Bethel, Maine - is a little mountain village in Maine that we visited in July. It was settled in 1774 with farming as its principal occupation. The town incorporated in 1796 with the Biblical name "Bethel", translated as "House of God". It is claimed there that Bethel is Maine's most beautiful Mountain Village.

We found a quaint little B&B to stay for 1 night. The place was not full and we were given a free upgrade to a bigger suite-like room. The room was complete with a bed with a canopy. They even left the candles that they used in the past as lamps fixed to the walls. It was fabulous and I loved the old british feel to the whole building. The innkeeper spoke with a very strong British accent and he had moved from UK to set up the B&B here in Bethel.

It was a long drive and by the time we got there, it was mid afternoon. It was also raining pretty heavily so we only had a little bit more daylight to roam around the little village after the rain had stopped. The town area we were staying in was really tiny with not very many people walking around at dusk. It made me think that I could not see myself living in this kind of quiet little town. Though I dislike crowds and complain about the lights and noise, I am a city girl at heart, I can't imagine not being able to drive to the nearest shopping complex or my favourite restaurants in under 20miles. Personally, I miss the proximity to these places that we have back home in Singapore.

distance : 190 miles Time: 3hrs 46mins

Grafton Notch State Park "cuts through a mountain wilderness of sweeping scenic beauty. Within the Notch itself, there are a number of geologic features, in addition to Screw Auger falls which may be explored and studied by the casual traveller. For those interested in extended hikes the Appalachian Trail is accessible only a few miles to the North" - source: an information sign on site

We did not attempt any hikes even remotely adventurous. However, we did check out some of the attractions that were easily accessible. It was very scenic and made me miss those hiking trails we used to hit during the summer.