Bethel, ME

2008-03-12

Drive time
1 hr. 43 mins./73.3 miles

Take I-95 toward Augusta. Use Exit 63 at Gray-New Gloucester, turn left and then take a right on Rte.26A. Follow as it merges into Rte. 26. This road will take you all the way to Bethel.

Touring tips

• Come see the World’s Tallest Snowwoman at 37 Cross St. She’ll stand guard over Bethel until March 31. Call 824-2282 for more info.

• Deepwood Farm offers old-fashioned sleigh rides mid-week or for special occasions by appointment. Call 824-2595 for rates and reservations.

When most Mainers think Bethel, they think Sunday River (www.sundayriver.com). Although the mountain is a big part of the town, it isn’t the only reason to visit. But with eight peaks, 131 trails and 18 lifts, it’s easy to see why snow lovers immediately conjure up images of skiing on that fresh fallen — or freshly man-made — snow.

In addition to a mindboggling array of trails to choose from, Sunday River also has special ski and stay packages and a ski school. The Frequent Skier Card ($89) offers skiers $25 off midweek lift tickets and $15 off weekend and holiday tickets. So if you’re itching to get in some quality time on the slopes before the spring melt, Sunday River is the place.

Nordic skiers have many reasons to love Bethel as well. Three ski centers — Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center, Sunday River Inn Cross Country Ski Center and the Bethel Inn Nordic Ski Center — offer 120 km of groomed trails, as well as lessons and equipment rentals.

In the winter or spring, Bethel Village is great for walking. Strolling through the town past little white farmhouses and Victorian style homes gives a taste of New England nostalgia. Main Street offers plenty of shops and restaurants to keep you busy.

Books-N-Things (130 Main St.) is a quaint neighborhood bookstore that has been serving western Maine’s bibliophiles for 10 years. Find unique clothing and gifts at Ruthie’s (88 Main St.) and Wild Rose (162 Main St.). For Irish and Scottish jewelry, Highland Wear, and custom-made kilts, Linda Clifford (91 Main St.) will satisfy your Celtic cravings. Take a break from shopping to check your email and get a jolt of caffeine from Mouse & Bean Internet Caf� (63 Main St.).

Experience turn of the century elegance at the Victoria Inn Restaurant’s afternoon tea, which is served Wed.-Sat., 11:30 am- 4 pm. Fill up on American favorites at S.S. Milton, where the menu covers everything from lamb to lobster. The dining room at the Sudbury Inn ($6-$32) offers classic regional dishes as well as French and Italian selections.

There are as many options for lodging as there are for dining in Bethel. The Bethel Inn Resort (starting at $99) is convenient for those who want to be close to the slopes — it’s just 6.8 miles from Sunday River. Offering four charming rooms is the Gideon Hastings House (starting at $125), an 1848 Greek Revival home built by a Civil War hero. In the center of the historic district is Chapman Inn (starting at $59), which was built in 1865 by a retired sea captain.

— Contributed by Jamie Thompson