If being outdoors is your kind of getaway, then Bear Mountain Inn and the Barn in the lakes region of Waterford, Maine, should be your destination! Nestled at the base of Bear Mountain abutting the lake, Bear Mountain Inn is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate after a day of outdoor fun!
After a hearty Bear Mountain Inn breakfast, hit the property’s trails for a leisurely walk along the stream or head to the nearby mountains for more a bit more challenging hike. You can choose from moderate to challenging terrain, including some of the most treacherous miles of Maine’s Appalachian Trail section. Take a short hike, or spend the day exploring the mountains. You’ll be taken in by the beauty of Maine and the spectacular mountain top views, and you may even spot some wildlife! If you want to see the top of Mt. Washington but the hike is too much, take your car up Mt. Washington Auto Road to see the views from the Northeast’s highest peak at 6,288 feet.
If you don’t see any wildlife, visit the bison and tour the farm for a fun experience your whole family will love.
The fish seem to always be biting at the pond! Cast your line with borrowed poles from the Inn from the shore or jump in one of our kayaks, canoes or paddle boards. Motor boat rentals are also available at nearby Long Lake or Sebago. In the warmer months, take a refreshing swim!
Horseback riding stables are a short drive away; you can take in some car racing at the Oxford Plains Speedway, or golf at one of the nearby beautifully groomed golf courses.
Whatever you choose to do, Bear Mountain Inn and the Barn is waiting for your return where you can enjoy cocktails on the deck overlooking the lake or take a dip in the hot tub.
From animals to train rides, the area surrounding Bear Mountain Inn has it all to entertain everyone you’re traveling with.
April is the month that spring comes to life, schools take a vacation, and families are looking for a way to be outdoors after a long winter. Bear Mountain Inn and the Barn in Waterford, ME is an oasis for spring family fun.
It’s where families can stay in a quaint setting that feels like a home away from home, with so much to do outside the kids will forget they brought their electronics. With 25-acres surrounding the inn, kids will delight in using their imagination as they explore the 25-acres. Order a picnic lunch and embark on a family hike on the many well-marked trails through the woods. While April is too cold to swim, it’s never too cold for the fish to bite! Bear Mountain Inn provides fishing poles for kids to try their hand at casting at the serene lake at the edge of the property. Watch their excitement as they reel in a fish or two! If you prefer to be on the lake, try out the kayaks or canoes! Just a short drive from the Inn are stables for horseback trail riding.
If that all sounds like too much activity for you, settle into the adirondack chairs and watch your kids play on the sprawling lawn. Escape for a shopping trip in nearby Bridgton or North Conway where you’ll find outlets, local hand-craft shops and antiquing. Head out for a drive just a bit over an hour from Waterford to Portland or Freeport, ME for a variety of historical sites and shopping. Enjoy a movie at one of the nearby theaters, or challenge your family to a game of miniature golf. Enjoy dining at any one of the area restaurants offering cuisine to satisfy everyone.
End your day with a fire and s’mores at the Inn or a family soak in the hot tub.
Bear Mountain Inn and the Barn, an inn for all seasons, will give your family a vacation they’ll remember, begging to come back again!
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Chris and Farida discovered Bear Mountain Inn when they were looking for a quiet getaway to celebrate their one year together. Farida took a gamble and bought a weekend on Groupon, knowing nothing about the Waterford, Maine location except what she read on line. To Farida, it seemed like “the perfect place to celebrate one year of what seemed like the perfect relationship.”
Chris wasn’t as sold on the idea at first. He didn’t know why they had to drive a couple hours from Boston to a place unknown, but he went along with Farida’s plan. Upon arrival, they were greeted warmly by the innkeeper and spent a wonderful weekend hiking, eating local cuisine and enjoying the comfortable amenities in the seclusion of the Maine woods. They returned year after year for their anniversary weekend, developing a friendly relationship with the owner and staff. Loving the personal touches like in-room fresh flowers, the couple decided to visit the Inn twice a year, returning to experience the magnificent New England fall foliage, apple picking at the Pie Tree Orchard and canoeing on the Bear Mountain Inn lake.
As their relationship developed and they became engaged, it was time to think about a wedding location. They returned to Bear Mountain Inn that year to discuss wedding plans in a place that brought them peace of mind with an emotional connection. They hadn’t thought about getting married at BMI until they arrived for this special wedding plan weekend. As soon as they both stepped out of their car, they looked at each other and it was clear – “Why wouldn’t we get married here?” To them both, it made perfect sense. They chose mid-September for their wedding date.
They had shared their love for Bear Mountain Inn with their family and friends over the years. So when Farida and Chris told them they would have their wedding there, everyone was elated and excited to experience the magic of Bear Mountain Inn themselves for such a special occasion. The wedding plans would truly reflect who they were as a couple, and would provide a weekend of fun for their guests.
Well into the planning process, they learned that the Inn was being sold. Farida and Chris were devastated, but had so much invested already that they decided to visit the Inn to meet the new owners. Upon meeting Julie and Brian, all their apprehension subsided. Julie and Brian greeted them with hugs and shared their excitement for their vision for the Inn as new owners.
That September Chris and Farida exchanged vows at Bear Mountain Inn, in front of their family and closest friends. Julie and Brian and their incredible team went above and beyond to ensure the couple had the day they had envisioned, and more, with so many personal touches. At the entrance of the ceremony was an email Farida had sent to her best friend the evening of her and Chris’ first date four years earlier. Their favors were apple cider donuts from Pie Tree Orchard.
