The holidays are over, the weather is less than ideal, and it still gets dark at 4:30 p.m. The month of January (and even the few after) are challenging and sometimes it can be hard to get through. While you’re in between classes at Rêve, we want to give you some ideas to help you get through this cold and dark season here in Maine!

1. Hit the slopes, trails or the outdoors in general!

It’s kinda like the saying, ‘if you can’t beat em, join em.’ When the snow starts falling, consider getting outside to enjoy it! If you’re a skier or snowboarder, this time is for you! There are plenty of mountains within an hour or two away. If you’re new to outdoor recreation, there are plenty of activities you can enjoy like snow shoeing, or cross country skiing. Riverside Golf Course turns into an outdoor winter recreation wonderland this time of year with two ice skating rinks, cross country skiing trails, hills for sledding and plenty of room to snowshoe! There are maps on site to help guide you and your experience.

2. Visit a Museum

Portland is full of rich history and incredible museums; from art to science there’s something for everyone. If you like art, spend a day at the Portland Museum of Art located in the heart of downtown Portland at the corner of Congress, Free and High Streets. The museum has over 18,000 pieces of artwork from paintings, sculptures, and photography. The next two Fridays (January 20th & 27th) are free admission from 4pm to 8pm!

For an in depth science experience, the Southworth Planetarium located at the University of Southern Maine is the place for you! The dome is 360-degrees and is the setting for a variety of shows. Upcoming events include a laser show, and look into our solar system.

Plan a day with your family at the Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine! Located at Thompson’s Point, you can find 3 floors of exhibits with activities for children and families to enjoy. The exhibits are hands on and encourage play and learning.

3. Explore Maine’s food scene

If you’ve had your eye on a specific restaurant in Portland but the crowds have kept you away, this is a great time of year to finally make that reservation! The streets in the Old Port are much quieter in the winter months which makes it the perfect opportunity to splurge on that extra special dining experience. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself this summer!

4. Make a Winter Bucket List

Get creative and make your own fun this season. Create a bucket list of things you want to do and have fun with it. Who says you have to wait til spring to enjoy all things Maine has to offer? Here are some ideas to get you started: