Welcome to winter in Maine, where the icy weather keeps coming and the seasons don’t matter! For most people, March can feel like a weird in-between month. The peak of our winter wonderland is in the rearview, while the spring bloom is far from popping. Luckily for us, there’s still so much to enjoy here in the off-season. Old Man Winter doesn’t play by seasonal rules up here, and neither do we - bundle up and embrace this ‘local’s summer’ season.
1. Wintry treks and snowy photo ops
Mount Agamenticus is thick with rich coastal forests, home to diverse wildlife, and serves as a year-round hub for outdoor activities and exploring. This time of year it is ideal for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, winter hiking or even just a nice picnic. Snap some photos from the highest point in York, you’ll have views stretching as far as the eye can see.
The Cliff Walk is a fun little footpath that follows right along the rocky coast of York Harbor Beach. It is low effort for a high reward with stunning sea views, wild sea roses, the smell of the salty breeze… hearing the crash of the surf never gets old.
Venture over to Wiggly Bridge & Steedman Woods for a unique piece of York history. The Wiggly Bridge is widely considered the world’s smallest suspension bridge (nobody knows of a smaller one, we’ll take it), and yes, it is wiggly. Continue over the bridge and you'll find a great nature walk lined with pine trees, sitting next to the York River.
You can’t beat the classics, and the postcard worthy Nubble Lighthouse is just that. If you’re looking for a wintry lighthouse moment, you can’t get closer to actually being there than a room at The Viewpoint!
2. Visit Maine Maple Farms for Sugaring Sunday
March is peak production month for one of Maine’s most important products: Maple syrup. On the third Sunday of every month, maple farms open up to celebrate the harvest. There are three farms within an hour drive from York, ME with events in March: Merrifield Farm from March 22nd-23rd, Balsam Ridge Farm (which doubles as a Christmas tree farm!), and Hilltop Boilers maple farm from March 22nd-23rd.
3. March recreation
At just a ~24 minute drive from our hotel, Powderhouse Hill Ski Area in South Berwick, ME is such a local gem. It’s the smallest ski hill in Maine and boasts 3 trails, 1 lift, 175 vertical feet of skiing, and even night skiing. Got $5 bucks for a day pass? Get your fix Wednesday & Friday nights from 7pm-9pm, and Saturdays & Sundays from 12pm-4pm (check their Facebook page for any updates on hours of operation).
Ice skating at Churchill Rink at Jackson’s Landing is a guaranteed good time. It’s just under 30 minutes to drive but well worth it, they also have plenty of skates for rental. If you want to try to stay local, try out Mackey Skate Park in York, but you’ll need to bring your own skates (check their page for status updates).
4. Winter art and artisan shopping
Show some local love to some of the best artists and creators in York! Whether you can make it to one of their workshops or not, it’s a great quiet time to drop in, take a tour, ask questions and plan for a future class:
Grain Surfboards - Rad people, rad products. Stop by for great local company, and check out their workshops to build your own surfboard and/or skateboard.
Chase’s Garage - You’ll have to shop online or make an appointment to visit, but check out some of the incredible work the owner makes at the garage - buy a local gift and pick it up when you’re in town!
5. Women’s History Month & International Women’s Day
March is Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day falls on March 8th. As a company that has a majority of women in leadership roles, we know how fortunate we are every day for the women in our lives. This month, you can check out a spectacular art exhibit in Portland, ME that is celebrating women by recognizing and honoring the contributions they make to the arts in ‘From a Woman’s Perspective’.
Treat yourself or a special woman in your life to a day of Wellness at The Viewpoint. Icy coastal storms and driveway shovel workouts have had their moment, but it’s tough to beat a rejuvenating massage day when you need it most. With a range of massages and treatments meticulously prepared for your ultimate relaxation, you're in great hands at the Spa House.
6. St. Patrick’s Day
We’re always placing our green foot forward with our sustainable and eco-friendly efforts, but this month we’re going green with Irish pride for St. Patrick’s Day. This religious and cultural celebration is synonymous with good times, good company, and shamrocks? Legend has it that St. Patrick explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of an Irish clover - the shamrock. Cheers to that!
St. Patrick’s Day happenings
- All Month - Boost your physical and mental well-being at The Drip Bar in Portsmouth - they're offering a St. Paddy's promo for a free fluid upgrade with purchase of any Lifestyle Drip
- 3/14/25 - Head over to Sacred Profane Brewing in Biddeford, ME for their Tip Me I’m Irish event
- 3/14/25 - Get Your Irish On at For the Love of Food + Drink at Saltwater Farm, just a short drive to Wells, ME.
- 3/15/25 - For those that are ready to get the party started, check out Lobster in the Rough in York, ME for their St. Paddy's Bash - stay hydrated!
- 3/16/25 - Pop over to Ogunquit, ME for Sunday Brunch @ Jonathon's (Visit Celtic on Maine while in town for all your Celtic/Irish needs)
- 3/14/25-3/17/25 - Join a stint of festivities at the Port Town Public House for their Bar Crawl & keep it going into the weekend.
- 3/17/25 - The Portland, ME St Patricks Day Parade is on the 17th. Head up to watch the show and pop around to the various restaurants and bars serving drink and food specials!
- 3/17/25 - Endzone Bar & Grill in Dover, NH is hosting their St. Patricks Day Extravaganza
- 3/17/25 - Spend your St. Paddy’s day at an actual Irish pub with Dwyer’s St Patrick’s Day Event in Portsmouth, NH.
The beaches are crowdless, the hustle and bustle has fizzled out, nostalgic York peaks through the snow to remind us warmer days will be here before we know it. Trade your winter blues for the sparkling blues of the waves at peaceful York Beach.