once you know what to wear, where to go and how to stay safe.

Meet Your Ride Don’t let the chunky tires and rigid frame intimidate you; fat bikes are designed to float smoothly over snow, sand, and mud. While most models have only front suspension or none at all, the balloon-like four-to-fiveinch tires cushion impact and offer stability, even on heavy terrain. The sport’s booming popularity means

that bike shops such as Gorham Bike & Ski in Portland or Barker Mountain Bikes in Bethel will kit you out with a rental and a helmet for $40-$65. All designated trail areas listed below also offer fat bike rentals, along with the purchase of a day trail pass. Make sure the shop fits you with the correct size bike and suitable tire pressure for the day’s conditions.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEMBA

22 winter/spring | 2018-2019

activitymaine.com 23

PREPAREDNESS

for Winter Travel

By ALEX RIBAR

A

s many of you stack firewood or get the oil tanks filled preparing for winter, it’s a good time to prepare your vehicle for winter travel as well. Here are a few items that you should always have in an emergency kit in your vehicle.

For the vehicle ■■ A good set of jumper cables ■■ Tow strap or chain ■■ A full-size spare tire if possible ■■ A basic tool kit ■■ Road flares

For you and passengers A backpack or a tote in your trunk should contain batteries, a flashlight, an emergency radio, a space blanket and/or winter sleeping bag, an extra pair of socks, gloves and a hat, water and snacks (especially high-energy bars), matches and/or a lighter, candles, a first aid kit, a knife/ multi tool, and a small shovel.

24 winter/spring | 2018-2019

Most people who live in the Northeast and in very rural areas need to carry the above items at a minimum. It is easy to plan for an outdoor adventure such as skiing, camping or ice fishing, but If you find yourself stranded between point A and point B, it could be a life-or-death situation if you have not prepared accordingly. If you’re going to venture out this winter, make sure to rip this page out, tape it to your dashboard, and buy these items before the ice and snow start to fly.

Layer Up Like most cold-weather activities, the key to comfortable fat biking lies in layering. The initial acceleration in the cold air will feel chilly, but after a few minutes pedaling, you’ll heat up fast. Wear a sweat-wicking base layer in either a wool or polyester blend to ensure you stay warm and dry. Combine this with a waterproof outer shell or a mid-layer fleece on extra cold or windy days.

Thermal tights or leggings will do the trick on dry days and can be combined with waterproof pants for slushier conditions. A chamois is also a great way to keep a little cushion between you and the bike seat during longer rides.

We all know the key to happiness with winter sports is warm fingers and toes. A pair of ski socks and hiking boots provide suitable footwear for beginners. You may lean toward mittens for warmth, but gloves are preferable as they allow braking dexterity. Ski or winter-running gloves will do the trick. A microfiber neck warmer that can double as a headband will cut the cold air to your face and sit comfortably beneath the most important accessory of all: a helmet. Don’t leave without one.

Fuel the Fun The dry, cold Maine air will make hydration a numberone priority. Fix a water bottle to your frame or carry a CamelBak filled with hot water and drink it often to counter insensible water loss. Reward your imminent exercise early by stocking up on calories before you ride.

Winter sports demand a lot of energy, so feast on a mix of carbs and protein before you

go and bring along energy gels and bars for a mid-ride refuel.

Happy Trails While large tires allow you to cruise over a variety of terrain and snow conditions, the best riding is found on groomed trails, where packed snow makes pedaling easier.

This means you can ride with caution on snowmobile trails networks throughout the state. Sugarloaf isn’t just for skiers anymore; the Carrabassett Valley has picturesque riding among its Nordic trail network.

Elsewhere in southern Maine, Pineland Farms allows bikers access to its 15 miles of snowshoeing trails. For $30 you’ll get a bike, helmet and trail pass for two hours.

This season, Bethel Village Trails expanded its trail system to include more than miles of dedicated fat bike access in western Maine.

A trail pass and bike rental can be obtained from Barker Mountain Bikes for $45. For a full day’s biking up north, the AMC Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness offers 80 miles of ski and snowmobile trails east of Moosehead Lake.

It’s essential to check snow conditions prior to riding, just as you would skiing.

Trail networks may expand or limit fat bike access depending on conditions.

SHE SHREDS

If you ever felt like mountain biking was a boy’s club, it’s time to meet the fearless Single Track Sisters of southern Maine. The women’s biking community has grown via Facebook since 2010 to include more than 500 members who organize three weekly rides for every ability level during the summer and regular fat bike rides during the winter, conditions permitting.

The discussion board provides valuable advice on trail conditions and biking events in the area, but the real magic of the community lies in the unwavering support and advocacy it shows female mountain bikers. Ride on!

PHOTO COURTESY OF AMANDA DEVINE

AUGUSTA

SAISIE MOORE has worked at Portland Monthly and The Daily Telegraph in London.

When she’s not writing, she explores Maine and beyond in a converted camper van with mountain bike in tow.

activitymaine.com 25

/// HIGH PEAKS REGION ///

RANGELEY

& the

HIGH PEAKS Region

Nestled at the base of Saddleback Mountain in Maine’s western mountains, the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center has something for everyone. In spring, summer, and fall hikers and bikers enjoy the rolling terrain and scenic vistas. In the winter months, with over 200 inches of annual snowfall, skiers, snowshoers, and fat tire bikers savor our meticulously groomed trails. We are building a world-class, multi-use trail system! Check out our web page and find out how you can help! See you on the trails soon! www.rangeleylakestrailscenter.org

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FARMINGTON

4TH ANNUAL

Winterpaloozah!

FEBRUARY 17, 2019 • HALEY POND PARK, RANGELEY

This year’s Winterpaloozah! will feature popular events from lasat year plus a new event: Saucer Bowling. Imagine being pushed by your friends down a slippery track into a setup of bowling pins?

