Pull on your long johns and embrace the invigorating fresh air.

Once you have the right gear, we have a few suggestions for you.

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers should check out the trails at Baxter Woods, Capisic Pond Park, Riverton Trolley Park and Evergreen Cemetery Woods. Follow the miles and miles of trails from Oat Nuts Park to the Presumpscot River Preserve and you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Presumpscot Falls.

For groomed cross-country classic and skate trails, check out the Riverside Snow Park at Riverside Golf Course. Riverside Snow Park also has hills for snowboarding, sledding and tubing. The same is true near the Back Cove at Payson Terrain Park. And Eastern Prom Hill is a great place to sled, tube, telemark ski, cross-country ski and snowshoe. For other opportunities, Portland Trails offers maps of the trail systems and occasional guided walks/hikes.

Sharpen your blades, lace up your skates and take a spin on the ice at Deering Oaks Park, Nason’s Corner/Breakwater School Pond, Payson Park and Riverside Snow Park. At Riverside, the rink is lit for night skating. For more information, refer to this list of places to skate in Maine.

Whether you are a student or a visitor, Farmington’s prime location among the rolling hills of Western Maine is a perfect jumping-off point to winter adventures and R & R. This picturesque town is home to the University of Maine at Farmington, named a U.S. News & World Report “Best College” 23 times since 1998. A vibrant college town, downtown Farmington offers art galleries, plays, concerts, plus a diverse variety of shops and eateries.

The gateway to world-class skiing and snowboarding

If you know a college-bound student who’s into the outdoors, the University of Maine at Farmington is the perfect place for her or him to spend their college years. It also offers a degree in Outdoor Recreation Business Administration and a certificate in Alpine Operations — plus intercollegiate Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Freeski, Snowboard Slopestyle and Snowboardcross.

The University is right smack in the middle of some of the best hiking, mountain biking, camping, rafting, canoeing and kayaking in Maine. Farmington residents have long appreciated the great outdoors. Hometown son Chester Greenwood invented the earmuff at age 15, having come up with the idea while ice skating. Each winter the town celebrates Chester and his famous invention with an earmuff-clad parade. More recently, Farmington (and the world) celebrated the achievements of two-time Winter Olympic gold medalist Snowboard cross racer — and Farmington native — Seth Wescott.

Local skiers enjoy Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley as well as Titcomb Mountain in West Farmington. Titcomb Mountain is big enough to offer a variety of terrain, yet small enough that families are quickly at ease. Here, you’ll find both Alpine and Nordic skiing opportunities. Titcomb Mountain has added a new upgraded snowmaking system and the lodge has added a new stone patio with a grill and fire pit. The mountain has snowmaking capacity to cover 70% of its alpine terrain and lighted trails for night skiing, as well as a new small lighted XC Ski loop trail.

Northern Lights Rental Shop, located at Titcomb Mountain, offers ski and snowboard rentals for children and adults. For more information, visit titcombmountain.com, or call 207-778-9031.

Since the 1970s, Northern Lights Stove Shop in Farmington has helped make homes cozy. They carry classic wood stoves, gas fireplaces, pellet stoves and outdoor wood furnaces.

Wilton: The hub of Maine’s recreational mecca

Wilton is a four season destination nestled in the foothills of Western Maine on the shore of beautiful Wilson Lake. While most of the well-known areas in Maine get lots of press, you’ll find a gold mine of other destinations to call your own special discovery — and Wilton is one of them. Wilton is less than one hour from Saddleback, Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Black Mountain and Titcomb ski areas. It’s also located on Maine’s Interconnected Trail System (ITS) 82 and 89.

In 2012, the Wilson Lake Inn was awarded the “Certificate of Excellence” from TripAdvisor.  Wilson Lake Inn delivers unsurpassed value, warm hospitality, and personalized service you can only find at a family-operated inn. The guest rooms, studios and suites are bright, clean, spacious and quiet. Continental breakfast includes freshly ground coffee, bakery fresh coffee cakes and muffins, fresh fruit and juice to get you off to a great start to explore this winter wonderland. Inn owners Tom and Susan invite you to enjoy the peace, serenity and service that will exceed your expectations. As your base camp for a fun-filled getaway, they want to share the snow covered hills and valleys that surround the lake and provide you endless opportunities for skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing and ice fishing.

In 1876, George Henry Bass founded G. H. Bass & Company on Wilson Lake in Wilton. Bass shoes were manufactured here until the family sold the business in 1998. Today, Calzolaio Pasta Company, an Italian restaurant with some American alternatives, is located in the historic former shoe factory building. The restaurant features homemade sauces and pasta, brickoven-style pizza, fresh Maine seafood and natural meats. It’s open 7 days a week from 11am- 9pm for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

Are you ready to purchase that mountain getaway or new snowmobile? At Franklin Savings Bank, they’ll be happy to assist you in the process. The bank has convenient locations in Farmington, Jay, Mexico, Mount Blue, Rangeley, Rumford, Skowhegan and Wilton. You’ll also find ATMs at most of these locations.

Located in downtown Wilton across from the old Bass Shoe building is Ambition Brewing. Opened in 2018, it’s the best and smallest brewery & taproom in Wilton, serving up an ever-changing variety of creative ales and lagers — on-site or for take-home.

To learn more about all of the businesses and events in Farmington, visit the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce on the web at: franklincountymaine.org or call 207-778-4215.

Yoga is a fantastic complement to running and is one of the best practices for our physical and emotional well being. Yin Yoga, specifically, is an ideal practice for athletes as it targets the denser connective tissue, particularly within the joints, which other styles of yoga or exercise can’t adequately address. More active forms of yoga such as Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Bikram, Flow and Core style classes may also attract runners as they are great for building strength and balance, enhancing range of motion and creating greater body awareness.

Yin Yoga is a naturally meditative practice.

