Portland, Maine Winter Activities
As the days get shorter and the temperatures get colder, I’m reminding myself to keep active and well nourished this winter. Winters in Maine can be cold and dark. But, there’s a rare beauty during this dark season. It’s a time when the community slows down, keeps cozy, and grounded. This is the season I like to treat myself with hot teas, cozy layers, my biotmat, a good book, fresh vinyl spinning, and homemade bone broth soups. And no matter the season, my soul craves being outside and exploring, even during those extra cold days. Outdoor winter activities can be just as enjoyable as the ones in warmer seasons (yeah, I said it).
I want to share the experiences I am looking forward to doing around Portland this winter. As always, I’d love to hear from you. What are you excited about doing this winter?
Snowshoeing: Last winter, I put some miles on my new L.L.Bean Winter Walker snowshoes. I intend to do the same this year, taking them on nearby trails like Wolfe’s Neck, Fore River, and Bradbury. AllTrails is my go-to app to find new trails to explore. There are so many good snowshoeing trails in Maine.
My sister and I snowshoeing at Wolfe’s Neck.
Ice Fishing: Since moving to Maine, ice fishing has been on my list of winter activities to experience. Tips I’ve been told that I’ll be putting into practice: Safety first, dress appropriately, drink whatever you damn well please (hot toddies, anyone?), bring food that you can eat with gloves on (I’m thinking homemade bbq bowls or a savory chili - don’t forget the utensils) and enjoy the time to disconnect from tech. In Bowdoinham, there a handful of ice-fishing camps to try out: Riverbend, Leighton’s, and Jim’s Smelt Camps.
All the Tea: Sometimes it’s fun to escape the house to find shelter and warmth in a neighborhood tea house. Some of my favorite local places to find the best teas are Homegrown Herb & Tea and Dobrá. Or you can always make a nice cup of tea at home. I love making tea special by garnishing my cup with organic fruit slices, cinnamon, or honey sticks. I just invested in two beautiful tea cups and saucers from local potter, Earth & Soul, which is making my in-home tea time even more special.
Pottery Classes: Living in the East End, I always walk by Portland Pottery and feel so inspired by seeing through the window the creative geniuses behind their pottery wheels. I’m signing up for an 8-week pottery class this winter. I’m excited to work with a new medium, spark my creativity, use my hands, and release tension. And hopefully I can create some really beautiful sake vessels. ;-)
Skiing: Skiing in Maine, it seems like you are either team Sugarloaf or team Sunday River. Personally, I’m not biased to one over the other. I’ve never skied Sunday River (gasp), but I’d love to check it out this coming season. Growing up in Massachusetts, my family skied the NH White Mountains, primarily Attitash. One hour from Portland, Shawnee Peak, offers incredible week-day/ non-holiday deals: Monday night madness is $15 and Tuesday through Thursday is $29. As much as I love being on the mountain, cozying up in the ski lodge with a good book near a fireplace just sounds delightful. Also, who doesn’t love aprés ski? The concept of socializing after a rewarding day of skiing (sweaty, wind-burned, and sore) is just the best.
I love skiing Sugarloaf.
Cooking at home: The Portland Farmers Market always impresses me with it’s brilliant selection of local and organic produce. During the winter season, the market moves inside and is now located at The Maine Girls Academy. Matt and I love going to the market on Saturday mornings to pick up veggies or grass-fed and humane meats to make soothing homemade soups and bone broths. This is the season, I crave nourishing foods like baked sweet potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and hearty chilis.
‘Tis the season of hearty homemade “meals in bowls.”