(Only the pins will be empty 5 gallon water cooler jugs.)

Co-sponsored by the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce and the Rangeley Skating Club, we hope to see more people come out and enjoy a winter day in town and support these two organizations.

For more details please visit Facebook: RangeleyWinterpaloozah or call 864-5571 or 864-2771.

FREE EVENTS

PALOOZAH PASS EVENTS

Saucer Bowling

Paloozathon Race

Ice Skating

Cardboard Sled Race

Pond Hockey

Dog Keg Pull

Curling

Firewood Toss

Snow Golf

Fat Tire Bike Race

Winter Kite Flying

Paloozah Carry

PHOTO BY CHERYL BARKER

Surrounded by beautiful lakes and with 10 of Maine’s highest peaks within reach, this world class four-season town comes alive with winter events!

Snowshoeing Fat Tire Bike Rides Kick Sleds Horse & Wagon Rides Marshmallow Roast Snow Kite Demo Music on the Pond

26 winter/spring | 2018-2019

PHOTO COURTESY OF NANCY PERLSON

activitymaine.com 27

/// HIGH PEAKS REGION ///

or give us a call!

207.235.6008

mainehighpeaks.com

The All New RANGELEY

POND HOCKEY FESTIVAL FEBRUARY 1 – 3

Caryn Dreyfuss, Broker

Buying? Selling? Investing?

Contact Me Directly

(207) 233-8275

2478 Main Street, Rangeley, ME • Cell caryndreyfuss@morton-furbish.com • realestateinrangeley.com

This event brings teams from all over New England and then some.

Several rinks are created on Haley Pond behind the Rangeley Inn. All day Saturday the teams play each other hoping to make the top ranks for playoffs on Sunday.

The Rangeley Inn serves as hockey central Friday night as players arrive and catch up with stories of the past year. Everyone enjoys a wonderful appetizer spread and a few beverages waiting for more teams to show up and to get the game plan for the following day.

Under new name and management, The Rangeley Pond Hockey Festival will have 5 divisions: 25-34 age group (new), Men’s Open (35-50), Men’s Masters (50+) Women’s Open and Women’s Just for Fun. Also NEW this year, a rink will be dedicated to kids hockey. Hockey players from the festival will be available to help the kids improve their hockey skills. We hope to inspire young girls and boys and their families to get outdoors and get some exercise while having a blast on the ice.

For those wanting to take part please see facebook newenglandpondhockey

for more information. You may also call Linda at

864-2771. Online registrations are available at TeamSnap.Com/Rangeley Pond Hockey.

foundation… resulting in a slow sinking over the last 98 years. Despite this, it has welcomed thousands of visitors to Rangeley.

The Rangeley Inn’s historic Ellis Wing was originally known as the Frazer Inn, and it was built in 1900 just down the street from its current location. It was moved and attached to The Rangeley Inn in 1920 but never given a proper

28 winter/spring | 2018-2019

Over the winter of 2017 to 2018 the building’s foundation, structure, and plumbing were completely updated. Modern amenities were added and guestrooms were updated with new finishes and furnishings that would still reflect the building’s history. The project also resulted in the creation of 2 two-bedroom suites that can accommodate groups of up to 6 people.

The project was essential for improving the comfort and safety of the inn's guests, and also for preserving this historic landmark for another 100 years.

The Ellis Wing reopened in June 2018 and the updated accommodations have been extremely popular with the inn's frequent visitors.

Serving Lunch & Dinner Home-Cooked Meals Pizza • Burgers • Steak • Fish Hot & Cold Sandwiches Drink & Draa Specials

Vintage snowmobile racing PHOTO COURTESY OF TAME THE TRACK SNOWMOBILE RACES

POLAR BLAST

events |

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7TH • Cribbage and Pool Tournament 7:00 PM at the Stratton Plaza • Great Polar Silent Auction begins.

Stratton Plaza • Live entertainment at Tea Pond FRIDAY FEBRUARY 8TH • Ice Skating at Blanchard Park 8:00 AM -5:00 PM • Polar Bear Bonfire & Crazy Cardboard Sled Slide in Eustis Village 6:00PM • Fire Works on Pumpkin Pond in Eustis Village 8:15PM • Kathy’s Karaoke – at the Stratton Plaza • Live Music with the Band Ragged Jack 9:00 PM at Trails End Steak House

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 9TH • Polar Blast Breakfast at the Community Building 7:00 AM • Ice Skating 10:00 AM -2:00 PM at Blanchard Park • Radar Run at Arkies Runway 10:00 AM -1:30 PM • Chili, Chowder and Stew Contest 11:00 AM -2:00 PM at the Stratton Plaza • Vintage Snowmobile Racing with Tame the Track Tour 11:00 AM -4:00 PM Behind the Fire Station (Quincy's field) • Polar Blast Awards 4:00 PM Stratton Plaza • Super Raffle 7:00 PM at Trails End Steak House • Live Music with the Band Skosh 9:00 PM at Trails End Steak House • Live Music with the Band TBD 9:00 PM at the Stratton Plaza • Matt and the Barnburners at Tea pond 8 - 12

Arcade • Pool Tables • Cornhole Live Entertainment on Weekends Li Trailer Parking — NEW ROOMS — ATV & Snowmobile Trail Access Great Cross Country Skiing!

Check Out Our New Trailside Deck with Open Fire Pit

activitymaine.com 29

Winter

GEAR REVIEWS

YAKTRAX DIAMOND GRIP AND SUMMIT

By LAFE LOW

LIBERTY ROGUE OUTDOORS SHIVER SHIELD EXTREME COLD WEATHER GEAR

By ALEX RIBAR

S

hiver Shield is a line of extreme cold weather gear manufactured to JULIE EVANS JULIE@VERDEPR.COM • VERDE BRAND COMMUNICATIONS

be thin, light, and resistant to the coldest temperatures on earth.

