Rock Lovers to Wed in Maine
Things To Do
Relax on Kezar Lake
If we were you, we'd mostly be doing this. Relaxing on or swimming in Kezar Lake is a great way to spend time on the day of the wedding if you prefer something more low key. Boat rentals are available at the Kezar Lake Marina if you want to canoe, kayak or pontoon around the lake. We recommend booking ahead. You can also access the public beach "Pleasant Point Town Beach" which has a dock and swimming area roped off for kids. This is along the same area of shoreline as Pleasant Point Inn (Welcome Dinner July 13th) and they have a private beach as well which is available to wedding guests.
Swim at Rattlesnake Pool in Evan's Notch
Rattlesnake pool is an amazing, usually very chilly mountain water plunge. It's secluded and a bit of a challenge to find but worth the effort on a hot day! Drive to the Blueberry Mountain Trailhead located on Shell Pond Road and look out for the designated parking areas. It's about a 10 minute walk past the gate to the trailhead where you'll see markers for the gorge, pool and Blueberry mountain hike Look at the photos on the googlemap link for visual reference to the gate, field, etc. and email Melissa if you need more info.
Hike the Bald Face Circle Trail and Swim in Emerald Pool
The Baldface Circle trail is an outstanding trail if you want to pack a lunch and do a proper day trip. It has a difficult rating, lots of rock scrambles early on, but then a beautiful hike along the "Circle" ridgeline. One of the best features is Emerald Pool at the end of the loop which is a freezing mountain plunge pool that cures all of the muscle aches acquired from the previous 9.5 miles. One of our favorite hikes - super invigorating with stunning mountain views. You can also hike a short 10 minutes up the trail if you only want to visit the pool! This trailhead is a 20 minute drive from the venue.
Shop at Center Lovell Market
Center Lovell Market is the best place for provisions of all kinds. Good for take out sandwiches for a hiking excursion or general groceries, coffee, beer etc. Less than 5 minutes from both venues.
Hike on Sabattus Mountain Trail
An easy 1.5 mile round trip hike in Lovell. 5 minutes from both venues. Good for family hikes.
Visit Ebenezer's Pub
Great local pub in Lovell! 5 minutes from the venue
Visit Pietree Orchard
Visit the farm stand, pick your own fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries in the summer), or go for lunch and enjoy the brick oven pizza on the hilltop overlooking the orchard. 15 minutes from the venue. Call ahead for crops they are currently picking. (207) 647-9419 10-15 minute drive from Lovell
Hike Black Cap Trail in North Conway
Black Cap trail is an easy 2.5 mile hike good for all skill levels and ages. Excellent views at the top and right near North Conway Village. 30-40 minute drive from venue
Swim at Diana's Baths
Diana's Baths is one of our favorites for a summer dip! It's a short hike from the parking lot to a series of cascading waterfalls and pools. Easy to visit for an hour and then drive to North Conway Village for lunch. 30 minute drive from venue
Visit North Conway Village
North Conway Village is the center of the winter ski activity in the valley but equally as enjoyable in the summer. There are two areas of North Conway: the retail zone where you can find the Settler's Green outlet stores (LL Bean outlet here!) or the Village which is much cuter, has a scenic railroad along with many little boutiques, penny candy shops, and stores with local crafts...and a Ben and Jerry's outpost. Many of the hikes will take you near North Conway village. Moat Mountain Brewery is a great place to stop for lunch or a post-hike beer and snack. Good if you want a little more civilization and some New England souvenirs! 30-40 minute drive from venue
Hike Mount Chocorua Champney Falls Trail
Mount Chocorua a somewhat difficult but stunning hike: waterfalls and lots of rock scrambling at the top. Plenty of dramatic granite and amazing, sweeping views of the White Mountains. The Champney falls trail is about 7.5 miles round trip. If you have time for one day hike, this is a great choice! The trailhead is near the Conway end of the Kancamagus highway so it's easy to pair this with a quick swim on your way out. (45 min drive from Lovell)
Visit the Flume Gorge
The Flume Gorge is AMAZING...a 200 million year old, 800 foot granite gorge formed when then molten granite cooled, cracked and was pushed apart by gushing liquid basalt which THEN eroded ...and now you can walk through it! If you are planning to drive the Kancamagus, this is a good 2 hour activity at the Lincoln, NH end of the highway. This is also only a little out of the way if you're driving up from Boston or Portland. 852 Daniel Webster Hwy, Lincoln, New Hampshire 03251 1.5 hour drive from venue
Drive the Kancamagus Highway
If you are driving up to Maine from New York or Boston on Route 91 or 93, "The Kanc" is Rt 112, a scenic highway that takes you through Franconia Notch in the White Mountains. There are many pullouts along the way with access to swimming holes or short walks along the water. See the post for The Flume as well.
Visit the Mount Washington Auto Road
Mount Washington is the highest peak in the North Eastern States and part of the Presidential Range in the White Mountains. Super beautiful! In the summer you can take a shuttle up the mountain to summit (or drive yourself but it's terrifying). Plan about 4 hours for this not including travel time. This is about an hour from the venue. You can also take the Cog Railway up the mountain: https://www.thecog.com/ There are also ways to hike it - if you're interested Melissa's sister, Anna, can advise.
Visit Portland, Maine
Many of you will fly into or drive through Portland and we recommend taking some time to spend in the downtown Old Port. One of our favorite things to do when we fly in is drive to Eventide Oyster Co for the obvious. Great travel reward! Portland Lobster co is also a go to for a quick lobster roll and beer with live music on the dock. Restaurants in Portland that we love: Scales Restaurant: http://www.scalesrestaurant.com/ Eventide Oyster Company: http://www.eventideoysterco.com/ Drifters Wife & Natural Wine Shop: http://www.drifterswife.com/ Fore Street: http://www.forestreet.biz/ Portland Lobster Company: http://www.portlandlobstercompany.com/ Melissa favorite stores in Portland: Judith: http://www.shopjudith.com/ Portland Architectural Salvage: http://www.portlandsalvage.com/ K Collette: https://kcolette.com/ Other: - Take a short ferry ride from the Old Port to Peaks Island for a fun day trip! - Visit Portland Museum of Art!
Visit Portsmouth, New Hampshire
If you drive up to Maine from Boston, Portsmouth is a great stopping place for a dockside lunch, with an old port shopping area. We love Morrison's Lobster, a BYOB dock restaurant, absolutely no frills. Any of the dockside restaurants in the Old Harbor will also be able to provide you with great lobster, wharf food and local beers. Old Ferry Landing and River House are both good options.