WINTER BUCKET LIST
25 Things to Do in Maine This Winter
My winter bucket list may not be as crazy as I would like it to be but it’s simple. In fact, there are some things on here that will have to wait until next year. But spending time outdoors has always been a huge passion of mine and it’s healthy to have goals. Also, I absolutely hate being cooped up all winter or anytime of the year for that matter. This year it’s not as easy when you’re adjusting to freezing temperatures with a significant amount of titanium in your spine. The cold chills and shivers are a new kind freaky. With that said, I’ve stocked up on GOOD winter clothing and HotHands to get me outside again. So here are some of my favorite winter activities and ones I want to try:
“ There’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing.”
Hiking
My favorite activity in every season! Working up a sweat in the bitter cold to reach a summit with breathtaking views - totally worth it! Maine and New Hampshire have SO many amazing trails for all levels, whether you want to scale a 4,000 footer or just an easy, brisk walk. Maine Trail Finder or AllTrails are perfect for finding the right trail for you.
Ice Fishing
Ask my husband, this is the only winter activity that matters..
Snowshoeing
Once trying this, I immediately became hooked. It’s the perfect leisurely activity for winter. Even if you just want to try it out before investing in the gear, you can sign up for a Discovery Course at L.L.Bean for just $25 and the equipment is provided. Otherwise, shops like Reny’s and Ocean State Job Lot may have some at discounted prices.
Cross-Country Skiing
I’ve only tried this once and I have been dying to get back into it. Since I will probably avoid snowboarding and downhill skiing this year, I’ll take it slow and stick with something safer and more my pace. If you are interested in skiing, Visit Maine has a guide to all the local ski areas. Pineland Farms in New Gloucester has whole trail system for XC-skiing and you can stop at the market place afterward.
Sledding
Find the nearest hill and build yourself a jump to coast over with your snowtube, or if you are like me.. try to knock every off their sled and wipe them out (hehe). If you are serious though, grab your toboggan and get ready for the annual Toboggan Championships at the Camden Snow Bowl.
Build a Snowman
Every snow day deserves an afternoon of snowman building. Even the pup got in on the fun!
Build a Snow Fort
(Tip: snow forts are great starters for an epic snowball fight.) When I was a kid, my family use to go all out when it came to snow forts. We had tunnels, and igloos, and barriers.. an endless maze of fun! If you get creative enough, you can set up your very own winter olympics in your backyard.
Ice Castles - Lincoln, NH
Ice Castles
The Ice Castles in New Hampshire - (I know, it’s not technically Maine but it’s close and it’s an amazing winter activity). At night the place is beautifully lit and during the day it’s a winter wonderland. There are plenty of towers, tunnels, exhibits that both kids and adults will enjoy. Dress warm though!
Ice Climbing
(Adding to my list for next year instead of this year per doctor’s request)
OOB Pier - Old Orchard Beach, ME (12/19/18)
Catch the Sunrise/Sunset after a Snowstorm
Explore your favorite locations during the winter. Try to get a picture during all the seasons. Some of the best locations are at the lighthouses in Maine.
Outdoor Campfire
Snuggle around a fire with hot cocoa and marshmallows after a fun but exhausting day sledding or snowshoeing.
Ride a Bike
I’ve always wanted to try a fat tire bike after seeing a demo at L.L.Bean one day. I’ve seen a lot of people riding them along nearby trails in all seasons because they are great for almost any kind of terrain. You can read more on fat tire bikes here.
Go for a Walk
Even if it’s only for 5 minutes because it’s unbearably freezing outside, get some vitamin D in your day. There are SO many benefits to walking, both physically and mentally. It doesn’t stay bright out for long so make the most of it on your lunch break or first thing in the morning.
photo by Cait Bourgault Photography, Jockey Cap Trail - Fryeburg, ME
Outdoor Photoshoot
Because why not? Grab your family, your pup and get outside. Make memories and document a few of them to remember later on. (PS. I’m always excited for a photoshoot!)
Ice Skating
Ask any that knows me and they’ll tell you how much I hate this. I am not at all coordinated enough to do this well. But every year I wish I could. So I’m adding this back to my list for next year and will make an effort to at least practice ice skating especially since The Rink at Thompson’s Point in Portland is so close.
Explore Local Coffee Shops
“The state of Maine is number three in the nation for number of breweries per capita.”
…or brew tour if you like beer. Take an afternoon off, grab a friend or two and find a local shop or brewery to explore. There are plenty of coffee shops and cafes around Portland area and pretty much any town you go to. In addition to that, Maine is also well-known for its local craft breweries. Get out of the house and enjoy the company while supporting local/small businesses.
Explore the Holiday Lights
From the Northern Lights Celebration at L.L.Bean to the Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Garden and Nubble Light at Cape Neddick, all are beautiful sights making the winter feel magical. Be sure to visit them before the New Year!
Coastal Maine Botanical Garden - Boothbay, ME
Nubble Light - York, ME
L.L.Bean - Freeport, ME
Bird Watching
(..or squirrel watching depending on who you are). Winter is my favorite time to watch birds, mostly because there is nothing I love more than a cardinal perched outside on a snowy winter day. ..And also to see how a fat the squirrels can get. Interested in nature and bird watching? Check out the Maine Audubon in Falmouth!
Just Get Outside
Any outdoor sport or activity that is played during the summer can still be enjoyed in the winter with the right gear.
Indoor:
Read a book
Take up a new hobby
(lately I’ve been getting back into drawing when I’m not editing photos or websites.)
Plan a spring vacation
Watch one episode of Tidying Up and start spring cleaning
Try a new at-home workout
I used to love P90X or any Shaun T workouts but I just get annoyed at them so I switched it up with yoga to get some flexibility and core strength in my back again.
Walk around the mall on days it’s too cold to be outside
Take a note from the hygge lifestyle. Find the time and enjoy the company. Make the most of the winter with what you have.
hyg·ge
/ˈh(y)o͞oɡə,ˈho͝oɡə/
noun
noun: hygge
a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).
-dictionary.com