Using NASA-inspired technology, the insulation is just three-to-

five mm thick and will withstand the cold better than any other gear on the market. Shiver Shield also stands behind their jackets and pants with a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

In March 2018, Liberty Rogue Outdoors put the Shiver Shield Extreme Cold Weather Gear to the test. I personally spent two days and two nights testing this product on a mountain near my home here in Maine. My only clothing was the Shiver Shield jacket and pants. I used a tarp for shelter and did not use a sleeping bag.

I slept on the ground with just the Shiver Shield gear, a good pair of cold weather boots and gloves as

well as the Shiver Shield Beanie. I was comfortable and warm all night!

Shiver Shield has been featured on the CBS show “The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation,” where the host of the program was sprayed down with liquid nitrogen.

That’s -320 degrees Fahrenheit! The clothing remained pliable and did not get brittle and the host remained protected throughout the ordeal.

For extreme cold weather adventures, such as ice fishing, snowmobiling and hunting, Liberty Rogue Outdoors highly recommends Shiver Shield gear. I personally feel you can go further, stay outside longer, and fulfill your quest.

For more information on Shiver Shield and the products they offer, go to WWW.SHIVERSHIELD.COM

Watch Shiver Shield in Action Check out Alex’s promo video and complete review here:

Walking or hiking anywhere in Maine is often a bruiseand-embarrassmentinducing exercise once the temperature hovers steadily below the freezing mark.

The wisest walkers among us will equip ourselves with a pair of Yaktrax traction cleats. These beauties will have you saying, “Ice? What ice?”

There’s a whole range of burliness levels for the different Yaktrax models, from commuting down Congress Street in Portland to summiting Old Speck on a day that would keep the Yeti in his cave. The line includes the Walk, Run, Pro, Diamond Grip, Summit, and Ski models. The lower models are fine for ensuring you won’t perform a dramatic pratfall as you’re entering the office, but the Diamond Grip and Summit are the ones for more serious—and safe—winter hiking. The Ski model, as the name implies, is to keep you similarly attached to Mother Earth while walking from your car to the chairlift. Ski ($20), Diamond Grip ($45), The Summit ($90)

Secure Your Size As with any footwear, even an accessory like this, sizing is critical. Yaktrax recommends adding two sizes for insulated boots like Sorels or something like that. For regular hiking boots, the general S, M, L, XL, XXL should be fairly accurate.

MSR EVO TRAIL SNOWSHOES

By CAREY KISH From the packed snow of groomed tracks to the variable conditions in the wooded hills and mountains—for all but the most technical terrain, really— MSR Evo Trail snowshoes are up to the task, as they have reliably been for more than two decades and for untold numbers of confident users. The Evo Trails feature a super versatile binding that are easy to get in and out of with gloved hands, and accept a wide variety of winter boot types. Bonus: the bindings lay flat and are easily strapped to your pack. The eight-inch wide, 22-inch long plastic decking accommodates many different users (body weights, gear carried) and snow conditions (hard pack to deep powder). Use the six-inch tail extensions for even greater flotation. Fulllength steel traction blades, molded braking bars and toe crampons offer secure purchase.

For extended snowshoe adventures, extra straps, strap clips and the tiny repair kit are recommended. $139 (the Float Tails are an additional $49) after that!

RETAIL PRICE:

HTTP://BIT.LY/ LIBERTY-ROGUE1 HTTP://BIT.LY/ LIBERTY-ROGUE2

30 winter/spring | 2018-2019

activitymaine.com 31

Students in UMaine Farmington’s Outdoor Recreation Business Administration program (ORBA), a degree that combines students’ passion for the great outdoors with marketable skills, allows them to manage or start their own fourseason outdoor recreation-related businesses. PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FARMINGTON

PHOTO BY SUSAN ATWOOD

FARMINGTON GET YOUR Wilton OUTDOORS ON The University of Maine at Farmington

and

LOCAL SKIERS ENJOY Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley as well as Titcomb Mountain in West Farmington. Titcomb Mountain is big enough to offer a variety of terrain, yet small enough that families are quickly at ease. Here, you’ll find both alpine and Nordic skiing opportunities. Titcomb Mountain has added new upgraded snowmaking system and the lodge has added a new stone patio with a grill and fire pit. The mountain has snowmaking capacity to cover 70 percent of its alpine terrain and lighted trails for night skiing, also a new small lighted XC Ski loop trail. Northern Lights Rental Shop, located at Titcomb Mountain, offers ski and snowboard rentals for children and adults.

FMI: titcombmountain.com, or 207778-9031.

Wilton, Maine, is a fourseason destination nestled in the foothills of Western Maine on the shores of beautiful Wilson Lake. While most of the

32 winter/spring | 2018-2019

well-known areas in Maine get lots of press, you’ll find a gold mine of other destinations to call your own. Located in the hub of Maine’s recreational mecca–Wilton is less than one hour from Saddleback, Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Black Mountain and Titcomb ski areas. It’s also located on ITS 82 and 89.

A perfect accommodation for this area is The Wilson Lake Inn. They deliver unsurpassed value, warm hospitality, and personalized service you can only find at a family-operated inn. The guest rooms, studios and suites are bright, clean, spacious and quiet. Continental breakfast includes freshly ground coffee, bakery fresh coffee cakes and muffins, fresh fruit and juice to get you off to a great start to explore this winter wonderland. Inn owners Tom and Susan invite you to enjoy the peace, serenity and service that will exceed your expectations. As your base camp for a fun-filled getaway, they want to share the snow

PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FARMINGTON

W

estern Maine is nationally acclaimed as a winter and spring outdoor adventure capital – attracting outdoor enthusiasts

from across North America and beyond to the region.