By spending time in stillness, Yin Yoga creates the opportunity to pay attention to what arises. We are able to closely examine the nuanced sensation of the tissue as it receives the benefits from the long holds, as well as observe the natural tendencies of the mind. This time of inward focus directly parallels all that takes place on a challenging run and is a valuable component to athletic training. It allows us to become receptive to any adversity whether it’s mild discomfort in the body, or agitation in the mind. By learning to be with these sweeping states, we can become more tolerant of that discomfort, and may notice that a certain level of calm arises. Within a more peaceful and grounded state, we have a greater capacity to examine our goals and appreciate our accomplishments. It’s truly the ultimate recharge.

Here are a few Yin poses that can be incorporated into your existing routine and are designed to energetically complement the Transition/Build phase of training. These postures are part of a longer sequence. To receive this sequence in full, please email info@freeportyogaco.com

BUTTERFLY — Target Areas: spine/inner lines of legs

DRAGONFLY (to the side) — Target Areas: spine/back and inner lines of legs

DRAGONFLY (center)

SPHYNX — Target Area: lumbar and potentially cervical spine

TWISTED ROOT — Target Areas: spine/upper body/massage for stomach and internal organs

How to practice

There are three main principles of Yin Yoga. First, we come into a shape and go to the first point of resistance, and from that mild “edge” of sensation, observe what is being felt. Sensation should be no more than a mild, dull ache, and not gravitate toward anything sharp, stabbing or burning.

The second principle is to remain still. With the muscles relatively relaxed, the stress will transfer to the denser connective tissues. Keep in mind, you are not fixed in a single spot for the duration of the pose. Do be sure to change the angle of the pose to accommodate for any release, or to back away from sensation that becomes too intense.

Lastly, yin postures are held for longer periods of time. Postures can be held anywhere from 3 to even 20 minutes, but start with a time frame that makes sense for you, honoring the foregoing tenets.

Practice the postures sequentially as listed, allowing for 3-6 minutes in each pose. Give yourself at least 1-2 minutes between postures to rest in a prone or supine position (savasana), observing the effects. It is normal to feel some fragility as you exit a posture, and that sensation may stay present for a minute or two.

Disclaimer: Not all yoga poses are suitable for all persons. Always consult your health care provider and obtain full medical clearance before practicing yoga or any other exercise program. The information provided in this blog is strictly for reference only and is not in any manner a substitute for medical advice or direct guidance of a qualified yoga instructor.

Terry Cockburn has been teaching yoga since 2006 and owns Freeport Yoga Company (Freeport, Maine) and Yarmouth Yoga Studio (Yarmouth, Maine). A marathon runner, mother to two boys (and one yellow dog), business owner and outdoor adventure seeker, she balances an active yang lifestyle with time on the meditation cushion and a contemplative yin practice. Terry teaches classes, workshops and retreats and has a passion for working with the athletic population. Check out her upcoming offerings at www.freeportyogaco.com

The Stratton and High Peaks region offers easy trail access and gives snowmobilers a lot of choices during their February Polar Blast. Polar Blast events include a karaoke contest, a spaghetti supper and cribbage tournament at the Stratton Plaza Hotel, a Crazy Cardboard Slide and bonfire event in Eustis Village, chili/ chowder/stew contest, and fireworks at night.

The 2017 Polar Blast runs from February 9 through February 11. You’ll find comprehensive information about the Polar Blast and other winter activities in the High Peaks region at the F.A.B.A. website.

For other winter adventures, check out the Cathedral Pines trails in Eustis that are XC and snowshoe friendly. And if you book rooms at the Spillover Motel, you will have use of the snowmobile and XC skiing trails all around their property.  Right next door is The Coplin Dinner House and together they offer overnight dinner packages, a winter weekend dinner/ brunch package, and a romance package that includes an overnight guest room, dinner at The Coplin Dinner House, and a basket full of romantic goodies in your room.

When you want some indoor fun and great food, stop into The Sugarbowl Restaurant and Sports Pub. In fact, you can find a lot of great places to eat in the region.

When you are on Main Street in Stratton, think about breakfast or lunch at the Looney Moose Cafe. Open seven days a week, this is the place for a delicious home-cooked meal. If you are looking for comfort food, warm up with a cup of their famous chili and a grilled cheese sandwich!

The Carrabassett Valley Antigravity Complex at the base of Sugarloaf is operated by the Town of Carrabassett and Carrabassett Valley Academy. This recreation complex features Maine’s largest indoor skate park and skate bowl, Olympic-size trampolines, an indoor rock climbing wall, full-court gymnasium and fitness room. Classes and private lessons are offered and reservations are required for the trampolines and climbing wall.

Tucked into the trees at 3004 Town Line Road, Carrabassett Valley, is Nestlewood Inn Bed & Breakfast. This elegantly furnished log cabin lodge offers seven cozy guest rooms, each with a private bath and all with woodland views. You’ll be conveniently located near Sugarloaf, yet just off the beaten path.

After your day-long outdoor adventures, warm up by the field stone fireplace in the Great Room as you sip a cup of tea.

One way to see the beautiful backcountry of Maine is by renting snowmobiles at Flagstaff Rentals Inc.  They have just the ride for you to enjoy scenic terrain and groomed trails on self-guided snowmobile rentals that are well suited for novice to experienced riders. Some day trips from their location include Quill Hill, Rangeley, Carrabassett and The Canadian Trail where you can cross the border and have lunch with your passport! Ask about multiple day packages as well. Why Rent? Because renting is much more convenient and affordable than owning. Just show up and ride. No purchase, registration, maintenance costs, storage or trailering. Just pure enjoyment and memories to last a lifetime. Contact Flagstaff Rentals Inc. to rent snowmobiles and join your friends and family on guided or self-guided tours to local spots like the beautiful overlook on Quill Hill (shown at top of page). Now that’s an adventure you can brag about on social media!

Artist’s Covered Bridge in Bethel

With one of the state’s two biggest ski areas, it’s not surprising that Bethel is a center for winter sports. But you may be surprised at the variety of outdoor options winter offers there. Besides downhill and Nordic skiing, ice skating and snow tubing, there are places to snowshoe, dogsled, take a sleigh ride, even fish through a hole in the ice. Those who’ve never tried any of these winter activities will find lessons, equipment and lots of outdoor company in this friendly town.

