Welcome to WESTERN MAINE
Maine’s “Lakes and Mountains” region is both restorative and energized with plenty of space for outdoor adventures or just a peaceful getaway
Western Maine is known as the “Lakes and Mountains” region because of its expansive breathtaking mountain vistas along with hundreds of lakes and ponds spanning to the border of New Hampshire. It’s a low key region that offers large tracks of land and a retreat lifestyle. The area attracts nature enthusiasts, fresh water sport fans, and those who love skiing, hiking, and snowmobiling.
With its history infused towns and plentiful outdoor activities, it’s easy to see why Western Maine has become such a popular place for retirees, adventure seekers, and families. As a breathtaking four-season area, from leaf peepers in appreciative awe to the organic farming enthusiast, Western Maine offers a life of simple pleasures.
What to Love
- Fantastic place to live for nature enthusiasts
- Endless natural beauty and recreational opportunities
- Privacy and quiet living
- Great Skiing - Alpine & Nordic
- Abundance of lakes & ponds to choose from
- Beautiful farmhouses
- Open space and scenic vistas
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Lost Kitchen has turned the small town of Freedom, Maine, into an international dining destination. Built inside a refurbished mill, the restaurant was founded by Erin French, who turned the establishment into a warm, inviting, elegant, and genuinely unique culinary experience that is only open six to eight months a year. French and her restaurant even have a discovery+ series charting her journey.
In Auburn, Mac’s Downeast Clam Shack is a traditional seafood outpost serving savory Maine shrimp and lobster, traditional clam bakes, and homemade chowders. Lewiston hosts Fish Bones American Grill, a casual-upscale seafood restaurant inside a historic old mill perched alongside a canal. Also in Lewiston is the café, bakery, and marketplace, Forage Market.
Like the name suggests, Smokin’ Good BBQ is an excellent barbecue restaurant in Bethel plating finger-lickin’ pulled pork sandwiches, smoked briskets, and meats treated with a secret dry rub recipe. Home chefs locals frequent Good Food Store, a local grocer selling prepared meals, takeout sandwiches, craft beer, natural and gourmet food, produce, and more. There is also a six-time Gold Medal award-winning ski shop outdoor clothing and equipment shop, Sport Thoma, in Bethel, offering world-class custom ski grinding and hand-tuning.
Norway is home to a four-star bed and breakfast, Wolf Cove Inn, an idyllic spot to plan a romantic getaway or staycation to Tripp Lake.
Antiquers will find plenty of places to go antiquing throughout Maine’s region of lakes and mountains with great shopping in Bethel, Sunday River, and Sebago Lake, including shops, malls, and local stores.
Things to Do
As one of Maine’s most stunning regions with an abundance of outdoor recreational activities, Western Maine offers some of the state’s best skiing. The Sunday River Ski Resort is one of the most visited and the largest ski resorts, featuring 18 lifts, 135 trails and glades, 870 skiable acres, and over 2,340 vertical feet. Enjoy night skiing at Shawnee Peak Ski Area, one of the top spots in all of New England.
Celebrate the beginnings of autumn with the Sunday River Fall Festival, an annual event hosting several classic events like the annual Sunday River Sports Sale, arts and crafts fairs, live music, and scenic chairlift rides. It’s a great way to see the area during peak fall foliage season.
Rugged terrain and astounding mountain views comprise the Grafton Notch State Park and the Mahoosuc Public Lands, a premier recreational destination surrounding the breathtaking Mahoosuc Mountain Range. Come winter, this outdoor area is a popular location for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and more.
Whether you want a night out on the town or the chance to play some games, the Oxford Casino Hotel is an around-the-clock casino with an expansive gaming floor touting almost 1,000 slot machines and dozens of table games. The hotel features a fantastic pub-style restaurant and over 100 rooms.
Every fall, Fryeburg hosts its annual Fryeburg Fair, a Blue Ribbon Classic agricultural fair that showcases the best of farming exhibits, traditions, and competitions.
Schools
Gould Academy is a private, co-ed, college preparatory, Christian-affiliated boarding and day school in Bethel. Students are welcome to participate in a great athletics program, including skiing, as the campus has more than 20+ miles of trails for running, mountain biking, and Nordic skiing in the winter. Many of the trails connect to Bethel Inn Resort.
In Lewiston, one of the main secondary institutions is the private, nationally-recognized college of liberal arts and sciences, Bates College. Hebron Academy is a small, private, independent boarding and day school for grades 6-12 and postgraduate studies. Interestingly, Hebron was once home to America’s first covered school ice arena and winter sports are a big part of the academy’s culture.
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