Get outdoors in Freeport and enjoy all that Maine has to offer. Mother Nature has finally delivered enough snow to provide great cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as a great walk.
There are a number of opportunities very close to James Place Inn and Freeport to enjoy being outdoors. LL Bean offers their Outdoor Discovery School (ODS) at the main store here in Freeport. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures are available, providing all equipment and instruction for just $25/person. You can sign up online or at the store as a walk-on. The LL Bean bus will take you to the Fog Farm facility, about three miles from our inn. This is a beautiful area with groomed trails, about 740 acres in total. (If the group is experienced, the guide may utilize the fresh snow and go off-trail). These experiences are about two and a half hours in duration, leaving plenty of time for other activities while you are here.
Have your own snowshoes or skis and looking for good trails? Check out Pineland Farms, about fifteen minutes from Freeport. This is a beautiful facility with groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There is a minimal fee however it is well worth it for those looking for great trails and beautiful scenery. For those of you looking for great sledding, this is it! Several good-size hills to get some great speed on. We love taking our daughter here. Best part: the delightful café waiting for you at the end, providing soup, hot beverages, great pastries, etc. Pineland Farms also has a small grocery store here featuring locally made cheeses, fresh produce, beer and wine…perfect snacks for now or later.
The winter has been mild and walks along the coast are a plus where we live. Among local favorites, the beaches make for a beautiful walk any time of year, providing ever-changing views. We find guests love the contrast of the ocean with the snow on the beach. Popham Beach is a favorite although our own town beach at Winslow Park is spectacular and one of my favorite places. Portland Head Light in Cape Elizabeth provides another delightful walk. Even though the museum is packed up for the winter, the view at Fort Williams is worth the trip alone (about twenty minutes from Freeport).