The centerpiece of winter sports is Sunday River, eight mountain peaks connected by 135 trails across 870 acres of developed trails and glades served by 15 lifts. It’s a family-friendly place, where kids love the slope-side entertainment and snow tubing at South Ridge, and teens appreciate the six terrain parks. Boarders of all ages gravitate to Pinnacle Snowboard Shop, with top names in boards, customized goggles and gear right at the mountain.

Cross-country skiers find trails and equipment right in town at Bethel Nordic Ski Center, at the start of 30km of classic and skate tracks, through forests and across fields with views of the Mahoosuc Mountains. Five miles of snowshoe trails and a skating rink make this a one-stop winter recreation center.

Photo: Carol Savage

Plenty of scenic trails are available, too, for those who prefer to explore the woods and fields on a snowmobile. Northeast Snowmobile Rentals can provide machines to use on their trails and groomed terrain, the largest in the area. Complete instruction, helmets and free trail maps, along with free GPS tracking assure your safety.

Like Dogs? Like Snow? A dogsledding trip may be the winter adventure for you! Contact Mahoosuc Guide Service and find out why Mushing Magazine, the recognized international authority on dogsledding, recommends them as one of North America’s Top 5 dogsledding outfits.

Mornington Crescent Sled Dogs, just south of Bethel, offers hands-on dogsled experiences that are more than just a ride.

Fishing is an all-season sport, so if you want to know how – and where – to land a 10-pound pike in February, stop at Orion Outfitters and Guide Service.

For augers, bait,and tackle, the experts at Bethel Bait Tackle & More offer plenty of tips about nearby lakes and ponds.

Rent Bethel is a premier vacation rental agency servicing the greater Sunday River & Bethel, ME area. They offer a great selection of on and off mountain homes and condos for rent seasonally and short term. With over 10 years of experience in vacation rentals and a handpicked inventory of rent ready properties staying with Rent Bethel guarantees your satisfaction from booking to check out. See your winter getaway options right now at rentbethel.com.

For rooms, dining and an après-ski scene in one place, consider The Sudbury Inn, a family-friendly inn with a French bistro and Suds Pub, featuring 29 beers on tap. The free Mountain Explorer shuttle takes skiers right to Sunday River and home again, so you can leave your car right at the inn.

No winter getaway is complete without some quality après-ski time. Check out Sunday River Brewing Company, a microbrewery where you can lift a glass by the fireside and satisfy your appetite with a hearty pub dinner.

There’s plenty of winter fun in Bethel; stop by the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at Station Place in the center of town to learn more.

Text: Bobbie Randolph

Aroostook County is rich in outdoor recreation opportunities in every season.

If you are new to outdoor adventure, consider hiring one of the many local Registered Maine Guides in the area. Even if you are an experienced outdoor adventurer, a Registered Maine Guide can make your trip a more enjoyable and often an educational experience.

Caribou

Caribou has the best of both worlds with modern urban amenities and breathtaking scenery. Whether you like snowmobiling, four-wheeling, motorcycle cruising, kayaking, hunting, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, summer street fairs, fall arts and crafts or just plain relaxing by a campsite, Caribou is for you.

Caribou has over 100 miles of beautifully groomed snowmobile trails which connect to over 2300 miles throughout Aroostook County. The season typically starts in December and often runs well into April. With copious amounts of snowfall, typically measured in feet rather than inches, Caribou offers endless sledding adventures for all!  For more information, go to cariboumaine.org, facebook.com/cityofcaribou, or the Caribou Snowmobile Club.

Presque Isle

Central Aroostook County offers beauty and interesting vistas every season. As the leaves change color we prepare for the incredible snowmobile season, cross country skiing, alpine skiing, biathlons, skating, star gazing and more. There is nothing that compares with star gazing and the Northern Lights in Aroostook County.

Photo: Paul Cyr | paulcyrphotography.com

Aroostook County is known as a four-season outdoor-lover’s paradise, especially for winter recreation enthusiasts into cross country skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling. The microbrewing revolution that has recently exploded in Portland, Bangor, and other points west and Downeast, has yet to be fully realized in “The County.” However, there are as many beer-lovers per capita here as anywhere else in the state of Maine, and things are happening, beer-wise. Here is just a sampling:

As you pull off Interstate 95 into Houlton, the first stop for any craft beer enthusiast should be the Thirsty Dawg beer and wine store, just off Route 2A on Florence Avenue. Established by Kent Good in 2010, the beer selection is one of the best in the state of Maine, with over 30 Maine breweries in stock. He is also one of the chief organizers of the Black Fly Brewfest, which will be held on May 20, 2017.

Aroostook Hops currently grows four popular varieties at their hop yard: Cascade, Centennial, Mt. Hood, and Nugget. Back in August, the CFO of Gritty McDuff’s was in the County with his Gritty’s balloon for the Aroostook Balloon Festival, and stopped by to pick up some fresh Centennial and Cascade hops to use in their “Wet Hop Ale.”  Geaghan Brothers Brewing also used some of their fresh hops in making its “Aroostook Hop Harvest” ale.

Heading northeast on Route 1A from Westfield to Fort Fairfield you will find The Hop Yard’s northern farm on the Maple Grove Road. This was their first commercial hop yard and they have since established another in Gorham.

Another area farm producing quality ingredients for the Maine craft beer market is Buck Farms’ Maine Malt House, located in Mapleton, just east of Presque Isle on Route 163. Brothers Jared, Josh, and Jacob Buck, along with father Bruce and uncles Brent and Barry, started the Maine Malt House in February of 2015.

If you head about 10 miles north on Route 1 from Presque Isle, you will arrive at Aroostook County’s only microbrewery, Northern Maine Brewing Company in Caribou.  Of their six brews on tap, I sampled the Maine Logger (a crisp Pilsen lager), the River Driver’s Red ale, the Skidder Grease Stout, and the Farmer IPA, with an IBU of 63 and ABV of 6.9%.

