2016 Bethel Winter Guide

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Winter in the Western Mountains of Maine

Vacatdie!

Gui

Come Ski...

Sunday River Have you tried...

Winter Fat Biking?

Meet Mt. Abram’s Longtime Couple...

Bethel Maine Barry & Robin Nevel

16 Parkway, Bethel ME

207-824-2771

mahoosucrealty.com

info@mahoosucrealty.com

South Pond Shores Chalet $325,000

Beautiful Historic Inn $649,000

Westerly Mountain Views $189,500

Private Saltbox & Barn $225,000

Great Views - New Chalet $309,000

Paradise Road 2 Homes $250,000

Beautiful Village Home $624,000

4 Bedroom Chalet $385,000

Country Colonial $275,000

Spacious Log Home $369,000

Walk to South Ridge! $350,000

Privacy & Views $284,900

Fantastic Ski House - Viking Village $624,000

Minutes to the Mtn! - Will View $299,900

Philbrick Place - Retail $649,000

Waterfront Contemporary $674,000

Log Cabin - 25 Acres $349,900

Paradise Road Home $449,900

Outstanding Ski House & Location $497,000

Village Area 2-Unit $275,000

Bethel Village Area $219,000

Timber Creek - Great Views! $339,900

Intervale Road Cape $249,000

Post & Beam Home $369,000

4 Bedroom Chalet $295,500

Slopeside Condos $68,900+

12 Acres ~ Home & Barn $199,900

Peaks Village ~ New! $489,900

New Chalet $219,900

The Pines ~ New Condos $279,000+

Visit MahoosucRealty.com or stop by our office at 16 Parkway in Bethel to view all listings. 1-888-310-2771 BOOK YOUR NEXT VACATION

Rent Bethel offers seasonal rentals, short-term vacation rentals and long-term housing. From village town houses to private luxury homes. Contact us to book your next vacation rental.

Deer View Starting at $450/Night

Fall Line Starting at $200/Night

Powder Ridge Chalet Priced at $700/Night

Sunday Dream Starting at $400/Night

Sunset Cove Cottages Starting at $450/Night

Peaks Village Priced at $5,000/Week

Lakeholm Priced at $2,250/Week

Paradise Rd. Starting at $550/Night

Viking Village Priced at $25,000/Season

Timberlodge Priced at $18,000/Season

Flat Road Priced at $15,000/Season

Countryside Priced at $9,000/Season

Brookside Studio Priced at $6,500/Season

Round Pond Priced at $1,500/Week

Broad St. Priced at $1,200/Night

South Pond Shores Priced at $2,000/Week

www.RENTBethel.com | 207-824-3200

The western mountains of Maine is your destination for winter fun!

Table of Contents Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing................................2 Fat Bikes.................................................................................................3 Sunday River....................................................................................4-5 The 2015 Best of Bethel Awards......................................6-7 Mt. Abram.............................................................................................8 Nightlife...............................................................................................10 Bethel’s History................................................................................11 Snowmobiling.................................................................................12 Dogsledding.............................................................................13-14 White Mountain National Forest..................................15-16 Bethel’s Living Nativity...............................................................17 Ice Fishing..........................................................................................18 Winter/Spring Calendar of Events................................18-23 Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation..........................24

Mountains of slopes for downhill skiing and snowboarding, miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling, plenty of off-piste territory for telemarkers and other back-country enthusiasts — the western mountain region of Maine has it all when it comes to opportunities for winter fun in the great outdoors.

And the town of Bethel is a natural hub, affording easy access to the full spectrum of outdoor activities and, when day is done, all après amenities you could wish for to complete your visit.

Visitors have been enjoying the natural beauty of Bethel for well over a century, and using the town as a gateway to the rugged White and Mahoosuc mountains.

We know you’ll enjoy a visit to the area, and we hope this publication will give you a taste of what’s in store for you here. The advertisers you will find in these pages will all do their best to make your visit even more enjoyable.

Photo: Mt. Abram

Directories

Dining .........................................................................................26-27 Lodging..............................................................................................28 Shops & Services...................................................................29-30 Real Estate & Vacation Rentals.............................................31 Web......................................................................................................32

Subscribe to The Bethel Citizen and follow western Maine’s recreational activities (207) 824-2444 ads@bethelcitizen.com PO Box 109 Bethel, Maine 04217

Western Maine’s Hometown Paper The

Bethel Citizen www.bethelcitizen.com

Winter in Western Maine 1

Explore the endless trails western Maine has to offer There’s no better way to enjoy the beauty of the snowy Maine woods and fields than on a pair of crosscountry skis or snowshoes.

The Bethel region provides many choices of terrain.

Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center

Carter’s is located on the Intervale Road in Bethel, 3.5 miles from Route 26. The center offers a mix of gentle scenic terrain along the banks of the Androscoggin River on the west side of the road, along with more advanced and challenging trails that head up Farwell Mountain to the east. The entire Presidential and Mahoosuc ranges can be seen from the eastern trails.

There are 60 kilometers of trails, 40 of which

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are groomed for skating and classical. The rest are groomed for a 500-acre backcountry experience on the mountain. They also have some more challenging ungroomed terrain for the avid backcountry skier or snowshoer.

The large proportion of north-facing trails at higher elevations (up to 1,700 feet) ensure more consistent snow throughout the season. Skiers may also take a break in a yurt-style warming hut, or rest and relax with family and friends at one of the many rustic cabins, located right on the trail system.

Carter’s has a fullyequipped cross-country ski shop offering a full line of retail items, including backcountry, touring and racing skis, as well as snowshoes.

They also offer rentals and lessons.

Carter’s also has a beautiful “Great Room” on the second floor of the ski shop, with cathedral ceiling and

many windows. In this room is an extensive collection of unique cross country wood skis dating back 100 years to the great Norwegians.

Skiers and snowshoers can also enjoy hot drinks and soups before or after hitting the trails.

Opening day is expected to be in early December (207-824-3880).

Carters also operates a 20-kilometer cross-country center, and one of New England’s best-equipped cross-country ski shops, at their Route 26 farm in Oxford, about 45 minutes south of Bethel. (207) 5394848; www.cartersxcski.com.

Bethel Nordic Ski Center at The Bethel Inn Resort

Located downtown, the Bethel Nordic Ski Center is a classic New England cross country ski center located at The Bethel Inn Resort, in the heart of Bethel. The Nordic Center offers 40 kilometers of cross-country ski and

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Ski lessons are available daily, taught by PSIA certified ski instructors. Just steps from the Nordic Center, the family friendly Millbrook Tavern & Grille offers a perfect spot for lunch, dinner, or relaxing après-ski.

The center is open daily from Dec. 18 well into the end of March. For more information contact the Bethel Nordic Ski Center at (207) 824-6276 and caribourecreation.com, and The Bethel Inn Resort at (207) 824-2175 and www.bethelinn.com.

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snowshoe trails. Exquisitely tracked and affording full skate lanes, the trails are fun and enjoyable. The terrain varies from wooded trails in mature white pines to sunny fields with views of the Mahoosuc mountain range.

NEW for 2016 – Fat Tire Bike Rentals. Explore the trails in a whole new way. Visit our website for events, demos & more.

The Ski Center has a full-service ski shop with retail and rental equipment featuring Fischer Cruising Skis and Tubbs snowshoes.

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Fat bikes offer another way to get out on the trails

By Amy Wight Chapman “Fat bikes” — rugged but lightweight, all-terrain cycles with wide tires that let bikers continue their outdoor rides year-round — are growing in popularity and can be seen more and more on winter recreational trails.

Peter Southam of Bethel has had a fat bike of his own since 2013, using it to get outdoors and continue his passion for cycling throughout the winter and spring.

He sold “a bunch of them” in his local bike shop last year, and he estimated that there are at least a dozen people in the Bethel area who are regular fat bike riders.

“What I’ve found works best in the winter is riding on snowmobile trails and logging roads,” Southam said.

He said it can be hard to ride in soft, powder snow, but conditions on packed trails are ideal.

One local cross-country ski center staffer, Helen Cooper, said people have been excited to try the bikes out on the cross country ski trails.

“A lot of people who have rented them were trying them out for the first time,” she said, adding that some are experienced mountain bikers but had never had an opportunity to ride on snow.

Mike Cooper, a local ski center manager, said when snow conditions are soft the bikes are used on specified trails to prevent damage to the groomed cross country ski trails.

“In harder snow conditions, we allow them on all the trails,” he said. “It’s an

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activity that melds fairly well with skiing.”

Carter’s Cross-Country Center also rents fat bikes at their Oxford location.

Southam often rides his bike on snowmobile trails in the National Forest. By using the trail network, he said that with enough stamina, he could ride all the way to Lovell from his home in Albany.

A typical ride for him is 14 miles, which takes him about two hours. Because the wide, soft tires require more effort to propel, he said mileage on a fat bike is equivalent to at least twice the mileage of road biking.

For fitness enthusiasts whose preferred activity is biking, Southam said, “it’s another way to get out on a bike, better than being in

the basement on a trainer all winter.”

Unlike road bikes or traditional mountain bikes, Southam said fat bike tire maintenance is minimal.

The tires have only about eight to 10 pounds per square inch of pressure, compared to 30 to 50 pounds for mountain bike tires and 80 pounds or more for road bikes.

“There’s not a big pressure difference between the tires and the air, so they almost never go flat,” Southam said. “And in the winter, when they’re being ridden on snow, everything stays so clean that the drive train

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rarely needs maintenance.”

He said people use fat bikes in all seasons, on several different kinds of terrain, and he anticipates that the market will continue to grow.

“You can ride them yearround on regular mountain bike trails,” he said. “People on the coast buy them for riding on the beach. They can be used in snow, sand, or mud. The great thing about it for this area is that it’s also a great ‘shoulder season’ sport. A patch of bare ground on the trails doesn’t matter, and you can come out of the woods anytime and ride on the road.”

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Sunday River Resort: Eight mountain peaks with something for everyone Sunday River is located minutes from picturesque Bethel Village in western Maine’s Mahoosuc Mountains.

A four-season destination, Sunday River offers eight interconnected peaks of world class skiing and snowboarding.

Skiers of all abilities can find terrain to their liking among Sunday River Ski Resort’s 135 trails. Aurora Peak, White Cap, Locke Mountain, Barker Mountain, Spruce Peak, North Peak, Oz, and Jordan Bowl range up to 3,150 feet in elevation, with vertical drops of as much as 1,600 feet.

aries of the resort’s ski area, you’ll find nearly 2,000 acres of terrain to explore. We allow skiing and snowboarding anywhere within the ski area boundary with the exception of trails or areas marked as closed.

Although these boundaryto-boundary areas are open for skiing and snowboarding, they are not maintained by ski patrol and parties requiring assistance will be charged for rescue costs. Helmets are recommended. Accessing closed terrain, whether by ducking a rope or entering from adjacent areas, will result in loss of your lift ticket or season pass.

Sunday River offers 870 acres of developed trails and glades, but within the bound-

Sunday River includes six terrain parks for every level from beginner to advanced.

Sunday River’s T72 terrain park, the resort’s largest intermediate/advanced playground,

135 trails:

Boundary-toBoundary Skiing and Snowboarding:

Terrain Parks:

Whittemore Pool & Spa

MANAGEMENT

features a jump line, rail park, and a 600-foot superpipe— the longest in the East.

Chairlifts:

Sunday River has 15 lifts, including a hybrid chairlift/ gondola called the Chondola, four high-speed detachable quads, five fixed-grip quads, three triples, one double, and one surface lift for an uphill capacity of approximately 30,000 passengers per hour.

Snowfall/ Snowmaking:

Sunday River averages over 167 inches (14 feet) of natural snowfall each year and has one of the most advanced, comprehensive snowmaking systems on the planet, covering 95 percent of the resort’s non-gladed terrain.

