Bring on the heat this winter at Inn by the Sea

Northeasterners live to complain about the cold- but at Inn by the Sea we also love to celebrate winter’s chill days and cozy nights. Winter is the time to get out and celebrate the crisp beauty of the season with nightly campfire s’mores making, hot toddies served around ocean view fire tables and, after a day outside, there’s nothing better than a little après next to some indoor flames. Many of the Inn’s one- and two-bedroom cottage style suites have cozy fireplaces.

Inn by the Sea embraces winter on the coast both indoors and out. Inside steam rooms, weekend yoga classes, sea inspired SPA therapies and ocean view dining in Sea Glass are the perfect elixir for cold weather days. But for those who need to feel the burn al fresco try a spectacular Cliff walk on the edge of the sea at nearby Two Lights State Park or Fort Williams, home to the renowned Portland Headlight.

Best yet- Winter is the season we get to eat comforting comfort food without remorse! Warm up to Chef Chadwick’s delectable cold weather menus and hearty chowders in Sea Glass, a walking Portland Foodie Tour where you eat your way through the historic, small port city or, drive yourself to drink on the Maine Brew bus with a local brewery tour. But fear not, those great eats and brews can be worked off with fun outdoor activities. Jump start your warm winter vibe with a scenic beach walk, skating on the edge of the river at Thompson’s Point in Portland or borrow the Inn’s snowshoes for a trek across the sand after a fresh snowfall.

The coolest place to chill in February will be Inn by the Sea’s popular Ice Bar and annual SeaFood Celebration Thursday, February 24th and Friday February 25th, 2022. This ice-cold hot spot will offer a variety of local seafood on an outdoor grill, all created by Sea Glass Chef Andrew Chadwick, with warm outdoor fires and a sampling of frosty spirits stirred up by Beverage Director Shayne Conlon.

If art is what warms your soul, Inn by the Sea boasts a collection of regional art from turn of century to contemporary works that would be the envy of most museums or galleries. Warm up by the fire in the lounge and take in a celebration of coastal Maine with original canvases from marine painters Alfred T. Bricher, Eric Hopkins or Stephen Etnier. The Portland Museum of Art, open all winter Wednesday through Sunday, has built a reputation as one of the nation’s most distinguished museums with a vast collection of celebrated artists, located 7 miles from the Inn in Portland’s Art district. (https://www.portlandmuseum.org/)In nearby Fort Williams, the Rachel Walls Fine Art Gallery has a large and amazing collection of works by beloved Maine artist Dahlov Ipcar. (Open by appointment, https://www.rachelwallsfineart.com/)

Nearby: Unique boutique shopping offers great finds no matter the season in Portland’s urban-chic Old Port or, take a short drive to Maine’s famous outfitter, L.L. Bean, in Freeport. Make it an adventure by hopping on the Downeaster for a 30-minute train ride. Portland’s Ferry system is another winter travel adventure! Venture out onto Casco Bay and discover Maine islands and lighthouses with a short hop of 20 minutes to Peaks Island or do the full mail boat ride and spend a few hours taking in the Maine coast.

Portland’s winter festival is scheduled to return this winter with an ice bar, crafts, skiing competitions, sledding and local food and spirits on the Easter Promenade. Watch for more information on dates and events at https://www.carnavalme.com/ The Portland area offers a variety of seasonal theatre, symphony and musical events throughout the winter at Portland Stage Company, the Portland Symphony or State Theatre. If you have kids in tow- Crescent Beach is fabulous in any season- even winter, and the new Children’s Museum at Thompson’s Point is sure to please for indoor fun.

Or just come chill with us on the coast- unwind with a cocktail next to the fire and relax while the snow flies!

About Inn by the Sea:

An idyllic oceanfront escape, located on a mile of unspoiled sand beach, just 7 miles from Portland, Inn by the Sea is Maine's premier beach destination offering elegant hospitality in 61 upscale rooms and suites, with full- service SPA, cardio room, heated pool and captivating cuisine served in ocean view Sea Glass restaurant. Children and dogs are warmly welcomed to this Preferred LVX® member and Virtuoso® property.

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