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Bethel, Maine

Bethel, just 1.5 hours north of Portland and 5 miles from Maine’s most popular ski area, Sunday River, is a year round resort community nestled in Maine’s Western Lakes and Mountains Region.

Bethel is a town where the common is uncommon; where Brooks Bros. sells pliers and wrenches, Victoria’s Secret is a chocolate raspberry dessert and the Timberla
nd Outlet is an exit for logging trucks. Astride the Androscoggin River, nestled at the base of Paradise Hill, Bethel is truly “just this side of Paradise.”

Most rural villages are one-industry towns. Bethel is a rare blend of farming, forestry, woods product manufacturing, education, and tourism. In the past decade, the community has become home to active retirees, eschewing the world of Sun City and professionals who have chosen the small town lifestyle over that of the megalopolis.

Settled in 1774 by land grantees from Massachusetts who had fought in the campaign to conquer Canada in 1690, Bethel’s original name was Sudbury Canada. Farming was the mainstay of the region until 1851 when the country’s first international railroad connecting Portland, Maine to Montreal was built. The trains brought
summer visitors from the cities to breathe the fresh air and partake of homegrown food. The railroad carried lumber and milled wood products back to the urban markets.

The town is a significa
nt educatio
nal center thanks to the generosity of William Bingham II (a modern day patron saint) who endowed Gould Academy and whose foundation continues to provide funding for educational and social purposes in the community. In the early decades of the 20th century, Bethel was home to Dr. Gehring’s famous clinic for the treatment of nervous disorders. The National Training Laboratory, now known as the NTL Institute, was established in 1947. NTL specializes in human dynamics and organizational development, attracting participants from around the world. In 1981 Hurricane Island Outward Bound School for outdoor experiential education established its Mountain Center in nearby Newry.

In 1959 a group of local businessmen formed the Bethel Development Corporation. To develop four-season recreation, their first project, funded by local shareholders, was Sunday River Skiway. Over forty years later, Bethel is busier as a tourist destination in the winter, thanks to the success of Sunday River Ski Area, than the summer.

The townspeople continue to embrace innovation while maintaining their small town culture. Bethel was one of the first communities in Maine connected to the Internet. They built the World’s Tallest Snowman and continue to host the National Wife Carrying Championships.
FEATURED SUNDAY RIVER AREA PROPERTIES
10 Peaks at Sunday River10 Peaks at Sunday River – Luxury Ski House, Newry, Bethel - Maine
5 Bedroom, 3 Full Bath 3,550 sq ft Luxury Ski House. Sunday River’s best view. Giant great room with huge fireplace and entertainment center! Game room with second entertainment center and pool table. Gourmet kitchen. Master Bedroom with fireplace, canopy bed, 2 person Jacuzzi Spa Tub and walk-in tile shower. Covered deck with gas BBQ. Infinity edge Hot Tub with stereo system. Laundry room with hi capacity washer/dryer. Tastefully decorated with leather sofas, Antique Skis, snowshoes, sleds, toboggans and wildlife motif. Hi Def Flat Screen TV's. Free Wifi and Internet access via on-site computer. Heated garage. Radiant Floor heat plus 2 gas fireplaces. Email: sundayriver@visitmaine.net
Sudbury Inn - Bethel
Just 6 miles from Sunday River Ski Area, the Sudbury Inn offers 18 comfortable rooms, fine dining and a lively pub all under one roof. All rooms have private bath, AC, cable TV and include full breakfast from $79 to $199 per room per night. Dine on rack of lamb or roasted duckling either fireside or on the porch in our AAA three diamond restaurant or try "Suds Pub" offering an extensive pub menu, lively entertainment and the largest assortment of draught beers in Western Maine. Email: info@sudburyinn.com
PHOTO LISTINGS

Austin's Holidae House B&B - Bethel
A Victorian-era Bed & Breakfast Inn in the heart of Bethel Village. All seven rooms have queen beds with private baths, cable TV, and WIFI. Three rooms have tubs (2 with Jacuzzis) and showers, one room with single and queen beds. Full breakfast includes your choice of local free-range eggs, homemade scones, breads and granola, Irish oatmeal, French toast, pancakes, with Starbuck's coffee. Afternoon refreshments of homemade cookies and beverages; evening after-dinner drinks. email:
holidaehouse@msn.com

