Beer Heart Chocolate
February 14, 5–8 p.m.
Allagash Brewing Co., 50 Industrial Way, Portland
allagash.com
Can’t decide between beer or chocolate for Valentine’s Day? Go for both with an intentional pairing of locally made chocolate and Allagash brews. Beer Heart Chocolate, a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, includes live music, a Valentine-making station and a photo booth. No date required. Tickets are $20.
Flavors of Freeport
February 17 & 18
5 Park St., Freeport
freeportusa.com
Ice bars are even cooler when there’s something warm inside to do when you get chilled. Flavors of Freeport offers two nights of indoor-outdoor fun at the Hilton Garden Inn Freeport Downtown. A Chef’s Signature Series Feb. 17 offers samples of some of the best local food and drink. On Feb. 18, there’s a dance party with Motor Booty Affair. These events sell out every year, so get moving! Tickets are $25 per night, $45 for both.
Sleigh Ride Through Kennebunkport
245 Arundel Rd, Kennebunkport
rockinhorsemaine.com
Rockin Horse Stables in Kennebunkport does a sleigh ride worthy of grownups. We’re talking about an authentic sleigh pulled by beautiful draft horses, departing from a century-old barn. After a half-hour ride, warm up with hot chocolate next to the fireplace. Sleigh rides only happen when there’s snow on the ground. Group rides are $15 per person. Call for schedules: 207-967-4288.
Women United Around the World Fashion Gala
March 4, 6–10 p.m.
Italian Heritage Center, 40 Westland Ave., Portland
womenunitedaroundtheworld.org
New Mainers model traditional outfits inspired by their homelands, and local designers showcase their spring collections in this empowering fashion show hosted by the non-profit group Women United Around the World. Make an evening of it, starting with a buffet dinner and silent auction. Tickets are $40 in advance online.
Take-it-Outside Winter Family Fun Day
Feb. 4, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Mount Blue State Park, Weld
207-585-2261 or maine.gov
So much winter fun in one place! This family fun day includes cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sled rides, hayrides and nature walks. Bring your own equipment if you have it, free equipment loans will also be available. Lunch provided. Entry is $1.50 for ages 12–64, all others free.
Hit the Trails at Pineland Farms
18 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester
pinelandfarms.org
No equipment? No worries! Pineland Farms in New Gloucester rents snowshoeing and cross-country skiing gear at its welcome center at the base of the trails, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trail passes are $6 a day for snowshoeing and $18 a day for cross-country skiing, with lower rates after 1 p.m. Rentals are $10 a day for snowshoes and $18 for skis, again with lower rates afternoon rates.
Great Maine Outdoor Weekend
Feb. 3–6
Events around the state, many activities free
greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org
From moonlight hikes and guided snowshoe jaunts into the woods, to winter saunas and bird-watching, The Great Maine Outdoor Weekend boasts events around the state that are aimed at getting you outside. Most are beginner and family-friendly, too.
Pisgah Hill Full Moon Trek
Feb. 10, 5–8 p.m.
Pisgah Hill Preserve, Pownal
rrct.org/events
It’s a half-mile climb to the summit of Pisgah Hill Preserve, where a bonfire, hot cocoa and roasted marshmallows await. The sun will set and the moon will rise just before 6 p.m., and you can start your trek up at dusk and come back down under the light of the moon. Bring a headlamp and snowshoes, depending on conditions. The event is free.
Introduction to Skate Skiing Course
Feb. 18 and Feb. 26, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Fogg Farm, Desert Road, Freeport
llbean.com
Learn to skate ski with L.L.Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School. This course starts with an overview of skate-skiing basics, then you’ll head out on a guided ski on the groomed trails of Fogg Farm. All equipment is included, too! Tickets are $40, registration is required.
