The Birches Resort Rockwood, Maine
800-825-9453
Rates: Yurts $60-$70 for two per night with a two-night minimum; main lodge $55-$100 for two per night; log cabins from one to four bedrooms $120-$190 per night;ski packages are available, including lodging, meals and rentals. Pets allowed at yurts or log cabins for $10 per night.
Food: The Birches restaurant serves three meals a day; for dinner, the meatless chili with sour cream ($11) and rib eye with black bean and corn salsa ($16) are winners. Traditional breakfast fare includes everything from Downeast pancakes ($4.25) to a plate of two eggs, bacon/sausage/ham, home fries , and toast ($6.75). Lunches include soup, stew, chili, sandwiches and burgers ($3.95 to $7.95).
Trail pass: Half day $11; full day $14 and includes use of sauna and hot tub.
Ski rentals: Skate skis or traditional cross-country skis, $10/$16 (half/full day) for adults; $6/$10 for children. Lessons and guides are available.
Directions: Rockwood is 282 miles or five hours from Boston. Take Interstate 95 north to exit 157 in Newport, Maine; turn left onto Route 7 north to Dexter (14 miles). Take route 23 to Guilford (11 miles) and turn hard right onto Routes 6/15 to Greenville (24 miles). Go left at flashing light and follow Routes 6/15 to Rockwood (22 miles). Continue (don't go to Rockwood Village) past a general store on the right and across a two-lane bridge. Go right at the T intersection; paved road will turn to dirt; follow signs for Birches Resort for less than 2 miles.
