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Hello there.

Welcome to Laurel and Iron - a lifestyle blog documenting my life and adventures in New England and beyond.

Sweet Tart Orchard AirBnB Review and Bethel, Maine Trip

Sweet Tart Orchard AirBnB Review and Bethel, Maine Trip

I love AirBnb and use it almost exclusively when I travel now. So, when planning a get-away for Thomas’ birthday, it had to be an AirBnB.

The parameters were simple: it had to be in Maine (because COVID travel restrictions were still in place when I booked), it had to be somewhere we could enjoy the great out doors, and ideally, less than two hours drive from home.

I plugged in my query and started browsing the hundreds of options available. And I found the most perfect, little bungalow in Bethel, Maine. Peter is a super host with over 50 reviews. So, of course, I booked!

This charming one-bedroom house has a full kitchen, three-quarters bath, Wi-Fi, and a fire pit (don't for get to pack all the fixings for s’mores). Located on a working farm and orchard, you’ll be greeted by a flock of chickens and a couple of dogs when you' arrive. And, if you’re lucky, you might find a few fresh-chicken eggs waiting for you inside.

And although I might be biased, because I got engaged here, I think this particular Airbnb will forever hold a special place in my heart.

If you’re in Bethel, stop by the Good Food Store for all the makings of a delicious cheese plate to bring back to the Bungalow. Add a bottle of wine for a perfect relaxed night in beautiful mountains of western Maine.

If you love a good walk, Bethel has installed a great trail and pathway along the Androscoggin River called the Bethel Pathway. Take the kiddos to the skate park or playground while you’re there! If you’re looking for a hike, Grafton Notch State Park is nearby and famous for it’s many waterfalls!

After walking we hit up, Steam Mill Brewery to sit outside and soak in the sun while enjoying beers brewed on site. We were served by the co-owner Scott who shared the story of their nanobrewery and chatted about their offerings. I got the Whitecap Blueberry wheat ale and it was a 10/10 for me (but I’m a sucker for blueberry beers).

To celebrate Thomas’ birthday and our engagement, we headed into town for dinner at Cho Sun Bar & Grill. The Korean- Japanese restaurant is the perfect combination of Maine woods charm and Asian flare. The service was great. The food was lovely (I highly recommend the Tootsie roll and the spicy tuna roll). It was the perfect cap to our weekend get away.

If you’re coming to Western Maine, Bethel is an absolutely must-see town. Nestled in the valley between Mt. Abram’s and Sunday River, Bethel is stunning example of what Maine is all about.

Have you traveled to Maine? Where did you go? Tell me all about in the comments below!

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