Make it a day trip in Maine's Western Foothills

This year's Maine Fare series draws food and farm enthusiasts to the Western Foothills! We asked our staff for their favorite stops in the region, in case you're headed to one of our Maine Fare events and would like to make a day (or two!) of it:

Androscoggin Riverlands State Park is in Turner and offers 17 miles for both hiking and mountain biking. Closer to Paris, you will find the 147-acre Cornwall Nature Preserve, which hosts three miles of trails. After your hike, grab some tacos at Luchador Tacos, a little stand on Western Avenue in Paris.

Try out one of the trails in the Roberts Farm Preserve in Norway, protected by our friends at Western Foothills Land Trust. And don’t forget that the eastern portion of White Mountain National Forest is also in the area. Caitlin, on our lands staff, recommends the Caribou Trail in particular. Lake view trails and swimming can also be found in Pennesseemassee Park. Afterward, or if you just find yourself passing through, make sure to grab a beer at Norway Brewing Company, located right off Main Street. They also offer a full menu for brunch and dinner on the weekends! (Fun fact: Corey Dilts, the chef at Norway Brewing Co. will be preparing a tasting plate at our Finale Feast event, paired with a special beer from the brewery.)

Walk through Bethel’s farmers market (Saturdays from 9am-1pm) and consider taking the historical walking tour mapped out the Bethel Historical Society. Need a beer or a meal afterwards? Harvest Bar, an eatery and alehouse is a great spot nearby.

Of course, no day trip would be complete in our minds without a few farm stops. Pay a visit to Bill and Darcy Winslow, owners of High View Farm in Harrison. The Winslows have a team of Belgian draft horses, along with many other farm animals. Take a peak in their farm store for some amazing raw milk and butter from their Guernsey dairy cows, or even stay at one of their yurts for the night! Swing by Pietree Orchards in Sweden for a slice of pizza (or pie!), and check out their farm stand as well for cider, jellies, greens and other farm goodies. Nezinscot Farm in Turner is another favorite (we're hosting a sold-out cheesemaking workshop there this weekend!) for their delicious breakfast and lunch menu, all made with fresh foods from the farm, not to mention all manner of cheese, canned goods, wool and more.

All remaining Maine Fare events and tickets can be found HERE. Remember, MFT members get 10% off all tickets!

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