[at-l] Gorham Hostels

[m_factor@hotmail.com (Mara Factor)]

I've never stayed  at the Barn but I've visited it a few times.  I have 
stayed at HP.

Hiker's Paradise is a somewhat traditional private hostel operated at the 
same facilities as a regular motel.  The hostel is in the main house and has 
three areas, each with it's own kitchen/common room.  All kitchens have 
stove, oven, and fridge.  There are also kitchen utensils, plates, 
silverware, etc. available.  The rooms in each hostel area hold anywhere 
from one to four beds.  You get linens and towels to use when you check in 
and then you go pick your own bed.  It is heated and is open year round.  HP 
offers breakfast on the premises.  Bruce is available for shuttles and 
slackpacks.

The Barn is one of those "outside" hostels.  It really is in a barn.  There 
are mattresses (don't remember if they're on the floor or not) in the loft 
upstairs in one large room.  There is one common area on the ground floor.  
I think there is a fridge but I don't remember about the rest of the kitchen 
facilities.  The barn doors are often wide open so you can hang out inside 
but still get fresh air.  I believe it is closed in the winter as there is 
no way to heat the place.  It's more along the lines of the Hikers Welcome 
hostel in Glencliff.  I've never checked out the bathroom/shower facilities 
so can't comment.  (Maybe Rockdancer can provide more info about the Barn?)

There are plenty of places to eat in town.  My favorite breakfast/lunch spot 
is Loaf Around.  It's just around the corner from the outfitters on the side 
street.  They have about 25 different types of bread and some wonderful 
breakfast and lunch specials.  My favorite breakfast:  French toasted cream 
cheese sandwiches with strawberry-banana sauce.  My favorite lunch:  The 
curried sweet potato (or something like that) soup.  YUM!

Hope this helps,
Mara

>From: Gary Ticknor <garyticknor@starpower.net>
>Date: Wed, 18 Jul 2001 22:06:53 -0400
>
>Can anyone discuss the pros and cons of The Barn vs Hikers Paradise in
>Gorham? Both seem pretty good.
>
>- Gary from Fairfax

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