10 Ways to Keep Busy During A Maine Winter

As I sit here writing this post it's a balmy 24 degrees in Phippsburg, Maine and there's an additional 8 inches of fresh snow. Some people find this invigorating, and can't wait to hit the slopes, grab a sled, or hit their favorite frozen pond. But if you're one of those people who want to experience the magic of Mid Coast Maine from a warmer spot, then this list is for you.
10 Ways To Keep Busy During A Maine Winter!

1. Visit the Patton Free Library! The library is always a little more crowded in the wintertime. The library offers an amazing array of activities for both young and old....story time for the kids, craft days, computers, movies, and an impressive book collection! Curl up in front of the fireplace with a good book or explore the history of Bath, Maine in the extensive local history room. The staff is knowledgeable, extraordinarily friendly, and always available to help. So you might come in just to warm up...but I bet you leave with a library card!

2. Tour the Maine Maritime Museum! Bath is known as "The City Of Ships", so of course we have a Maritime Museum! You can actually tour this museum all winter...it will take that long to absorb every fascinating detail! The attractions include numerous exhibits featuring art and artifacts, interactive areas for children and adults, a historic shipyard with 5 original 19th century buildings, a Victorian-era shipyard owners home,a life-size sculptural representation of the largest wooden sailing vessel ever built, and a campus on the bank of the Kennebec River! A must see!

3. Browse at Renys! There's an old saying that says "If Reny's doesn't have it...I don't need it!" How true that is! Reny's is a Maine-owned chain of small discount stores that offers everything you could possibly need at low, low prices! Need new Carharts before the ice fishing derby? Head to Reny's. Winter boots, Columbia jacket, new dishes, or a lamp shaped like a duck? Head to Reny's. They are always packed with souvenir-seeking tourists during the summertime...so at this time of year you should have plenty of elbow room to browse and browse and browse!

4. Take in a show at The Chocolate Church! If you've never visited The Chocolate Church...you're missing out on a fabulous experience! Browse through the Art Gallery, enjoy the photo exhibit, watch a play, or jam at a concert...the opportunities to enjoy the arts are endless! Check out their calendar of events...I'm sure you'll find something you won't want to miss!

5. Grab your Skateboard and head to the Bath Youth Meetinghouse! This facility is home to Maine's largest indoor skate park! Didn't pack your skateboard? Well then, you can watch a movie, enjoy a concert, play a game of ping pong, rule the arcade, or visit the Internet cafe! The perfect place for teens to gather on a cold winter's day!

6. Raise your inner temperature with some Beale Street Barbecue! When the cold north wind seems to go right through you, it's time to head over to Beale Street! Enjoy barbecue at it's finest, and with many different sauces to choose from you can make it as hot as you want! Plus, Beale Street Barbecue supports the Good Shepherd Food Bank...they've provided over 50,000 meals so far...so when you eat, someone else gets to eat too! It's a win-win!

7. Swim at the Y! The Bath YMCA is a gorgeous facility with tons to offer! Come in out of the cold and pretend it's summer while you splash in the pool or work up a sweat on the basketball court! There is a teen room and childcare is available for the little ones!

8. Bowl a Perfect Game at Yankee Lanes! When the winter blahs get you downs, grab some friends and head to Yankee Lanes in Brunswick! Getting that first strike will lift your spirits! Or, if you bowl like I do, just keeping it out of the gutter will make you smile. And they do have gutter guards for the kids that work great! Not that I've ever used them.....

9. Shop Local! Nowadays I think it's more important than ever to support our local merchants, and Front Street in Bath provides numerous opportunities to do just that! Lined with small shops, galleries, and restaurants, Front Street offers antiques, specialty stores, souvenirs shops, toy shops, a bookstore..everything you could need without having to leave Bath!


10. Howard Sports! How about some indoor soccer? Or field hockey? Or batting cages? Take your pick at Howard Sports Dome in Topsham Maine! When the kids get antsy, a day at the dome will get rid of that pent-up energy!

So there you go, my warmth-loving friends! Ten ways to help get through a Maine winter!

If you'd like additional information on any of these activities, contact The Hershey Home Team!

And if you'd like to see homes for sale in Maine, contact The Hershey Home Team!