We chose Maine as…
the destination of our wedding because we adore the New England area. The quaint towns and beautiful scenery often draw us for day trips or long weekends. We hope all of you can take the opportunity to see some of what we love while you’re visiting. To help you out, we asked our officiant Marianne (our resident Maine transplant), to share her favorite experiences in the Fryeburg area.
Charming Villages
Bridgton, ME - 20 mins scenic woodsy drive away from Fryeburg to a lovely, hilly main street. This town is particularly good for antiquing!
Jackson, NH - 30 mins drive away in the opposite direction to a quintessential red wooden covered bridge, through it to historic inns, gazebos and parks, and some classic New England small-town shopping. Trails to roaring waterfalls only steps away from the main drag. This is one of my favorite little towns in the White Mountains area.
Food & Drink
Fair Grounds Coffee, downtown Fryeburg - Adorable, small & locally run cafe serving coffee and other beverages. https://www.facebook.com/FairGroundsCommunityCoffee/
Wildcat Tavern, Jackson, NH - In short, everything I love about pure fun, historic, casual New England dining experience: Celebrates our hardy outdoorsy and sporty lifestyle in a very cozy and interestingly decorated pub/restaurant. Beautiful outdoor beer garden in the back. A social hub and portal to the community with an impressive event calendar year round www.wildcattavern.com
Christmas Farm Inn, Jackson, NH - Just up the road from Wildcat Tavern. Beyond the waterfalls on a hill sits this very charming, slightly off the path hidden historic gem. I can... uhm... confirm that it is indeed haunted! Some 18th century structures still standing. Gorgeous place to stay, but also houses my favorite 'tiny' bar in the area, - dining open to the public: https://christmasfarminn.com/jackson-nh-inn/historic-jackson-nh-inn/
Mt. Washington Hotel, Bretton Woods, NH - Another 30 mins STUNNING drive from Jackson through New Hampshire's White Mountain gorgeousness. The very welcoming and always open to the public Mt. Washington Hotel is one not to miss! One of the last celebrated grand dames of her area, my family and friends from Norway continue to declare cocktail hour at this hotel's gorgeous wrap-around deck with a view of Mt. Washington a New England favorite experience (well, perhaps a close 2nd to a messy lobster bake!). Also harbors interesting WW2 history and a speakeasy bar in the basement open to non-guests https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/bretton-woods-mount-washington
Nature
Beyond all the obvious (fabulous) hikes in the White Mountains area, for something different, closer to Fryeburg, and in Maine, I use mainetrailfinder.com as a guide.
Pleasant Mountain Trails, near Bridgton, ME - Ideal for exciting day hikes on our state's highest mountain. And yes! Sweet blueberries galore in early August! What's not to love? https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/pleasant-mountain-trails
Kezar River, 15 minutes from Fryeburg, ME - This one is fun for families. I love the trail markers made by children from local schools. Easy, fun, up-close to nature experience that can be enjoyed by al. I bribed my mom to do this one with me. She loved it! https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/trails/trail/kezar-river-reserve
Echo Lakes State Park, Conway, NH - Another easy-access gem near the Marriott where the room block is. https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/echo-lakes-state-park
Cathedral Ledge State Park, Conway, NH - This mile long auto road leads to the top of 700-foot Cathedral Ledge where views across the Saco River Valley to the White Mountains can be enjoyed. It is only a short drive from the hotel. https://www.nhstateparks.org/visit/state-parks/cathedral-ledge-state-park
Diana’s Baths, North Conway, NH - The hike to Diana’s Baths is a fairly easy 6/10ths of a mile on a relatively flat, wide gravel path. From there, you’ll be able to enjoy the tranquility of nature, and explore the many rocks, ledges, cascading falls and pools of Lucy Brook. https://northconwaynh.com/dianas-baths/
Lovewell Lake, Fryeburg, ME - And finally, right in Fryeburg, only a 12 minutes drive from Hardy Farm. Waterfront access in several places, prime kayaking/canoeing, swimming from several sandy beaches in summer. Here's a good read: https://www.pressherald.com/2014/10/12/canoeing-in-maine-a-paddlers-delight-found-at-lovewell-pond-in-fryeburg/
Music & Entertainment
Stone Mountain Arts Center, Brownfield ME - And for those who perhaps plan to stay a bit longer - this is a beautiful entertainment venue in the area, with an impressive calendar of events. Feels like a standalone structure deep in the woods of Maine just 15 minutes from Fryeburg. http://www.stonemountainartscenter.com/ArtsCenter/index.html
Further Afield
There are many other amazing places to visit in Maine and the rest of New England. Here are a few of our favorites
Ogunquit, ME - Great for hanging at the beach and relaxing. This coastal town will give you a feel for the beachy parts of Maine.
Portland, ME - Good food, good drinks, good shopping. Portland is a wonderful little city to spend a few days in absorbing all that it has to offer.
Boston, MA - We couldn’t not recommend our home town! From museums to historic sites and everything in between, Boston has it all.
Bar Harbor, ME - Steps away from the glorious Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor offers an authentic Maine experience. Perfect for eating a freshly caught lobster and immersing yourself in the wonders of nature.