It’s winter in Maine. The lakes are iced up, skiing is great, snowmobile trails are groomed and taking you to new places, and the great outdoors is beckoning you to don your winter duds and get out there. Now is the time to get out your skis and snowshoes, get your ice fishing shack out on a lake, jump on your snowmobile and hit one of the hundreds of trails throughout the state — or attend one of the winter festivals going on around the state.

Here are some events to enjoy and places to stop off in the next few weeks.

Snofest and Chocolate Festival

Feb. 20

Masonic Temple, 281 Pritham Ave.,

Greenville

Time: 1 – 4 p.m.

207-695-2702

www.mooseheadlake.org

Choose 12 samples from a selection of 30+ delectable chocolate delights, including candies, truffles, cakes, puddings, and a chocolate fountain. There will be a children’s festival along with a Chinese auction.

Ricky’s Diner

257 Portland Road (Route 302)

Bridgton

647-2499

When you get into town, stop off at Ricky’s Diner on Main Street for a hot breakfast with the locals to get you going before you venture out to Highland Lake. Check out the daily breakfast specials. Open seven days a week, all day — or, have lunch with Elvis.

Bethel Winterfest

Jan. 22-30

Bethel

824-2282

www.bethelwinterfest.com

This is the granddaddy of them all! Go today and catch the last day, which features the one-of-a-kind Ice Mountain and events at nearby Mt. Abram and Sunday River. You’ll want to check out the website for detailed information about what’s going on.

Rooster’s Roadhouse

159 Mayville Road, Route 2

Bethel

824-0309

Being out in the cold air can make you hungry, so stop off afterward at this chef-owned family restaurant and pub for good food and a brew. Large parties are welcome, but reservations are encouraged, so call ahead. You’ll make this one of your favorite places.

Annual Snowfest

Jan. 29-30

9 a.m. till whenever

Lake Pennesseewassee (Norway Lake)

Behind the Little Red Schoolhouse

Norway

743-8256

www.norwaytrackers.com

Today is the last day of this two-day event, which features not only snowmobile drag racing, but also radar runs and an antique snowmobile show. There will be hot food served on the ice, and this year the prizes will be paid in cash.

Naples Winter Carnival

Feb. 11-13

Long Lake

Naples

318-6965

http://muddyriversnoseekers.org/

This one has it all! Ice fishing derby, radar runs, snowmobile poker rally, rides in a helicopter, hay rides and even fireworks with a bonfire on the lake during the fireworks. Go to the Naples Town Dock on Long Lake and take part in the fun.

Bray’s Brew Pub & Eatery

678 Roosevelt Trail Route 302

Naples

693-6806

www.braysbrewpub.com

Stop off at Bray’s Brew Pub for a great meal and a fun time to boot! They have live bands every weekend and their own brewer; ask for the brewer’s special.

U.S. National Toboggan Championship

Feb. 11

Camden SnowBowl

Camden

Home

236-3438

Like toboggans? Then take a road trip to Camden for this don’t-miss event. Part of the fun is just checking out the racing garb. Some racers have dressed in business suits. A past trio dressed like the three little pigs. There will likely be clowns, cows and much more. Bring your camera and have fun.

Stop off at Bray’s Brew Pub on Route 302 in Naples. It opens at 11:30 for lunch.

Stop in at Ricky’s Diner in Bridgton and have a meal with Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and James Dean among others.

Picture yourself here – enjoying dinner and a drink at Rooster’s Roadhouse in Bethel.

Stop off at Bray’s Brew Pub on Route 302 in Naples. It is open at 11:30 for lunch.

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