PHOTO BY SCOTT LANDRY

With outstanding ski areas, cross-country skiing and covered hills and valleys that surround the lake and provide you endless opportunities for skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing and ice fishing. In 1876, George Henry Bass founded G. H. Bass & Company on Wilson Lake in Wilton. Bass shoes were manufactured here until the family sold the business in 1998. Today, Calzolaio Pasta Company, an Italian Restaurant with some American alternatives, is located in the historic former shoe factory building. The restaurant features homemade sauces and pasta, brick oven-style pizza, fresh Maine seafood and natural meats. It’s open

seven days a week from 11 a.m to 9 p.m. for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

Are you ready to purchase that mountain getaway or new snowmobile? At Franklin Savings Bank, they’ll be happy to assist you in the process. The bank has convenient locations in Farmington, Jay, Mexico, Mount Blue, Rangeley, Rumford, Skowhegan and Wilton. You’ll also find ATMs at most of these locations. To learn more about all of the businesses and events in Farmington, visit the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce on the web at: franklincountymaine.org or call 207-778-4215.

snowshoeing trails, fat bike trails, whitewater rafting, kayaking, snowmobiling, fly-fishing, hiking and more, western Maine is also home to the University of Maine at Farmington, a nationally ranked college with a strong connection to active outdoor adventure.

Perfectly situated at the gateway to Sugarloaf, Sunday River and the area’s charming ski areas, UMF is smack in the middle of some of the best hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, camping and rafting in the northeast. Miles of trail running and mountain bike paths are situated just off campus with groomed Nordic skiing trails and night skiing

at Titcomb Mountain located on the other side of town.

The Sandy River flows right beside its athletics fields, ideal for swimming, paddling and fishing. Or hike the Flint Woods and Bonny Woods trails a short walk up the street from campus. And a quick drive takes outdoorsoriented UMF students to the extensive the Maine Huts & Trails system, the Appalachian

Trail, Mt. Blue State Park and Tumbledown Mountain, as well as Wilson and Clearwater Lakes.

The University of Maine at Farmington capitalizes on its unique environment, offering an Outdoor Recreation Business Administration program (ORBA), a degree that combines students’ passion for the great outdoors with marketable skills, allowing them to manage or start their own four-season outdoor recreation-related businesses.

Farmington’s ORBA program was developed with input and guidance from leaders in the outdoor adventure and tourism industry – business leaders who informed UMF of the specific skillsets they sought in their own workforce.

Farmington’s ORBA students gain the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety

of outdoor recreation fields: marketing, writing and oral presentation, event management and planning, problem solving and decision-making, leadership and more. ORBA also has a required internship, which provides Farmington students with practical hands-on experience and a valuable network of professional contacts.

UMF also offers an Alpine Operations Certificate program that provides core skills in the skiing industry, while also preparing students to earn PSIA Level-1 certification. The Alpine Ops program uses Farmington’s Titcomb Mountain (just seven minutes from campus) as its on-hill learning lab. Students run UMF SnowCats Learn to Ski Program for and also teach young adults, fellow UMF

activitymaine.com 33

/// FARMINGTON/WILTON ///

Wilson Lake Inn

Come play in the foothills of Western Maine.

   

30 Guest rooms, Studios, and Suites Direct access ITS 82 & 89 Great restaurants close by Within 1 hr. of all major ski areas

for his AD Bring t count 10% dis

183 Lake Road Wilton, Maine 04294

207.645.3721 800.626.7463 students, and others how to ski and snowboard.

Thanks to a generous donation from Sunday River and Sugarloaf, all full-time UMF students get a free season pass to Titcomb Mountain and free learn-to-ski and learn-to-ride lessons, taught by fellow UMF students in its Alpine Operations Certificate program.

And to help all UMF students – as well as members of the area community –take full advantage of Farmington’s perfect location. The University offers a backpack full of epic outdoor adventures through its popular Mainely Outdoors adventure program.

Mainely Outdoors offers students and the public a range of exciting guided trips,

clinics and events: hiking Tumbledown Mountain, overnight camping at Acadia National Park, mountain biking the Carrabassett Rail Trail, skiing at Sugarloaf, overnight camping at Gulf Hagas, hiking the Poplar Stream Falls trail, snowshoeing the Maine Huts & Trails system, Learnto-Ski-&-Ride at Titcomb Mountain. Mainely Outdoors even rents gear: snowshoes, Nordic skis, mountain bikes, canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, camping gear and more.

If you’re into the outdoors, as many of college students are, then the University of Maine at Farmington is a perfect location to spend your college years.

www.wilsonlakeinn.com

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activitymaine.com 34

explore

PHOTO COURTESY OF GRAY GHOST CAMPS

MOOSEHEAD

M

AJESTIC MOOSEHEAD LAKE, with its 400 miles of undeveloped shoreline, surrounding mountain peaks and expansive views, provide an inspiring backdrop to escape from the everyday fast pace of life.

The winter months and the abundant snowfall open up a spectacular opportunity to explore back country trails and frozen water bodies. Wildlife abounds on our trails and it is common to see moose, deer, wild turkeys and many woodland animals up close and personal.

events |

Moosehead

COURTESY OF SEREDIPITY PHOTOGRAPHY

DECEMBER 31 The Birches-New

Years Eve Celebration birches.com

JANUARY TBA Eleventh Annual Moosehead Lake Togue Ice Fishing Derby with Ricky Craven. The Ice

Fishing Derby is for Lake Trout (Togue) caught in Moosehead Lake only. Visit nrecmoosehead.org for more details!

FEBRUARY 2 Wilderness Sled Dog Races.

