5 fun things to do while you’re in Bethel
Little Bits Consignment Shop in The Philbrook Place in Bethel. (Rose Lincoln/Staff Writer)
Kate Webb spends a lot of time thinking creatively.
She’s program director of Bethel Area Arts & Music (BAAM), a nonprofit focusing on youth art education, artist opportunities and public engagement with the performing arts. She lives in a yurt, and enjoys being part of the creative community in western Maine.
She took a few minutes to share some of her favorites spots and activities in Bethel.
Where do you like to eat?
I love Le Mu Eats on Main Street. Their menu puts a unique spin on American cuisine, with South Asian and Southern influences that make it really stand out. As someone with food allergies, I especially appreciate how allergy-conscious and accommodating they are. You really can’t go wrong with the Hot Noodz or the Porke Bowl, two of my favorites. They also serve a spicy margarita with a tajin rim that is delightful.
Buck’s Ledge, a popular spot for nature lovers in the Bethel area. (Russ Dillingham/Staff Photographer) Purchase this image
Where do you like to drink?
You can’t go to Bethel without going to the Suds Pub. Nestled in the basement of the Sudbury Inn, it’s a local favorite with 29 beers on tap, tasty food, live music every Thursday night and plenty of local flavor. It’s the kind of place where you’re likely to run into someone you know, or leave feeling like a local yourself.
Where do you like to connect with nature?
The Bethel area has endless opportunities to connect with nature, but a couple of places are particular favorites of mine. Buck’s Ledge Community Forest offers three trails leading through the woods to beautiful views of North and South Pond. Through the Access for All initiative, an accessible trail was created to help ensure this “Forever Forest for All” truly is open and welcoming to everyone. Another favorite is the Habitat for All Garden at Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Valentine Farm. The garden is filled with beautiful flowers and native plants that provide important habitat for pollinators throughout the seasons. At its peak in the summer, it’s especially magical when the monarch butterflies begin coming through. Each year, Valentine Farm celebrates their arrival with its annual Monarch Festival, a wonderful community event.
Gardens at Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Valentine Farm in Bethel. (Rose Lincoln/Staff Writer)
Where do you like to shop locally?
I love The Philbrook Place; it has a little bit of everything. You’ll find gifts, toys, books, handmade goods and a great selection of secondhand clothing for kids and adults. It’s also a wonderful place to discover and support local artists and makers. It’s my go-to spot for gifts because I can always find something unique for just about everyone.
The Gem Theater in Bethel. (Rose Lincoln/Staff Writer)
What’s a hidden gem or can’t miss place in town?
Perhaps a bit on the nose, but The Gem Theater truly is a hub of our community. Along with showing blockbuster movies and independent films, it’s a gathering place for so much more. The nonprofit I run, Bethel Area Arts & Music (BAAM), partners with The Gem to bring live performances, art films, visiting artists and other creative experiences to our small community. The building itself is also a work of art, featuring a 900-square-foot mural by artist Ryan Adams that BAAM completed in 2021 with the help of community members and Telstar Middle School students. It’s a great example of the creativity and collaboration that make Bethel such a special place.
Five Things is a feature in which locals give our readers suggestions for exploring the state of Maine, town by town. Have a city or town you think we should explore in the future? Tell News & Culture Editor Katherine Lee at [email protected].
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Tagged: five things, Things To Do
Ray Routhier has written about pop culture, movies, TV, music and lifestyle trends for the Portland Press Herald since 1993. He is continually fascinated with stories that show the unique character of. More by Ray Routhier
