Experience Maine,  Holidays,  Winter in Maine

Classic Maine Date Ideas for Valentine’s Day

February 9, 2022 /

We’ve compiled a list of classic Maine date ideas for couples this Valentine’s Day, from watching the U.S. National Toboggan Championships at the Camden Snow Bowl this weekend to trying fun winter activities like fat biking, dog sledding, and guided snowmobile tours. For those looking for a romantic evening, we’ve rounded up a list of restaurants offering outdoor dining with a twist, from heated igloos to private gondolas and ice shacks.

Watch the Toboggan Championships

Grab your loved one, a mug of cocoa, and bundle up to watch the 31st annual U.S. National Toboggan Championships happening this weekend, February 11-13, 2022, at the Camden Snow Bowl. From the website: “There is no entry fee for spectators. There is a $10/car parking fee for everyone parking at the Snow Bowl from February 12-13. Spectators are encouraged to take the Shuttle Bus to allow teams to park at the venue. Shuttle Bus is $5/person round trip. Pickup at the Village Green, Route 1/Elm Street, and buses run throughout the day Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.”

 

Try Fat Biking Together

Couple fat biking in the snow

If you enjoy trying new sports with your partner, give fat biking a whirl. These off-road bikes are modified with oversized tires that are ideal for riding on terrain like sand or snow. Many trail systems throughout the state groom in the winter to allow for fat biking in what would normally be the “off-season.” The more hardpacked the snow is, the better, so don’t try it on a powder day or when the trails have turned to ice (though some hardcore riders use studded tires to prevent sliding and ride all winter long).

The Bangor Daily News put together this great round-up of places offering fat bike rentals across the state and tips for beginners.

 

Go Dog Sledding

Spend a quintessential winter day in the woods with your loved one, nestled under a blanket while riding on a sled pulled by a group of energetic huskies. From a few hours of fun to multi-day adventures, several dog sled teams across the state offer a variety of trips.

 

Go on a Snowmobile Tour

Snowmobiling is one of the best ways to see the state. Maine’s incredible snowmobile trail network includes 4,000 miles of primary trail known as the “Interconnected Trail System” or ITS, and many of the state’s 10,000 additional miles of groomed trails also hook up with the ITS. Learn more about snowmobiling in Maine at visitmaine.com. Here are some of the guide services offering snowmobile tours for people looking to explore:

 

Outdoor Dining with a Twist

As we detailed in our post “The Kennebunks ‘Paint The Town Red’ in February with Special Events,” several restaurants in Kennebunkport are offering outdoor heated dining experiences alongside “red” specials and sales to promote the season of love. For those looking for a romantic dinner with your loved one, try one of these special heated outdoor dining options throughout the state: