What's it like to live in the Damariscotta/Bristol area in the winter? (Portland: house)

[bogorchis]

We are thinking of moving to the Damariscotta/Bristol area? We are retired and want to downsize from an expensive area in MA. I know that Damariscotta is more expensive then the Bristol area, but is Bristol dead in the winter
We just came back from the Bristol area, and it is busy, but this is the high tourist season.
We like leading a very active life - husband wants to volunteer in a middle school. I like book groups and singing, as well as quilting.
Any comments from locals who live in this area?

[girlbard11]

Originally Posted by bogorchis

We are thinking of moving to the Damariscotta/Bristol area? We are retired and want to downsize from an expensive area in MA. I know that Damariscotta is more expensive then the Bristol area, but is Bristol dead in the winter
We just came back from the Bristol area, and it is busy, but this is the high tourist season.
We like leading a very active life - husband wants to volunteer in a middle school. I like book groups and singing, as well as quilting.
Any comments from locals who live in this area?

I was born and raised in Bristol as was my Father and his Father and so on...
It was a great small (tiny) town to be from on the 60's and 70's when I was growing up. It is a great place to live and be but not really a great place to DO anything. Damariscotta, (7 miles away) is the "hot spot" for activities. Great community theater and the school, Great Salt Bay could always use classroom help. I remember that there was a quilting club that met at the church vestry in Bristol Mills proper past the post office on the left before the upper Round Pond Road where the flag pole is but I am not sure of it's existance anymore.
The Winters can be VERY harsh as Bristol is more coastal so that means ice and Hunters Hill going to town....ohhhh, a skating rink! So, be aware that there may be a few days in a row you have to stay put. But, that's Maine and if you do not have to go anywhere, that good!
Summertime as a resident was a challenge as the people "from away" did not seem to have the same respect for the place we natives did. But, I think you find that anywhere. The Pemaquid Peninsula's population almost triples in the Summer so getting around can be a challenge. If you get hot, go for a swim at the Bristol Dam, an old hydro electric generator. I planted the tree that is next to the road to the right when I was a girlscout. Funny, memories...
So, have fun looking for the right Maine place. Most places in Maine have some trade off's but it's all good in the end.

[caribougirl]

The peninsulas are all dead in the winter and can feel like the back of beyond when you've forgotten something at home and you're already in town (Damariscotta.)

Since you asked, the only reason to live on a Maine peninsula is that you're a fisherman or an exceedingly rich person who winters somewhere else. Really. I'm guessing you'll get more house for your buck in the Damariscotta area. Don't overlook Nobleboro, Alna, Edgecomb, Jefferson and Newcastle.

[BacktoNE]

I know I'm weird, but I can't begin to count the number of times I've spent a few hours on the rocks at Pemaquid in the dead of winter. Lots of layers, a blanket and a hot thermos. Pemaquid is "my" place to go and lose the stress of everyday life. There is no place else quite like it.

But to live there full time year 'round? I'd stay closer to Damariscotta because you'll need groceries and civilization from time to time, to say nothing of having your heating oil delivered. I know of one family who built right on the point and they have 5 oil tanks because the trucks can't usually get down in there all the way in the winter.

[NanaJo]

If you like to sing, there is Shape Note singing in Damariscotta and Portland. Go to the Maine Shape Note singing site to find out where and when they are scheduled. (possibly first and third Sundays afternoons?)

This is participatory, community social singing from shape note tunebooks, a collection of tunes many written by Maine composers in the 18th century. These are not performances, and no rehearsals: this is just singing for the joy of it and for each other.

No experience is necessary, no auditions, there is no cost, and the music is taught. No committments, just drop in to sing. All are welcome. No preaching, just singing.