Shops, Rentals, and Demos:

Sunday River’s main rental shop is located in the South Ridge Lodge and offers an extensive product selection

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and inventory to accommodate both adults and children.

The Children’s Rental Shop is located adjacent to the South Ridge Lodge in the Perfect Turn Children’s Center. Guests will find high-performance demos available out of Sunday River Sports, located in the South Ridge Lodge.

Sunday River features Head skis and boots and Burton snowboards, boots, and bindings. This extensive state-ofthe-art product mix offers the snow sport participant of all skill levels the fit, comfort, and performance level he or she needs. For a complete list of rental packages and prices, visit www.sundayriver.com or call 800-543-2754.

Perfect Turn Ski and Snowboard School:

From beginner classes to refresher clinics, Sunday River’s Perfect Turn Ski and Snowboard School is a leader in teaching the skills necessary to have fun out on the slopes.

Offering group and private clinics daily for all ages and all abilities, as well as a variety of seasonal programs, Perfect Turn offers something for everyone.

Someday Bigger Day Care:

Sunday River offers on-site day care for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years, adjacent to the South Ridge Lodge.

Full- and half-day child care is also available. Reservations are required in advance, as space is limited and for staffing purposes. Occasionally, walkins will be welcome if space is available.

Dining:

Sunday River offers a wide variety of dining options at its restaurants, cafes and cafeterias including its newest restaurant, Camp, located in the Grand Summit Hotel.

Lodging:

Sunday River owns two slopeside hotels, hundreds of slopeside condos, and a cozy inn.

For more details about Sunday River, go to www.sundayriver.com. Sunday River is a member of the Boyne Resorts family of resorts and attractions.

Photo: Sunday River Resort

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Sunday River:

Improvements for 2016-17 Sunday River Resort has had a number of impressive capital enhancements since joining the Boyne Resorts family in 2007. From the signature Chondola lift, to expanding the resort’s terrain by 30 percent in the past five years, and much more, roughly $40 million has been put into the resort in less than a decade. This season, everything ranging from signage to snow guns will reap the benefits of over $2 million in maintenance and upkeep.

While Sunday River’s vast list of capital enhancements includes major changes to the resort in years past, the focus for the 2015/16 season is maintaining things behind the scenes to offer what

Sunday River guests expect: a premier experience at one of the largest resorts east of the Rockies. Most of these maintenance investments will not be visible to the guests’ eyes, such as a new fleet of dryers in the Grand Summit Hotel, yielding the fluffiest towels and sheets around. These changes, albeit virtually unnoticeable, play an integral role in the overall experience of a relaxing getaway in the mountains of Western Maine.

For instance, another investment for this season is improved signage around the resort. From encouraging “keep going” messaging along the windy road to the Jordan Hotel, to all-around more concise directions to

the South Ridge Base Area, guests will be able to navigate Sunday River’s expansive base areas and hotels seamlessly. This signage will also be supplemented with a new resort map that shows the highlights of Sunday River’s base areas.

Real estate development has been a major focus over the last few years, including the Glades at Ridge Run, a neighborhood of on-mountain homes. While construction moves along steadily, the removed dirt has been recycled back into the ski terrain. The Sundance ski trail, home to the Sundance Surface Lift and Sunday River’s learning area, has been re-graded with new dirt to provide a

e m o C

better pitch for beginners, a project that took several months. Another example is the upgraded audio/visual equipment in Sunday River’s conference and wedding

venues--something guests don’t typically praise when it works, but definitely notice when it doesn’t.

Photo: Sunday River Resort

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Find us at: 14 Main Street, Bethel, ME 04217 | beangroup.com Kathy Ford-Paquette | REALTOR® Cell: Email:

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Winter in Western Maine 5

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The 2015 Best of Bethel Awards Each year Sunday River Resort asks people who love to eat, drink, ski, shop and generally have a good time in the Bethel area to pick the best places to do all of them.

It’s the “Best of Bethel” online poll, conducted on the resort’s website (www.sundayriver.com). The results are published late in the ski season in the monthly “Sunday River This Winter” on-mountain newspaper.

For a sampling of the best Bethel had to offer in 2015, read on.

Then come visit and decide and vote yourself. The categories will be announced in Sunday River This Winter, so be sure to watch for the publication at the resort.

Best Breakfast: Crossroads Diner Homemade is really the only way to go, which is why Crossroads Diner is the five-time winner of this coveted prize for breakfast-y goodness. And because our voting process left us with over 8,000 open-ended responses, we can tell you that the homemade raisin toast, corned beef hash, four-way omelette, and the short stack are some tried-and-true morning eats.

Best Cup o’ Joe: DiCocoa’s Whether you need delicious caffeine boosts or consider yourself a coffee connoisseur, DiCocoa’s won’t disappoint. Its orange exterior makes it hard to miss on downtown Bethel’s Main Street, and the inside is a cozy and inviting place to enjoy every sip, especially when paired with a delectable homemade baked good or some of the Best Vegetarian Options around.

Best Lunch Spot: Rooster’s Roadhouse Rooster’s sneakily stole this title by one vote this year, and with

good reason. Choose from the Best Bar Menu at the super quaint upstairs watering hole, or enjoy plenty of variety in the full menu. The best kept secret about this place is the deck that makes for the perfect lunchtime escape on sunny days.

Best Bar, Après-Ski: Matterhorn Ski Bar With an eclectic mix of locals and weekend warriors, a legendary mug club, and the Best Pizza and Wings, this Best Live Music Venue (affectionately known as the Horn) is the perfect spot to refuel after a long day on-hill.

Best Bar, Late-night: The Funky Red Barn What better place to free the funk than The Funky Red Barn? As late-night haunts go, FRB has more than enough oomph to offer up fun nights on the town with pool tables, darts, and a spacious dance floor. Don’t forget that the Funky also has some pretty spectacular grub on the menu prelate-night, including $10 prime rib on Thursdays, which won it the Best Cheap Eats award as well.

Best Beer Selection: Suds Pub (Sudbury Inn) If you’re racked with anxiety when given too many choices, you may want to prepare yourself. The bar in Suds Pub is teeming with taps of delicious beers. And if local is your favorite flavor, Suds boasts the largest selection of New England beers in Western Maine. While you’re at it order the Best Nachos and Dessert in town. Suds has it all.

Best Wine List: 22 Broad Street You’d be troubled to find a more extensive wine list than 22 Broad Street’s vast selection of international bottles. Pair your delicious libations with equally tasty authentic Italian cuisine and you’re in for quite the treat. But don’t forget that they’re also known for holding the Best Martini

award, branching far and wide from Bond’s shakennot-stirred kind of ‘tini for excellent concoctions.

Best Burger: Black Diamond Steakhouse Choice is key, which is why having seven big, juicy burgers on the menu at Black Diamond helped them to bring home this accolade. And they’re as customizable as you can get, with all kinds of cheeses and garnishes to spruce things up. What else would you expect from your not-so-average homegrown steakhouse?

Best Place to Splurge on a Meal: 22 Broad Street and Cho Sun This category is a twofer, because our voters deemed 22 Broad Street and Cho Sun equally amazing options for a splurge.

All you have to do is choose between 22 Broad’s delectable Italian dishes or Cho Sun’s Best International Meal-worthy Korean and Japanese cuisine. Go ahead and order cocktails, appetizers, and dessert—you deserve it.

Best Food on the Run: Good Food Store This spot could easily change its name to the Freaking Amazing Food Store and no one would bat an eyelash. With a focus on keeping it local and natural, the Good Food Store has mastered delicious on-the-go food, from daily soup and sandwich specials, to coolers full of extra creative premade meals. Located on Route 2, it’s easy-peasy to stop in the Good Food Store on your way to any number of adventures in the Mahoosucs.

Best Local Shop: Nabos Nabos is a gem. It’s the quirky, quintessential gifts and whatnot kind of shop that you can spend hours in and keep finding unique merchandise. Featuring everything from toys to jewelry to soaps to beautiful clothing, it’s a must stop-and-shop destination.

Best Bartender: Steve Nichols at Barker Bar and Kim Tibbetts at Rooster’s Last season, Steve and his perennial adversary in the

Best Bartender category, Kim, actually tied—each garnering an impressive 18 votes in a very widespread field of nominees.

Congratulations, you two!

Best Waiter/Waitress: Erin Bernard at The Bethel Inn An outstanding server must possess a few key qualities: Stamina—both mental and physical, eye-hand coordination, patience, quick recall, and, above all, the ability to make guests feel not only welcome, but appreciated. Erin has all of these in spades.

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Mt. Abram’s long-time couple

By Scott Andrews

If warm, welcoming smiles are the emotional coinage of the realm in ski country, Mount Abram is one of its richest treasure troves. At least that’s been my experience as a regular Mount Abram skier for 20-plus years.

Longevity is another key asset. Mount Abram has had several owners over those decades, but a core group of employees kept the operation running as flawlessly as possible throughout that period.

Among the numerous friendly faces returning year after year, a husband-wife team stands out. Barry and Robin Nevel have been vital cogs in the Mount Abram operation for a combined total of 78 years, and both have extensive contact with the ski area’s multiple generations of customers.

The Nevels are easy to notice. Over on the West Side beginners area, chairlift operator Barry Nevel is the guy who wears the cowboy hat. He’s been loading people on Mount

Abram’s T-bars and chairlifts for 43 seasons.

You’ll find wife Robin in the ticket office. She’s notable for vibrant attire -- especially colorful jewelry and accessories.

She is Mount Abram’s ticketing supervisor, and has been dealing with customers and their money for 35 years.

“I started here back in 1972 on a part-time basis,” Barry, 61, said. “I was still in high school but I worked weekends and holidays for the Cross brothers.”

(Mount Abram was started by three brothers who were in the logging business. Don, Norton and Stuart Cross opened for business in December of 1960.)

Barry’s first job was running the T-bar in Duane’s Retreat, a beginner’s area on the eastern extremity. Today he runs the double chairlift on the West Side beginners area. For about a dozen years, Barry was Mount Abram’s lift operations supervisor, but resigned in favor of returning to a position where he directly helps skiers.

Robin, 57, came to Mount Abram some years later. “I started here in the fall of 1980, working downstairs in the lodge in the retail shop,” she said. “I was a cashier, selling clothes and mittens and that stuff.”

Mt Abram has been serving up winter fun for more than 50 years

Both jobs are seasonal.

One of the keys to the Nevels’ longevity at the mountain is that both Barry and Robin have complementary seasonal positions as co-managers of a private fishing camp near Moosehead Lake.

For most customers, the ticket office is their first stop.

Robin supervises three ticket sellers during peak periods.

Over the years, she has dealt with the increasing complexity and automation of the ticketing function.

It’s a job for friendly, detailoriented people. A bewildering welter of pricing options and third-party promotional programs -- such as Groupon, the Ski Maine Association and Irving Oil Company -- need to be sorted through quickly, while customers at the counter need their options explained in a patient, helpful manner.

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Robin notes that increasing numbers of skiers purchase discounted tickets through Liftopia, a national online service. But they still need to check in at the ticket office and exchange their online vouchers for physical tickets.

None of it fazes Robin. “I’ve been doing this for so long that I know this stuff inside-out, backward and upside-down,” she said. “But sometimes one of the girls will get confused and have to come to me. Then it’s ‘Robin, can you handle this?’”

Barry’s domain is the West Side, characterized by wide, gentle, sun-drenched slopes.

Beginner lessons are taught there, and most of the seasonal children’s programs use the area. It’s a refuge for newbies.

That makes the West Side the perfect location for outgoing, helpful people like Barry.

“You get a chance to deal with a lot of folks who don’t know a lot about skiing,” he said.

“So you have an opportunity to help them learn how to ride a chairlift, which can be quite challenging. So I like to spend a little time with those folks, to help get them on the right track.”

