At the far west end of its run across Maine, US-2 winds along the south bank of the Androscoggin River through the dense pine and birch forests of the White Mountain National Forest. Ten miles east of the New Hampshire border, along a placid stretch of the Androscoggin, Bethel (pop. 2,329) was first settled in 1774. At the tail end of the Revolutionary War, the town, then named Sudbury, suffered the last Indian raid inflicted on New England. The Gould Academy, one of Maine’s oldest prep schools, was established at the west end of town in 1836, and after the railroads came through Bethel quickly became a center for White Mountain–area tourism. Founded in 1913, the Bethel Inn ($99 and up; 207/824-2175 or 800/654-0125) was one of New England’s early health resorts, and it continues that tradition today. The inn is surrounded by 200 acres (including an 18-hole golf course), and if you’re looking for upscale lodging and dining or spa treatments, this is the place to go. Information on Bethel’s many other well-preserved old buildings can be found in the 200-year-old Mason House, facing the town common at 15 Broad Street, which doubles as a small, summer-only museum (closed Mon.; $3).
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Sunday River Ski Area (800/543-2SKI), six miles northeast of town, draws thousands of visitors to the area for skiing in winter and hiking and mountain biking in summer (there’s also a popular “wife-carrying” contest in October). Near the well-marked turnoff to Sunday River, there’s a nice picnic area with a covered bridge, along US-2 and the Androscoggin River. If you head north from here a mile or so past the ski area, another sign will point you toward the intricately constructed Artist’s Covered Bridge, which spans the Sunday River.
Back on US-2, the Sunday River Brewing Company (207/824-3541) is a popular brewpub serving good food, very good beer, and frequent live music; if you like peace and quiet, come for lunch or an early dinner—as it gets later it gets rowdier.