100milewildernessrace.org

FEBRUARY 17 Annual Chocolate Festival. mooseheadlake.org

activitymaine.com 35

W

hen snow starts falling in the Katahdin Region, some of the best snowmobile trails in North America beckon sledders to

come and experience an awesome winter adventure.

Extraordinary beauty awaits you along the miles of well-groomed trails.

If cross-country skiing or snowshoeing is your winter sport choice, you can enjoy your passion on nearly 25 miles of packed and groomed trails in the pristine Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter hiking are permitted on ungroomed trails but it is recommended that only experienced individuals use the ungroomed trails as the terrain is often steep and uneven.

Snowmobiling is allowed on approximately 22 miles of trails within the National Monument. Local snowmobile clubs are

region

PHOTOS BY CHERYL BARKER

THE PLACE FOR WINTER ADVENTURE

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE MADORE

KATAHDIN

By JIM HARNEDY

responsible for the management of snowmobiling activities. For current local trail conditions check out The Maine Snowmobile Association’s website www.mesnow.com.

Ice fishing and winter camping opportunities are also available in the Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument. Reservations are required for walk-in primitive tent sites, and lean-tos, as well as for bunk space in primitive community huts. Winter campers must be prepared for extreme weather conditions, follow a carry in/carry out trash policy, and only use downed wood gathered in the area by the campsite for a campfire. To register contact Susan Adams, EPI Recreation Manager: 207- 852-1291, lunksoos@gmail.com

Consider treating yourself to an authentic winter adventure of dogsledding with Don and Angel Hibbs, expert dog mushers, who operate Maine Dogsledding Adventure 207-731-8885 info@mainedogssledding.com. Special half-day to two-day adventure packages are available.

You have great choices in accommodations for your winter getaway in the Katahdin Region. In Medway, you will find the Gateway Inn. It offers its guests great amenities including a large heated pool, exercise room and a continental breakfast. Your canine companions are always welcome at River’s Edge Motel where you can sled from your door to an on-site trail. After a day on the trail, enjoy a sensational pizza or some other wonderful appetizing dish prepared on the premises to please any palate. In Millinocket you will find the iconic Katahdin Inn & Suites where you will enjoy a large heated pool, hot tub, exercise, game and play room area, plus a business center, if you need to check back on work while away. You will also enjoy a continental breakfast, and yes, they are pet friendly.

The Katahdin’s Region’s annual Winterfest will occur in late February 2019. As in previous years, the celebration will include a parade of snowmobiles in downtown Millinocket followed by a bonfire in the park. The festivities will include a Kids Fishing Day at Jerry Pond. For more information contact: The Katahdin Region Chamber of Commerce: 207-723-4443.

— “THE” Place to Stay When Visiting Northern Maine —

MILLINOCKET www.katahdininnandsuites.com • info@katahdininnandsuites.com

Snowmobilers Welcome!

• Property with 77 rooms. Large heated pool, hot tub, exercise, game and play area, free internet WIFI, local calls, cable and business center.

• FREE Continental Breakfast.

• We are motorcycle and pet friendly • We provide a large free trailer parking area

740 Central Street, Millinocket, ME 04462 1-877-902-4555 • 207-723-4555

SNOWMOBILERS WELCOME! Exercise Room • Pets Welcome • Continental Breakfast —

Route 157 (Just Off I-95 Exit 244) • Medway, ME

(207) 746-3193 • MedwayGateway.com 36 winter/spring | 2018-2019

SNOWMOBILE FROM YOUR DOOR TO THE SLED TRAIL ON SITE

Complete your Katahdin getaway with great accommodations that include such amenities as a large heated pool, hot tub, exercise and play area as well as being in walking distance to restaurants – you will find it all at the Katahdin Inn & Suites.

Your Winter Get Away Awaits You — Make your reservations now — Telephone: 1-877-902-4555 or 207-723-4555 * E-mail: info@katahdininnandsuites.com

activitymaine.com 37

PHOTO BY JEFF KIRLIN

BANGOR

hikes & brews

BANGOR CITY FOREST & BANGOR BEER COMPANY

The Queen City

Text & Photos CAREY KISH

A

S EARLY AS THE 1500s, WHEN DAVID INGRAM sailed up the Penobscot River, explorers believed the region was extraordinary. Some thought that the area was possibly the lost City of Gold – Norumbega. Samuel de Champlain attempted to find the gold but settled for a lucrative fur trade with the Indians.

Lumber was the key industry in the Queen City during the city’s early history. By the late 1800s, Bangor was the busiest seaport on the East Coast shipping lumber to Europe and other parts of the United States.

Bringing You One Step Closer to Home Get Started In Minutes

J

ust minutes from the hubbub of the Bangor Mall area and Interstate 95 is a surprisingly wild 686-acre chunk of land known as the Bangor City

Forest. The property is also known as the Rolland F. Bangor has been home to many national luminaries including President Lincoln’s, Vice President, Hannibal Hamlin, as well as such contemporaries as authors Stephen King and Pulitzer Prizewinning playwright Owen Davis.

The Queen City offers visitors great accommodations and a diverse menu of fantastic dining opportunities as well as an abundance of cultural choices. The University of Maine’s Museum of Art, Maine’s Discovery Museum, The Penobscot Theatre and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra which has been providing music to Bangor audiences since 1896 are but a few of the cultural interest that one can enjoy. Outdoor winter activities including skiing/ snowboarding, Nordic skiing, hiking, ice fishing and snowmobiling abound close by.

www.regencymtg.com/rae-ann-rice

Rae Ann Rice NMLS #419094 rrice@regencymtg.com 207.974.8996

Maine Discovery Museum is loaded with kid’s activities that helps keep learning alive and fun. Art and science experiments and three floors of interactive exhibits make the museum a place where no boredom is found. mainediscoverymuseum.org.

