Bethel, ME

Address:Bethel, Maine

Bethel is a small town at the entrance to the White Mountains that claims to be Maine's most beautiful mountain village. With its breathtaking trails for biking and hiking, world-class skiing and other outdoor activities complimented by the grandeur of the surrounding hills, that claim may be right on the money.

Everyone will find Bethel an ideal place to walk around. From a leisurely stroll through Bethel's National Historic District, to a more rigorous walk through the village up Paradise Hill Road, or along the recreational pathway, this village is "walker friendly" and totally safe at any time of day or night.

Cyclists will enjoy the Sunday River Mountain Bike Park, with 15 trails and 20 miles of lift-serviced riding with varying difficulty levels and terrain ranging from open work roads to single track. Take half-mile loops or all-day hikes. The un-crowded trails offer spectacular mountain and lake views. At Bethel's Outdoor Adventure and Campground, take guided and unguided outdoor trips like fishing, kayaking and bike tours. There's a campground located on the banks of the river. Also, the café serves lunches, snacks, teas, coffee and sandwiches. For the whitewater adventure seeker, the Androscoggin and Ellis Rivers provide nearly 60 miles of swift, but gentle, canoeing and kayaking, perfect the beginner. Instruction, transportation and rental services maximize your on-river experience.

Bethel is home to several ski resorts. With over 40 kilometers of marked trails, the Bethel Inn is a great place for cross-country skiing. You can rent equipment at the resort for a full day or half day. The Bethel Inn's trails are dog-friendly. Mt. Abram offers a wide variety of terrain from the beginner's Westside area to un-groomed expert glade runs and race courses, with skiing and snowboarding for all abilities at very affordable prices. Five lifts will speed you to the top to choose from 44 trails while you take in the views of Mt. Washington and the Lakes Region. The other ski resort, Sunday River, has a great beginner area at the main lodge, with an interesting learning area for children. This is an excellent intermediate-to-advanced mountain. The nice part about Sunday River is that you can ski up to the hotel, check-in your equipment, eat lunch in the privacy of your room, and be back on the slopes in less than an hour. The Mountain Explorer is a free shuttle that provides transportation between Bethel village and Sunday River Ski Resort.

Every Monday from 5 to 7pm, Sunday River hosts a wine-and-cheese party for guests at Tango Mary's nightclub. Vendors representing the many hotels, restaurants, and sporting outfitters are present to offering tips and deals. The outfitters' packages include skiing, boarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, sleigh rides, evening rides in mountain snow groomers, skating, tubing and kayaking. Five or six lucky guest will win prizes such as ski tuning, a one-hour ride with the mountain grooming staff, a wine-and-cheese basket, and dinner for two.

Kids will find a ton to do in Bethel. Santa's Village is a great little family-owned amusement park. There are a variety of rides, including spinning cups, log flume, carousel, and tracked car rides. The park is well maintained and clean, with a variety of snack and foods. Santa's Village also has a bakery where you can decorate your own huge gingerbread cookie. With shows and children's workshops offered, you can spend a full day here. For further entertainment for the kids, located in the heart of Bethel is a large adventure center with laser tag, water slides, mini golf, a rock climbing gym and bowling.

For history lovers, the Bethel Historical Society gives visitors a look into New England's colorful past, with its 1821 Robinson House and 1813 Dr. Moses Mason House. These properties offer period rooms, exhibition galleries, a museum shop and a research library containing an outstanding collection of manuscripts and photographs. The Society presents lectures, craft demonstrations and educational activities throughout the year.

The dining room at the Bethel Inn is a step back in time to grander days, with large tables where you may get to meet your fellow diners. Its windows look out over the back lawn and golf course. The restaurant also has live piano music and a small dance floor.

There are several options for accommodations. If you don't stay at a ski resort, you can stay in a hotel B&B, country inns, chalets & rental homes, condos, townhouses, apartments and slopeside or waterfront campgrounds. Dining options include hamburgers, pizza, sushi and seafood. While the majority of restaurants are family-friendly, a quieter, intimate dining experience can be found as well. Many pubs and taverns offer folk singers, soothing piano music or live rock bands or karaoke.

Shopping in Bethel is an authentic shopping experience. Rather than the typical outlet stores, you will find quilts, gifts and more in over two dozen shops. Some are located on Bethel's Main Street and many are scattered around the area. There are also a variety of antique shops in and out of Bethel Village. Maine-made gifts including Maine-gem jewelry, pottery, outdoor wear and specialty shops. A farmers' market is held every Saturday morning in Bethel and farm stands offering fresh produce, flowers and other locally harvested items are found throughout the countryside.