He has also become a Mount Abram landmark amongst generations.

“I’m loading people on the lift now who are at the same height and same age as their parent were when I first started loading them,” said Barry. “Folks are delighted to think that I’m still here loading their children like I did with them when they first got started.”

For more than 50 years, Mt. Abram has been one of Maine’s premiere learn-to-ski areas. While retaining its old school vibe of fun and friendliness, Mt. Abram has stayed true to its roots.

The ski area is comprised of 1,150 vertical feet, 5 lifts, 51 trails and 2 base lodges. There is terrain for all ability levels, including the Westside, with a separate base lodge and an expanded heated pavilion, chairlift, magic carpet and day care available for families. New this year are many new gladed areas throughout the mountain. Making a return for the 2015-16 season is tubing, on Saturday’sfrom 9-7 and Sunday’s from 9-4 all day for only $15.00 Night skiing will be available on Saturday’s until 7pm!

Mt. Abram has several signature events each season including a monthly full moon hike, the Mt. Dew Vertical Challenge and White Grass Festival and New England Tele Fest.

Mt. Abram prides itself on sustainability initiatives. It was the second ski area in North America to install E/V chargers and won the 2012 Golden Eagle Award for Environmental Excellence and more recently installed 802 solar panels to offset the energy expenditure that facilitates their snowmaking.

Mt. Abram is open Thursdays through Sundays and all week during vacation weeks.

Thursdays are $25 lift tickets.

Fridays are Car Load Fridays, where all legally belted passengers pay just $89. Weekend and holiday lift tickets $55 for a full day lift ticket.

If you are looking for a nonpretentious, come as you are, authentic ski experience, see you at Mt. Abram.

For more information, call 207-875-5000 or visit www.mtabram.com.

Photo: Mt. Abram

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There’s still plenty to do after the sun goes down in the Western mountains After a day on the snow, there’s still plenty of entertainment for families and singles alike in the Bethel area. Here are some of the options.

The Millbrook Tavern and Grille, downstairs at The Bethel Inn Resort, is the perfect place to unwind after a long day on the slopes and offers comfortable, casual dining at its best.

The Tavern offers a daily Happy Hour with $2 drafts and half price appetizers plus nightly dinner specials, with an extensive menu of lighter fare, pizza, and hearty dinner entrees including Prime Rib and fresh Maine Lobster.

Every Thursday is Mexican Night with authentic Mexican cuisine, margarita and beer specials. The Tavern is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion or birthday, with larger groups & families welcome. There’s live

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entertainment on Friday and Saturday evenings and holidays, from soloists to nationally recognized bands. Great food, big screen HD TVs, pool table, video game room and a comfortable friendly atmosphere awaits. (207) 824-2175 or www.bethelinn.com.

Suds Pub, located under the Sudbury Inn on Main Street in Bethel features live entertainment. There are 29 different beers on tap. A lighter fare menu is also available, including pizza, burgers and salads. Takeout is also available. A local favorite is “Hoot Night” on Thursdays, where musicians, led by Denny Breau, from near and far strut their stuff in an open-mike format.

(207) 824-6558 or www.sudburyinn.com.

The Sunday River Brewing Co. on Route 2 in Bethel, near the intersection of the Sunday River Road, offers live entertainment. There will be live acoustic entertainment year-round on Friday and Saturdays at 4 p.m., and regional acts on Saturday nights at 9 p.m.

The Funky Red Barn is Bethel’s family friendly, family owned and operated, fun, fun, funky, restaurant and nightclub.

They offer prime rib, ribs, chicken, pasta, pizza, and the freshest seafood and vegetarian dinners.

Dancing, drinks, music and live entertainment has earned the Funky “Bethel’s Best Late Night Spot.” (207) 824-3003/ www.funkyredbarn.com.

The Jolly Drayman English Pub at the Briar Lea Inn, 150

Mayville Road (Route 2). Recognized by Yankee Magazine’s “Best of New England.” AAA Approved.

The Jolly Drayman offers Classic Pub Food, as well as British & Indian dishes. A unique selection of draft and bottled beers with a full bar also available. Come in and relax in the evenings - they have an assortment of games and cards to entertain you and your friends. Thursday and Saturdays, all the Fish n’ Chips you can eat. ”Pull up a pint and a stool. A place where friends meet friends, new and old. Have a drink by the fireplace. Family friendly. Private parties welcome. Just five miles from SundayRiver. Open daily at 5 p.m. (207) 824-4717, www.briarleainn.com.

Loose Boots Lounge and Restaurant at the Mt. Abram Base Lodge in Greenwood is open Thursday through Sunday during the ski season. Loose Boots offers a great après ski bar with a cozy atmosphere.

Restaurant offerings range from pub fare to entree selections with everything made from scratch.

Live après music most Saturdays and many special events!

Please check the website at www.mtabram.com for weekly details.

At Sunday River Resort the party continues long after the sun sets. The resort offers night skiing based out of its South Ridge Lodge on mid-winter Fridays, Saturdays, and select holiday nights. Throughout the season, fireworks light up the trails on weekends, during

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events, and on holidays, with the best views from the South Ridge base area or the deck of the lodge’s Foggy Goggle bar and restaurant. Nearby, a lighted tubing park and twin ziplines provide ample late-night weekend and holiday fun, while the Foggy Goggle kicks off each weekend with live entertainment.

For families, The Black Diamond Family Entertainment Series offers special events planned throughout the winter including magic shows and fire dancing performances. Other events worth marking the calendar for include Red Bull Frozen Rush on Jan. 8, and the annual Parrothead at Spring Festival the first weekend in April. Both events provide great opportunities to get outside and in on some fun.

Hungry for more? There are also several on-mountain dining options at Sunday River including the resort’s newest restaurant, Camp, which specializes in Maine comfort food done right.

To make getting around easy, all on-mountain facilities, including lodging properties, restaurants, activities, and base lodges, are serviced by a complimentary shuttle service. For more information on evening activities at Sunday River, visit online at www.sundayriver.com.

Family nighttime activities

If you like your nighttime entertainment under the stars, try night skiing, twin zips, tubing, or skating at Sunday River.

Starting in mid-December, The Bethel Inn Resort offers horse-drawn sleigh rides every Saturday and over holidays. Halfhour trips depart from The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern & Grille starting at 5 p.m. Advanced reservations are required; please call (207) 824-2175 for more information and reservations.

Larger groups and families welcome. Come early or stay for dinner, enjoy comfortable fine dining in our Millbrook Terrace or the casual Millbrook Tavern & Grille. Make it an evening at The Inn, right in the heart of Bethel.

Visit www.bethelinn.com for more information.

For après ski of a different sort, The Mahoosuc Arts Council, schedules special musical and other events throughout the year. Check the calendar of events in this publication or The Bethel Citizen, the local weekly newspaper, for more details and information on all the area’s activities. (207) 824-3575 or www.mahoosucarts.org.

Photo: Sunday River Resort

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Come explore Bethel’s extensive local history

Visitors looking for the “real” New England experience need look no further than the Bethel area with its clusters of classic buildings, white church steeples, and tree-shaded streets. The Museums of the Bethel Historical Society provide visitors with a doorway to the area’s past on Broad Street in Bethel Hill Village.

The Bethel Historical Society’s museum, library and archival collections include a broad range of materials documenting the rich heritage of western Maine and the White Mountain region of Maine and New Hampshire. The society’s two properties — the 1821 O’Neil Robinson House and the 1813 Dr. Moses Mason House — are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and contain more than a dozen period rooms and exhibit galleries. Throughout the year, the society provides a full calendar of lectures, exhibit openings, demonstrations, and educational activities for people of all ages. (Visit www.bethelhistorical.org for information concerning events and exhibit offerings.)

Overlooking the historic Bethel Hill common, the O’Neil Robinson House is a grand Italianate residence next to the Bethel Library.

Regularly changing exhibits, a well-stocked Museum Shop and the society’s administrative offices are located here. The 1813 Dr. Moses Mason House, the oldest structure in the

village, features a series of fully-furnished period rooms and two floors of Rufus Porter School murals that provide insight into how a prominent Bethel couple lived during the first half of the 19th century. Also located in this building are the society’s research library and a spacious exhibit hall, where special summer displays are offered during July and August and which is used at other times for lectures and other programs.

The Bethel Historical Society is open year-round, Tuesday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; also Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m., during July and August. It is closed Sunday and Monday, and Nov. 1 through Thanksgiving Day. During July and August (and by appointment at other times), the society’s nineroom period-house museum is open for guided tours, and, as always, a wide variety of items associated with the region’s past are always available in the Museum Shop.

A Rich History

For centuries prior to colonial settlement, Western Maine was the home of Abenaki Indians and some of their descendants still reside in the region. After the War for Independence (Bethel was the site of “New England’s Last Indian Raid,” in 1781), settlement of the Bethel area by people of European descent increased dramatically.

Following the arrival of the Atlantic & St. Lawrence

Railroad (later “Grand Trunk Railway”) in 1851, artists, writers, and scores of summer visitors found it easy to travel here to enjoy the spectacular scenery, which included breathtaking mountain vistas, as well as idyllic views of the broad intervales bordering the Androscoggin River.

By the turn of the 20th century, Harvard University professors and New York’s high society journeyed to Bethel to undergo miraculous “cures” prescribed by the famed Dr. John G. Gehring to offset the stresses of life in an industrialized society. The presence of Gould Academy, founded in 1836, cemented Bethel’s reputation as “the Athens of Oxford County.”

The internationally famous organ builder Ernest Skinner — whose remarkable creations still exist at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., Cleveland’s Severance Hall, and at Yale’s Woolsey Hall — married a Bethel woman and is buried beside her in the town’s Woodland Cemetery. Historical novelist Kenneth Roberts worked on his most famous book, “Northwest Passage,” in Riley Plantation (“Ketchum”), just north of Bethel.

William Rogers Chapman, whose family was instrumental in the founding and naming of Bethel, started the Maine Music Festival in 1897 and brought some of the nation’s leading singers and musicians to Maine, and also

to Bethel, including Metropolitan Opera star Geraldine Farrar. In 1911, philanthropist William Bing-ham II chose Bethel as his summer home and proceeded to give away his fortune to assist educational and medical causes throughout New England and the nation.

Information about these individuals, subjects and events, plus much more, is available at the Bethel Historical Society.

For more information, go to www.bethelhistorical. org, call 207-824-2908 / 800-824-2910, or visit the Society on Facebook.

Photo: Bethel Historical Society

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hills and mountains — Bethel is a natural crossroads.

And snowmobile trails radiate in all directions.

Any direction is ideal for one-day trips that cover 75 to 150 total miles, typical for most sledders.

Trails leading north of Bethel reach the Rangeley Lakes region via a choice of interesting routes. These include Grafton Notch, one of the most attractive mountain passes in the state, as well as an abandoned railroad grade.

Two principal routes lead south to the broad Saco River Valley, one following an attractive low-elevation

route, while the other climbs through remote and spectacular Evans Notch, a dramatic mountain pass that straddles the Maine-New Hampshire boundary.

West of Bethel is New Hampshire and the White Mountains, tallest in the Northeast, and the gateway communities of Gorham and North Conway.

And the area’s amenities can’t be beat, including restaurants and motels with direct trail access and plenty of parking and maneuvering space for trailers.

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Mush!

Traveling by dogsled

through miles of white frozen wilderness is a memorable experience. Bethel-area dogsledding services offer a wide variety of trips near and far, ranging in length from a single day to more than a week.

At Mahoosuc Guide Service in Newry, individuals, couples, families or larger groups can book wilderness dogsledding trips, or groups can arrange for special contract adventures.

Situated on a 60-acre farm with spectacular views of the imposing Mahoosuc Mountains, MGS also offers a bedand-breakfast plus a 16-person lodge.

