Dear friends,

There's a lot to love about Maine in the winter - skis, snowshoes, great chowder, a cozy live music spot, and ice skates are essentials for enjoying winter in Maine. Here's a sampling of where to find the food, the tunes, and some winter fun.

Ski or Ride More Places for a Chance to Win: Maine has 18 ski hills, and the Ski Maine Association is ready to reward skiers and riders who spend time at more than just one through theirPeak to Peak Challenge. When you spread your skiing or riding time over multiple locations you'll have the chance to win prizes including a $100 Kittery Trading Post gift card or two nights at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Wilton. Participants must be 16 years old, and it's free to register.

Can't Miss Chowder Stops: Nothing warms you up like a steaming bowl of chowder and you have your pick at restaurants throughout the state. A few notables are: Yarmouth's Muddy Rudder and The Sudbury Inn in Bethel, both popular for their clam chowder; Laura's Seafood Stew is loaded with lobster, haddock and shrimp at The Red Barn in the capital city of Augusta; go for the haddock chowder at Dysart's Truck Stop & Restaurant, open 24 hours in Hermon; or the corn chowder atShirley's Diner, a favorite in Fort Kent.

Farming in the City: Keep your gardening skills fresh year round at the new Urban Farm Fermentoryin Portland. The community learning center offers year-round workshops and classes on mycology (mushroom cultivation); making medicinal teas, home-made hard cider, mead and wine; fermented vegetables; hoophouse construction; and sheet mulching. The business also hosts a weekly farmers market at its warehouse on the Portland waterfront.

Winter Music Scene is Hot: Maine's winter music scene thrives, from ski lodges to downtown opera houses and small community stages. Head to the Unity Centre for the Performing Arts in Unity for great Celtic, Scottish, folk, and bluegrass performers. The Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield is a destination for classic rock, country, and acoustic shows, while Portland's SPACE Gallery is known for electronic groups and DJs. The Portland Music Foundation's venue directory and searchable map are great for learning about live music spots around the state.

Only in Maine: The 10th Mountain Ski Center in Fort Kent and the Nordic Heritage Sport Club in Presque Isle offer public biathlon clinics each winter. Both venues have hosted World Cup competitions for the Olympic sport that combines cross country skiing and rifle shooting.

To learn more about winter events and attractions in Maine go to http://www.visitmaine.com/seasons/winter/.

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