Maine’s Mahoosuc region thrives with a rich network of locally-owned businesses, each serving as a unique entry point into our community and our culture. A growing body of evidence suggests that every dollar spent at a locally owned business generates two to four times more economic benefit – measured in income, wealth, jobs and tax revenue – than a dollar spent at a globally owned business^[1]. Please stop in and show your support for our local entrepreneurs.

For complete listings of lodging, restaurants, guides/outfitters, art galleries, local shops including outdoor retailers, and local events visit:

• Bethel Area Chamber, Maine
• River Valley Chamber of Commerce, Maine
• Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce, New Hampshire

[1] Michael Shuman, Put Your Money Where Your Life Is

Growing food is an integral part of the way of life for Western Mainers both past and present.  Native Americans who lived in the region, predominantly the Abenaki tribe, raised corn, beans and squash together with sunflowers, the seeds of which they would crush for oil.  Their diet included a lot of fish including the sturgeon, pike and bullhead as well meat from deer, moose, bear and smaller game like rabbits.  To round-out their diet, they grew vegetables and harvested mushrooms, nuts and fruits much like today.  They also obtained maple syrup, still a local export, from the sap of the maple tree. ^[2]

Today our region is making a renewed commitment to growing and buying local.  Amidst the large industrial crops that export potatoes for potato chips, there are also small farmers and producers focused on providing local food options.  In fact, Maine is the only state in the nation where the farming population is growing and growing younger.  Being able to buy locally grown foods means that we are able to eat healthier and have a smaller carbon footprint.

While farm-based experiences are not possible in the region at this time, the best way to meet our local farmers and try out our locally grown foods is by going to one of our two farmers’ markets:

• Bethel Farmers Market on Saturday mornings (9 AM to 1 PM) May to November. Visit their Facebook page for details: https://www.facebook.com/BethelFarmersMarket/
• Greenwood Farmers Market on Friday afternoons (4-6 PM), every other Friday through the winter. Visit their Facebook page for details: https://www.facebook.com/Greenwoodfarmmarket/

We also have virtual, online farmer’s market, Boondocks Buying Club.  If you want to order foods in bulk from a variety of farmers and producers in Maine, visit Boondock’s Facebook Group or email boondocksbc@gmail.com to get connected.

Wanting to immerse yourself in local foods? Plan a visit during one of our foodie festivals.  Come for the Bethel Harvestfest and Chowdah Cookoff in September that features local produce, local crafts and, well, a chowder cook off.  Or, come visit the fourth Sunday in March for the Maine Maple Sunday when syrup producers offer free samples and demonstrations on how maple syrup is made.

To get involved with local food initiatives in the Mahoosuc region, get connected with the Local Food Connection.  Local programming is also offered through the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association.

[2] Source: https://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/

• Consider becoming a ‘Preserve Partner’ at one of the many Mahoosuc Land Trust The MLT manages nearly 2,700 acres of forestland with recreational trails, open fields, river islands and four Androscoggin River boat launches. Assist with maintenance or trail monitoring by contacting their office at info@mahoosuc.org or 207-824-3806.
• Wanting to get engaged with the local food scene? There are many opportunities to help develop our local food system.  Consider volunteering with the Local Food Connection.
• If you’re interested in rolling up your sleeves to volunteer on an organic farm, check out the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms. Several area farms host volunteers, fondly referred to as WOOFers, through this program.
• Obsessed with rocks? Love minerals and gems? Intrigued by meteorites?  Share your passion by volunteering with the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel.

• Inland Woods + Trails
• Mahoosuc Land Trust
• Local Food Connection
• Maine Mineral and Gem Museum