30 miles further north in Fort Kent, where Route 161 ends and U.S. Route 1 begins (ending in Key West, Florida), you can make your way to Walker’s Pub on West Main Street where you’ll find fine food and several Maine craft beers on tap.

Continuing on Route 1 to the Northeastern most point in the United States, just across the St. John River from Madawaska in Edmunston, New Brunswick, is Les Brasseurs de Petit-Sault brewery (“Little Falls Brewery”).  It is worth the trip to tour the brewery and sample the beers on the Canadian side of the border, but bring your passport and a designated driver.

Aroostook County may be behind the rest of Maine in the number of local microbreweries, but the scenery is great, the people are friendly, and they are ready to ride the craft beer wave that is sweeping over the state. Most of these establishments can be found on Facebook and it would behoove travelers to bring their skis, snowshoes, or snowmobiles and check them out this winter.  Upcoming winter events include the Holiday Light Parade in Presque Isle on December 3rd and the Caribou Winter Carnival in mid-February.

Text: Paul Lamoreau

If you’re gearing up for a spring race, or just running on a regular basis, you may be dreading the approach of winter. Between the snow, ice, shorter days, and the stresses of the holidays, it can be tough to keep your training on track.

While winter workouts do require a little extra strategizing, with a few simple precautions, you can increase your fitness, and stay safe and healthy until spring arrives. Here are some tips.

STEP OUTSIDE There’s no doubt about it, treadmills can be lifesavers when road conditions feel unsafe.  But running all of your miles inside can lead to nagging aches and pains, says physical therapist and athletic trainer Greg Knapton, owner of Riverview Physical Therapy. Biomechanically, running on the treadmill is not the same as running outside. If you’re training for a long-distance race, like a marathon, “as long as you’re dressing appropriately in layers, and conditions are safe, get your long runs in on the road,” says Knapton.

TREAD CAREFULLY If you are logging lots of miles on the treadmill, watch your form to prevent overuse injuries.  Resist the temptation to keep increasing your speed if the pace on the electronic display is tough on the ego.  “I always think I should be running faster than what the treadmill shows,” Knapton says. Cover the display with a towel, and focus on running at a pace that you can sustain without holding on to the handrails. If you have to hold on, you’re running too fast. And watch your form on the treadmill. Avoid staring down at the electronic display on the treadmill—that can cause extra tension into the shoulders and back, and make running feel harder than it needs to. Instead,  look straight ahead and keep your shoulders relaxed.  If you’re running for an hour or more on the treadmill, take a break every 30 minutes to walk, stop, rehydrate, and stretch, just as you might if you were on the road, says Knapton. Avoid just punching in a pace, and zoning out for the rest of the workout. But when you’re running outside, your pace varies as you warm up, and you navigate undulations in the terrain. So inside, vary the pace and incline often to more closely mimic the way that you would run outside.

DRINK UP In the winter, it’s easy to let good hydration habits slide,since you’re sweating less in colder conditions. “People forget to hydrate in the winter,” says Knapton. Dehydration can slow you down, tire you out, and increase your perception of effort, making even an easy pace feels difficult.  All that can destroy the quality of your workout. So make hydration a priority. Each day, aim to consume about half your weight in calorie-free fluids, like water.  So if you weigh 150 pounds, aim for 75 ounces of water per day.Photo

DRESS RIGHT When you’re running outside, wear shirts and pants made of technical materials that wick the moisture away from your body so you stay warm.  Dress in layers that you can shed as you warm up. For wet days, make sure to have a shell that will keep you dry and vent the moisture from sweat. Look for shells that are waterproof, but offer some breathability.

COVER UP Watch the extremities.  “Don’t underestimate facial cover,” Knapton warns. The extremities—nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, and toes— are the first to freeze and the most vulnerable to frostbite. So find mittens, gloves, hats, balaclavas that are comfortable in various conditions, and you can regularly wear.

STAY DRY You’re most at risk for hypothermia when it’s rainy or snowy and your skin is damp.  Sweaty clothing increases your heat loss. So if you sit around in wet clothes post-workout, you’re going to get cold fast. Be sure to have a warm, dry, change of clothing ready at the end of your run so you can warm up and get dry ASAP.

BE PREPARED FOR NEW ACHES AND PAINS  When you have a slippery surface, or you’re running in the snow, stepping through deep snow, and you’re sidestepping tricky areas, it changes your gait, and stresses and works your muscles in new ways. All that can lead to tweaks and strains of hamstrings, achilles, and back, Knapton says. So prepare for those issues, and be sure to allow for plenty of stretching and recovery.

FOCUS ON EFFORT, NOT PACE  Factors like snow, frigid air, and ice are bound to impact how fast you can run. So don’t be a slave to a prescribed goal pace for a workout or the numbers you see on your training watch. When temperatures and road conditions are dicey, it’s better to run according perception of effort, Knapton says. If an easy workout is on the schedule, focus on maintaining a pace that feels easy, sustainable and conversational.

BE FLEXIBLE If you’re preparing for a big spring race like a marathon, staying flexible about your training will help ensure that you get to the starting line injury-free. If you try to maintain an iron grip on your routine, you may end up hurt, sick, and sidelined. In any season, the runners who get injured are the ones who say ‘I have to do this because I have this time crunch,’ says Knapton. If you’re a morning runner, it may be safer to move your workouts to midday, when the sun is the strongest and you’re less likely to contend with risks like black ice. “Be willing to vary your days,” says Knapton. “If it’s negative 10 degrees and icy on the roads, you’re better off on the treadmill. Or it may be worth it to wait until tomorrow.”