1964 to 2006. Nine miles of trails wend through these big woods, which are popular with hikers, runners and mountain bikers, and in winter, are open for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Start at the Tripp Road trailhead, just off Stillwater Avenue, and follow the East-West Loop Trail counterclockwise for an easy and very pleasant five-mile circuit. A short distance along the trail is the Orono Bog, a mile-long do side trip (this fragile environment is closed from December 1 through April 30; so, if you miss it, plan to come back to see this ecologically rich wetland).

Oriental Jade, one of Bangor’s

LendUS, LLC DBA Regency Mortgage NMLS #1938 | 9140 | Equal Housing Opportunity

Rae Ann Rice, Home Mortgage Specialist with Regency Mortgage

38 winter/spring | 2018-2019

who cared for Bangor’s parks and woodlands from

boardwalk through a raised peat bog, and a must-

189A State Street Bangor, ME 04401

Corporation of Bangor has been assisting folks for nearly a decade through the process of purchasing or refinancing of their home. Her professional expertise, compassion and drive will turn your need into a reality. You can reach her by Tel. 207-974-8996 or by E-mail: rrice@regencymtg.com.

Perry City Forest in honor of the former city forester,

Tues.- Sat. 10am-5pm Sundays 12pm-5pm

most popular restaurants, was established in 1979 by the Lo family. Find “the Jade,” as it is affectionately referred to by locals, in a far corner of the sprawling Bangor Mall parking lot, and you’ll have also found the Bangor

Beer Company. Attached to the family’s restaurant, the brewery opened in October of 2017. Entrepreneur and cofounder, Tyson Lo, describes the decor of the comfortable tasting room as “Brooklyn in Bangor, a mix of hipster, eclectic, nostalgic and casual.

TOP: The Orono Bogwalk winds for a scenic mile through a raised peat bog.

ABOVE: Andrew Kahl serves up a flight of great brews at the Bangor Brew Company.

A really unique place in a sea of chain restaurants.”

10-2 and Catchphrase are the flagship brews; the former, a West Coast-style IPA heady with grapefruit aroma, while the latter is a less bitter New England IPA with a creamy body. Brite is a great everyday German lager, while Killed

by Death, an imperial stout, is perfect for winter sipping.

Twelve taps ensure something for every palate, from the regulars to limited releases

to surprise brews. Munchies?

Order Chinese and American delights from next door.

RESOURCES HIKE Bangor City Forest WWW.MAINETRAILFINDER.COM

BREW Bangor Beer Company WWW.BANGORBEERCO.COM

CAREY KISH of Mt. Desert Island is an avid beer drinker, editor of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide, and author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast. activitymaine.com 39

Maine Wilderness Lodges

ABOVE: Sunrise over Long Pond,

wAMC’s Gorman Chairback Lodge LEFT: AMC’s Little Lyford Lodge

Winter Adventuring into AMC’s

in the 100-Mile Wilderness

ABOVE: Skier arrives at AMC’s

By CAREY KISH

T

HE 100-MILE WILDERNESS IS PERHAPS MAINE’S MOST ENIGMATIC LANDSCAPE, a vast 750,000-acre expanse of rugged hills and

mountains, pristine lakes and ponds, free-flowing rivers and streams, and the next-to-last stretch of the renowned Appalachian Trail, all bookended

by Moosehead Lake and the West Branch of the Penobscot River.

40 winter/spring | 2018-2019

Trails galore in the 100-Mile Wilderness mean countless opportunities for day hikes and overnights treks in late spring, summer and fall. The best time to visit may well be winter, however, when cold weather adventurers can click into cross-country skis or strap on snowshoes for a wonderful journey into the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Wilderness Lodges in the heart of the region. Here, you’ll enjoy an abundance of well-marked, groomed trails by day and outstanding, off-the-

PHOTOS BY CAREY KISH

Gorman Chairback Lodge and Cabins is situated at the east

perfect for a winter weekend getaway with friends or family.

Medawisla Lodge and Cabins, on the west end of Second Roach Pond with a marvelous view of Katahdin, is accessible year-round via gravel logging roads. Miles of groomed ski trails emanate from the lodge, leading around the pond and to Shaw and Trout mountains nearby. For first-time winter visitors to the area, this place is a good choice.

Little Lyford Lodge is set amid deep woods, just a stone’s

of Long Pond in the shadow of Third Mountain, part of the wild and rugged BarrenChairback Range.

From the winter parking lot on Katahdin Iron Works Road, Hedgehog Gate Trail leads seven moderate miles to Little Lyford, while Gorman Chairback is reached in an easy 6.5 miles via Long Pond Trail. Make a long-weekend loop between the two lodges by following the Lodgeto-Lodge Trail. Guests can have overnight gear sledded into camp by snowmobile,

Gorman Chairback Lodge

grid accommodations by night, a very special experience in a remote, awe-inspiring natural setting.

AMC became a landowner in the 100-Mile Wilderness 15 years ago, a bold move that helped connect a remarkable 65-mile corridor of conservation lands, and has since acquired more than 70,000 acres. AMC operates three traditional sporting camps and has built 120 miles of multi-use trails, an outdoor recreation bonanza, which is

throw from the West Branch of the Pleasant River as well as Little Lyford Pond and its fabulous vista of Baker Mountain. Gulf Hagas, Maine’s spectacular “Grand Canyon,” is only a couple miles distant via marked ski trails.

making for lighter travel with just a daypack.

AMC’s Maine backcountry facilities feature cozy log or frame cabins, complete with a woodstove and warm bunks or beds. Each lodge sports a spacious dining room and lounge with a woodstove. Restrooms also have hot showers, and there’s a wood-fired sauna for steamy relaxation after a cold day of fun outdoors.