Julie and Brian were there every step of the way, making sure their day was perfectly a “joyful celebration of love.” Guests felt like part of the Bear Mountain Inn family.
Chris and Farida decided to stay a few extra days for a mini-honeymoon. They were surprised and thrilled to find the dining area decorated with their wedding flowers, so they could enjoy them and the beauty of their wedding for days after.
One year later the happy couple celebrated their anniversary at Bear Mountain Inn and were pleased to see the thoughtful, chic updates made to the Inn without losing the charm that drew them there in the first place. It continues to be their favorite place to get away, now with their favorite Maine friends, Julie and Brian.
Winter in Maine can mean a lot of things – relaxing by a fire while reading a good book; hitting the slopes on skis or snowboard; getting a good cardio workout on cross-country skis or snowshoes; taking a romantic sled tour; or exploring the vast forests of Maine on the numerous snowmobile trails.
Whatever your choice is, Bear Mountain Inn and the Barn is a great home base to jump start your cold-weather adventure, offering something for everyone in your family or group. Located on 25 acres connecting directly to the massive Maine snowmobile trial system. Bear Mountain Inn can assist in providing you with a complete package for snowmobilers, whether you’re out for the first time or you’re more experienced and travel with your own snowmobile.
Maine is an “it” spot for snowmobiling, boasting nearly 14,000 miles of well-groomed trails, much of them connecting throughout the Maine recreational regions. Snowmobiling enthusiasts travel from all over to experience the thrill in Maine, and less than 3 hours from Boston, Bear Mountain Inn is easily accessible for a weekend getaway on the trails.
Situated at the foot of the mountains and the edge of a lake, Bear Mountain Inn has everything you’ll want after a day or evening of snowmobiling. Relax by the indoor or outdoor fireplace with daily snacks and a good book, or soak in the Jacuzzi. Give your body a treat with a massage in the new private massage cottage. Retreat to your room, a perfect blend of rustic chic, and settle in for an incredible night’s sleep in the comfort of the newly renovated rooms and suites. When morning comes, another day of adventure is right outside your door!
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In the spring of 2017, just back from a 15-month adventure traveling across the United States in their RV, Julie and Brian found a gem in the foothills of Bear Mountain. It was an Inn, situated on 25 acres, adjacent to a private pond. Seeing the For Sale sign, the natural beauty of the Inn and its grounds urged them to become the new owners.
So they did.
Having worked in hospitality management at New England camping resorts, the couple had learned a lot about travelers’ habits and preferences. Julie also co-owned a successful agri-tourism apple orchard for 23 years, working directly with visitors on a daily basis. This knowledge and what they saw in this 198 year- old 11-bedroom bed and breakfast and large barn got their imaginations turning. Soon after the purchase, they began renovating the rooms, the exterior, the outdoor space, and most drastically, the Barn.
With an enormous amount of creativity, major construction and TLC, what was once an unsafe, highly weathered structure became a rustic chic, elegant venue for weddings, family reunions, and events. Inside the Inn they converted the already-charming accommodations into dramatically different but keeping with tradition, beautifully decorated rooms and suites full of character and sophisticated style. They renovated the separate cottage along with the post and beam space to house a larger group, with its own barn chic feel with exposed post and beam construction.
Bear Mountain Inn and the Barn not only became Julie and Brian’s project, it became part of them that they were excited to share with guests within months after their purchase. After initial renovations, they continued with more major improvements to make it the perfect setting for gatherings, weddings offering unique personal touches, events or getaways.
Now Julie and Brian are delighted to see visitors, wedding parties, families and businesses all enjoy year-round fun with on-site walking trails, snow-mobile and cross-country trails, the sandy beach, and non-motorized water sports and ice-fishing on the lake.
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Imagine your perfect wedding. If it includes fresh air, the beauty of nature all around you, a quaint barn or outdoor setting and exquisite accommodations for you and your guests, then a wedding in Southern Maine may be the dream location for you.
Breathe in the natural space, in the lakes region of Maine. With the stress of the planning behind you for your most special day in your life, the tranquil surroundings will ease you into a peaceful state of mind as you exchange vows with your love in the presence of your friends and family.
Whether it’s for 40 people or 250, here you will create a truly personal experience that will bring smiles to you with every memory. You and your guests will feel that owners Julie and Brian designed every detail just for you, from the pre-wedding activities, to the home-cooked breakfasts, the reception fun, and the warm hospitality.
Barn weddings have been en vogue for a few years now, and with dreamy locations throughout New England, offering memorable and romantic wedding packages, rustic chic is sure to continue to be a desirable wedding backdrop.
Situated on 25 pristine acres overlooking a lake in Waterford, ME, Bear Mountain Inn and The Barn offers a luxurious, rustic chic setting that leave bridal parties and the guests feeling relaxed and at home in the stunning natural beauty of the White Mountain foothills. The newly-modified barn with a romantic flair accommodates groups year-round ranging up to 130 guests, with the divine outdoor space hosting events from 25-250 guests up to 250. The Inn features beautifully appointed rooms, including two bedroom suites and large luxury suites, some with in-room jacuzzis, steam showers and fireplaces with one beautiful accommodation delivering guests tranquility with a soaking tub. Guests awake to a complimentary gourmet breakfast that has been featured in Bon Appetit Magazine, served in the sunny fireplaced dining room, and can enjoy outdoor activities including on-site walking and hiking trails.
Owners Brian and Julie Sullivan go to great lengths to make the guests feel at home, providing them with a wedding weekend they’ll never forget. Brides and grooms have described their weddings at Bear Mountain Inn and The Barn “as near to heaven as one can only dream about for the perfect wedding.”
