This Lovely Mountain Escape, The Hostel Of Maine, Is The Most Beautiful Bargain You'll Ever Find
By Michelle|Published February 09, 2020
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Michelle
Author
Michelle's life is a colorful map of exploration and adventure. From the iconic streets of New York to the sunny shores of Florida, the jagged coast of Maine to the rugged terrain of Montana, she's been fortunate to call some of America's most beautiful states home. Beyond the U.S., Michelle's wanderlust has taken her on a motorcycle journey through India, led her to teach English in Hanoi, and saw her studying Spanish in Guatemala. Michelle graduated with a communications degree from the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University and in addition to a career in advertising has worked with OnlyInYourState since 2016, where her love for travel and storytelling converges. Alongside writing and exploring, Michelle finds joy in photography, staying active, and time with her family.
For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
When visitors think of Maine, many imagine the quaint bed and breakfasts that exist in all corners of the state. Whether sitting along a Main Street, near the forest or along the sweeping shores of the coast, most are family-run and full of character. We love them, too! But there’s a new type of overnight experience that we’re loving! You’ll now find hostels in towns across the state. This one located in the woods of Carrabassett Valley is perfect for a little escape from your every day.
You know what they say about hostels? About how they're scary and you never know who you'll run into? They're rundown because the staff doesn't care and they're all just working for free beer anyway?
Yeah. Definitely not the case at the Hostel of Maine, otherwise known as H.O.M.E. This place takes the idea of the traditional hostel and turns it on its head. Hostel of Maine is more of a bed and breakfast retreat and an escape here this summer has us dreaming of future stays. Especially in the winter!
Although, it's pretty spectacular in the fall as well. Unlike some Maine overnight spots, this beauty is open year-round and each season satisfies a different passion.
Throughout the summer you'll find it packed with AT thru-hikers who get picked up and dropped off by the Hostel of Maine's free shuttle service. It's no wonder they're rated #7 of all places to stay along the AT. That's out of every place from Georgia to Maine!
That's because this place feels like a real community. During the summer folks are sitting outside swapping trail stories. And during the winter you'll find families in the area for skiing.
A dingy hostel this is not! It's more like an upscale cabin with a bunch of friends you didn't know you needed. The place is both cozy and airy, perfect for striking up a conversation with another guest or simply reading a book in a cozy corner on your own.
Another point of difference between this place and the traditional hostel is the room selection. You've got the traditional bunks, which are unique all on their own because they've been hand-crafted and equipped with everything you need from an outlet to a light to a cozy blanket.
But then you've also got the private rooms. From queen to king to family-sized, they're fresh and clean. And the variety of rooms makes it great for a family trip. Put the kids in the bunk room and you've got the room to yourself!
But why would you want to when breakfast includes freshly baked muffins and homemade granola. And there are tons of restaurants in the area for lunch and dinner. Some even deliver to the hostel!
More than anything it's the community here we love. Owners Justin and Melanie opened this place after some traveling of their own and it's clear that their hearts are poured into it.
And it's also a lovely event space for things like rehearsal dinners or other occasions where an outside area full of love and bistro lights is in order!
The Hostel of Maine is open every day! You can learn more about their story and find out how to book through their website. Be sure to follow them on Facebook for updates and announcements. There are usually some local events happening that you can get involved in by staying. You can reach them on 207-237-0088.
