How to Plan a Winter Weekend Escape in Maine
As the temperatures drop, Maine offers a quieter, slower-paced version of its coastal charm. A winter weekend here is about simple pleasures - crackling fires, eating well, and getting outside just long enough to enjoy the season before heading back indoors to cozy up. Here’s your guide to planning a winter escape in Midcoast Maine - complete with a sample itinerary, tips for maximum coziness, and recommendations on where to eat and stock up on provisions!
Your Winter Weekend Itinerary
Where to Stay: A Farmhouse Winter Retreat
Located in the charming coastal town of Friendship, Three Sisters Farm is a destination itself. Nestled on 11 acres of peaceful farmland just down the road from a scenic tidal cove, the property offers plenty of space for families and groups to gather while still providing cozy corners to curl up with a book or cup of tea.
The farmhouse features two full kitchens, making it easy to cook hearty winter meals without crowding. You’ll also find spacious living areas stocked with board games, toys for kids, and even a Peloton and Lagree Megaformer for those who want to sneak in a workout before heading back to the couch. Our new Goodland wood-fired hot tub will make the experience even more magical - imagine soaking under the stars with the snow quietly falling around you.
The farmhouse’s location is another highlight: Friendship feels like a hidden gem, yet you’re only a short drive from popular Midcoast towns like Camden, Rockland, and Thomaston. It’s the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience!
Friday Evening: Arrival & Settle In
After a scenic drive along Maine’s coast, arrive at the farmhouse just as twilight sets in. Step inside, slip off your boots, and let the warmth of the house welcome you. Dinner can be as simple as stopping by Wallace’s Market in Friendship for local cheeses, wine, and prepared foods. Light the fireplace, pour a glass of red, and ease into weekend mode…
Saturday: Explore, Eat & Cozy Up
Morning: Wake up to the stillness of winter fields and enjoy a big breakfast of pancakes in the farmhouse kitchen. Bundle up and head out for a walk around Friendship Harbor or a hike at Camden Hills State Park. Even in winter, the trails are accessible, and the views of Penobscot Bay are stunning year-round.
Afternoon: Warm up with a cultural stop in Rockland. Browse the Farnsworth Art Museum, which showcases Maine’s beloved Wyeth family artworks, or pop into small boutiques for handmade gifts and winter gear. If the wind picks up, tuck into a cozy café like Rock City Coffee or Café Grazie for a cappuccino and a baked treat.
Dinner: Treat yourself to a hearty meal at Primo in Rockland, a James Beard-award winning farm-to-table favorite or Nina June in Rockport, known for its Maine meets Mediterranean approach as well as its spectacular view of the harbor. Reservations recommended at both. Afterward, return to the farmhouse to enjoy dessert by the fire - or play a family game night with a mug of hot cocoa in hand.
Evening: For a truly cozy experience, light candles and curl up under blankets for a winter movie night, or take it outside for a star-lit soak in our woodfired hot tub!
Sunday: Slow Morning & Departure
The best part of a winter weekend is taking it slow. So sleep in, then start the day with award-winning pastries from The Place in Camden. Enjoy a last stroll around the farmhouse property - maybe spotting some deer prints in the snow - before packing up. You’ll head home refreshed, grounded, and already planning your return.
What to Pack for Maximum Coziness
Winter in Maine is all about layering up and leaning into comfort. Here’s what to bring for the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and indoor relaxation:
Warm layers: Wool socks, sweaters, and flannel PJs are a must.
Winter footwear: Waterproof boots with good tread for snowy walks.
Indoor comfort: Slippers, a favorite book, and maybe even a puzzle.
Outdoor extras: Hats, gloves, and scarves for exploring coastal trails.
Bathing suit: Yes, really – a soak in our Goodland woodfired hot tub is the ultimate in cozy, and sauna/river dip experiences are popular nearby.
Where to Eat & Pick Up Local Provisions
One of the joys of staying in Midcoast Maine is the access to fresh, local food. Whether you prefer to cook in the farmhouse or treat yourself to dinner out, here are some can’t-miss spots:
Wallace’s Market (Friendship) – Your closest stop for everyday essentials, a great wine selection, and easy dinner fixings.
The Place (Camden) - Known for its award-winning pastries and artisan breads. Perfect for breakfast or a picnic lunch.
Café Grazie (Rockland) – A daytime market and café serving coffee, pastries, and hyper-local dishes for breakfast and lunch.
Primo (Rockland) - A fine dining gem that puts Maine ingredients front and center.
Nina June (Rockport) - Maine meets Mediterranean cuisine alongside a spectacular view of the harbor
In Good Company (Rockland) – An intimate wine bar with excellent small plates - cozy, relaxed, and very Maine.
Beth’s Farm Market (Warren) – A year-round farm market with fresh produce, baked goods, and Maine specialties that make it worth the short drive.
Cooking at home in one of the farmhouse kitchens can be just as memorable as dining out - imagine simmering a pot of chowder while snow falls outside, or baking cookies with the kids after an afternoon adventure.
Why Winter in Midcoast Maine?
Winter in Maine offers something truly different than summer. The coastline is quieter, towns feel more intimate, and nature feels raw and unfiltered. Without the crowds, you can stroll through galleries, linger longer at restaurants, and explore trails that feel like they’re just for you.
It’s also a season that encourages presence - whether you’re sipping coffee while looking out over snowy fields, watching the tides roll in during a harbor walk, or reconnecting with family around a fire. Midcoast Maine in winter is about simplicity, warmth, and savoring the slower pace of the season.
Ready to plan your own winter retreat? Book your stay at Three Sisters Farm and discover the quiet magic of Maine in winter.