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. Warm up with a complimentary drink upon arrival and you can then get cozy and snuggle up in this unique and dog friendly hotel in the heart of the Arts District.

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. After a long day of sightseeing, this haven will help you relax and recharge every night.

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. Take your pic of which one calls to you and enjoy their warm and inviting atmosphere while enjoying the snow falling down.

Rigby Yard, Old Port, Portland

After enjoying Pandora’s Winter Lights and doing some light shopping, step off the cobblestone streets and into Rigby Yard. Warm up by their fireplace with some signature cocktails, light snacks and cozy couches. The warm and inviting ambiance will be sure to put you in a cozy winter mood!

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.

Canopy by Hilton Portland Waterfront, downtown portland

Pop in and see the three fireplaces you can enjoy at Canopy. You can stop in for a break from the cold and enjoy the lounge and bar on the main floor. If you’re feeling adventurous however, take the elevator to the top floor and check out Luna Rooftop Bar. You can watch the snow fall over the city while sitting next to a warm fireplace enjoying the view.

Blind Tiger, downtown Portland

The Blind Tiger is unique space designed for people to come together and enjoy a social space together. With two locations on Carleton Street and Danforth Street, you can take your pick of which fireplace you’d want to curl up next to. This ambient space is perfect to enjoy with your friends while watching the bustle of the city.

Foundation Brewing, Portland

Stop in and enjoy some delicious Detroit style pizza and thirst quenching beers at Foundation Brewing. In the winter they feature outdoor seating with firepits, lights, and space heaters to bring the cozy feeling of winter outside. The outdoor patio is also dog friendly, so even your pup can enjoy the beautiful Maine winter!

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. You’ll feel regal with freshly baked scones and coffee or tea before going shopping in the Freeport stores this winter.

White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport

Located in Kennebunkport, White Barn Inn is the perfect place to step into after enjoying the scenic views of this historic town. The Inn has been a local landmark for over 150 years so be sure to enjoy the rustic beauty and charm while warming up by the vintage fireplace.

Whitehall, Camden

Right outside the heart of Camden, Maine, rests Whitehall with their stunning outdoor patio and fireplace. Warm up with some tasty hot chocolate underneath the twinkling patio lights. When you’re done getting toasty, you can walk down to the local stores and shops and find all your Maine needs!

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:

Fire + Ice Igloos at the portland harbor hotel

Fire + Ice Igloos are a Portland Harbor specialty. Grab six of your favorite friends and step into a heated “igloo” and out of the cold. These winter themed and see through huts are perfect for enjoying a cocktail under the stars to create a night you wont forget.

Carnaval ME, Old Port, Portland

There’s no better way to embrace snow and ice than going to Carnaval ME. Each year the festival hosts ice sculptures, snow treats, igloos, and more! You can warm up at the Brews and Bites igloo, or enjoy a live ice sculpting demonstration. It’s a Maine winter staple you wont want to miss!

Alto Terrace Bar + Kitchen, Old Port, Portland

Enjoy outdoor dinning in a new fashion- with heated igloos at Alto Terrace Bar + Kitchen. With a specialty menu and cocktail list, these igloos are perfect for people watching below and watching the soft snow fall around you.

Fare + Ice at flavors of freeport, freeport

Rest assured that Visit Freeport’s Flavors of Freeport Signature Events will be back! Fare & Ice will return on Friday, February 16, 2024 showcasing sweet & savory bites from Freeport area restaurants, food & alcohol producers, and a funkadelic dance party with Motor Booty Affair on Saturday, February 17, 2022.

ice bar at the brunswick hotel, brunswick

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.

ice bar and fireplaces at the Inn by the Sea, cape elizabeth

Enjoy stunning winter views and delicious food at Inn By the Sea! Stop in for their annual Ice Bar and Sea Food Celebration from Feb 22-24 where you can get all of your seafood cravings. Be sure to sit at their outdoor firetables that showcase a stunning view of the ocean and surrounding nature. If you want to get warm inside, cozy up next to one of their fireplaces and enjoy small plates and soul warming cocktails that will leave you feeling relaxed and warm to the bone. Reservations are required, so call 207 799 3134 to secure your Ice Bar and Sea Food Celebration seat!

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