Town of Phillips, Maine

The town of Phillips prides itself on its beauty and quiet ways. In a town of about 1,100 people, you’re likely to find a fair amount of agreement with that statement. After all, many parts of the town are graced by the Sandy River as it descends seventy-odd miles from the Sandy River Ponds to where it joins the mighty Kennebec. Of course, there’s also the magnificent Mt. Blue with its almost 3200-foot elevation overlooking much of the area from where it sits in the towns of Avon, Temple, and Weld.

Phillips is one of those places that annually celebrate different events, such as Old Home Days. This includes quite a parade and festivities including good food, sales, and fly-ins. That last one has to do with airplanes. Around here there’s also black flies, fly-fishing, and fly-tying if you’re patient and on the creative side.

Exploring Phillips Maine

Daggett Rock Trail is a bit out of town and a little ways off of paved road. It’s well worth the short ride and hike in to see this phenomenal rock formation.

Before or after that, you can head north on Route 4 for 13 miles from the center of town to the Appalachian Trail Piazza Rock trailhead. This moderate hike leads to another marvel of rock formation.

Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad is a seasonal adventure of the Narrow Gauge variety that’s located right outside the center of town. You can visit and take a short ride on this two-foot rail that was central to transportation in this general area back in the day. Be sure to call ahead to make your reservation!

Lindbergh Airport is right on Route 4 and about a two-minute ride from the center of town. The airport hosts a fly-in during its Old Home Days in August, and occasionally at other times.

Maine School of Masonry is a private, not-for-profit school. In fact, it’s the only one of its kind in the nation! Since 2005, students have learned this trade and artform, becoming skilled craftspeople. Why you can learn a lot of what it takes to be a brick and stone-laying artisan just by reading the website.

Smalls Falls is ten miles up Route 4 from Phillips on the way to Rangeley. These falls are known far and wide. There’s a series of falls and hiking in and around them.

There’s free parking and easy access for viewing the falls. This is a super site for photography or painting. Of course, the sound of the falls itself is peaceful as can be.

Lodging That’s Upcountry Style

Here in Maine, we use the term ‘Upcountry’ a lot. Maybe too much, in fact! It has a capital letter here because we use it like it’s the name of a town when it’s more about a state of mind. It implies that wistful notion of relaxation, fresh air, wildlife encounters, and feelings of freedom. You know, when time is suspended.

Right here in Phillips, or right close by, you can really, truly experience the meaning of being Upcountry.

Echo Valley Lodge & Cabins is a good lodging option as it’s pet friendly and offers accommodations that will guarantee plenty of outdoor time followed by a good night’s sleep. Speaking of night, this is one place for true stargazing as it gets really dark. Well, aside from your campfire, that is.

Fox Carlton Pond Sporting Camps, Campground & RV Park is a place where you can pick the sort of camp experience you want. Plus, they have ATV and side-by-side rentals, fly-fishing clinics, and other fun sorts of entertainment. Just remember, you’re heading Upcountry, meaning it’s time to unwind and try out that notion of time in nature being healing. Head’s up on that point…it’s true!

Of course, there are other types of lodging a mere Google search away, including places not far from town.

Shopping and Exploring in Phillips, Maine

Dark Star Fabrics is a destination spot for quilters or those who never have enough fabric. Winters are long in Maine, meaning after the shoveling’s done, it’s time to sew!

Alpacaville is just the place to order up toasty alpaca products that are beautifully designed and made. Keep in mind alpaca is hypoallergenic, has a lot of breathabilities, and is generally lighter weight than sheep’s wool.

Phillips has its share of creative types, a number of them being quilters. There’s also creativity found in several local antique shops. There are treasures ready to use or awaiting your restoration talents. Either way, poking around is a great way to spend the afternoon when it’s blustery outside.

In between visits to each unique shop, you’ll likely want a bite to eat. Edmunds’ Market is a full-service grocery store where you can find an assortment of foods and beverages.

There are also places to eat in town or within a 20- to 30-minute drive to Strong, Kingfield, or Rangeley. No matter which direction you choose, you’ll enjoy the scenery!

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