Mahoosuc Guide Service is operated by two Master Maine Guides, Polly Mahoney and Kevin Slater. Mahoney has three decades of experience with dogsledding and has raised and trained huskies for a quarter century. Slater, who crafts the company’s sleds from native Maine ash, has also been a professional guide for more than 30 years.

They have traveled thousands of miles in the far reaches of Canada with native North Americans, an experience which gives them a deep understanding and respect for the people and their culture.

Overnight and weekend trips are held in the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge (where MGS operates under a

special-use-permit), about 30 miles northwest of Bethel, while longer adventures visit more distant sections of the Maine wilderness and Canada.

Mahoney also leads womenonly trips, where the emphasis is on sharing experiences, working cooperatively and creating a supportive social environment.

For those not interested in the winter camping aspect of mushing, Mahoosuc also offers one-half day and full-day tours on their own trail system.

They’re not snowmobile trails, so the distances traveled (typically seven to sixteen miles) will vary depending on snow and trail conditions. On full-day trips a hot lunch is provided and there is plenty of time to pet your team of Yukon huskies.

For more information: www.mahoosuc.com or (207) 824-2073.

Mornington Crescent Sled Dogs in Albany is a small dogsledding guide service.

Caroline Blair-Smith and Andy Bartleet offer half- and full-day tours in the White Mountain National Forest, and in the timberland that stretches from Grafton Notch State Park to the Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge. Their dogs are powerful and responsive; eager to pull when in harness and delighted to make friends when not.

Andy and Caroline have been professional wilderness educators, Registered Maine

Local guides Kevin Slater and Polly Mahoney of Mahoosuc Guide Service Guides and Wilderness First Responders for 20 years. Each tour is customized to the skills and interests of guests because when you book a tour with them, you are their only guests for that day. No experience is necessary. They will show you how to harness the dogs, how the lines connect to the sled, how to hook up a team, and how to drive the sled. Guests can take a turn on the runners and learn about working with the dogs, or sit in the sled basket and enjoy the ride. For more information: 207-824-7292; www.sledpets.com

At New England Dogsledding at the Telemark Inn near Bethel, a remote wilderness lodge nestled at the base of Caribou Mountain at the edge of the White Mountain National Forest, proprietor Steve Crone and partner Leonarda Joost have dozens of canine critters

and decades of experience.

Crone uses primarily Alaskan Huskies. The bloodlines in his kennel include many successful veterans of the Iditarod, the famed 1,150-mile dogsled race between Anchorage and Nome.

Most of their dogsledding business are three-hour experiences through the White Mountain National Forest, which virtually surrounds their own property, about 15 minutes from Bethel.

All-day and Half-day options include frozen Umbagog Lake Region — about 40 minutes northwest of Bethel — and its thousands of acres of surrounding timberlands in Maine and New Hampshire.

Another option for getting outside with some great

dogs is skijoring — where a cross-country skier uses canine power to zip across the landscape over hill and dale.

Although most of Crone’s guests are day-trippers, his Telemark Inn Wilderness Lodge also provides a unique wilderness experience for the multiple day “Learn To Mush” Packages. Built in the late 1800s as a wilderness getaway for a wealthy sportsman, the lodge boasts five comfortable bedrooms plus a common area with a huge mineral-stone fireplace.

For more information call (207) 731-6888 or (207) 731-4747 or visit NewEnglandDogsledding.com.

Photo: Mahoosuc Guide Service

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Born to Run

By Lindsay Tice “Here comes Snowy.

Come on, Snowy!” called Steve Crone, owner of New England Dogsledding.

“Look at her go.”

With a long line of champions behind her — 34 Iditarod winners in all — and with sleds and sled dogs all around her, it’s not hard to see what the 6-month-old is going to be when she grows up.

A sled dog.

“We have high hopes for this one,” Crone said, petting Snowy Owl before she’s off again.

For about 17 years, Crone and his partner, Leonarda Joost, have run New England Dogsledding, a Bethel-area family business that takes people out on hours-long, miles-long dog sled trips over groomed wilderness trails.

They care for 74 Alaskan huskies.

“They’re sweet, they’re loving, and they’ll run 60-80 miles without stopping once they are in condition,” Crone said.

Crone started working with dogs 27 years ago and began skiing with his dogs, a Labrador retriever and German shepherd, several years later. When he took in a pair

of Siberian huskies, he tried dog sledding.

It stuck.

Soon he and Joost had established whole teams of Alaskan huskies, sleek dogs that loved to run in the snow and came from racewinning bloodlines. The couple still has dogs from those early teams.

“They’re now 16 years old and living in our mudroom in front of the wood stove,” Joost said. “All the dogs have a retirement package built in.”

Of their 74 dogs, 25 are officially retired. The dogs are never sent to new homes, whether they run or not.

“Every puppy born into our hands is a great responsibility and a lifetime commitment,” Crone said.

“Certainly a great amount of joy, but at the same time, (there is) a depthful understanding that they will break our heart at one point in the future upon their passing.”

One of his oldest dogs, Maze, died recently.

As Alaskan huskies - a breed developed to pull sleds - the dogs tend to have a natural athleticism.

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to socialization, is done by humans.

“We’re the first voice they hear and they listen to us like God, which is kind of beautiful,” Crone said. “They want to please us more than anything. They want to run second. They’d rather run and pull a sled around the bend than they would eat.”

And some of the training is done by other dogs.

“Once you get a highly trained squadron of dogs, which most people don’t have, we add puppies to that, one at a time, and it’s self-sustaining,” Crone said.

But knowing how to pull a 600-pound sled 120 miles is different from having the stamina and strength to do it, so the dogs also go through conditioning. Their season starts in August, when they pull an ATV a mile and a half down the road and a mile and a half back.

“It’s like training for a marathon for human beings,” Crone said. “Most people start by running a mile. Our dogs are up to 10 miles in about three weeks. Then we pop it up to 20 miles in October, and by November, we’re 30 miles on ATVs.” Crone and Joost carefully watch the dogs through their training and as they pull throughout the winter.

They keep an eye out for injuries, for dogs who aren’t happy, for dogs who might be better off on a different team or up front as lead.

They know the dogs’ quirks and personalities.

When they’re not pulling visitors, the dogs sleep inside the couple’s 100-yearold lodge or outside in pens equipped with doghouses.

In some pens, the dogs roam free; in others, they’re tied.

Some dogs, Crone said, feel more secure on a tether, with limited area to roam.

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“We give some dogs freedom; they hate it because they no longer have their doghouse,” Crone said.

“They’ve got to protect everything they do. When Night Bear was up here wandering around, he wouldn’t eat for two, three, four, five days. Put him down in his box, hooked him up, and he started eating instantly.

Goes, ‘Thank you, appreciate that.’”

Crone and Joost spend $40,000 a year on food for the dogs. That doesn’t include medical care, upkeep or equipment for the dogs or the couple’s other animals - nine horses and two cats.

“Dog sledding is a pricey endeavor because you feed them and tend them year round and they have three months to make money,” Crone said. “Dog sledding in Maine, if you can make it pay for itself, you’re doing pretty good. It’s a labor of love.”

They most often do day trips, with the occasional overnight. They’ve taken out families with infants, Boy Scouts, school groups, at-risk kids, tourists and veterans, among others.

Dog sledding feels like “a magic carpet ride that responds to you,” Crone said.

“You’re in the moment.

And the moment is, like, euphoric.”

Photo: New England Dogsledding

Journeys in the White Mountain National Forest The White Mountain National Forest offers countless opportunities for winter adventure, appealing to seasoned recreationists and novices alike.

The nearly 800,000 acres of public land in the White Mountain National Forest is managed by the USDA Forest Service for multiple uses, providing recreation, timber, wildlife habitat, wilderness, and clean air and water.

Wintertime in the forest provides unique scenery and a variety of recreational opportunities just south and west of Bethel.

Hiking, Skiing, and Snowshoeing

Several commercial cross-country and downhill ski areas operate on the White Mountain National Forest, offering services and convenience. For a more primitive experience, the backcountry paths of Hayes Copp ski trails wind through Dolly Copp Campground on Route 16, south of Gorham, N.H. Miles of unplowed roads and trails throughout the forest provide solitude and challenge to skiers and snowshoers looking for a true backcountry experience. Winter is a special time of year in the forest, but requires travelers to plan ahead and prepare with the appropriate equipment for comfort and safety. Skis, snowshoes, or foot stabilizers may all be necessary for winter travel. Dress in layers, carry plenty of food and water, and be prepared for unexpected changes in weather. Visit www.hikesafe.com to learn more about hiking safety.

Seeking out a hiking group or creating your own can be

a great way to try something new or introduce others to winter recreation. The Androscoggin Ranger Station has snowshoes to loan new enthusiasts for a short walk down to the river or around the property. For the extremely adventurous, there are several area guiding businesses that will introduce you ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, or dogsledding.

Roads and trails in the Maine portion of the White Mountain National Forest can be accessed from Route 5 in Bethel, the Flat Road in West Bethel, and the Bog Road and Route 113 in Gilead.

Visitors can travel through Stow, Maine to access trailheads at the southern end of Route 113. Contact the Androscoggin Ranger District for more information and current conditions.

Snowmobiling

The State of Maine’s Scenic Byway along Route 113 is maintained for snowmobiling through Evans Notch.

The trails are maintained by local clubs in both Maine and New Hampshire.

Snowmobiling on the White Mountain National Forest is allowed only on designated and groomed trails, and snowmobilers share the trails with non-motorized users. Parking areas with snowmobile trail access are located south of Bethel on Route 5 and near the state line on Route 2. Call Maine’s hotline for the latest snow conditions at (800) 880-SNOW.

Camping

Most White Mountain National forest campgrounds are closed for the winter; however, Barnes

Field Campground on Route 16 south of Gorham, N.H. is open year-round and available on a first-come, first-served basis Be sure to consult the Backcountry

Rules and Regulations when planning your trip, available at the Androscoggin Ranger Station or at www.fs.fed.us/ r9/forests/white_mountain/ recreation. Three-sided log

shelters with a raised floor are available in some areas for overnight accommodations or a quiet lunch break.

Continued on page 16

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New Hampshire, displaying grand mountain views.

Although many of the roads in the interior of the White Mountain National Forest are closed for the winter, the major routes remain open and offer stunning views of the forested mountains. The White Mountain Trail- a national Scenic Byway- loops through northern

This may be one of least known treasures of the White Mountain National Forest. Stop by the Androscoggin Ranger Station in Gorham, NH beginning in late fall to purchase a $5 permit. Don’t expect a perfectly groomed tree, but do

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Winter on Mount Washington

At 6,288 feet in elevation, the summit of Mount Washington is the highest point in the Northeast and the centerpiece of the White Mountain National Forest.

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experience Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines, to travel to the summit by road or rail, or simply to enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape.

The winter environment on Mount Washington is severe and unforgiving. Major storm tracks converge at the summit, creating a frozen landscape for much of the year, with unpredictable and sudden changes in weather.

It is not uncommon to see -30 degrees with 100 mile per hour winds on any given day.

Mountain Travel requires special gear, knowledge of the conditions, training in safety techniques, and experience. The U.S. Forest Service can offer advice and information by phone, in person, or via the Mount Washington Avalanche Center’s new website at mount washingtonavalanchecenter. org. Visitors can also explore the more sheltered, lower elevation trails around the base of the mountain.

Just For Kids

The Forest Service recently released a new, national Junior Snow Ranger program. Stop by the Androscoggin Ranger Station, or go online and download this colorful publication that includes outdoor and indoor activities highlighting themes such as safety,

wildlife, winter ecology, recreation, and the joy of winter fun. Visit fs.usda.gov/ main/conservationeducation/student-corner/juniorsnow-ranger to download your book today.

Recreation Passes

The White Mountain National Forest’s Recreation Fee Program allows us to maintain and improve many recreation sites on the Forest. Although this pass is not required at all locations, we encourage visitors to purchase a daily, weekly, or annual pass for a small fee.