MIX IT UP Having a non-running workout can help prevent injury, build all-around fitness, stave off burnout, and provide a fun alternative when running outside is unsafe.  Substitute a snowshoe for a hill workout, or go for a cross-country skiing outing, Knapton recommends. Cross training with a spin class, pool running, or time on the elliptical can be a great alternative, says Knapton.  If you only cross-train sporadically, it’s going to be a challenge to develop the fitness and proficiency to enjoy the workout, and get the cardiovascular benefits or the mental release that comes from breaking a sweat. Your workouts may feel chronically difficult and frustrating.  It’s best to start training for those days when the roads are unrunnable by integrating one cross-training day into your routine each week.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Upper respiratory infections are common in cold weather, and it can be tough to determine when to run and when to stay in. In general, if you’re sniffling and sneezing it’s usually okay to workout—it might even make you feel better. But if you have a fever, full-body aches, and symptoms of the full-blown flu, it’s best to stay in. One day of rest won’t ruin your fitness. But trying to plow through a sickness when you are worn down can sideline you.

DON’T GO OUT ALONE There’s safety in numbers, especially when you’re running in the cold and dark, or in rural areas.  “Run with a buddy or a friend,” says Knapton. Even if you’re a bonified solo runner, it’s best to make safety your first priority.

— Text: Jennifer Van Allen

Majestic Moosehead Lake, with its 400 miles of undeveloped shoreline, surrounding mountain peaks and expansive views, provides an inspiring backdrop to escape from the everyday fast pace of life. The winter months and the abundant snowfall open up a spectacular opportunity to explore back country trails and frozen water bodies. Wildlife abounds on our trails and it is common to see moose, deer, wild turkeys and many woodland animals up close and personal.

The surrounding townships of Greenville, Rockwood, Pittston Farm, Northeast Carry and Kokadjo and their clubs work in unison to maintain a world-class network of groomed snowmobile trails. Start your trip from any of these locations and loop through the wooded forests and enjoy convenient services and warm up stops along the way.

If manpower fun is your thing, Nordic and Cross Country trails are offered throughout the region. Groomed and marked ski and snowshoe trails can be found at Greenville’s Natural Resource Education Center (NREC), Big Squaw Mountain Ski Area, Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) near Kokadjo and The Birches Resort in Rockwood. Each location offers a different type of terrain whether it be wooded, rolling streams, mountain or lake views.

When it comes to downhill skiing and boarding, views from Big Squaw Mountain Ski Area are some of the finest in the Eastern US! Located on the west shore of Moosehead Lake, this family ski area is only 5 miles from downtown Greenville and 13 miles from Rockwood. Lift ticket pricing remains affordable for young and old ($20 – $25 daily) thanks to the fundraising efforts of the non-profit 501c(3) Friends of Squaw Mountain. The base lodge is open to guests Friday-Sunday, 9am – 4pm, vacations and holidays. Here you will find a full service rental shop, ski/board school and snack bar with hot and cold food items. For more information visit  skibigsquaw.com

More winter fun can be found in the Village of Greenville at the southern end of Moosehead Lake. Home to the quaintest shops, replenishing pubs and recreational services like the ice skating rink, Greenville is for snow lovers! Pick up the perfect souvenir and plan your next adventure. How about trying something new? Guided dog sled adventures and moose tours to find a fresh antler shed are offered daily.

Sportsmen favor the big lake and its many protected ponds near Moosehead for fishing action on the ice. Heated and equipped ice fishing shacks and gear are available to rent by the day. Enter one of our annual ice fishing derbies to add a friendly competition to your sport. You may win the big prize and help raise money to support the local causes of NREC and the Friends of Moosehead Lake.

Longstanding organizations like the Friends of Moosehead Lake have been established for nearly 60 years to help connect area businesses, non-profits, residents and visitors with the unique, natural landscape that makes Moosehead so unique. The tradition of sportsmen and vacationers to the Moosehead Lake Region is strong and our doors are open to offer hospitality to those seeking an inspiring destination to rejuvenate the soul. Check out friendsofmoosehead.org for area maps, activities and helpful links to help plan your next Moosehead escape.

Moosehead Motorsports is a full service dealership dedicated to making year-round fun for our customers and having fun doing it. They do this by selling, renting, and servicing the “toys” they play with: Ski-Doo snowmobiles, Can-Am ATV, and Sea-Doo personal watercraft, with a complete line of parts, clothing, and accessories.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop below freezing, our thoughts turn to the holiday season and the start of the New Year.  Popular activities such as snowmobiling, ice fishing and skiing seem to be on everybody’s mind. The ground has begun to freeze allowing early winter snows to remain and babbling brooks have been muted by thickening sheets of ice. It’s a time when the crisp air has blown the last leaves of fall from the trees. We don’t commonly view this time as a good time to hike in the Maine woods, but that’s changing.

With the inventions of lighter, warmer base layer clothing and chemical reaction hand and foot heaters more people are not only staying out in the chilly temperatures longer and longer, but they are beginning to look for new ways to enjoy the Maine woods. In the past decade snowshoeing and winter hiking have grown into an emerging sector of the Maine winter sports industry. Ski resorts are now offering ski and snowshoe packages. Outdoor based programs such Maine Huts and Trails, lands in Maine State Parks and Land Preserves such as the Roberts Farm Preserve have grown in popularity with people wanting to get out and move during the winter.  State parks like Rangeley and Sebago Lake State Park traditionally shuttered for the winter are now opening and offering winter programs like free snowshoe and cross country ski rentals for their trail systems.

Backwoods hiking has also grown in popularity. Hikers enjoy the less crowded trails and the absence of foliage which affords them deeper views into the forest. This is a time when wildlife can be spotted more easily, perhaps a mink near a frozen brook or a snowshoe hare hoping through the under brush.  Roughed grouse, owls, and even turkeys can now be observed from a distance. Unique land features, Maine’s famous rock walls, and old foundations become easily identifiable.  Areas once thought of as only summer locations like Grafton Notch, Angel falls, and Bigelow Mountain are now seeing winter visitors.

Early winter hikes needn’t be all day experiences. One of my favorite hikes is a quick jaunt off from the “East B Hill” road between Andover and Upton to a series of mountainous waterfalls and gorges known as The Cataracts. It takes only a half hour or so to walk the entire trek but the ice sculptured waterfalls in seasonal stasis make the trip well worth while.

