When the snow starts to fall and the temperatures drop, many winter travelers to Rangeley head this way with slope side visions top of mind. While a stay in the mountains is inevitably a goal for seasonal adventurers with a passion for downhill fun, there’s just as much excitement and adventure waiting for those who stay right downtown! Those who value a budget-friendly adventure to Rangeley that immerses you in adventure of all types will find everything they’re looking for and more from a downtown Rangeley winter getaway. The following are just a few of the many options for making it an idyllic experience from start to finish this year.
Enjoy In-Town Ice Skating
Right in the heart of downtown Rangeley, winter travelers can enjoy time on the ice when you make your way to Haley Pond. Located on Pond Street just behind the Ecopelagicon Nature Store, this public skating rink is run by The Rangeley Skating Club. Open until 10:00 pm each evening, this ice skating experience is sure to thrill guests of all ages! Free-use skates are available for visitor use and the rink lights up in the evenings to keep the fun going beyond sunset. This area is also dotted with a collection of fun shops and restaurants to enjoy when you’re ready to warm up and savor a bite after your skating fun.
Check Out The Corner Bar
When winter adventures in Rangeley have you craving a cozy space to grab a delicious drink with friends and thaw out, you’ll find it at The Corner Bar. Situated on Main Street, this new locale promises to please the palate while providing a charming place to enjoy a beverage or two during your winter journey.
Get Inspired at The Inner Eye
While Rangeley is known and loved for its scenery and outdoor fun, it’s also a winter locale that provides much in the way of artistic inspiration! Those who stay downtown can enjoy proximity to The Inner Eye (Sojo’s Studio and Gallery) on Main Street. This family-friendly destination doubles as an art gallery, and studio where guests can book art classes, pick up supplies or reserve studio time upon request. Enjoy the work of local artists or put your own creativity to the test in a place that’s welcoming, colorful and always inspiring.
Book a Ticket for The Rangeley Lakeside Theater
There’s nothing cozier during a winter getaway than time snuggled into the theater knowing you get to spend the next few hours enjoying great entertainment. That’s exactly what you’ll find at The Rangeley Lakeside Theater when you book a downtown stay. Whether you drop by for a weekend movie or a weekday theater performance, this stop is one you won’t want to miss.
Music and Fun at Moose Alley
Downtown entertainment abounds this winter when you make time to enjoy Moose Alley. Here, winter travelers to Rangeley can make the most of bowling, billiards, and even live music on the weekends! From the savory food options to the memories you’ll make with friends and family, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon or two of your winter getaway.
Spend Time at Sarges Pub and Grub
When you’ve been out exploring Rangeley this winter, knowing you can unwind and warm up at Sarges Pub and Grub is a great add to a winter itinerary. This beloved local sports bar is known for its vibrant atmosphere, friendly service and of course, the entertaining live music each weekend.
Take in the Downtown Mile of Lights
If your winter getaway just wouldn’t be complete without the twinkling holiday lights to match, Rangeley’s downtown Mile of Lights is sure to please! Get your fill of fun and festive décor by exploring downtown at its sparkling finest this year. The Downtown Mile of Lights event runs through February, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.
Dine at The Loon Lodge
Half the fun of a winter getaway is finding a flavorful stop or two along the way that please the palate and warms you up after a day of outdoor exploration. When you book a stay in downtown Rangeley, you’ll enjoy the benefit of being within reach of a meal savored at The Loon Lodge. This log cabin-inspired restaurant is popular amongst locals and visitors alike for its fantastic menu options and roaring lobby fireplace that adds to a one-of-a-kind cozy winter ambiance. Settle in and prepare to be inspired by the fare and fantastic service. Trust us, your tastebuds will thank you!
Book Your Winter Downtown Stay Today
Taking time to unwind, relax, and enjoy the best that Rangeley has to offer is always a good idea. If you’re fortunate enough to make it a winter getaway—even better! At Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals, our team of property professionals is readily available to help you book the best of downtown stays to elevate your experience from start to finish. Reach out today to learn more about our many beautiful options and to start planning your trip!