Meals are sumptuous and served family-style in the camaraderie of fellow travelers.

Filet mignon, salmon, roasted chicken and mountains of side dishes, plus soup or salad and fresh baked bread, are typical dinner fare. Vegetarian dishes are also available. And there’s always a delicious dessert.

Breakfast is an equally large affair, with an egg dish, a side of bacon or sausage, pancakes

or French toast, potatoes, muffins, coffee and juice.

Brown bag trail lunches include a hearty sandwich, salty snacks, cookies and fruit.

AMC’s Maine Wilderness Lodges can be a do-it-yourself adventure or you can arrange to go with an experienced guide. Either way, check with AMC for lodging information, trip planning and preparation details, trail maps, and tips for safe, enjoyable winter travel.

RESOURCES AMC’S Maine Wilderness Lodges www.outdoors.org/lodging-camping/ maine-lodges 603-466-2727

CAREY KISH of Mt. Desert Island is an avid beer drinker, editor of the AMC Maine Mountain Guide, and author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes Along the Maine Coast.

activitymaine.com 41

PHOTO BY MIKE LEONARD

/// DOWNEAST ///

An exceptional place to bank. machiassavings.bank

Winter Arrives

WAY DOWN EAST

Great accommodations and dining opportunities make Machias a perfect winter destination. Start the New Year off at the legendary Downeast Lobstah Drop at Pat’s Pizza. Bill Burke, the owner and his son, launched this all-day fun activity in 2015. A bonfire helps set the mood for a wonderful New Year’s Eve celebration. At the stroke of midnight a five-foot fiberglass lobster is lowered from the top of Pat’s Pizza In addition to Pat’s Pizza, the Bluebird Ranch Family Restaurant and Helen’s Restaurant are two of Down East’s iconic dining institutions.

Machias is a great destination for a winter getaway. The Bluebird Motel and Machias River Inn will provide guests from away with excellent amenities, as well as the special magic that is found in a small Down East town.

On February 9 you are invited to dance the night away at the Cabin Fever Gala. It will be held at the Pellon Center. For more information and tickets contact the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce – (207) 255-4402.

W

HEN NOVEMBER’S FREEZING NIGHTS SET

For more information THE DOWNEAST LOBSTAH DROP takes place all day until midnight December 31 thoughout the town of Machias. For more information including a schedule, visit downeastlobstahdrop.com.

IN, FOLKS CRANK UP THEIR WOODSTOVES,

which provides our air with the smell of seasoned

wood burning along with the fragrance of freshly-tipped balsam branches. Seasonal work is a major economic factor in Washington County, and the crafting of hundreds of thousands of beautiful Christmas wreaths and holiday decorations for shipment across America, provides job opportunities for many people.

by JIM HARNEDY

42 winter/spring | 2018-2019

Wreath making can be found across all of Down East, in the Machias area, which is home to several of the major players, Whitney Wreaths in Machias, and Flo’s Wreaths and Gay’s Wreaths in neighboring Marshfield. In addition to these companies, there are a host of small independent providers of beautiful and fragrant wreaths.

By mid-December Mother Nature has usually graced the area with a blanket of snow which launches a variety of

fun winter activities on the Down East Sunrise Trail. This 96-mile multi-use trail is dedicated to snowmobiling, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and hiking after the trail is snow covered. The trail traverses some of Maine’s most pristine landscapes of blueberry barrens, forests and breathtaking coastal scenes.

There are access points along the entire trail. In Machias one can get on the trail just before the causeway/dike.

Free Wi-Fi – Fridge, Microwave and in-room Coffee 32” HD Flat Screen TV’s with 200 channels of DirecTV

(866) 375-0177 (toll free) or (207) 255-3333 231 Dublin St. (Rt. 1) Machias, Maine www.bluebirdmotelmaine.com Activity Maine’s, Sr. Editor, Jim Harnedy’s book

A Brookline Boyhood in the 1930s and 40s Has received 5 star Amazon Reviews!

Activities

PHOTO BY SUE BLACKWELL

Member FDIC.

MIDDLE RIVER PARK offers a variety of winter activities including hiking, sledding and snowshoeing.

For more information on what’s available during the winter on Downeast Coastal Conservancy properties, visit downeastcoastalconservancy.org/ assets/2017-Winter-Access-Guide. pdf.

Lodging BLUEBIRD MOTEL 231 Dublin St. (Route 1). 207-255-3333 or reservations@bluebirdmotelmaine. More information is also available on its website at bluebirdmotelmaine. com. Special packages available for New Year’s Eve.

MACHIAS RIVER INN 103 Main St. (Route 1, right next to Helen’s), 207-255-4861, machiasriverinn.com.

Special packages available for New Year’s Eve.

Food HELEN’S RESTAURANT 111 Main St. (Route 1) 207-255-8423 HelensRestaurantMachias.com PAT’S PIZZA 168 Main St. (Route 1), 207-255-8111, patsmachias.com.

SKYWALKER’S/MACHIAS RIVER BREWING 86 Main St (Route 1), 207-259-6001. facebook.com/ Machias-River-Brewing-Company-675328812601331

Major transformational events happened during Jim Harnedy’s boyhood. His latest book takes readers on a journey to the Boston area during an era that evokes both nostalgic memories of Saturday night suppers and the challenges faced in the aftermath of the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. Through masterful storytelling and a vast assortment of vintage photos, Jim captures the culture, traditions and mood of the country during some of our nation’s most tumultuous times.