Another favorite, Piazza Rock along the Appalachian Trail in Rangeley takes about an hour to reach. A peaceful trail winds through majestic hardwoods and cozy softwood stands along the route to the hanging monolith. Go early, just after freeze up as this notch is prone to deep snow by mid winter.

Photo: Carol Savage

For day long hikes, check out the Roberts Farm Preserve in Oxford Hills. There is an entire network of meandering trails through rolling hills, fields, and serene forests for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Maine Huts and Trails network offer kitchen use and heated rooms at any one of their 3 secluded lodges after a day long route through some of Maine’s most pristine woods. While in the Area, be sure to visit the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center in Carrabassett Valley for a variety of outdoor adventures set in a beautiful backdrop of wintery Maine woods.

Stay Safe

The key to enjoying these wintery hikes is being prepared. Dress in layers, with a base layer designed to wick away the moisture of perspiration to keep it from cooling on your skin. Wear fleece as lightweight warmth and an outer shell to deflect wind and precipitation.  Plan your hike and hike your plan, tell someone where you are headed and when you expect to return.  Have a basic knowledge of map and compass navigation. Remember the usual recommendations, waterproof matches, first aid kit, and a light source. Along with high energy snacks, consider a small Thermos of heated beverage or stew. My wife buys dozens of packages of chemical reaction hand, foot and body warmers at cheap off-season prices for use all winter long.

For more information, visit the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Maine Huts and Trails, the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, or the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.

– Text: Robbie Martin

Heading North on Route 26 from Portland and Gray takes you to the heart of Maine’s Winter playground. When planning your trip, leave some extra time to visit these great destinations along the way.

Carter’s XC Ski in Oxford has purposely built fat bike trails & fat bike rentals provided on site by the Green Machine Bike Shop. Other noteworthy places to ride are, Shepard’s Farm Preserve in Norway & Range Pond State Park in Poland. Snowmobile trails are also a great option, just be sure to ask permission from your local snowmobile club, as not all snowmobile trails are fat bike friendly.

Photo courtesy of Green Machine Bike Shop

The Green Machine Bike Shop opened its doors on Main Street in Norway, the Spring of 2012, with the focus on bicycle & ski repair. They have recently moved  just down the road to 419 Main St. and have expanded their retail offerings to include bicycles & accessories from Felt, Scott, KHS, Raleigh, Santa Cruz & Fizik. Their ski lines include Volkl, Black Diamond & Scott Skis, Scarpa Telemark boots, Dalbello Alpine boots, Rottefella, NTN, 22 designs, Black Diamond & Marker bindings. They have group rides for experienced road and mountain bikers, and a group that builds trails. Call 207-739-2324 for the most up to date information on group rides and trail building.

For more than 50 years, Mt. Abram has been one of Maine’s premiere learn-to-ski areas. 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. Families love the Westside, with a separate base lodge and an expanded heated pavilion, chairlift, magic carpet and lessons available. The Main Lodge is home to the best après parties in New England! Cruise into Loose Boots Lounge for live music, wine tasting, great drinks and tasty food. Mt. Abram is constantly working to improve snow-making capacity, while expanding the existing trail network to improve the quality of the slopes.

Photo courtesy of Five Fields Farm

Interested in mushing? Founded in 1977 by mushers Grey and Kathy Pickett, Nooksack Racing Supply is a provider of top quality equipment for novice and experienced mushers and dog powered sports. Friendly, courteous and knowledgeable staff to help you & your four legged friends. Proudly made in Maine, USA.

Mt. Abram has several signature events including a full moon hike, the Mt. Dew Vertical Challenge, Wild West Fest, White Grass Festival and New England Tele Fest and more. Follow Mt. Abram Ski Area on Facebook & In Carters Cross Country Ski Center is a family owned and operated business, and has been for over 30 years. They have 2 locations with full-service ski shops and unique trails. Their ski shops can equip you with quality touring packages, as well as Back Country and top of the line racing equipment for your enire family. Carter’s has many trails designated for Back Country skiers and snowshoers. They rent Back Country equipment and snowshoes at both locations so you can try before you buy.

Photo: Jessie Hobgood

Smedbergs’ Crystal Spring Farm’s roadside stand in Oxford was originally built in 1967 and is owned and operated by Roger and Gayle Smedberg and Roger Smedberg, Jr. From Made-in-Maine products like maple syrup, honey, fruit salsa, pottery, soaps and ornaments, to their own One Cow Homemade Ice Cream that’s “udderly delicious,” Smedbergs’ Crystal Spring Farm is an experience unlike any other. Stop by and check out their homemade baked goods including pies, breads and Gayle’s delicious homemade baked beans and chicken pies. Smedberg’s all-natural, home-grown beef, pork and lamb are raised on the farm and fed from the field, with no added hormones. Also available: bison, chicken, seafood and live lobster. You won’t want to miss a stop at Smedbergs’ Crystal Spring Farm.

After all that trail time you will have worked up an appetite! Located right on Route 26 in South Paris, stop for a meal at Maurice Restaurant. Since 1976, Maurice’s has been a pleasant surprise for world sojourners and people new to the beautiful Oxford Hills area of western Maine. The 200-year old clapboard house turned restaurant continues to delight, serving French-Continental cuisine in an elegant country atmosphere at affordable prices.

— Activity Maine

It is easy to see why people might focus on Portland when seeking to explore Maine’s craft beer scene. As Maine’s largest city, it is stocked with breweries and it tops other major U.S. cities in breweries-per-capita. While this popularity has encouraged more breweries to open — over a dozen breweries in Maine have opened in 2016 — many potential brewers are focusing on other communities.

The Biddeford/Saco area, located a quick twenty minutes south of Portland, is in the process of becoming a hub for beer lovers — and offers something for lovers of traditional beer styles as well as those seeking the newest and most experimental styles.

