Oxford County Travel Guide
A complete travel guide to Oxford County, Maine, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.
- Introduction to Oxford County
- List of Places to Visit in Oxford County
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Oxford County
- Best Things to Do in Oxford County: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Oxford County
- Food and Drink Scene of Oxford County
- Where to Stay in Oxford County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Oxford County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Oxford County
- Best Time to Visit Oxford County
- Do’s and Don’ts of Oxford County
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Oxford County: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Oxford County
- Where to Go Next from Oxford County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Oxford County
Located in the Lakes and Mountains region of Maine, Oxford County is a charming and picturesque area filled with natural beauty and cultural gems. With numerous outdoor adventures, historical sites, and local attractions, Oxford County is an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience the unique beauty of New England. This comprehensive guide will provide everything you need to know about visiting Oxford County, from the best places to stay to the top things to see and do.
List of Places to Visit in Oxford County
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Maine Mineral and Gem Museum
- Rufus Porter Museum and Cultural Heritage Center
- Bethel Historical Society
- Fryeburg Fairgrounds
Natural Attractions of Oxford County: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Grafton Notch State Park
- Mount Abram Recreation Area
- Range Pond State Park
- Sunday River Resort
- Shawnee Peak
Hiking/Biking Routes of Oxford County
- Grafton Loop Trail
- Baldpate Mountain Trail
- White Cap Mountain Trail
- Bethel Village Trails
Best Things to Do in Oxford County: Activities and Tours
- ATV Tours
- Canoeing and Kayaking
- Fishing
- Golf
- Skiing and Snowboarding
- Ziplining
Week-Long Itinerary for Oxford County
| Day | Destination |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum and explore the town of Bethel |
| 2 | Hike the Grafton Loop Trail in Grafton Notch State Park followed by dinner in Bethel |
| 3 | Take a scenic drive through the White Mountains and visit Mount Washington Observatory |
| 4 | Spend the day at Sunday River Resort skiing or snowboarding |
| 5 | Explore the picturesque town of Rangeley Lake and enjoy fishing or canoeing/kayaking |
| 6 | Take an ATV tour through the beautiful Maine countryside |
| 7 | Visit the Rufus Porter Museum and Cultural Heritage Center before departing Oxford County |
Food and Drink Scene of Oxford County
Must-Try Dishes
- Lobster Roll
- Whoopie Pies
- Blueberry Pie
Local Beverages
- Maine Craft Beer
- Maine Maple Syrup
Where to Stay in Oxford County: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- The Bethel Inn Resort
- The Jordan Grand Hotel at Sunday River
- Snow Cap Inn at Sunday River
- Rangeley Inn and Tavern
- The Oxford House Inn
What to Buy in Oxford County: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Maine Maple Syrup
- Handcrafted Whoopie Pies
- Local Crafts and Artwork
- Blueberry Jam
Local Culture and Customs of Oxford County
Oxford County’s heritage is steeped in Native American, French, and English customs. The locals cherish their traditions, and visitors are encouraged to respect the customs and culture of the area.
Best Time to Visit Oxford County
The best time to visit Oxford County is during autumn when the leaves change color, or in winter when you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding. In the summer, there are numerous outdoor activities to enjoy, while spring brings blooming flowers and fresh greenery.
Do’s and Don’ts of Oxford County
Do:
- Respect the local customs and culture
- Try the local cuisine
- Take advantage of outdoor activities
Don’t:
- Litter or damage natural areas
- Be disruptive or disrespectful to locals
Safety and Health
Safety in Oxford County
Oxford County is a safe and welcoming area with low crime rates. However, it is recommended to take precautions when exploring natural areas such as Grafton Notch State Park.
Health in Oxford County
Oxford County is served by a range of medical facilities, including several hospitals and clinics. It is advised to obtain proper travel insurance and carry any necessary medications and prescriptions.
Getting to Oxford County: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near Oxford County
- Portland International Jetport
- Boston Logan International Airport
Bus Stations Near Oxford County
- Greyhound Bus Lines in Portland, ME
- Concord Coach Lines in Bethel, ME
Other Options
- Car rental
- Private car service
How to Get Around in Oxford County
The best way to get around Oxford County is by car, as many of the area’s attractions are spread out. However, there are also shuttle services available for those without their own transportation.
Where to Go Next from Oxford County: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Portland, ME
- Acadia National Park
- White Mountains National Forest
Conclusion
With its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and numerous attractions, Oxford County is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the charm of New England. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, local cuisine, or cultural landmarks, Oxford County has something for everyone. So start planning your trip today and get ready for an unforgettable journey through this beautiful area of Maine.