Last year’s spectacular soldout ice bar and lounge was such a success at the Samoset Resort that they’ve extended the event to two weekends this winter, Jan. 16 -19 and 23-25. After experiencing their inaugural ice bar event last year, we’ll be sure to return. You really have to see it to believe it.

Picture yourself at an ice table, with a Warmed Baked Apple handcrafted cocktail and a half dozen chilled oysters in front of you, with a full moon splashing light over the ocean. Wow! This is the life. The bar itself is a work of art, not to be missed. and also offers nonalcoholic beverages, including Grandma’s hot chocolate and several tasty food choices including Caprese Kabobs. If you go for both weekends, you may be able to try them all!

For those who prefer their cocktails in a warm room, the Samoset’s elegant Enoteca Lounge is just a few steps away and has a roaring fire in case you got more chilly than desired at the ice bar. But really, you should take a seat out there for the full experience. It’s something you’ll never forget.

After closing for a few winters, it was good to see the Samoset reopen for the winter last year. We vacationed here with our kids when they were small, and the resort has substantially increased activities since that time. Our winter getaway here last year included a vigorous health class workout, time at the pool and skating rink with one of our grandsons, an awesome evening at the ice bar and dinner at the resort’s wonderful Italian restaurant, La Bella Vita.

For our recent weekend in the Rockland/Camden area, we luxuriated in a third-floor corner room overlooking the Rockland breakwater in one direction and the open ocean in the other. As I was writing this, Linda stepped out of the bathroom and said, “I could spend the entire weekend in that shower!” Yes, everything at the Samoset Resort is extra special!