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History
of Bethel Maine
Bethel
has been specializing in delicious getaways filled with nature
since the town was founded in 1774. Bethel
is known as the most beautiful mountain town in the state.
A
community of nearly 2,500, Bethel was founded in 1774 as Sudbury
Canada, after
the original grantees from Sudbury, Massachusetts, who fought
in the campaign
to conquer Canada in 1690. Settlement was slowed by the American
Revolution that there were but 10 families in town at the
time of
"New England's Last Indian Raid" in 1781, which
resulted in three of Sudbury Canada's citizens being taken
captive. Following the Revolution, settlement grew rapidly,
and in
1796 the town was incorporated and given
the name "Bethel", from the book of Genesis, meaning
"House of God."
- Excerpt from Dr. By Dr. Stanley
Howe, Director Bethel
Historical Society
Where
to Stay
Looking
for great places to stay while in
Bethel, here are our favorite picks that are minutes away
from great skiing, shopping
and other recreational things.
Hastings
Suites
This location is ideal for groups of four or
more. Features a full kitchen, one and two-bedroom suites.
Some rooms even have a
real moose on the wall for an authentic Maine feeling. Food
is not included but the cute
grocery store a block away should have everything you need
for a great stay.
L'
Auberge Country Inn
A beautiful, spacious and classy country inn complete with
a stable in the back. Husband
and wife are on hand to spread joy to all guests of the Inn.
A must see even if you stay somewhere else.
The
Victoria Restaurant & Inn
Owned by Patricia Thurston, The Victoria Restaurant &
Inn is a converted Victoria-style home is now the locale of
a neat bed and breakfast. Located just a block away from the
town common, The Victoria
is a good choice for a romantic getaway.
Bethel
Inn & Country Club
What more can you expect from a country club? Bethel Inn's
fine dining, great golf, warm and elegant quarters, the Bethel
Inn & Country Club feels more like a 5 star hotel than
a small town club. With 200 acres and 140 guest rooms, heated
outdoor pool, fitness center, tennis court, and a private
lake house. If you can afford to stay here, it is a must.
Gideon
Hastings House
A beautiful bed and breakfast located across
the street from the town Common and the
Bethel Historical Society. Gideon Hasting's spacious room
sport an old-time feel are complemented by the best in modern
fixtures including Roman bathtubs.
Ten
Things to Do in Bethel
Hiking, fishing, rafting, canoeing,
kayaking,
apple picking, mountain biking, skateboarding, snowboarding,
skiing, sledding, (whew!). Bethel, Maine has it all and then
some.
Getting
to Bethel
Maine's first Amtrak train, the Downeaster,
is your ticket to a great vacation in Bethel.
Modern day technology meets small town values on the
Downeaster, our favorite train experience to date. The
people were so charming and warm and the conductor was as
funny as super star comedian Chris Rock. Even though our train
was delayed over an hour due to an empty train on the tracks
ahead of us, we hardly noticed. So much fun was being had
aboard the Downeaster that we were actually a little sad to
see the train being led out of our path.
That’s
not to say that everyone was happy about the delay, many passengers
had people waiting for them, but we called ahead by cell phone
and they knew to be patient. As it turned out, the waiting
passengers also had a pleasant wait as they all climbed in
aboard someone’s RV, and watched TV and talked while
waiting for us. Few gripes could be heard from the passengers
regarding the delay, thanks to the artful communication skills
of the conductor. He kept us informed of the situation and
provided comic relief.
Unlike
the Downeaster, excessive power outages and a bumpy ride plagued
our otherwise enjoyable Acela Express train trip. In contrast
to its Downeaster cousin, Acela, the Acela Regional
train was not a very smooth ride. Although its seats were
more comfortable and felt a little roomier, aboard the Acela
Regional, our writer actually got motion sickness. None of
these problems were evident aboard the Downeaster. To book
your ticket, click here.
Preview!
Christmas in Bethel
Always wanted to go over the river
and through the woods in a wintery wonderland filled with
all of the beauty of the Christmas spirit? Welcome
to Christmas in Bethel.
On
Saturday, December 7, Santa Claus will make a special visit
to light Bethel's official Christmas tree on the town's common.
Old-fashion carols, music, and festivities will follow.
Beginning the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve,
Bethel will host the Taste of Bethel and Theme Wreath Auction.
You
and your family can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides
throughout the town every Saturday afternoon from 2-4 p.m.
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With a quaint views and fascinating people, Bethel, Maine
is
perfect place for your mind, body and soul.
Logging
and maple syrup are abundant in Maine.
They
say that Bethel, Maine is the city of churches, with beautiful,
historic, and architecturally perfect churches on nearly every
corner.
Though
you may have never heard of Bethel, once there, you’ll
wonder how it’s stayed hidden for this long.
A
visit to Bethel is nothing short of a celestial experience,
eye candy for the soul. The spirit and beauty of Bethel fills
the mind, body, and soul with an unmatched peace of mind.
Most
coastal travelers have undoubtedly heard about the wonderful
lifestyle associated with Maine towns like Kennebunkport and
Portland, where the lobster is plentiful and George Bush and
family own an impressive summer estate. Sadly, many fail to
see the best kept secret in the state of Maine.
Eco-tourism
has become a trendy term for publicity departments, but Bethel
has been specializing in delicious getaways filled with nature
since the town was founded in 1796. There’s little wonder
that corporate giants like National Training Labs, one of
the nation’s top rated professional behavior training
companies, and the Gould Academy have made Bethel their home,
what will all the natural resources right at their feet. A
visit to Maine is a lesson in the splendor of nature and the
environment.
So
what should you do when you get there? Take your pick. From
horseback riding at Bethel's new Sparrow Hawk Mountain Ranch
to rafting on the river or skiing at Sunday River, Bethel
has something for every one in every age group.
In
some places, eco-tourism does more harm than good. The well-meaning
hordes scramble across virgin territory in pursuit of elusive
rarity. But
Maine, a state whose population is increasingly dividing into
"urban" and "rural,"is where you'll experience
what many will proudly tell you is the real Maine. Here, the
friction between American Indians and Mainers is more than
evident. And recent reports of African immigrants settling
in Maine has made top news for weeks after our visit. But
any attempt to paint Bethel as a place that is anything but
tolerate and accepting of everyone would be grossly inaccurate.
Besides
while visiting Bethel you'll be so busy shopping in the cute,
little eclectic stores, tasting delicious local treats, and
enjoying their outdoor sports and recreational activities,
you won't have time to get caught up in politics. No, when
you're in Bethel the toughest decision you'll have to make
is choosing between the Lobster at the Bethel Inn & Country
Club or the crab cakes at Sudbury Inn. No matter what you
decide, make sure you find yourself at L'Auberge for their
one-of-a-kind flourless chocolate dessert.
Interested
in others Maine destinations? Click here.
Perkins Cove | Cliff House Resort
& Spa - Ogunquit Kennebunkport,
Maine.
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