Ask Maine people about winter, and you'll get a variety of answers. Some residents live for it and can't wait for it to get cold. Others will tell you that it's a chance to relax because tourism slows down. You may even get a few people who say the first snowfall is beautiful, but then they're done with it.

Businesses on West Street in downtown Bar Harbor, Maine.
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In reality, all of those things can be true. Seasonal towns in Maine that are usually bustling tend to slow down to a snail's pace for locals to truly enjoy. And that first snowfall that coats the tops of buildings and trees is truly gorgeous. So where do you go in Maine to truly take all of that in?

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According to LoveExploring, Bar Harbor is the place to do just that. Bar Harbor has long been known as a summer hotspot with floods of tourists piling in for their vacations. But winters in Bar Harbor have plenty of offer as well.

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LoveExploring points out that you can expect things to be a whole lot slower in Bar Harbor during the winter. There are plenty of seasonal businesses that are closed, but the entire town doesn't shut down.

Bar Harbor holds winter events throughout the season, from a Christmas celebration to bed races. Several restaurants and inns are open year-round for places to dine and rest your head, and the town's wide array of museums are there to explore as well.

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For the more active or adventurous, skiing and snowshoeing through Acadia National Park is an entirely different way to explore the vast landscape. There are also several walking trails throughout Bar Harbor with stunning oceanside views.


 

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