Readers of all ages will enjoy the stories Jim shares, such as the need to perform emergency surgery on a Maine Coon kitten during a 1940 vacation on an island in the northern Maine wilderness

Jim with Duncan, his

Jim’s book revisits the days when families harvested West Highland White fresh vegetables from their victory garden and Terrier gathered around the radio to listen to their favorite program. He also describes the Boston sports scene and the excitement of attending his first major league baseball game. Other stories recount the family’s narrow escape during the hurricane of 1938 on a trip to Keene, NH and the day he and his mother learned of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

He covers his rites of passage to young adulthood with stories about his first summer job, prep school life, and getting his driver’s license.

A Brookline Boyhood in the 1930s and 40s invites readers to travel back to the days before TV and the internet and recall the simple joy of life and the strength and resilience of New England families in the face of great challenges.

Contact Jim Harnedy for a signed copy.

Jim Harnedy, 2 Pettegrow Point Road, Machiasport, ME 04655 207-255-0170 | jharnedy@maineline.net

activitymaine.com 43

/// DOWNEAST /// WOMEN’S HEALTH The providers at The Women's Health Center at Down East Community Hospital specialize in delivering babies and caring for a woman’s special medical needs at every stage of her life. We are proud of the personalized, convenient health care we provide. With certified nurse-midwife, Bjani Thomas, practicing at Down East Community Hospital’s Women’s Center, we can offer women the CNM option for prenatal, maternity, and other women’s health care services as well as a full complement of services from Board Certified OB/GYNs Kara Dwight, DO and Christian Inegbenijie, MD.

For reservations: 207-255-4861  Walk out deck with river

103 Main Street Machias, Maine 04654 www.machiasriverinn.com

views  Keurig, microwave, & refrigerator  Well behaved dogs welcome  Only AAA approved lodging in Machias

Bjarni Thomas Certified Nurse Midwife With certified nurse-midwife, Bjarni Thomas, practicing at Down East Community Hospital’s Women’s Center, we can offer women the CNM option for prenatal, maternity and other women’s health care services as well as a full complement of services from Board Certified OB/GYNs Kara Dwight, DO and Dr. Christian Inegbenijie, MD. To make an appointment, call 207-255-0400.

Whether you are already expecting a baby or hoping to become pregnant, you will find the comprehensive care you need at the Women’s Health Center. For expectant mothers, we offer a complete range of pre-natal services designed to ensure the health and well-being of mom and baby throughout the pregnancy.

Also, both of our physicians are experienced in the latest treatments and medical technologies and specialize in minimally invasive laparoscopic gynecological surgeries. In addition to seeing patients in the Machias office, Bjarni Thomas, CNM will begin seeing patients at Milbridge Medical Center in 2019. To make an appointment with any of our practitioners at the Women’s Center, call 255-0400. To make an appointment with Dr. Dwight or Dr. Inegbenijie call Down East Community Hospital’s Women’s Center at 255-0400.

With so much to do, you’ll get pretty thirsty...

MAINE’S RUGGEDLY BEAUTIFUL COASTLINE is an ideal setting for outdoor activities, and travelers who wish to veer off the beaten path often look to the state’s easternmost region to satisfy their need for adventure. For some people, island-hopping in a sea kayak or hiking the coastline is a vacation. For others, it’s a lucrative career made possible by a four-year degree in Recreation & Tourism Management, provided by the University of Maine at Machias.

Nestled in the heart of Machias Valley and surrounded by miles of pristine forest and wild coastline, this small-town university offers big-time opportunities for college students who want to get their hands dirty and learn through experience in the wilderness. UMM students earn credit while they canoe, kayak, sail, hike the backcountry, and learn to navigate with a map and compass -- all while gaining essential leadership skills and working closely with faculty and peers. They also develop work experience with the university’s many community partners, such as land trusts, conservation groups, and experiential education programs.

“I turned my UMM degree into the job of my dreams,” says Matthew Cole, now a full-time conservation educator at University of Maine’s 4H Camp at Bryant Pond.

“The program, like all UMM degrees, requires students to work as interns in the field. I worked at the camp seasonally as a student.”

Looking for an everyday favorite, hard-to-find mixer, or need to place a special order? We can help. Open 365 days a year whether it’s a major holiday or a regular Saturday.

The party starts with Roopers.

“This degree prepares students for a wide variety of careers,” says program coordinator Karen Beeftink. “Our graduates can work as game wardens, adventure or interpretive guides, experiential educators, backcountry rangers, and more. We offer numerous specialized certifications to give students a competitive edge in the job market.”

A member of the class of 2017, Cole now has a professional career working in Maine’s great outdoors. “If you’re an outdoor enthusiast,” adds Cole, “Machias is the place for you!”

The University of Maine at Machias is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Study and build skills amid the coves, rivers, lakes, and forests near Maine’s coastal university. UMM’s Recreation and Tourism Management Program is accredited by COAPRT.

Visit any one of our SIX convenient package stores: AUBURN

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT MACHIAS

44 winter/spring | 2018-2019

545 Minot Avenue – 783-2047 301 Main Street – 783-9098

LEWISTON

694 Main Street – 782-1482 794 Sabattus Street – 783-6353 1420 Lisbon Street – 333-3095

OXFORD

980 Main Street – 539-6072

farmingto

ThinkingOutside Get your outdoors on.

Want a college where you can combine academics with the active outdoor lifestyle? That’s Farmington. Situated at the gateway to world-class skiing and snowboarding in western Maine, UMF is smack in the middle of some of the best hiking, mt. biking, camping, rafting, canoeing and kayaking in the northeast. This is the perfect place to be.

Partnering with Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Titcomb Mt. and others, the University of Maine at Farmington offers a unique Outdoor Recreation Business Administration major (ORBA) and an Alpine Operations Certificate. Both provide real-world experience and valuable contacts in the outdoor recreation & skiing industry — including internships. Maine’s ski areas and mountains serve as your classroom lab.

Maine’s nationally recognized public liberal arts college

farmington.edu