Bridgton & Harrison
The towns of Bridgton and Harrison, Maine capture a perfect slice of lakeside beauty. The White Mountains, including the breathtaking Mount Washington, rise above them, and the forests blanket the community with a verdant canopy. With the Pleasant Mountain Ski Area and 33 lakes and ponds nearby, the outdoor recreation opportunities are endless. Only 40-minutes from North Conway, New Hampshire and an hour from Portland, these delightful towns are a great place to enjoy the best of Maine.
Things to Do in Bridgton and Harrison
Outdoor Recreation
Bridgton is home to the Pleasant Mountain Ski Area, which offers 40 trails, three terrain parks, seven glades and night skiing. Winter also means excellent snowmobiling through the woods and over frozen lakes. In February, Bridgton hosts the Winter Carnival, with fireworks, horse-drawn carriage rides and an ice fishing contest.
Summer in Bridgton and Harrison means hiking the mountains, picking blueberries and playing in and on the water. Both towns are along Long Lake, and there are boat launches on Long Lake, Moose Pond and Highland Lake, making for ample water recreation opportunities. Create a 3.3-mile loop on the Bald Pate Mountain Trails – one of the many popular moderate hikes featuring wildflowers, bird watching opportunities and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Don’t worry about lugging your own equipment along with you – there are a variety of nearby places to rent equipment and some offer instruction and charters. Highland Lake Beach is a favorite spot to spend the day, grilling, swimming and boating.
If you’re ready to swap the sand for the green, you can enjoy golfing 18 holes at the Bridgton Highlands Country Club.
Arts & Culture
You can learn more about the town at the Bridgton Historical Society & Museum and see the murals of artist and inventor Rufus Porter at the Rufus Porter Museum. Be sure to check their calendar for workshops and events.
Bridgton’s downtown is lined with shops and galleries. Be sure to check out Gallery 302, an artist co-op with a wide variety of works from local artists.
The arts are cherished in Bridgton and Harrison. For over 80 years, the beautiful Adirondack-style Deertrees Theatre has offered concerts, performances and events like the Sebago-Long Lake Music Festival, and in nearby Brownfield, the Stone Mountain Arts Center hosts national-acts year-round. Or catch a movie or two at the Bridgton Twin Drive-In Theatre.
Where to Stay in Bridgton and Harrison
Camping is a family-favorite in Bridgton like at Lakeside Pines Campground (they have cottages, too) or the Vacationland Campground on Crystal Lake in Harrison. Grady’s Westshore Motel has rooms with kitchenettes if roughing isn’t your thing. The romantic Noble House Inn offers classic New England hospitality. There are also numerous vacation rentals to choose from.
Restaurants in Bridgton and Harrison
In Harrison, popular spots include the Old Mill Tavern and the Ruby Slippers Café and Bakery. Bridgton’s charming Main Street in lined with restaurants and cafes. At Bridgton’s equestrian-themed restaurant, The Black Horse Tavern, there’s something for everyone. Ancora Italian Kitchen has mouth-watering choices of classic rustic Italian cuisine. Located in a renovated gas station, the Standard Gastropub offers burgers and street fare along with an impressive selection of beers. The Campfire Grille is a down-to-earth restaurant with an immense menu. For high tea, look no further than the Clipper Merchant Tea House.
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