Bethel Hill B&BBethel Hill Bed & Breakfast - Bethel
Renovated specifically to be a bed and breakfast, we feature guest suites with comfortable sitting areas and private baths, each has a whirlpool tub with shower. Common living area exclusively for our guest’s use. Each guest suites features cable television, free WIFI access, ceiling fans and/or air conditioning. Gourmet continental breakfast with hot entrée is enjoyed in the sun room with a cozy gas fireplace. Email: info@bethelhill.com
Chapman InnChapman Inn - Bethel
A charming and delightful inn with unbeatable location, in the heart of Bethel's historic district facing the town common. The Chapman Inn offers great rooms, a "world famous" full gourmet breakfast, and warm genuine hospitality, and all at sane rates. The inn is very family friendly, and indeed was named "Best Family Inn in New England" by the New England Travel Guide. Pets are also welcome. email: info@chapmaninn.com
Norseman Inn BethelThe Norseman Inn and Motel – Bethel
Our convenient location in the heart of the lakes and mountains of western Maine makes us the perfect getaway retreat in all seasons. World class alpine and cross-country skiing, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, hiking When you stay in one of our 8 rooms in our 200-year-old Inn, you are home! Plus we have 22 motel rooms in our converted and completely refurbished from a 100-year-old barn. Email: info@norsemaninn.com
Riverbend Condominiums Bethel MaineRiverbend Condominiums – Newry/Bethel
Luxury 1, 2, & 3 bedroom Post & Beam Condominiums located just 1.8 mi. from Sunday River's lifts. These are privately owned, professionally managed second homes that are clean, quiet, and beautifully furnished. We are an official stop for the "Mountain Explorer" free shuttle which provides transportation to the mountain and in town. email: riverbnd@megalink.net
Bethel Inn Resort - Bethel MaineBethel Inn Resort - Bethel
Maine's Premier Four Season Resort in the heart of historic Bethel Maine. Country elegant accommodations and townhomes, award winning fine and casual dining, health club with an outdoor heated pool, whirlpool, hot tub and spa services. 18 hole championship golf course. 40km Nordic Ski Center. Just 6.8 miles from Sunday River Ski Resort. Whether it's a ski or golf vacation or corporate meeting, retreat or wedding, The Bethel Inn Resort offers unsurpassed amenities, accommodations and recreational activities. Email: info@bethelinn.com
Gideon Hastings House InnGideon Hastings House – Bethel Inn and B&B
First class Inn and B&B. In true Italian tradition, when the house was being renovated, the first addition was a full size professional Bocce court. There are phone lines and data access in the rooms. Each room has a TV with VCR and Radio. To maintain individuality, there are only four bedrooms up stairs in the main house, all with air conditioning, individual heat controls and polished floors. Decor follows the owner’s love of country Tuscan style. Email: gideon@megalink.net
Victoria InnThe Victoria Inn - Bethel
The Victoria is an historic inn built in 1895 and located in the heart of Bethel, a classic New England village. The inn has been lovingly restored with the décor and antiques of the Victorian period. Whether it's a romantic getaway to this charming town, a week of winter fun on the slopes and trails, a fall foliage excursion or a summer retreat, The Victoria has a room waiting for you. Email: info@thevictoria-inn.com
Inn at Rostay - Bethel MaineThe Inn at The Rostay – Bethel
Located in the heart of Bethel, Maine on Route 2, the only major East - West thoroughfare in Northern New England. A quick 5 minute ride, We are the closest motel to Sunday River Ski Resort and only 1.5 miles to the center of Bethel Village, Home of the Bethel Country Club, Gould Academy and NTL Institute. We have 3 room types for every taste and budget including Inntel Rooms, Deluxe Motel Rooms and a 2 bedroom efficiency suite. Hot Tub and Swimming Pool. Email: info@rostay.com
 
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