Passes can be purchased at all White Mountain National Forest Ranger Stations, and at many vendors throughout New England. Call for details.

Visitor Information Center

For directions, trail guides, maps and specific information about winter recreation in the White Mountain National Forest, visit the Androscoggin Ranger District’s Visitor Center on Route 16, just 3 miles south of Gorham, NH, call (603) 466-2713, or visit www.fs.usda.gov/whitemountain. The Visitor Center hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, as well as some Saturdays.

Photo: USFS

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Bethel’s Living Nativity

By Amy Wight Chapman Visitors to Bethel at Christmas time won’t want to miss the town’s traditional “Living Nativity,” which typically takes place on the Common on the Sunday evening before Christmas.

The event is now in its sixth decade. It was 1964 when Susan Farrar first gathered her friends and neighbors and began the muchloved tradition, celebrating Christmas and community.

Local residents dressed as the Holy Family, with local farm animals accompanying the “shepherds.”

Farrar passed away in 2013 at the age of 96. Her daughter, Lisa Fox, was 12 in 1964, and she remembers the scale of the undertaking.

“My mother got the whole community involved. It wasn’t just one particular church,” she said. A local couple played the parts of Joseph and Mary, with one of their children as the baby Jesus. To this day, there is a tradition of keeping the identity of the Holy Family a secret until the day of the pageant.

Farrar’s sister, Emily Saunders, helped to make many of the costumes for the first Living Nativity.

Fox said people left off boxes of old curtains, tablecloths, and other fabric at Saunders’ Main Street home for her to sew into robes for the shepherds, angels, and wise men.

The Saunders home also served as a drop-off point for the many farm animals on loan the day of the pageant.

“Farmers brought their sheep and cows and horses into town and put them in Aunt Emily’s barn,” Fox said.

Farrar was determined to have a black sheep as part of the first pageant, and when none could be found, a white sheep was dyed to fit the part.

John K. Brown, longtime editor of the Bethel Citizen newspaper, provided details of the first Living Nativity in his “1964 News Annual Review” (reprinted by Donald G. Bennett on The Bethel Journals website, www. thebetheljournals.info). The local Boy Scouts, under the supervision of Ernest Perkins and Stanley Davis, designed and built the manger and stable. Bethel artist Faye Taylor and her son Bruce created life-sized hand-painted figures of the Holy Family to be placed inside the stable

after the pageant.Crescent Park School students created dozens of wooden stars, which were covered with tin foil and placed on the telephone poles along roads leading into Bethel from all directions.

A community event Farrar chaired the Living Nativity throughout the 1960s and 1970s, then others took a turn over the years.

Ellen Whitney has been involved with the pageant for at least 30 years. In 1993, she and her husband, Rick, with their month-old son Danny, portrayed the Holy Family.

An estimated 1,000 people viewed the first Living Nativity, which was 30 minutes long and was presented three times. In between performances, cast members were served coffee and hot chocolate by the local Girl Scouts.

That tradition also continues today, at a nearby church or at the Bethel Historical Society.

As one local minister says of the Living Nativity, “Let’s all put the rest of the world on hold for a few moments and consider the gifts of the season.”

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Winter in Western Maine 17

Fresh Air & Fresh Fish Events Calendar

A favorite outdoor activity in western Maine is ice fishing, for trout, perch, pickerel, bass, cusk and other species.

Nearby ponds that offer a wide variety of fish include Songo, Round, Twitchell Pond and Lake Christopher. Tip-up traps (with flags that go up when the fish bite) and jigging (using a hand-held line) are the two basic techniques used by local fishermen. If you’re serious, an ice shack makes fishing more comfortable, but in any case, take plenty of clothing. Ice fishing requires a license, which is available from area town clerks; or for nonresidents, from many general stores. Before venturing out, be sure the ice is safe. Bait and equipment is available in at Bethel Bait, Tackle & More on Mechanic Street in Bethel (www.bethelbait.com).

If you prefer to be guided by a professional, Orion Outfitter’s Ron Fournier offers a variety of family fishing outings on lakes in the region. www.orionoutfitters.net) For other information online, go to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife at www.state. me.us/ifw/fishing/index.htm.

Photo: Karen Kafalas

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NOVEMBER

20, 21 – WMSC’s Prime Time Players (formerly known as Senior College Players); 7 p.m., McLaughlin Auditorium, Gould Academy. The theme, “What goes ‘round, comes ‘round” demonstrates that people are complex and not always what they appear to be at first encounter. The public is invited to attend and see popular local talent perform in four short one-act comedy plays. Admission is free.

However, donations will be appreciated to offset Royalty fees. FMI: Lorrie Hoeh (824-2917).

21, 22 – Tin Mountain Roundup; 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Barker Lodge, Sunday River. Three donations of

nonperishable food items to be distributed to local food banks qualify skiers and snowboarders for $10 off a lift ticket.

21 – Texas Hold’em Tournament; 1 p.m. (doors open at noon), Jackson-Silver Post 68, American Legion, 595 Gore Road, Locke’s Mills. $55 buy-in, high hand option. 50/50, pull tabs.

Meals and refreshments available. BYOB. FMI: 890-3737.

26-29 – Thanksgiving Weekend at Sunday River; Celebrate with a great Thanksgiving Day feast at one of the resort’s two hotels, and while you’re there, participate in games, movies, crafts, an evening fireworks show, plus the best early season conditions in New England.

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NOVEMBER cont.

26 – Thanksgiving Buffet; 1 to 8 p.m., Camp restaurant at Sunday River’s Summit Hotel.

Carved turkey with pan gravy, prime rib, baked haddock, and mushroom ravioli, plus an assortment of traditional side dishes, including herb mashed potatoes, salads, and plenty of desserts. $26/adults; $13/children under 12 years old. Reservations recommended 207-8245858.

27-Dec. 31 – Country Christmas in Bethel; Experience the Christmas season in the postcard-perfect New England village of Bethel – shop locally, meet Santa, enjoy the lights, hop on a horse-drawn wagon ride, take in a performance, and see the Living Nativity. FMI: Bethelmaine.com.

27 – Annual Local Craft and Wares Fair; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bethel Inn Resort’s Conference Center. You will find knit items, baskets, quilts & quilted items, handmade jewelry, jams, jellies, pickles, holiday decorations, photography, paintings, fiber art, weaving, soaps, creams, lotions, balsam products, wooden items, and much more. FMI: 207-824-2282.

27 – Free HorseDrawn Wagon Rides; 1 to 3 p.m. at the north end of the Bethel town common near the Chapman Inn. Rides given by Deepwood Farm, sponsored by Franklin Savings Bank.

28, 29 – Demo Days; Sunday River. Try out the latest ski or snowboard gear before committing to a purchase. $10 participation fee can be applied as $50 credit toward any new ski or snowboard package at Sunday River Sports during Thanksgiving Weekend.

28 – Fireworks; 8:30 p.m., Sunday River.

Watch a brilliant display of colors light up the winter sky above the slopes of Sunday River.

Fireworks are best viewed slopeside or on the deck at the Foggy Goggle.

29 – Bethel Rotary’s Country Breakfast; 7:30 to 11 a.m., Gould Academy’s Ordway Hall, Church Street, Bethel. Adults/$8 in advance, $10 at the door. Children/$5.

Proceeds to benefit community projects and scholarships.

29 – Music of December – A Concert Class; 3 to 4:30 p.m., West Parish Congregational Church, Bethel. A variety of

religious and popular songs of the season will be discussed and performed by an ensemble of local and imported musicians, including a chorus, soloists and instrumentalists.

DECEMBER

4 – Cookies With Santa at Woodstock Elementary School; Santa lights the town Christmas tree at 6 p.m. and the fire department brings Santa over to the Woodstock School where students and their families may visit

with Santa. There will be tables of crafts for students to make and lots of cookies to eat.

5 – Christmas at the Mason House; 3:30 to 6 p.m., Bethel Historical Society’s Moses Mason

House, 14 Broad Street, Bethel. Music and refreshments in the Mason House period rooms decorated in traditional 19th Century style and illuminated by candles. FMI: 824-2908.

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Over 50 Lunch & Dinner Combinations

Hours: Tue: Tue: 4:30-9:30 Hours: 4:30-9:30 Sun,Mon, Mon,Wed, Wed, Thurs: Thurs: 11:30-9:30 •• Fri Sun, Fri&&Sat: Sat:11:30-10:00 11:30-10:00 Phone 824-3707 • Phone & Fax: 824-3709 Phone: 824-3707 • Fax: 824-3709 190 Main Lower MainStreet Street• Mountain • MountainView ViewMall Mall••Bethel, Bethel,Maine Maine

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Winter in Western Maine 19

Winter/Spring Events Calendar DECEMBER cont.

6 – 16 Annual Santa Sunday; Sunday River.

Registration opens Nov. 30 at noon. Limited to 250 participants. Checkin, 7:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Photoshoot, 11 a.m. at South Ridge Lodge. FMI: events@sundayriver. com.

6 – Mahoosuc Community Band Winter Concert; 4 p.m., West Parish Congregational Church.

11-13 – 7th Annual Winterfest Weekend at Sunday River; It’s an entire weekend dedicated to skiing, snowboarding, food, and fun thanks to special ski and stay packages from $69 per person, per night, fireworks, live music and more. th

11 – $5 Night Skiing; 4 to 8 p.m., South Ridge, Sunday River. Ski or ride under the lights of South Ridge and North Peak.

12 – Hanukkah Celebration; 5 to 7 p.m., Peak Lodge, Sunday River. The evening will begin by loading the Chondola to our mid-mountain Peak Lodge where there will be prayers, songs, and games, including everyone’s favorite: dreidel. Bring your own menorah if you’d like and join us for special appetizers and good times with friends and family.

16 – Telstar Middle/ High School Winter Concert; 7 p.m., Telstar’s Helen C. Berry Auditorium. Featuring performances from the middle and high school bands and choirs.

Sunday River Gems

Gift Maps Books Gold Pans Mining Tools Minerals Tumbled Stones

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20 Winter in Western Maine

28 – Peak Family Dinner; 6 p.m., Sunday River. Ride the Chondola to the resort’s midmountain Peak Lodge for a family dinner with special guests Eddy the Yeti and his friend Betty.

The buffet-style menu includes salad, pizza, macaroni and cheese, custom ice cream sundaes, juice, and soda. Reservations are required; please call 800543-2754.

28, 31 – Fireworks; 8:30 p.m., Sunday River.

Watch a brilliant display of colors light up the winter sky above the slopes of Sunday River.

Fireworks are best viewed slopeside or on the deck at the Foggy Goggle.

29 – Live Music with Denny Breau; 7 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern. ................................................................................................

The Bethel Destination Wedding Florist 31 – Live Music with Rob Robbins; 7 p.m. at 207.514.3500 The Bethel Inn Resort’s janetblack.com Millbrook Tavern. designsflorist @live.com

BY JANET BLACK AIFD ................................................................................................

Photo: Sunday River Resort 19, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 – Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides; 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Bethel Inn Resort.

25-31 and Jan. 1 – Night Skiing; 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday River. Ski beneath the lights at South Ridge and North Peak. Tickets are $29 for adults, $25 for teens, and $19 for juniors and seniors.

Twin Zips; 4 to 8 p.m., Sunday River. Try the Twin Zips for a quick rush of adrenaline. You can go solo or race

Designs

against an opponent. $15 per person.

Snow Tubing; 4 to 9 p.m., Sunday River. Located at the Sundance Surface lift on South Ridge, tubing is a fun activity for all ages. Cost is $10 per hour.

26 – Live Music with Denny Breau; 7 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern.

27 – Live Music with Scott Folsom; 7 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern.