The cities of Saco and Biddeford have a long history — mill buildings and former industry line the bank of the broad, curving Saco river. Once empires of lumber and industry, the massive brick mill buildings and stacks stand as a reminder of an economy that’s been transformed many times since the city’s founding. The once-bustling mills laid unused for decades — and the latest recession wasn’t encouraging for those thinking of investing in rehabilitating the area.

Today, the area is home to four beer-producers, each who have found ways to grow their city’s love for beer without compromising the area’s rich history.

Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery

Brews on the deck overlooking the Saco River at Run of the Mill Public House & Brewery in Saco

www.therunofthemill.net
100 Main Street, Saco
In an industry where it is easy to be trendy, Run of the Mill brewpub stands out for being true to its roots. It was the area’s first brewery, and opened after its successful “sister” brewery, The Liberal Cup, did so well in the town of Hallowell.

Though Run of The Mill has only been open since 2008, it has the atmosphere and feeling of the old mill on Saco Island that it occupies — the feeling that it’s always been here just as it is. The exposed beams and warmly enveloping walls and floors hold character and stories that, in a way, encourage us to go there and tell our own. The space is both huge and tiny, purposefully designed to have many different nooks and semi-private spaces to make it feel cozier, but to accommodate anyone who wants to partake in a hearty meal, down a few beers and talk about whatever’s on their mind.

The 14-barrel brewhouse turns out a variety of classic ales and lagers and regularly keeps at least seven on tap, changing them up seasonally. The beers range from traditional English-style ales their flagship is their Alewife; a smooth but bitter English Pale Ale, to classic lager styles like their Dunkel John’s Band, a roasty and well-balanced Dunkelweizen (dark wheat). The beer names touch on a familiar Maine sense of humor —  including names such as State Budget Red (a hopped bitter red ale), Ex-Wife Extra Bitter (English Bitter), or For Richer or Poorter (Porter).

Banded Horn Brewing Company 13-W

Photo: Carla Jean Lauter

www.bandedhorn.com
32 Main Street, Biddeford
Just across the river, the Pepperell Mill campus is home to Banded Horn Brewing Company, who began their plans to renovate the space in 2013, launching a Kickstarter to involve the community in their brewing endeavor. Since then, Banded Horn has transformed their high-ceilinged space into a brewery production facility that has a 20-barrel brewhouse and 200 barrels of fermentation capacity.

The beers Banded Horn are known for include several familiar styles, including their flagship Pepperell Pilsner (an unfiltered Keller Pils) and assertively hoppy and piney Diakaiju double IPA. Where their talents truly stand out in the Maine beer landscape is their three beers on the dark side: Norweald, a slightly smoky, intense dark brew; The Mountain, a deep, chocolately, and rich Russian Imperial Stout; and Jolly Woodsman, a bitter and utterly satisfying stout brewed with wood-roasted espresso beans from Speckled Axe, a local coffee roaster.

Banded Horn regularly hosts events and takes advantage of their large ex-mill space. From ping-pong tournaments to yoga, they are eager to help folks their community find a run reason to hang out, and to provide space to organizations and events that they jive with.

Dirigo Brewing Company

Photo: Carla Jean Lauter

www.dirigobrewingcompany.com
28 Pearl Street, Biddeford
Despite being the newest brewery in the area, Dirigo Brewing Company opened in 2016 with a lot of previous brewing experience. Lead brewer Tom Bull has worked at several other Maine brewing institutions (Gritty’s, Casco Bay Brewing, Bull Jagger) before setting out to open Dirigo Brewing in 2016. The space that Dirigo occupies features six windows overlooking the Saco falls — a view unseen by residents for years before Dirigo’s opening — and offers an unparalleled view to accompany brewery samples.

Focusing on German and old-world styles, Dirigo Brewing Company has already made a name for themselves by refusing to make an IPA — instead choosing to focus on more malt-forward ales and lagers. Their debut lineup includes a 13th century Polish chocolate wheat beer, Schöps, and a “German” Pale Ale made with a German malt and hops bill in place of the usual West-Coast Hops. A particularly unique beer is Dirigo Lager, brewed in the Helles-style. Showcasing the malts upfront, this clean, golden brew is easily consumed but not easily forgotten.

Barreled Souls

Photo: Carla Jean Lauter

barreledsouls.com
743 Portland Rd, Saco
What Barreled Souls lacks in size it makes up for in creativity and variety – why make the same beer every week when you could simply make many small batches of interesting variants? The tasting room in Saco regularly features over ten beers in a broad range of styles. This allows beer lovers to not only try a variety in one sitting, but provides an opportunity for anyone to find a beer they might be particularly fond of.

While there are some excellent beers that make it into regular rotation (try Paper Planes, the IPA for a fresh take on the style or Space Gose for a perfectly tart version of a traditional Gose), Barreled Souls is not afraid to get a little experimental. Some beers are infused with fruits or spices, including oranges, strawberries, or anise; while others are aged in barrels once used for other spirits. Come in to their tasting room with an open mind and you cannot leave bored.

Worth the trip

Only minutes apart, these breweries can offer a snapshot into Maine’s brewing past and future, and can easily be visited in a single trip. The tasting room staff are friendly, the beers are pouring and the locals are waiting to hear your stories. So what are you waiting for?

Text: Carla Jean Lauter

Fall is a spectacular time to live in (or visit) New England, and the change-over from summer into fall is often a graceful and beautiful transition. Seasonal beers, on the other hand, can sometimes fall into gimmicky and generic categories — we are flooded with dime-a-dozen pumpkin beers and Oktoberfest-style beers brewed from out of state. But across the state, several brewers have found ways to express their fondness for fall by pushing the boundaries of what a seasonal beer can be.

[RYE]

Sebago Brewing Company
Bonfire Rye
Instead of relying on spices added to the beer after fermentation, this autumn beer gets its slight spiciness from the rye used in its production. The backbone of this beer is a hoppy brown ale, but the rye elevates it to an earthy masterpiece of flavors that is complex yet easy to drink. Packaged in cans, this one slides in beautifully next to a late autumn cookout or a night under the stars. You may find yourself wishing this was brewed all year.

