there’s nothing like a maine winter!
midcoast winter guide
where to eat, what to do, where to stay in the winter in the midcoast!
what to eat
close bites
the alna store | alna, 15m away
Our friends right down the road and the other half of our Relax, Nourish, Restore collaboration. This tucked-away gem is a sanctuary of farm-to-table cooking and natural wine. Dining here feels like a quiet extension of the woods—rustic, intimate, and deeply grounded in the local landscape. One of our favorites, we might just be at the bar after your session too!
bred in the bone | downtown damariscotta, 4 min away
The perfect post-sauna landing spot for those who crave vibrant, intentional flavors. It’s a community-centric space where the menu changes with the season, offering creative, globally-inspired small plates that nourish the soul. It’s high-energy and soulful—a great way to keep the "heat up" after your session.
newcastle publick house | downtown newcastle, 3 min away
The quintessential winter pub. With its warm interior and classic tavern atmosphere, it’s the community’s living room. It’s known for hearty oysters, local brews, and a warm vibe that makes it perfect for fueling up after your session.
in a silent way | downtown wiscasset, 10 min away
It’s an ideal winter retreat for those who appreciate natural wines and thoughtful small bites. The atmosphere is—as the name suggests—calm and focused, making it a great spot for an intimate conversation over a glass of wine.
sunnyside | downtown damariscotta, 5 min away
One of our favorites for breakfast and lunch in town before or after a walk through Damariscotta. Don’t miss the tot waffles or the pancakes!
farther afield, but worth the drive
winona’s | downtown camden, 40 mins away
Our favorite date night spot, like sitting in Chef Dearden’s living room. Inventive menus that always delight, we order everything on the menu, every time.
uproot pie co | downtown thomaston, 25 mins away
Tucked just off Main Street in a beautifully renovated 1850s carriage house, the uproot is a midcoast gem. It’s an intimate, glowy space where you can share a family-style table and a bottle of wine over their signature sourdough pies.
crooked spoon | downtown thomaston, 25 mins away
The best pasta in Maine. Crooked Spoon serves up scratch-made comfort that feels like a warm embrace on a winter evening. Their pasta is a masterclass in texture and intention—hand-rolled, perfectly al dente, and paired with seasonal flavors that honor the Maine landscape.
where to stay
the newcastle inn | downtown newcastle, 3 min away
Lovely inn within walking distance to the downtowns of Newcastle and Damariscotta with the nicest innkeepers!
what to do
downtown damariscotta | 5min away
Explore our downtown that we love so much! Wander through Wildings for a wonderfully curated selection of homegoods, or get lost in the stacks at Sherman’s to find a read for your rest cycle. For the intentional collector, The Kingfisher & The Queen offers an enchanting mix of vintage treasures and no winter stroll is complete without a stop at Renys!
downtown wiscasset | 10min away
Wander through the narrow streets of the "prettiest village in Maine". Find the perfect card or gift at Rock Paper Scissors, or a great read at Fiction Bookstore - their recommendations are always on point! Stop into Treats for a pastry and a latte.
frances perkins national monument | 2min away
Step into history while getting your steps in at the ancestral home of Frances Perkins, the first female U.S. Cabinet member and architect of the New Deal. While the historic "Brick House" is tucked away for the season, the 2.8 miles of nature trails remain open year-round for hikers and snowshoers. The trails wind through 57 acres of fields and forests down to the saltwater edge of the Damariscotta River. It is the perfect destination for a "slow-burn" winter walk that combines fresh air with deep American heritage.
dodge point | 1min away
Located on the banks of the Damariscotta River in Newcastle, Dodge Point is a local gem for winter tranquility. Its well-maintained network of trails offers everything from the wide, easy-rolling Old Farm Road—ideal for cross-country skiing—to the scenic Shore Trail which leads you to pebble beaches and ice-rimmed river views. Be sure to hike out to the historic Ice Pond, a quiet spot that offers a glimpse into Maine’s old-world ice harvesting history. It is a dog-friendly favorite for those looking for a peaceful woods-to-water experience.
camden snow bowl | 45 min away
The ultimate Midcoast winter "playground" and the only place in the East where you can ski with a view of the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re hitting the 15 downhill trails or exploring the groomed Nordic network on skis or snowshoes, the ocean-to-alpine scenery is unmatched. For a true adrenaline rush, visit in February for the U.S. National Toboggan Championships, where the legendary 400-foot wooden chute launches riders at 40 mph directly onto frozen Hosmer Pond. From fat biking to pond skating, it’s a high-energy hub for every kind of winter adventurer.
hidden valley nature center | 10 min away
For those seeking a deeper connection to the Maine wilderness, Hidden Valley Nature Center is a thousand-acre sanctuary for "quiet" winter sports. Managed by the Midcoast Conservancy, this hidden gem features miles of expertly groomed trails designed specifically for Nordic skiing, fat tire biking, and snowshoeing. The terrain takes you through diverse habitats—from pristine kettlehole bogs to high ridgelines—offering a sense of solitude that is hard to find elsewhere.
winter season festivals
gardens aglow | dec through early jan at coastal maine botanical gardens
A mesmerizing transition into the darkest part of the year. Walk through a luminous forest of over 500,000 lights woven through the sleeping gardens. It’s a beautiful way to practice "light therapy" and find magic in the crisp night air.
belfast ice festival | jan 23-25 | downtown belfast
A celebration of the cold in its purest form. Wander the historic streets to see intricate ice sculptures, or stop by the "Frost & Flannel" ball to lean into the rugged, cozy spirit of a Maine winter. It’s a high-energy weekend that proves the coast is just as vibrant in the ice as it is in the sun.
national toboggan championships | feb 6 – 8 | camden snow bowl
There is nothing quite like the roar of the chute. Whether you’re racing or just spectating with a warm drink in hand, this festival is a masterclass in Maine’s "play hard" winter spirit. It’s colorful, loud, and the perfect excuse to spend an entire day outdoors.
thompson ice house annual ice harvest | feb 15 | thompson pond, south bristol
Step back in time for a true community ritual. For over 200 years, neighbors have gathered here to harvest naturally frozen pond ice using antique hand tools. It’s a quiet, rhythmic, and deeply grounding experience—watching the blocks glide into the historic ice house to be saved for the summer ahead.
maine maple sunday | march 21-22nd sugarhouses across maine
The official scent of the Maine spring-thaw. As the sap begins to run, sugarhouses across the state open their doors to share the harvest of the year. Visit a local farm to see the steam rising from the evaporators—a sensory ritual of sweetness and warmth that signals the light is finally returning. During sessions in March, you’ll see our sugarhouse going, and we will have special sessions all about maple too!