WARM UP WITH DRINKS AND A FIRE AT LOCAL FAVORITES

Hygge is a trendy Danish word that embraces the concept of getting super cozy. We’ll give it to the Danish for making it popular, but the truth is – Mainers have been getting hygge for years! We know winter is the perfect time to cozy up next to a warm fire with a tasty snack and a good book. Check out this list of great spots to get hygge by the fire like a true Mainer this winter.

cozy retreats + crackling fires

The Lounge at The Francis, Arts District, Portland

This restored landmark-turned-swanky, boutique hotel and restaurant kept as many of the original details of the historic structure intact, including the incredible first floor fireplace.

The Garden at the Portland Harbor Hotel, Old Port, Portland

Grab your mittens and head to the outdoor fire pit in the garden at the Portland Harbor Hotel. This sanctuary sits in the center of the property, providing a peaceful oasis tucked in the heart of the Old Port.

ri ra irish pub, old port, portland

Ri Ra has not one, but THREE fireplaces! This casual Irish Pub is the perfect spot to warm up with a cold pint on a snowy winter day.

afternoon tea at the harraseeket, Freeport

A long standing tradition, afternoon tea at Harraseeket Inn exemplifies classic coziness. Sip a warm cup of tea in the drawing room next to a roaring fire while enjoying home-baked pastries and delicate tea sandwiches.

sunday brunch at the portland regency hotel & spa, downtown portland

Easy like Sunday morning – stay at the Portland Regency Hotel & Spa in the heart of Portland’s Historic Old Port and wake up slow with a delicious Sunday Brunch next to the fire. Enjoy Maine Lobster Benedict or Blueberry Pancakes, a signature mimosa and a blazing fire to start your Sunday off in the coziest way possible. You might just need to crawl back into bed after.

boone’s fish house and oyster room, downtown portland

Did you know that winter in Maine is prime season for fresh, cold water oysters? Enjoy these local delicacies while staying warm by the wood burning fireplace at Boone’s. You’ll have an amazing view of the chilly waters of Casco Bay, but will be nice and toasty inside feasting on the local catch.

ice bars

While we love to keep it cozy in Maine, we also know how to make the most of the winter weather. We could just sit by the fire all winter, but eventually we need to bust out of hibernation and have a little fun. Us Mainer’s are known for being resourceful, and we’ve found a way to use that cold weather to our advantage by creating annual parties centered on ice and snow. So grab your bean boots and your winter coat, and head to one (or all) of these super cool outdoor events this winter:

ice bar at the portland harbor hotel

Ice Bar is an annual tradition for Portland Harbor Hotel. The entire place is decked out and transformed into a big party in February with magnificent outdoor ice sculptures and ice bars serving specialty martinis from luges carved into the ice. Best part is the hotel also offers special stay and play deals during the weekend so you can make the most of your budget while in town.

Fare + Ice at flavors of freeport

Rest assured that In 2022 Visit Freeport’s Flavors of Freeport Signature Events will be back! Fare & Ice will return on Friday, February 18, 2022 showcasing sweet & savory bites from Freeport area restaurants, food & alcohol producers, and a funkadelic dance party with Motor Booty Affair on Saturday, February 19, 2022.

ice bar at the brunswick hotel

The Brunswick Hotel celebrates their annual Ice Bar each February on their outdoor patio. Come see what their winter wonderland has in store this year in Brunswick, Maine—just over a half hour from Portland. The event includes beautifully-crafted ice bars and sculptures, specialty cocktails served with ice luges, live music, and a complimentary food display designed by their chef.

Reach out to businesses individually to learn about alternative dates and the precautions they are taking due to COVID-19.

---

view more itineraries

From family vacations to wedding weekends, and everything in between, we have the travel plan for your picture perfect vacation. Whether you’re interested in our art & culture scene, food + drink, or outdoor adventures—we got your back. Safe travels! Learn more.