[COFFEE]

Funky Bow
Midnight Special
In Midnight Special, a straightforward porter is elevated to another tasty plane when cold-brewed coffee is added to the brew. This addition makes the resulting beer both hearty and flavorful, without being overly heavy. If you have some wood chopping ahead of you, this may be the beer to fuel your winter preparations. Though this isn’t truly an autumn beer, it does seem to fit very well into the flavor profiles of the season.

[WILD]

Allagash
Ghoulschip
One of the series of beers that Allagash brews using an open vessel known as a Coolship, Ghlouschip is unique in that it includes pumpkin – but tastes nothing like a typical gourd-based brew. The funkiness of the wild yeasts and bacteria that create this beer, combined with some additional tartness that develops as it is aged makes this one a stand-out.

[HOPS]

Rising Tide
Calcutta Cutter
Why add an Imperial IPA to a list of fall beers? Because this beer defines the onset of fall in Portland for many. When Rising Tide’s summer sessionable brew, Maine Island Trail Ale, stops production, the Calcutta Cutter is the next one on the canning and kegging line. When fresh, Calcutta Cutter is a masterfully crafted beer – the resinous hops are backed up with a solid backbone. While we may be lucky to have so many hop-forward beers available in our area, this one is still one that hop fans look forward to returning each fall.

[NUTS]

Mast Landing
Gunner’s Daughter
Peanut butter stouts are rare enough in the craft beer world, but well-balanced and delicious ones are even rarer. Gunner’s Daughter avoids the trap of being too sweet, and instead is simply a stout wrapped in earthy peanut flavors that actually sends you back for more after each sip. For some reason, the aroma reminds me of soil and the earth – all of the aromas that fall brings to bare.

[BOURBON]

Shipyard
Smashed Pumpkin
As the nights get chillier, beers that are a little higher in alcohol can provide a source of warmth. An entirely different experience than Shipyard’s flagship seasonal Pumpkinhead, Smashed Pumpkin is rich, sweet and boozy. Best enjoyed in snifter glasses where you can fully appreciate the aroma, it is a more mature take on the typical pumpkin beer, and the burbon and oaky notes play well with the pumpkin spices.

— Text: Carla Jean Lauter, The Beer Babe

Today we see a beer market that craves unique tailored experiences, connection to community, and alignment with values all while expecting the highest level of quality.

Combine that with a culture that strives for constant improvement, betterment, and broadened impact, and what follows is a craft industry that has given its consumers more variety, better quality, and increased access while making beer more approachable and maximizing positive impact.

As part of Blue Ox Malthouse, it’s exciting to be part of the broader movement of brewers, maltsters, and growers to extend the impact and experience of craft beer to the next level by moving the craft industry away from global supply chains and back to the communities it serves.

Beer and spirits as much as the bread we bake and the tomatoes we eat, are agricultural products. That’s right. That beer you’re drinking now started in a field, under the sun, stars, and rain, and was carefully cultivated to become the beer it is today. Was that field in Spain, Germany, Montana, Alberta, Argentina, or Presque Isle, Maine? Too often there is not enough transparency in the supply chain to know. Wouldn’t you rather know what is in your beer and where it comes from?

Let’s think about the ingredients of beer: water, malt, hops, and yeast. As brewers relied on the same suppliers, for a long time water was the selling point of beer: think Coor’s “Brewed With Pure Rocky Mountain Spring Water” or the focus on water sources like Sebago Lake. As the American market moved towards hoppy beers, the intensity of the focus has led to enormous transparency in the supply chain, to the point where brewers now take trips to visit the farms where their hops are grown and make the selection. Brewers have long been the domesticators of yeast; here they have the most control over selection of traits and can intentionally develop strains to perform in their brewhouse. Where does that leave the last ingredient malt?

Malt is the silent workhorse of beer. If hops are the clothes, and yeast the personality, then malt is the body and backbone that support any beer. It provides the enzymes, starches, and nutrients that ultimately feed the yeast; the color, clarity, or haze that often give us our first impression; and the foundation on which flavors can be built, expressed, and highlighted. You can cover up a body with sexy hop clothes and yeasty character, but we all know the best beers are built are when the cloths, character, and body complement each other.

Arguably, of the core ingredients, malt and grains are the frontier that has the most opportunity for craft breweries to continue to offer unique products and build the impacts for their communities.

This belief is what drove our company, Blue Ox Malthouse to start. In a state where we have as many as 40,000 acres of small grains grown annually and one of the most innovative beer communities in the country, the potential long term symbiosis between agriculture and craft beer is enormous.

We’re excited to be malt specialists in this climate. After years of building networks and resources that allow us to stay at the forefront of the industry, we are excited to bring this expertise and these resources home to our growers and brewers.

It’s been exciting to be part of the growing community here in Maine making this connection. Maine Grains and Aurora Mills, both grist mills, have begun servicing the industry with adjunct grains, and Buck Farm’s on-farm malting operation, Maine Malthouse, is proving the potential for on-farm processing.

To date we’ve worked with more than a half dozen grain growers and more than three dozen breweries to build momentum behind a craft malt revolution. As the only malthouse purchasing grain in Maine, we at Blue Ox Malthouse are excited to provide the largest possible impact of this grain connection.

With Blue Ox Malt, our customers get a traditionally processed malt with the same commitment to quality and experience that craft brewers promise their customers. Like Craft Brewers and Distillers, we are committed to the rebirth of tradition while building something new and unique that stands out from the crowd, both in its commitment to quality and its dedication to the community in which it’s made. It’s our belief that local, quality, and reliable can be synonymous, and work tireless to make that a reality.

Malt matters! What can you do with malt in your beer?

Text: Joel Alex, Maltster and Founder, Blue Ox Malthouse

Start planning your next craft brew tasting excursion now! There is so much information in this Tasting Room Directory, we couldn’t fit it all on the page. You can download a PDF version of the guide here.

As of early September 2016, the hours listed for each establishment were accurate. Before you visit, be sure to call ahead to confirm.