Best Small Maine Towns
The best small towns to visit in Maine is widely debatable. We’ve sorted our favorite small Maine towns down into three activity categories; shopping, outdoor recreation, views, and all three.
Tag: town
Cruising to Portland, Maine
Portland, Maine is an exceptional spot to add to your cruise itinerary. The port drop off location is directly in Portland, within a short walking distance of the beautiful downtown shops and restaurants.
Guide to Rangeley Maine
Rangeley is one of the most popular all-season recreation towns in Maine. The array of activities to choose from is so wide that you will not run out of things to do on your trip. If you’re looking for an adventure vacation, you’ve got it. If you’re looking to relax on the lake with good views and a good book, you’ve got that too. You will not run out of opportunities to get out and about.
Things to Do
Summer
Hike
My personal favorite thing to do, Rangeley has great trails for all experience levels. Check out AllTrails for all the trails in the area. Our favorite hikes are Saddleback and the Horn (6.3 Miles), Mountain Pond Trail (3.1 Miles), and South Bog Trail (4.9 Miles).
Sight See
There are a few beautiful spots to check out while you’re in Rangeley. When you’re coming into town you can stop at the Height of Land, a parking area, and an overlook of the lake. Quill Hill is another fabulous spot to have lunch overlooking the mountains. This is a privately owned spot and can be accessed with a donation. You can hike or drive up.
Find a waterfall
There are several waterfalls in the near area to check out. Smalls Falls, Angel Falls, and Cascade Falls all require a small hike from their respective parking areas. These areas can get quite busy in the summer months and on weekends, so if you want a clear waterfall photo head out on the early side.
Bike
Mountain biking has taken off in Maine in the last few years, and thankfully the trail network in Maine is already well established. There are also plenty of safe spots to road bike and easier paths in town.
Lake Activities
Boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing are great ways to spend time on Rangeley Lake. Check the Maine State fishing laws before hitting the lake for fishing though. Aside from fishing, you can spend some time on the lake wildlife viewing. Finding songbirds, Loons, and Eagles won’t take long.
Camp
Camping in Rangeley is amazing no matter where you stay. Rangeley Lake State Park has amazing tenting sites close to the lake. If you’re more into cabins there are multiple cabin companies in the area.
Star Gaze
You can’t miss out on taking a look at the night sky from Rangeley. The complete darkness lets you see the night sky as it really is, full of stars.
Shop
In town, Rangeley has local shops lining the streets. Check out the coffee shops, museums, art galleries, sporting goods stores and restaurants. If you’re into photography the main street boasts small town charm.
Winter
Winterpaloozah
A one-day festival on Haley Pond and at the Town Park. Bring the family for sleigh rides, ice skating, dog sled rides, saucer bowling, food, and fun.
Snodeo or Snowmobiling
Snodeo is exactly what it sounds like, a snowmobiling rodeo put on by the Rangeley Lakes Snowmobile Club. There is everything from vintage racing, radar runs and a parade to music, bonfires, and smores. The crowds get big here and people come from all over to celebrate in the snow. If you’ll miss out on Snodeo but want to hit the trails, Rangeley has some of the best trails around.
Fat Tire Bike
Check out the Rangeley Lakes Trails Center for great fat tire biking. They rent bikes as well as give you access to miles of groomed and ungroomed trails. The center also has cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals available.
Pond Hockey
Even if you don’t play hockey the Rangeley Pond Hockey Festival is a fun time all around. You can stop in and watch the teams compete their way to the championship.
Ski
Whether you’re looking for cross-country ski trails or downhill mountains Rangeley is your spot. Saddleback Mountain is right in Rangeley, and Sugarloaf Mountain in Carabassett Valley is about 40 minutes out of town.
Restaurants
Parkside and Main
2520 Main Street, Rangeley
Parkside and Main has traditional American-style food. They have a patio that overlooks the lake for the summer months. If you’re looking for steak and mashed potatoes or good brews this is a good spot.
The Red Onion
2511 Main Street, Rangeley
The Red Onion is traditionally known for their pizza selection. They have a full menu outside of pizza to make it more friendly for the whole family.
Furbish Brew House and Eats
2541 Main Street, Rangeley
Furbish Brew House is an awesome spot with pub-style food and brews. The dining room overlooks the lake, and they have a beautiful outdoor setting. They serve everything from woodfired pizza to gourmet dishes.
Corner Bar
2485 Main Street, Rangeley
The Corner Bar has traditional bar and grille food with a twist. If you have picky eaters in your party they have something for them too.
Classic Provisions
2455 Main Street, Rangeley
A cafe and market that has all your breakfast, coffee, and lunch needs. They have amazing baked goods for sale, though they tend to sell out before the end of the day in the summer.
Portage Tap House
74 Carry Road, Oquossoc
Our favorite spot to get away from downtown, Portage Tap House has a great microbrew feel with a pub-style menu. It is well worth the drive around the lake to check out.
Where to Stay
The Rangeley Inn and Tavern
2443 Main Street, Rangeley
The main section of the inn was built and opened in 1909. You’ll get the experience of staying at the historic inn while enjoying the modern amenities.
Loon Lodge Inn
16 Pickford Road, Rangeley
A small inn overlooking Rangeley Lake with rustic lodge characteristics. The great room with a big stone fireplace and log cabin walls make the perfect backdrop for a Maine lakes retreat.
Rangeley Lakes Bed and Breakfast
2536 Main Street, Rangeley
A small bed and breakfast that has everything you need to get out and explore Rangeley. If you like small-town living and good mornings this is the place for you.
Camping
Camping was mentioned earlier in the post but it is still a valid choice for your stay in Rangeley. There are private campgrounds and a State Park campground right on the lake. If you are trying to save money or are an avid camper, it’s a fun time.
Airbnb
If you’d like to rent a private room, or an entire house Airbnb is popular in Rangeley. It is on the more expensive spectrum if you’re looking for an entire cabin to rent, or anything directly on the lake.
We hope this small guide to Rangeley will help you plan your trip to town, no matter the season. If you have any questions or would like any other recommendations feel free to drop us a comment!
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