Winter holidays in Maine, where? (Portland, Bangor: hotels, casino, camping)

[RiverBird]

Seeking recommendations of where to spend the week between Christmas and New Year's Day in Maine...a place with some interesting town activity (not outdoor sports) that would possibly accept a dog in overnight accommodations. Suggestions?

[Newdaawn]

You could check out Bangor. It was recently named as one of the top ten places for a winter vacation by some magazine. I can't remember which one now. I think for those that were not looking for a beach vacation. We have a casino now with slots and table games. "Hollywood Casino" right on Main St. and there is a hotel attached. Not sure if they take dogs but there must be a few that do in the area. Lots of great restaurants and a New Years Eve celebration that only costs $5 for a button if you but in the next couple weeks, $10 after that. There are many places of entertainment that night in the downtown area. We also have a couple great museums and we're a short drive to the coast. Check out our downtown shops, there are plenty of those too.

[mainegrl2011]

"interesting town activity?" Does that mean the places aren't boarded up for the season? Lots of places are dog friendly. You could go to the pier in Bar Harbor and watch the fishermen (would that be considered an outdoor sport?)....drive the Park Loop Road...maybe go to Geddy's....or Dysart's (Bangor) for some fish chowdah...look at the Christmas lights at Nubble Light. Drive around and look at Christmas lights....keep an eye out for Christmas trees made out of lobster traps and decorated with lights. Check the local papers for a New Year's Eve dance.

Here's a link for festivals. December Festivals in Maine

Here's some more events (scroll down the page). Other Maine Events in December

Check this out. CulturePass - Events

http://www.camdenmaineexperience.com...n-opera-house/

[in_newengland]

book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/US/ME/Brunswick-hotels/BEST-WESTERN-PLUS-Brunswick-Bath/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=20025

I've had this one bookmarked because it's affordable and they say they accept pets. I don't know about Brunswick though. It's on the new northernmost part of the Downeaster train route.

[Revi]

Somewhere from Brunswick to Rockland. You can take the Downeaster train. It's awesome.

[Maineguy04654]

I spend them at my place. Best place to be..

[8635angelvalley]

I would stay in Portland.

[Revi]

I actually think Portland may be the best place to be. You can check out all sorts of things, like the new year's celebration, there are ferries to places like Peaks Island and there's lots to see and do around X-mas. I think I would go for a vacation there over other places if you aren't into winter sports. Check out Miccuci's Italian grocery around lunch time for awesome slices and cannolis, and stuff like that. Steve Lanzalotta will be there and he puts on quite a show, with his tossing the dough around, etc. It's on India Street, on the eastern end of the Old Port. There are lots of things going on in the Old Port. If you want to stay at a really nice place, try the Regency. It's right in that area.

[Kristin85]

I agree that the area around Portland is the best place to be to experience festive holiday events.

Piggybacking onto newenglandgirl's post: I may be visiting the southern/Casco Bay area the weekend after Christmas. Are there any nice large inns or lodges located in, or within a 45 minute drive of, Portland that charge <$200 night? (Stayed at a lodge in Boothbay Harbor over the summer and loved it.) If there's nothing like that nearby, are there any nice (& cheap) winter camping cabins, cottages, or specialty lodging areas between Wells and Brunswick?

Edit to add: Here are more listings of events happening in Portland through the end of December: Greater Portland Maine CVB | Calendar of Events | Listings, Things to Do Click on the left sidebar for more year-round "things to do." Lots of options! Check out websites about Freeport too.

[homeconstruction]

Portland.