One of Maine’s Quirkiest Towns Is Still Flying Under the Radar

A quirky town in Maine isn't the hardest thing to find, because almost every one of the Pine Tree State's small towns has its own unique charm to it. However, many tourists never wander away from the most popular cities and towns near the beautiful Maine coastline. That makes some towns the residents' best-kept little secrets — and Newry, Maine definitely qualifies. This one is about as remote as it gets, being located not far from the New Hampshire border in the mountainous western part of the state. It's best known as a ski resort town, but that's just part of its charms.

Newry might be one of the most quintessentially Maine towns I've ever seen. It only has a full-time population of 411, but it certainly fills up when the town's famous ski resort is up and running. It has its share of beautiful natural scenery and unique architecture, but it's best known for an annual event held in the town. It might just be the most offbeat festival in the United States; it needs to be seen to be believed, and it's a true Newry original.

Where Is Newry and Why Is It So Unique?

About 23 minutes west of the small town of Rumford and less than an hour east of Berlin, New Hampshire, Newry is one of those places that feels like it's frozen in time. As you walk what passes for a main street in this rural haven, you'll be surrounded by pieces of history — like the Sunday River Covered Bridge, which dates back to 1872 and is one of the oldest covered bridges still standing in Maine.

The Quirky Attractions That Define This Town

With such a small year-round population, Newry is a fusion of man-made and natural, and it's right next door to Grafton Notch State Park. One of the larger and more unspoiled state parks in Maine, it's filled with mountains and challenging hiking trails where you'll need a good pair of boots. There are three major waterfalls in the park, and thirteen marked trails.

The heart of Newry is Sunday River Ski Resort, which every winter turns into a bustling tourist destination. With the second-largest vertical drop in Maine and around two dozen on-site food facilities, this is where most people spend their vacation. It's also home to the silliest event to ever hit Newry, the North American Wife-Carrying Competition, where brawny men hoist their beloveds up on their shoulders and race for the title.

Why It's Still Flying Under the Radar

When the ski season ends, Newry tends to get quiet. This is the common fate of small towns in ski areas, but it just makes the area even better to visit during the peaceful season. Off-season rates tend to be pretty affordable for those staying in the area, and a cabin rental near Grafton Notch State Park offers some of the best views in the state.

Have you paid a visit to Newry, Maine before? If not, this charming and quirky town in Maine is awaiting your visit, so tell a friend about your getaway and plan a visit! You can see more information about the town on the Newry, Maine website, and the Sunday River Ski Resort website has all the information you'll need to plan a day on the slopes. If Maine is just the start of a larger adventure, make sure to drop by Only in Your State's list of the best small towns in the USA to plan your next road trip route.