JANUARY 1 – Live Music with Brad Hooper; 7 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern.

2 – Live Music with Denny Breau; 7 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern.

4-8 – College Week at Sunday River; Last year’s College Week welcomed back the Red Bull Frozen Rush pro4 truck race, not to mention a full week of fun, complete with parties, live concerts, comedy, special events, bonfires, and amazing deals on tickets and lodging from $89 per person, per night. Visit Sundayriver.com for updates on this year’s College Week offerings.

8 – Red Bull Frozen Rush; Sunday River. The world’s best drivers race

on the slopes of South Ridge in 900-horsepower Pro4 trucks on a customdesigned course that has featured berms, an over-under jump, huge dual gap jump and an enormous drift turn in year’s past.

9, 16, 30 – Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides; 5 to 7:30 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort.

11-15 – Children’s Festival Week at Sunday River; An entire week dedicated to families with activities including scavenger hunts, live entertainment, movies, and themed Perfect Turn kid’s clinics. Special evening performances are also scheduled and in the past have included fire dancers, a reptile show, and a mad science workshop. Best

part about Children’s Festival Week? Kids can ski, snowboard, rent, learn, and stay-all for free! Adults can ski and stay from just $159.

23 – Full Moon Hike at Mt. Abram; This is a free event. Meet at the Main Lodge at 5 p.m.

Equipment and coolers will be brought up to the top. Hike up, enjoy some time on the summit, and ski, ride, or walk down

Bridgton Urgent Care For minor emergencies and walk-in medical care, trust your family’s health to Bridgton Urgent Care.

When your doctor isn’t available, Bridgton Urgent Care offers walk-in care when you need it. Our team of healthcare professionals will care for you as quickly as possible and follow up with a record to your regular provider.

under the light of the Full Moon.

25-29 – Go50 Week at Sunday River; Activities during Go50 Week are dedicated to those over the age of 50, including free Snowflake Factory tours, a wine dinner, moonlit snowshoeing, and live entertainment, plus great vacation packages starting at $89 per person, per night that

combine lift tickets, lodging, and an adult Perfect Turn clinics.

29 – Live Music with Chad Porter; 7 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern.

30 – Live Music with Jim Gallant; 7 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern.

Photo: Red Bull Frozen Rush

Illness doesn’t always take a vacation, even if you do.

Located in the Specialty Wing of Bridgton Hospital 10 Hospital Drive (off of South Street)

207-647-6166 HOURS Mon thru Fri: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.bridgtonhospital.org

For major emergencies, please use the Bridgton Hospital Emergency Department, open 24-hours a day, 7 days a week.

Winter in Western Maine 21

Winter/Spring Events Calendar FEBRUARY

5-7 – White Out Weekend at Sunday River; Sunday River is proud to host White Out Weekend (WOW) in association with The OutRyders, New England’s largest GLBTQ ski and snowboard club.

WOW is all about stellar skiing and riding with friends, special events, and parties, including a themed party, a zipline parade, fireworks, and après ski socials. Ski and stay packages are available from $125 per person, per night.

6, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 27 – Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides; 5 to 7:30 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort.

6 – Live Music with Shawn Tooley; 7 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern.

20 – Full Moon Hike at Mt. Abram; This is a free event. Meet at the Main Lodge at 5 p.m.

Equipment and coolers will be brought up to the top. Hike up, enjoy some time on the summit, and ski, ride, or walk down under the light of the Full Moon.

MARCH 5, 12, 19 – Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides; 5 to 7:30 at The Bethel Inn Resort.

11 – Live Music with Shawn Tooley; 7 p.m. at The Bethel Inn Resort’s Millbrook Tavern.

19 – 31st Annual Maine Adaptive SkiA-Thon at Sunday River; This annual event supplies 70 percent of the yearly operating funds for Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation. Maine

Adaptive Sports and Recreation is the largest, most widely known yearround program in Maine and attracts students from across the United States, Canada, and Great Britain.

19 – 5th Annual Western Maine Fly Fishing Expo; 10 a.m. at the Bethel Inn Resort.

Exhibits, demonstrations, Fly Fishing Film Tour, Raffle and more. FMI: www.westernmaine flyfishingexpo.com/.

Thinking Outside In partnership with Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Saddleback, Titcomb Mt. and others, UMF offers an exciting Outdoor Recreation Business Administration major (ORBA) and a new Alpine Operations Certificate. Both offer real-world experience in the outdoor recreation and skiing industry — including internships.

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22 Winter in Western Maine

MARCH 19, 26 and April 9 – Après Spring Concert Series; For a second season, Sunday River celebrates spring with its weekend Après Spring Concert Series.

Beginning March 19, the resort will host three live shows, featuring free music slopeside at South Ridge along with a BBQ and family-friendly fun.

And, of course, beer.

Last year, Sunday River welcomed BALLYHOO!, Rustic Overtones, and Vertical Horizon. This season’s lineup will be announced later this winter.

26 – Full Moon Hike at Mt. Abram; This is a free event. Meet at the Main Lodge at 5 p.m.

Equipment and coolers will be brought up to the top. Hike up, enjoy some

time on the summit, and ski, ride, or walk down under the light of the Full Moon.

APRIL 1-3 – Spring Festival Weekend at Sunday River; This annual spring event is Sunday River’s way of celebrating another great season.

Spring rites of passage include the Jimmy Buffett-inspired festival, Parrothead. Other weekend events include the Margarita Mix-Off, the 26th Annual Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff and Firefighters’ Race, and numerous Jimmy Buffett cover bands. Lodging packages are available from $119 per person, per night.

8-10 – Pond-aPalooza & Passholder Weekend; Last year’s Pond-a-Palooza was the

biggest, wettest pondskimming event ever thrown in the history of the resort and this year’s promises to outdo last year’s two-fold.

Details for the 2016 Pond-a-Palooza will be announced in early March at sundayriver. com and registration space will be limited. A free barbecue will be

held for all New England Passholders, and ski and stay packages are available from $49 per night.

16, 17 – The Great Tailgate at Sunday River; Spring skiing and tailgating go hand-inhand, so it’s only natural that the Great Tailgate combines late season shredding with delicious

food made in the back of a truck. But here’s the catch: each tailgate site will be judged on how well it gets decked out for the theme of the day. Join us in the Barker parking lot for live music, cornhole, and general spring time revelry all weekend long.

Photo: Sunday River Resort

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Winter in Western Maine 23

Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation:

Providing the opportunity for those with physical disabilities to get out and enjoy the winter trails.

Fine French Cuisine 109 Main Street South Paris, Maine

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A Sampling of our Menu...

LeS HorS d’oeuvreS - appetizers

LeS viandeS eT voLaiLLeS - Meat & Poultry

Escargots Bourguignonne Coquilles Saint Jacques Baked Stuffed Portabello

Veal Flambe Chateaubriand For 2

LeS PoiSSonS eT FruiTS de Mer -Fish and Seafood Shrimp Scampi Provencale Baked Stuffed Shrimp Coquilles St. Jacques Baked Stuffed Haddock

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Roasted Duck Chicken Cordon Bleu

LeS SaLadeS - Salads Maurice’s own Caesar salad, prepared, tableside*

vegetarian Daily Vegetarian Options Available

La PaTiSSerie eT LeS deSSerTS - Pastry and desserts Crème de Cassis Parfait Mousse au Chocolat Cheesecake

Off site catering • We specialize in rehearsal dinners.

24 Winter in Western Maine

Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation (Maine Adaptive) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and provide education and training to children and adults with physical disabilities. The programs are designed to develop skills, independence and fun through active recreation. Founded as Maine Handicapped Skiing in 1982 at Sunday River Ski Resort as an alpine skiing program, Maine Adaptive has since expanded its offerings to include snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, golf, cycling, paddling, hiking, tennis and fishing at over 20 venues across Maine.

More than 400 volunteers assist our athletes with over 3,700 lessons in winter and summer programs – always FREE of charge.

Sunday River is where it all started for Maine Adaptive and is the center of the organization’s largest winter operations, including daily lessons and specialty programs such as the nationally-renowned alpine race team and the Veterans No Boundaries program (now in its 11th year serving veterans and active-duty military personnel with physical disabilities).

Starting right after New

Year’s Day through early April, an average of 30 participants aged four and over with physical disabilities arrive daily at the facility next to the Sundance Trail at Sunday River to take lessons in skiing and snowboarding.

To help participants with transportation issues, Maine Adaptive sponsors weekly bus service to and from Portland and can be easily arranged by calling the office.

Maine Adaptive has developed several exciting partnerships with various school districts, camps, rehabilitation facilities and service/care providers to engage more people with disabilities throughout New England in adaptive skiing and recreation, and many of those partnerships have yielded additional opportunities for participants new to Sunday River and/or Maine Adaptive. Programs planned for 2016 include Camp sNOw Limits, a camp program for children with limb loss and their families and a Mono Ski Camp for sit skiers.

For more information on supporting, participating or volunteering at Maine Adaptive, contact us at (207) 824-2440 or email info@maineadaptive.org or visit www.maineadaptive.org.

Photo: Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation

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Propane Heating Oil On/Off Rd Diesel

Find a Lower Price in the River Valley - We Price Match 1180 Route 2, Ste. 6, Rumford, ME

Fueling Station with On & Off Road Pumps: Rte. 108, Peru Now available to order fuel and make payments online!

24/7 Service Department www.dixfielddiscountfuel.com

562-0972

Winter in Western Maine 25

 Catering Company

Where to

Eat in the Area

The small-town Bethel area boasts more than its share of restaurants.

After a day of sightseeing or recreating in the beautiful Western Maine mountains, you can choose from fine or casual American cuisine at more than a dozen local restaurants. Want ethnic options? Try a Chinese, Italian or Korean/Japanese restaurant. And for pizza lovers, there are more than a half-dozen menus offered. The Bethel area has something for everyone’s taste.

Bethel Inn Resort

SANDWICHES, SOUPS AND SALADS • HEAT & EAT MEALS NATURAL & GOURMET FOODS • MAINE MADE FOODS FINE WINES AND CHEESES • SPECIALTY BEERS CATERING ALL OCCASIONS Heather Hale-Nivus & David Nivus Route 2, PO Box 467 Bethel, ME 04217

207-824-3754 1-800-879-8926 www.goodfoodbethel.com

On the Common, Bethel (207) 824-2175 Featuring a seasonal menu with fresh seafood, Prime Rib, fresh Maine Lobster, and more. Enjoy candlelight dining and great views of the golf course and surrounding mountains, all in a comfortable setting. Reservations suggested. Breakfast 7:30-9:30am midweek, and 7-10am weekends, dinner is served Friday and Saturday 5:30-9pm

Bistro 151 at the Sudbury Inn 151 Main Street, Bethel (207) 824-2174 Recommended as “where to eat” by the New York Times in January 2013.

Sudbury classics like award-winning clam chowder, beef tornados, rack of lamb and seafood specialties, along with French brasserie dishes with a New England twist: in our chic new bistro bar room, fireside in the cozy dining room or on the scenic indoor porch overlooking Main Street. Don’t forget our wicked good homemade desserts! Open from 5.30 until 9 pm Tuesday to Saturday.

Frank’s Bar and Grille

Authentic Pit-Style BBQ Ribs • Brisket • Chicken • Pork Route 2, Bethel • Orange Trailer at the Good Food Store

207-824-4744 smokingoodbbq.net 26 Winter in Western Maine

Open Thurs-Sun 11:30 - 7:30 Mon-Wed when you see smoke

8 Fall Line Drive, Newry (207) 824-2202 www.franksbarandgrille.com Ski In/Ski Out slopeside American/ Italian restaurant and bar. Located in the Fall Line Condos just above South Ridge Welcome Center at Sunday River Resort. Daily Happy Hour during ski season, 2:30-5pm (yeah, that’s more than an hour! Now that’s happy!)

