MAINE-STAY

By Francesca Merced

Photo Credit: www.sundayriver.com

The holiday season may be officially over, but you can still “walk in a winter wonderland” by taking a quick jaunt up to one of my favorite ski destinations on the East Coast: Sunday River.

Located in breathtaking Newry, Maine, Sunday River is a premier ski resort that offers challenging peaks and terrain, wonderful dining and lodging, and a host of activities for visitors of every ski skill level.

Throughout the month of January, you and your snow bunny buddies can enjoy amazing lodging deals at Sunday River.  And with ski and stay packages starting at just $109.00, a ski trip with friends is a great way to spend your leftover holiday cash!

Slalom-savvy skiers will love Sunday River’s eight interconnected peaks and more than 133 trails.  Peaks like Locke Mountain, Spruce Peak and Oz – which features super advanced terrain – will allow you to live out your best Picabo Street fantasy.  And for those who prefer skiing as a spectator sport, Sunday’s River’s plush Ski Suite is ideal for taking in all the sights in warm cozy comfort away from the slopes.

Photo Credit: www.sundayriver.com

Once you’ve had your fill of ski and snowboard fun, and before you officially head back to civilization, I highly recommend taking a drive through the state of Maine down to the town of Kittery, where you’ll find some of the region’s most wonderful outlet shopping!

At just over 120 miles from Sunday River, it will take you about 2.5 hours to make the drive.  And that may seem like a long time – especially during the winter – but here are two reasons why you should consider making the trip:  First of all, Maine is one of the most beautiful states in the entire country.  With its crisp clean air, lush tree-lined highways, and regal lighthouses that dot the coastline, you’ll take in unique and unadulterated scenery that resembles nothing else in the United States.

And second, did I mention the fabulous outlet shopping in Kittery?  An easy exit off Route 95 will deliver you safely to the Kittery Outlets where you’ll find dozens of your favorite apparel, sporting goods and home furnishings retailers.  If names like Eddie Bauer, Timberland and Coldwater Creek set your heart aflutter, then the Kittery Outlets are a destination you won’t want to bypass.

Photo Credit: www.thekitteryoutlets.com

There is simply nothing like spending time during the winter months in New England. True, the weather is beyond frigid – so pack your long johns and your down goose jackets.  But withstanding that bone-chilling cold is worth it. Being in Maine is literally like stepping back in time.  The colonial architecture, hearty food and gorgeous horizon will make you want to breathe it all in, and hold on to it as long as you possibly can.

To book your stay at Sunday River today, please visit: sundayriver.com

For a complete list of the stores at The Kittery Outlets, you’ll want to check out:thekitteryoutlets.com