We made a day-trip to the Bethel area to see the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum and to hike at Grafton Notch State Park. Check out the highlights from our trip and see why you might want to add these spots to your travel list.
DiCocoa's Bakery & Cafe
Our first stop on our road trip was at Dicocoa's, a cozy cafe located on Main Street, next door to the Maine Mineral Museum. DiCocoa's offers coffee, bakery items, homemade gelato, and groceries. The shop was bustling and required a small wait so we knew it had to be good.
We ordered a maple latte, a house chai, a banana poppy bread, and a blackberry scone. Wow, they were all delicious!
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
After breakfast, we visited the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum. The museum showcases our state's geographical history with numerous displays of mineral and rock specimens from all over Maine, including the famous Perham Collection.
I was surprised at how large the museum was and how much there was to see from our state alone. If you are a rock and mineral enthusiast, this is a must-see!
Grafton Notch State Park
Approximately 14 miles north of Bethel, near the New Hampshire border is Grafton Notch State Park. The park is located amidst Maine's Mahoosuc Range and provides spectacular views for sightseeing and hiking. Grafton Notch is a great destination for outdoor lovers and offers both challenging hikes and short walks that lead to waterfalls and gorges.
Table Rock Loop
The Table Rock Loop is a 2.4 miles (round-trip) moderate-advanced hike that offers amazing sights of Old Speck Mountain and Grafton Notch. At the start of the trail, you can choose between the orange-blazed steep rocky trail (not suggested for pets or children) or the white-blazed moderately steep trail to the next trail junction.
Screw Auger Falls
The 0.4-mile network of paths around Screw Auger Falls offers visitors a scenic place to relax. Here you can see the 23-foot waterfall, a series of cascades, and shallow pools and grottos.
Thanks for reading!