Take out, Catering, Delivery, Alcohol served, Live entertainment, Reservations accepted, WiFi, Children’s menu, Handicapped accessible, Lunch.

The Jolly Drayman at the Briar Lea 150 Mayville Road, Bethel (207) 824-4717 Cozy English pub. Offering a great selection of draught beers, bottled beers, wines, and a fully stocked bar.

Our menu offers a selection of British, Indian and American favorites. The Jolly Drayman Pub has a AAA 3 Diamond rating and has been recognized

by Yankee Magazine’s “Best of New England”, Down East Magazine, Bon Appetit, and many more. Open daily at 5pm.

Kowloon Village Chinese Restaurant 188 Main Street, Bethel (207) 824-3707 Serving Chinese, Szechuan and Hunan cuisine, full bar. American dishes are also available. You can either dine in or take-out.

The Little Red Hen Diner Main Street, Andover (207) 392-2253 Homemade from scratch! Daily breakfast specials, hot soups and chowders.

Friday night prime rib. Saturday night pizza buffet. Custom baked goods available. Space available for private parties. We cater! Open Tuesday-Thursday 6:30am-2pm, Friday and Saturday 6am-8pm, Sunday 7am-2pm.

Maurice Restaurant Francais 109 Main Street, South Paris (207) 743-2532 Since 1976 Maurice Restaurant has been a pleasant surprise for world sojourners and people new to the beautiful Oxford Hills area of Western Maine.

Located in South Paris on Route 26, the two hundred year old clapboard house turned restaurant continues to delight, serving French-Continental cuisine in an elegant country atmosphere at affordable prices.

Millbrook Tavern & Grille Downstairs at the Bethel Inn On the Common, Bethel (207) 824-2175 Open for lunch, dinner, and late for cocktails with dinner specials nightly.

Offering fresh seafood, steaks, and burgers with an extensive lighter fare menu of soups, salads, sandwiches, and more.

Mill Hill Inn/Studio Bistro Bar 15 L’Auberge Lane, Off the Common, Bethel (207) 824-3241 Casual Dining, Tapas, Cocktails, (wines, unique beers), Private Parties, Weddings in a Unique and Eclectic Setting, Gardens, Art, Pottery and Culinary Events. Rooms are available 7 days a week. The restaurant is open Wednesday-Sunday 5-10pm, the bar is open until 11pm.

Pat’s Pizza Route 2, Across from Rite Aid, Bethel (207) 824-3637 Some tasty samples of our six-page menu: Salad Pizzas are favorites with six salad choices, Chicken fingers and fries for the little logger, Steak-Loaded Subs, Italian Subs, and Roll-up sandwiches, a full bar, and we also offer gluten-free dough and gluten-free beer.

S.S. Milton 43 Main Street, Bethel (207) 824-2589 Serving classic American Cuisine with a down-home touch. We pride ourselves with offering one of the most varied menus in the Bethel area -- everything from Lobster and Rack of Lamb to Steak, Chicken, and Pasta.

Serving dinner from 5pm.

Shipyard Brew Haus White Cap Lodge at Sunday River, Newry (207) 824-5138 Full service restaurant and bar at the White Cap Lodge at Sunday River.

The perfect place to grab lunch, hang out aprés ski, or have a leisurely and enjoyable dinner. During ski season, the Shipyard Brew Haus has frequent entertainment, from musical acts to films. Come on down and enjoy the fun and excellent food!

Open during ski season.

Suds Pub 151 Main Street, Bethel (207) 824-2174 Suds Pub is THE Bethel restaurant for pizza. We also have a huge selection

of pub grub, including our award winning chili, chowder and apple pie, plus 29 beers on tap - the largest choice of New England beers in Western Maine. Suds is open seven days a week from 11:30 am. Food, including take-out, is served until 9:30 pm (10 pm at weekends). Beverages, live music (Thursday through Saturday) and good cheer are available until the wee hours.

Whether it’s an overnight or a day visit, experience our classic New England Resort ❖Country elegant resort accommodations

Heat & Eat/Take-Out

Traditional Inn and Luxury Townhouse accommodations, 105 with fireplaces.

DiCocoa’s Market-Bakery 119 Main Street, Bethel (207) 824-6386 www.cafedicocoa.com Orange building on 119 Main Street is filled with groceries, organic coffees, and food from all over the planet. A foodie’s paradise! Fresh bakery, healthy food choices, espresso, homemade gelato. We’re a bakery not a fakery!

Ski & Stay Packages

❖Comfortable Fine Dining “A Can’t Miss”

Fine dining in a comfortable atmosphere with 10 entrees from fresh Maine Lobster to Prime Rib. Ask about our Holiday Buffets & Wine Dinner Specials.

❖Casual Dining at The Millbrook Tavern and Grille

Good Food Store & Catering Company

Lunch, dinner & open late for cocktails, the Tavern offers casual dining at its best!

Live weekend entertainment, casual and family friendly.

212 Mayville Road, Rt. 2, Bethel, ME (207) 824-3754 www.goodfoodbethel.com info@goodfoodbethel.com The area’s best sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, and take-out dinners. From home-style comfort food to elegant gourmet fare. Let us cook for your crowd - large or small. We’ll even bring it to you! Beer, wine, and groceries available. Open daily 9 AM to 8 PM.

❖Over 200 acres of resort activities

40km Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center, Health Club, Heated Outdoor Pool, Fitness Center and Spa Services

❖A winter wonderland, right here in Bethel!

❖ Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides on Saturdays and Holidays ❖ Ice Skating, Family Activities, Ski, Swim & Sauna Packages

Smokin Good BBQ Orange Trailer at the Good Food Store 212 Mayville Road (Rt. 2), Bethel, ME (207) 824-4PIG (4744) www.smokingoodbbq.net Authentic Pit-Style BBQ - Ribs, Brisket, Pork, Chicken. The way Mom learned in prison. Fresh meat dry rubbed with secret spices and smoked over a hardwood fire. Family packages, catering, BBQ to take home. Thurs Sun 11:30 - 7:30. Open Mon - Weds when you see smoke!

It’s all here… hop on the Mountain Explorer and get dropped off at our front door!

Fine and Casual Dining Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The Local Hub 224 Main Street, Greenwood (207) 875-0011 Market, bakery, and café with a focus on local, organic, minimally processed foods. Local crafts, fresh local eggs, butter and milk. Friendly, fun, cozy atmosphere. Open 7 days a week, 7am-6pm. Eat-in, take-out, grab & go, heat & eat.

(800) 654-0125 (207) 824-2175 www.bethelinn.com

ON THE COMMON BETHEL, MAINE

Just 6 miles from Sunday River Weddings ❖ Group Outings ❖ Golf & Ski Packages Family Vacations ❖ Meetings & Retreats Winter in Western Maine 27

Where to

Stay in the Area

Take-Out Available 824-6558

A Bethel legend since 1986

Kid Friendly • Locals Favorite Pizza

OPEN DAILY from 11:30

for lunch, dinner & late night Live Music Thursday-Saturday 8pm

at

Photo: Sunday River Resort

Bethel Inn Resort

Great food, cocktails and an all-new wine list in our gorgeous bar room, fireside, or on our scenic porch

Open for Cocktails & Dinner from 5-9:30pm Tuesday - Saturday

Prix Fixe menu: three courses plus salad, rolls and a half bottle of wine ~ $30 + tax and grat

Open Daily for Breakfast 7-9:30 am

Lodging

Ensuite rooms • Pet friendly $99 - $450 per night, great breakfast included

151 Main Street, Bethel

207-824-2174

WWW.THESUDBURYINN.COM

28 Winter in Western Maine

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On the Common, Bethel (207) 824-2175 • 800-654-0125 www.bethelinn.com

Briar Lea Inn

• •• •

150 Mayville Rd., Bethel (207) 824-4717 • 800-311-1299 www.briarleainn.com

Carter’s Welchville Inn & Lodge

151 Main Street, Bethel, ME

Hostel Lounge w/ TV & Phone XC Skiing No Smoking Rooms Phone in Room Refrigerator/Kitchen Cable TV/Satellite Pets Welcome Pool I=Indoor O=Outdoor Handicapped Access Health Club Restaurant & Lounge Breakfast Included Hot Tub/Whirlpool Coin-Operated Laundry VISA/MasterCard Discover or AMEX

Award-Winning Food Plus The Biggest Draft Beer Selection in Western Maine!

Ski Lodge & Cabin - Bethel Welchville Inn - Oxford Intervale Rd, Bethel (207) 539-4848 www.cartersxcski.com

Chapman Inn

On the Common, Bethel

(207) 824-2657 • 877-539-1498 www.chapmaninn.com

Holidae House B&B 85 Main St, Bethel

(207) 824-3400 www.holidaehouse.com

Mill Hill Inn 24 Mill Hill Rd., Bethel (207) 824-3241 • (207) 595-3405 www.millhillinn.com River View Resort 357 Mayville Rd, Bethel

(207) 824-2808 • 888-224-8413 www.riverviewresort.com

The Sudbury Inn

151 Main St, Bethel (207) 824-2174 800-395-7837 www.thesudburyinn.com

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Shops & Services Activities

Carpentry

Gem Shops

Grocer

Bethel Inn Resort

Designs by Janet Black, AIFD

Carver’s Woodworking

www.janetblack.com designsflorist@live.com (207) 514-3500 See our ad on Page 20

Sunday River Gems

Good Food Store

251 Sunday River Road Off Route 2 • Bethel, Maine (207) 824-3414 See our ad on Page 20

Route 2 • Bethel, Maine (207) 824-3754 See our ad on Page 26

On the Common Bethel, Maine (207) 824-2175 1-800-654-0125 See our ad on Page 27

Carter’s X-Country Ski Center & Ski Shops Route 26 • Oxford, Maine Intervale Rd • Bethel, Maine (207) 539-4848 See our ad on Page 2

Mahoosuc Guide Service Route 26 • Newry, Maine (207) 824-2073 See our ad on Page 13

The Ballroom Main Street • Harrison, Maine (207) 583-6964 See our ad on Page 14

Bakery Hungry Hollow Route 26 West Paris, Maine (207) 674-3012 See our ad on Page 16

Bank Franklin Savings Bank Farmington • Rumford Rangeley • Jay 800-287-0752 franklinebranch.com See our ad on Page 15

Boarding & Grooming Barker Brook Kennels 120 Sunday River Rd Bethel, Maine (207) 357-2275 See our ad on Page 30

420 Grover Hill Rd Bethel, Maine (207) 824-2135 Cell: 207-215-5326 See our ad on Page 4

Charter & Tour Northeast Charter & Tour Co. 235 Goddard Rd Lewiston, Maine 1-888-593-6328 See our ad on Page 16

Ski Ya! at the shipyard Brew Haus This Winter

Cleaning Service ServiceMaster 29 Brickyard Circle Auburn, Maine (207) 539-4452 1-800-244-7630 See our ad on Page 30

Contractor Jerry Cleveland 146 Watson Road Norway, Maine (207) 527-2552 See our ad on Page 8

Florists/ Wedding/Event Specialists Pooh Corner Farm On Bog Road, off Route 2, West of Bethel (207) 836-FARM See our ad on Page 10

Family Friendly • Kids Menu Maine-made beer and Capt’n Eli’s Soda 21 White Heat Lane Sunday River

(207) 824-5138

www.shipyardbrewhaus.com Winter in Western Maine 29

Shops & Services

Hardware & Building Supplies

Western Maine Supply Cross Street • Bethel, Maine (207) 824-2139 1-800-858-2139 See our ad on Page 32

Health Services

Rumford Hospital 420 Franklin Street Rumford, Maine (207) 369-1000 See our ad on Page 6

