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.