The temperatures are chilly, the snow has fallen and we’re pretty much hunkered down waiting for the rest of winter. While summer is great, there’s just no denying that winter is where truly shines. Unlike some other states, we can still get outside and enjoy the outdoors. We can ski, we can snowshoe and we love it. While all those outdoor activities are awesome, it’s even better when we have an excuse to just get cozy. If you love the warm feeling that comes with winter, you’ll want to check out these delightful towns that are the best during this time of year.
- Bar Harbor
Visit Bar Harbor Maine / Facebook We’ve sung Bar Harbors praises before, and we’ll do it again here. As tourist towns go, this is a big one. Especially during the summer. But head to the downtown area in the winter and you’ll love the ease of walking and sweet-looking shops. Rent a small cottage nearby to up the cozy factor by a million.
- Gardiner
Gardiner Main Street / Facebook If you want to stay cozy for the entire month of December, Gardiner is for you. Main Street is decked out and the shops are a great place to support local business by buying gift certificates for Christmas.
- Vinalhaven
jmdelacy / Flickr The coziness here exists because you’ll be on a tiny island in the winter with primarily locals. Which is the perfect recipe for quiet. Rent a little home here and take strolls along the water for even more zen.
- Kennebunkport
technodad / Flickr Even if you missed the Christmas Prelude, Kennebunkport is a great place to be in the winter. There are lots of little cottages available for rent (or, better yet, make friends here and stay with them!) and lots of adorable little Main Street shops to explore.
- Camden
Experience Camden Maine / Facebook On a random Tuesday afternoon, Camden might not be all that alluring for Maine locals. But, stroll through town during winter and you might feel differently. If you like your towns like you like your sofa - comfy and full of snacks - you’ll love Camden in the winter.
- Portland
coreytempleton / Flickr Maine’s most notable city might have some tall buildings, but look in the right places and life is pretty cozy here. Head to a local coffee shop (we love Bard!) or duck into a place for drinks and you’ll be warm as can be.
- Boothbay Harbor
pavdw / Flickr While we love the town, we think it sounds cozy to get in the car and take a trip to Gardens Aglow. With more than 600,000 energy efficient LED lights, this will fill you heart with joy.
- Freeport
FreeportMaine / Facebook Sparkle Celebration might be over, but Freeport is still cozy as can be. Even if you’re not a fan of shopping, spend some time here enjoying the bars and restaurants. One thing tourists often miss are the plentiful outdoor opportunities here in Freeport. Get outside, then head back in for a warm fire!
- York
drocpsu / Flickr In this case, we have to be specific. While York is lovely, we especially love the idea of getting bundled up and heading to see Nubble Light all decked out in lights.
- Bath
City of Bath / Facebook Bath, the city of ships, is one of the most quintessential Maine towns you can find. Located along the water, this little town is beautiful when it’s covered in snow.
Now that you know where to go to get cozy, how about something at the opposite end of the spectrum? These ice caves in Maine are frozen all year and they’re incredible
Visit Bar Harbor Maine / Facebook
We’ve sung Bar Harbors praises before, and we’ll do it again here. As tourist towns go, this is a big one. Especially during the summer. But head to the downtown area in the winter and you’ll love the ease of walking and sweet-looking shops. Rent a small cottage nearby to up the cozy factor by a million.
Gardiner Main Street / Facebook
If you want to stay cozy for the entire month of December, Gardiner is for you. Main Street is decked out and the shops are a great place to support local business by buying gift certificates for Christmas.
jmdelacy / Flickr
The coziness here exists because you’ll be on a tiny island in the winter with primarily locals. Which is the perfect recipe for quiet. Rent a little home here and take strolls along the water for even more zen.
technodad / Flickr
Even if you missed the Christmas Prelude, Kennebunkport is a great place to be in the winter. There are lots of little cottages available for rent (or, better yet, make friends here and stay with them!) and lots of adorable little Main Street shops to explore.
Experience Camden Maine / Facebook
On a random Tuesday afternoon, Camden might not be all that alluring for Maine locals. But, stroll through town during winter and you might feel differently. If you like your towns like you like your sofa - comfy and full of snacks - you’ll love Camden in the winter.
coreytempleton / Flickr
Maine’s most notable city might have some tall buildings, but look in the right places and life is pretty cozy here. Head to a local coffee shop (we love Bard!) or duck into a place for drinks and you’ll be warm as can be.
pavdw / Flickr
While we love the town, we think it sounds cozy to get in the car and take a trip to Gardens Aglow. With more than 600,000 energy efficient LED lights, this will fill you heart with joy.
FreeportMaine / Facebook
Sparkle Celebration might be over, but Freeport is still cozy as can be. Even if you’re not a fan of shopping, spend some time here enjoying the bars and restaurants. One thing tourists often miss are the plentiful outdoor opportunities here in Freeport. Get outside, then head back in for a warm fire!
drocpsu / Flickr
In this case, we have to be specific. While York is lovely, we especially love the idea of getting bundled up and heading to see Nubble Light all decked out in lights.
City of Bath / Facebook
Bath, the city of ships, is one of the most quintessential Maine towns you can find. Located along the water, this little town is beautiful when it’s covered in snow.
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