Heating CN Brown South Paris, Maine (207) 739-6464 See our ad on Page 7

Home Sites

Bridgton Hospital

Choice Homesites

10 Hospital Drive Bridgton, Maine (207) 647-6000 See our ad on Page 21

50 Stockholm Dr Cumberland Center, ME (207) 829-6384 See our ad on Page 12

Call (800) 244-7630

24 hour service We restore peace of mind Emergency Response

Property Maintenance

Emily Ecker, LCSW

Patrick Moore

18 High Street Bethel, Maine (207) 357-9954 See our ad on Page 10

Newry, Maine (603) 723-1020 See our ad on Page 10

Healing Touch Therapeutic Massage 161 Main Street Bethel, Maine (207) 824-5445 See our ad on Page 2

Shops & Services Absolute Powersports 461 Main Street Gorham, NH (603) 466-5454 See our ad on Page 12

Pool & Spa Hill Top Pools & Spas 255 Bethel Road (Route 26) West Paris, Maine (207) 674-3060 See our ad on Page 7

Bear Country Powersports 54 Main Street Errol, NH (603) 482-3370 See our ad on Page 17

Whittemore Pool & Spa

Carter’s X-Country Ski Center & Ski Shops

80 Common Rd Dixfield, Maine (207) 491-7713 See our ad on Page 4

Route 26 • Oxford, Maine Intervale Rd • Bethel, Maine (207) 539-4848 See our ad on Page 2

Commercial Cleaning Carpets-Commercial & Residential

Water Damage

Hard Surface Floors

Mold Remediation

Tile and Grout

Serving Oxford and Androscoggin Counties for 25 Years ServiceMaster Fire & Water Restoration 29 Brickyard Circle Auburn, ME 04210 (207) 539-4452 • (800) 244-7630 www.smfireandwater.com

Great American Ski Renting Co. 101 Sunday River Rd Bethel, Maine (207) 824-3092 See our ad inserted in the center of this guide

Miss Miina 111 Main Street Bethel, Maine (207) 740-4024 See our ad on Page 16

Nabos 2 Mechanic Street Bethel, Maine (207) 824-0224 See our ad on Page 13

Ski Depot 111 Skiway Road, Newry (formerly Jack Frost) 12 Riley Road, Jay (US Route 4) (207) 824-2519 1-866-754-3376

See our ad on Page 23

The Bethel Citizen 19 Main Street Bethel, Maine (207) 824-2444 1-800-922-6397 See our ad on Page 30

A national brand with quality, local service

Fire/Soot/Smoke Damage

30 Winter in Western Maine

Massage & Polarity

True North Adventureware

www.barkerbrookkennels.com News • Advertising Fax Services Photocopies Custom Printing

The Bethel Citizen

ads@bethelcitizen.com • news@bethelcitizen.com 824-2444 • Fax: 824-2426 • bethelcitizen.com

196 Walkers Mills Road (Route 26) Bethel, Maine (207) 824-2201 See our ad on Page 11

Supermarket Bethel Foodliner 72 Main Street Bethel, Maine (207) 824-2121 See our ad on Page 12

Realtor MLS Equal Housing Opportunity Web Site Buyer Brokerage Seller Brokerage # of Agents # of Offices Rentals

Real Estate Mahoosuc Realty, Inc.

16 Parkway, PO Box 508, Bethel 04217

824-2771 • 888-310-2771 • www.mahoosucrealty.com

Maine Street Realty

20 Railroad St, PO Box 910, Bethel 04217 (207) 824-2114 • www.mainestreetrealty.com

Riverside Realty

Sunday River Real Estate

South Ridge Center, Sunday River Ski Resort PO Box 450, Bethel 04217 824-5051 • www.sundayriver.com

The Bean Group

14 Main Street, Bethel 04217 Kathy: (207) 357-2040 • Paul: (207) 671-1278 • www.beangroup.com

Wild River Realty

Vacation Rentals

Maine Street Rentals

20 Railroad St, Bethel • 207-824-2114 • www.mainestreetrealty.com

Rent Bethel

16 Parkway, Bethel • 207-824-3200 • www.rentbethel.com

The Glen House

(207) 357-5639 • www.sundayriverrentals.com

The Bingham House

(207) 357-5639 • www.thebinghamhouse.com

Route 26 Oxford, ME 04270 877-209-8414 • (207) 539-9600 www.schiavicustombuilders.com

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2 Main St, PO Box 997, Bethel 04217 (207) 824-4500 • www.wildriverrealty.com

Schiavi Custom Builders

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152 River Road, Mexico (207) 369-0100 • www.riversiderealty.org

Builders

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No Smoking Phone Refrigerator/Kitchen Cable TV/Satellite Pets Welcome Handicapped Access Hot Tub/Whirlpool/Sauna Visa/MasterCard Discover or AMEX

12 1

"Buyer's Brokerage only" agency!

Buyer Brokerage in commercial, residential, development and income properties.

"Dedicated to finding you the right place to meet your needs!

Let our experience work for you!"

(207)824-4500

e-mail - bob@wildriverrealty.com

Your Search

Starts Here

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Land for Sale Choice Homesites

2 Main Street, On the Common, Bethel Bethel's exclusive, full-service,

50 Stockholm Drive Cumberland Center, ME 04021 (207) 829-6384, 9am-9pm E-mail: Ted.Chadbourne@gmail.com

Vacation Home

Sales & Rentals

Shannan Thielbar Vacation Property Specialist Office: 207-824-2114 Mobile:978-302-5353 shannon@mainestreetrealty.com

Contact me today

to begin your personalized home search!

Maine Street

Realty & Rentals 207-824-2114 20 Railroad Street Bethel, ME

20 Railroad Street | Bethel, Maine

207-824-2114 | www.mainestreetrealty.com Winter in Western Maine 31

Web Directory

Activities

Carter’s X-C Ski Center www.cartersxcski.com

Mahoosuc Guide Service www.mahoosuc.com

Bank Franklin Savings Bank www. franklinebranch.com

Builders Schiavi Custom Builders www.schiavicustombuilders.com

Carter’s Welchville Inn & Lodge

Florist

Pooh Corner Farm www. poohfarm.com

Hardware Store Western Maine Supply www. westernmainesupply.com

www. cartersxcski.com

Chapman Inn www. chapmaninn.com

River View Resort www.riverviewresort.com

Healthcare

The Sudbury Inn

Bridgton Hospital

Real Estate

www. bridgtonhospital.org

Rumford Hospital www. rumfordhospital.org

www.thesudburyinn.com

Mahoosuc Realty www.mahoosucrealty.com

Catering

Lodging

Riverside Realty

Good Food Store & Catering Company

Bethel Inn Resort

Sunday River Real Estate

www. goodfoodbethel.com

Charter & Tour Northeast Charter & Tour Co. www. northeastchartertour.com

www.bethelinn.com

Briar Lea Inn at the Jolly Drayman www. briarleainn.com

Good Food Store & Catering Company

Sunday River Gems email:srgems@megalink.net

www.skidemo.com

T he L

tle Red Hen Dine itlittleredhendiner.com r

Main St Andover, ME

392-2253

Homemade from Scratch!

Breakfast Specials Daily

Hot Soups & Chowders Friday Night: Prime Rib Night Saturday Nights: Pizza Buffet includes salad, drink & dessert Custom Baked Goods Available Space Available for Private Parties • We Also Cater!

6:30am-2pm Tues, Wed, Thur • 6am-8pm Fri, Sat • 7am-2pm Sun

The Bean Group www.beangroup.com

Wild River Realty

BETHEL, MAINE

824-2139

www.wildriverrealty.com

NEW! KITCHEN, WINDOW & DOOR SHOWROOMS

www. bolstersdecorating.com

www. bethelinn.com

Great American Ski Renting Co.

www.ski-depot.com

www.sundayriverrealty.com

Bolster’s Decorating

Bethel Inn Resort

Ski Depot

www.riversiderealty.com

Decorating Dining

Shopping

American & Italian Cuisine

Warm up by the fire

aprés ski & stay for dinner!

www.goodfoodbethel.com

Jolly Drayman at the Briar Lea Inn

BRAND NAMES YOU CAN RELY ON: Starmark, Congoleum, Shaw, Cabots, Benjamin Moore, Bostitch, Andersen, JELD-WEN, Emco, Candlelight, Mohawk, Uniclic

Drive-Thru Lumber Yard

www.briarleainn.com

Smokin Good BBQ www.smokingoodbarbecue.com

The Sudbury Inn www. thesudburyinn.com

Education University of Maine at Farmington www. umf.maine.edu

32 Winter in Western Maine

3 Gas Fireplaces • Separate Bar & Lounge Area 20’x20’ HD Projector Screen • Up to 100 Guests

Drive through, pick out your materials & then check out.

Call Frank: (207) 824-2202

Open Mon-Fri Mon-Fri7am-5pm, 7am -4:30Sat pm7am-Noon Sat. 8-Noon 33 Cross Street, Bethel • Open

www.franksbarandgrille.com Located in Fall Line Condominium, Sunday River

(207) 824-2139 • 1-800-858-2139

FREE Estimates • FREE Delivery

Computerized Kitchen Design

Sponsor of the 2016 Rockin’ Roastin’ Bethel Area Chamber Golf Classic!

100% USDA Organic Certified Arabica coffee, available at fine establishments throughout the Bethel area:

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer is a coffee-lovin’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer who has pounded the skins since his teens fueled by love for music and spirited beans. www.facebook.com/RockinRoastin 4

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

@RockinRoastin

22 Broad Street Barking Dawg Bethel Foodliner Bethel Inn Resort Black Diamond Steak House Sunday River Brewing Co. The Phoenix House & Well Hannaford Mt. Abrams Resort Rooster’s Roadhouse

www.rockinandroastin.com

Land Homes Condominiums Hotel Ownership Seasonal Rentals

TEMPEST RIDGE 15 Tyler St, Bethel 1 BR, 1 bath - $139,000

39 Chapman St, Bethel 3 BR, 2 bath - $179,000

650 East Bethel Rd, Bethel 3 BR, 2 bath - $199,000

36 Pine Haven Lane, Bethel 4 BR, 2.5 bath - $289,000

Slopeside Townhomes

782 Songo Pond Rd, Albany Twp 2 BR, 1 bath - $199,000

46 Vail Drive, Newry 3 BR, 3 bath - $425,000

Phase 3 Now Available

The Glades at Ridge Run

118 Taylor Woods Rd, Bethel 5 BR, 3.5 bath - $449,000

70 Appalachian Drive, Newry 4 BR, 3 bath - $609,000

32 Blizzard Drive, Newry 4 BR, 3.5 bath - $674,900

Exclusive Slopeside Building Opportunity

Mountainside Home Sites with Unprecedented Views

Slopeside Condos

Off-Mountain Condos

North Peak III-203

Riverbend Unit #32

Eden Ridge 4D

1 bed, 1 bath $114,000

2 bed, 1 bath $165,000

2 bed, 2 bath $127,000

3 bed, 2 bath $155,000

White Cap A-206

Locke Mountain L-2

Riverbend Unit #21

Barker Brook Unit #15

White Cap A-307

1 bed, 1 bath $115,000

4 bed, 3.5 bath $399,000

Fall Line N-111

Tempest Ridge Unit 34

1 bed, 1 bath $124,900

35 Viking Village Rd, Newry 3 BR, 2.5 bath - $459,000

197 Douglass Rd, Newry 4 BR, 3.5 bath - $879,000

211 Paradise Rd, Bethel 4 BR, 3 Bath - $259,000

3 bed, 3.5 bath $649,000

North Peak III-104 2 bed, 1 bath $189,900

Visit our office at South Ridge Lodge, Open 365 Days a Year.

SundayRiverLiving.com

| 800.207.2354

2 bed, 2bath $139,500

2 bed, 2 bath $219,000

Eden Ridge 5F

Millbrook Twn House Unit 602/603

3 bed, 2bath $197,000

2bed, 3bath $259,000