There’s so much to do!
Besides enjoy the festival, there is a lot to do in the local community when you go off festival grounds! We have compiled a list of our favorite activities and shops. You can ask for directions at the front gate. Please note that the festival is not responsible for any activity off the grounds of the event. Please email us at info@ossipeevalley.com if you would like your local business to be included on this page!
I. Swimming
There is no swimming on the festival grounds. There are, however, two beautiful rivers which meet in the valley, the Ossipee (pictured above) and the Saco river. There are many designated swimming spots along the two rivers, and in several town swimming holes at lakes, all close by to the festival. However, please note that since there is no swimming on the festival grounds, the festival is not responsible for any swimming, or any other activity you chose off site.
II. Fine Dining
Cornish, Maine is about 5 minutes from the festival grounds, and is host to some of Maine’s finest restaurants! While the festival has an incredible food vendor scene, you might want to take a night out out on the town, maybe before or after the festival, so here is our shortlist:
I. Krista’s: $$$ High end American brunch, lunch and dinner, cocktails. Reservations necessary. 5 minutes
II. The Runway: $$ Very creative and delicious breakfast and lunch, seasonal farm to table menu changes weekly 20 minutes
III. Bay Haven Lobster Pound & Tavern: $$ Daily off the boat seafood, attached to Red Claw Tavern/Bar
IV. Phat Boys: $$ Daily buffet specials and large menu, diner style food breakfast and dinner
V. Sophias Famous Roast Beef & Pizza: Take out window or sit in, comfort food with a greek flare!
III. Outdoor Fun
We are lucky to be in a gorgeous part of Maine with lots to do for the outdoor enthusiast. Here are a few things you might tack on to your Ossipee Vacation, or for someone who wants a bit of a break from the banjo! Don’t forget to visit our local outdoor shop The Local Gear, on route 25 in Cornish, for anything you need!
I. Burnt Meadow Mountain (pictured above) 20 minutes
II. Mount Washington: highest in northeast (hike or drive to summit) 45 minutes
III. Mountain Division Bike Trail 15-45 minutes depending on starting point
IV. Picnic at Apple Acres Farm 5 minutes away
V. Sebago Paddling Company
IV. Shopping in Cornish
The town of Cornish, Maine (5 minutes from fairgrounds) has both a downtown shopping center, specializing in antiques, and many stores where you can pick up all your last minute items for the festival. Check out the Cornish Association of Business website for a full list here. Here is a brief list of the kinds of shopping you can find in Cornish.
–8 reputable antique stores hosting a wide variety of wares from several centuries.
–a vintage and fine jewelers shop, a fine florist, and several thrift stores
–The Artisan’s Gallery, featuring crafts from all over Maine
–The Local Gear: all you need for any outdoor activity, hiking, biking, kayaking, etc.
–Many farm stands are available, the closest is Merrifield Farmstand in Porter 20 minutes but don’t forget to be on the lookout for farmers selling corn and blueberries & sandwich veggies AT the festival!
–If you love the area, Apple Acres Farm offers full service weddings May-October, and pick-your-own & a farm cafe in September and October
–Other shops include two hardware stores, a Rite Aid, an IGA, a country market and three gas stations which offer diesel, all within 10 minutes of the festival.
–There is also a walk-in clinic: The Sacopee Valley Health Center, just 10 minutes from the festival. The closest hospital is Bridgton Hospital. If you need services during the festival come to the front gate for first aid. For emergencies simply call 911.