X-C Ski: Weekend Itinerary
Place to stay: King’s Hill Inn, Kings Hill Inn, www.kingshillinn.com, 56 King Hill Road, South Paris, 207-744-0204
Relax and enjoy a taste of yesterday…King's Hill Inn is completely restored with the same peace and tranquility the farm had 200 years ago. Awaken to the sounds of birds greeting a new day, walk the nature trails & garden paths, or just sit and enjoy the beautiful White Mountain sunset from the back yard or your own personal deck. Relax and enjoy a taste of yesterday! The King’s Hill Inn is located in the beautiful historic town of Paris, Maine. Innkeepers Janice and Glenn Davis have created a delightful atmosphere and serve a full breakfast that will keep you going all day.
What to do: Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center, www.cartersxcski.com, 420 Main Street, Oxford or Intervale Road, Bethel , 207-650-7051
There’s no doubt that David and Anne Carter have put their heart and soul into Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center. Carter’s is known to have one of Maine and New England's largest X-C ski inventories as well as superb skate skiing, tracked and backcountry ski trails. There are two locations, one in Oxford and the other is in Bethel. Plan to buy skis, rent or bring your own for multiple days of exploring on the trails. Expect to see spectacular views of the White Mountains as well as skiing on scenic trails along the river. David is out skiing everyday and meticulously grooming the trails to ensure fun for skiers of all abilities. Need a lesson, no problem just ask.
Oh and be on the lookout for Neige and Looney the family dogs known for their abilities to guide skiers along the 25 miles of groomed trail. Looney skied with us all day, even on the backcountry trails! Neige came out for a bit of skate skiing during my lesson with Anne.
Carter’s is open in the summer months too. In addition to selling ski gear year round, they also have trekking poles and kayaks in the inventory. The Oxford shop turns into a wonderful farm market that is open to the public. A little known fact, the Carters grow all the veggies as well as supply many of the local restaurants with their produce. They also have year round trailside cabin accommodations. I think it’s safe to say, The Maine Show will be back for again for a bit more fun. Carter’s really is a secret Maine treasure.
Where to Eat: Café Nomad, www.cafenomad.com, 450 Main St., Norway, 207-739-2249
A very welcoming café with creative menu ideas serving Maine’s Carrabassett Coffee. Café Nomad features local farm produce in season, alongside other wonderful Maine-produced foods. If you are interested in cycling, hiking, climbing or any other outdoor pursuits, just ask owner Scott Berk, as he has a wealth of knowledge on what to do in the area. He’s also the one that totally designed and remodeled the space before opening the café. It’s a cool spot to grab a cup of Joe or sit back on the couch to read a book, as well as taste some real creative Maine fare.
Maurice Restaurant, www.mauricerestaurant.com, 109 Main Street, South Paris, 04281
Fine French Cuisine in South Paris, Maine. Since 1976 Maurice Restaurant has been a pleasant surprise for world sojourners and people new to the beautiful Oxford Hills area of Western Maine. Located in South Paris on Route 26, which takes the traveler north into Canada, the two hundred year old clapboard house turned restaurant continues to delight, serving French-Continental cuisine in an elegant country atmosphere at affordable prices. Chef and owner Corey Sumner creates lunch and dinner specials as well as house favorites that are sure to delight. The Escargot and Soup a L’Oignon Gratinee is absolutely amazing.
For more information:
Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce - www.oxfordhillsmaine.com
Maine Outdoor Journal - MaineOutdoorJounal.com
Exploring Maine - ExploringMaine.com