FAQs

How do I get to Bethel? and the Bethel Common?

Directions: Google Maps: click here - Bethel Common.
The common is the area in green (used to graze cows in the old days!)

OR read below…
From the north: Follow Route 26 south into Bethel. At the flashing red light, turn left onto Parkway. Continue to stop sign; turn right. Continue straight, over train tracks, up Main Street to the stop sign. The Bethel Common is to the left. Park on side streets.

From the south: Follow 95 north to Exit 63 at Gray. Turn onto Route 26 north.
Stay on Route 26 north until you get to Bethel (50 miles - one hour).
When Rt. 26 turns right (signed Sunday River Ski Resort), don’t! Continue straight, over train tracks, up Main Street to the stop sign. The Bethel Common is to the left. Park on side streets.

From the east: Follow Route 2 west to Bethel. At the flashing red light, turn left onto Parkway.
Continue to stop sign; turn right. Continue straight, over train tracks, up Main Street to the stop sign. The Bethel Common is to the left. Park on side streets.

From the west: Follow Route 2 east until you arrive in Bethel.
At the flashing red light, take a right turn onto Parkway. Continue to stop sign; turn right.
Continue straight, over train tracks, up Main Street to the stop sign. The Bethel Common is to the left. Park on side streets.

Where can I park near the Bethel Common?

Park on any side street unless signed “No Parking.” There is a large parking lot in town (that requires a 1/4 mile walk) across from Western Maine Supply and behind Casablanca Cinema 4 (movie theater closed, but parking lot still available!) on Cross Street off lower Main Street, Bethel.

Are rest rooms / toilets available?

There will be porta-toilets on the Bethel Common on the side of the common near the Bethel Fire Station.

Where would be a good place to eat while in Bethel?

The Harvest Fest will have some food vendors and, of course, at noon is the ever-popular Chowdah Cook-off and apple pie contest.

There are many dining opportunities in the Bethel area including fine dining, take-out, pizza, family-friendly, international, and much more. Click on this link for the restaurant options.

Where can I stay overnight in Bethel?

Bethel has many lovely inns, bed and breakfasts, motel, condos, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. Click for lodging.

What is the weather in Bethel? What is the weather like in September? In October?

Click for current weather and a nifty link to check the averages in any month.

When is peak foliage for the Bethel area?

It’s usually at its best about the first week in October, but it varies each year. The colors start peeking out of the green in late August (really!) and get better with each day. Some color mid-September through all of October. The State of Maine posts updates about the foliage here.