(Photo courtesy of Kyle Haley)
With Christmas right around the corner, planning for holiday fun is essential. This year, why not consider a trip to beautiful Rangeley, Maine when you’re hoping to savor every second of the season. The following are just a few of the many activities available in this area to make the most of your Christmas 2021 adventure!
Enjoy Holiday Snowmobiling
If you’re the type of traveler that can’t wait to make the most of outdoor fun during your holidays away in Rangeley, then snowmobiling needs to be at the top of your must-do list. This adrenaline-pumping sport is loved by locals and visitors alike in Rangeley when the fresh powder falls and the holiday spirit is in the air. In fact, the Rangeley Lakes region is known for having one of the best snowmobile trail systems in the entire state of Maine! It’s also home to the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club which maintains the Ronald W. Sargent Trail System designed to be enjoyed all winter long. Bring your own gear or feel free to rent a snowmobile while you’re here and make it a Christmas 2021 to remember!
Take in the View at Height of Land
Christmas is a great time to gather with loved ones and appreciate all of the love and joy you have in life. If taking in a spectacular view would provide a way to enhance that opportunity, then a hike to Height of Land this Christmas in Rangeley is a must. This spectacular roadside stop of ME-17 near Roxbury is a must-see for those that are excited to maximize time outdoors over the holidays and are looking for some of the area’s most inspired vistas too. Height of Land is loved for its expansive views offered that cover a stunning portion of the Rangeley Lakes region and the many mountains that surround this area. It’s open 24 hours a day, so fitting this stop into your holiday plans shouldn’t be difficult.
Go for a Winter Snowshoeing Adventure
When you’ve enjoyed a robust holiday dinner in your vacation rental in Rangeley and could stand to stroll off those extra calories, this city offers up just the terrain to do exactly that. Rangeley is home to a variety of scenic and inviting trails to explore that certainly aren’t exclusive to summer fun. Take your holiday adventures outdoors by planning some time to snowshoe your way through a Christmas stay. This fun, family-friendly activity can be customized to just about everyone’s skill level and there are plenty of snowshoe rental destinations in town. Check out Ecopelagicon on Pond Street, the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center on Saddleback Mountain Road, or Rangeley Region Sport Shop on Main Street to find your perfect fit and be on your way to adventure.
Check Out a Local Holiday Open House
When you’re looking forward to some traditional holiday fun in Rangeley this year, the Rangeley Friends of the Arts & Rangeley Lakeside Theater has you covered. Swing by 2493 Main Street on December 3rd between 5 and 8pm if your holiday plans bring you to Rangeley a bit earlier in the month. This holiday-focused event is a chance to explore the theater, enjoy light refreshments and mix and mingle with holiday revelers in a new place!
Experience the Walk to Bethlehem Pageant
On Sunday, December 12th starting at 5:30 pm, the Church of the Good Shepherd located at 2614 Main Street will host an event known and loved as the Walk to Bethlehem Annual Pageant. This free event is open to the public and designed to inspire this time of year. It’s an annual local tradition that’s been carried out for the past 41 years and is sponsored by the Rangeley Friends of the Arts. The pageant recreates Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem and is made up of costumed community members depicting these historical figures. The pageant begins at the Rangeley Inn and kicks off with a reading of Caesar Augustus’ decree. Once everyone has heard that everyone must return to their birth city, the pageant starts. Alongside carolers the pageant moves through the streets, making its way towards the church. Upon arrival, the evening’s program begins and includes dance, music, and drama. Guests to this event can plan on enjoying performances by the Rangeley Ringers, students from Lakeside Dance Academy and the Rangeley Community Chorus just to name a few. After the performance is over, audience members are invited to come and enjoy homemade treats and beverages as they celebrate the season in good company.
Book Your Rangeley Getaway Today
Enjoying time away in beautiful Rangeley is something everyone deserves to experience. When your travel plans bring you this way, the team at Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals will help you get settled in a home away from home to match. Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next trip!