Happy New Year and welcome to winter! We love January for a variety of reasons: it’s a time to wind down from the holidays, start fresh and make our annual list of winter trips we want to experience. Here are a few highlights:
1. Skating on a woodland path
Last year, MP spotted a Facebook post from Friends of Acadia, which highlighted skaters exploring a frozen Jesup Path. The conditions need to be just right for the path to freeze, so MP started researching other established forest paths. In Quebec, there is Domaine de la Foret Perdue (The Lost Forest), where a 9.3 mile frozen trail winds through the woods. It’s a road trip, yes, but could be easily combined with a visit to Montreal or Quebec City during February break.
2. Learn how to make maple syrup
Our family has a few friends who make their own backyard maple syrup, and for years, MP has been curious to learn sugaring for herself, and then share her learnings with the kids. On Saturday, January 12, The University of Maine Cooperative extension is offering a free, 2-hour course called Maple Syrup 101 at UMaine Regional Learning Center in Falmouth. For details, visit here.
3. Explore local trails.
While researching The Maine Play Book, MP took her family all over our great state. This winter, we’re keeping it simple and setting our sights on near to us trails. Local nature preserves are a great for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even skating. A few places on our winter list to visit include the Blackstrap Hill Preserve (Falmouth), Knight’s Pond Preserve (Cumberland), and the River Point Conservation area (West Falmouth).
How about you and your family? What are your plans for the winter months? Send us your ideas or share your photos with the tag #themaineplaybook on Instagram and we’ll post some of our favorites.
PS: For more family fun, experience this cozy yurt or check out last year’s Winter Adventures list. Or if you’re looking for even more ideas, ask for The Maine Play Book at your local bookstore. The book is packed with four seasons of outdoor adventures throughout Maine, along with suggestions for weekend trips and family-friendly dining.