25 under twenty-five dollars

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Hibernation is so overrated.

Sure, there?s something romantic about curling up by the fire or staying home and baking bread.

But you?ve been potatoed on the couch since November. And frankly, we?re surprised you?re not bored silly by now.

We would be. But then again, we get paid to drive around finding fun things to do. Thing is, we were kinda hoping you?d actually do them.

There?s no excuse not to. No money? No problem. See, we?ve come up with 25 things to do for under $25. Some of them are even free.

So without further ado, we we have two parting words for you:

Get. Out.

1. TUBING AT HERMON MOUNTAIN

Enjoy all of the thrills of sledding with none of the drawbacks (like walking uphill). Be warned: It’s a bumpy, jumpy ride. $10 per person; Newburgh Road, Hermon; call 848-5192, www.skihermonmountain.com.

2. CHESLEY’S AUCTION GALLERY

The atmosphere is bidder-sweet at this fast-moving country auction. And the best part is, it’s free – unless you go wild bidding on antique oak furniture, vintage baubles or Pyrex bowls. The next auction begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, but you need to get there early to get a seat and check out the goods. And don’t worry about dinner – you can buy dinner there. Saturdays through December; 77 Marsh Road, Corinth; call 285-3594, www.chesleysauction.com.

3. IT’S IN THE CARDS

Wonder what the Fates have in store for you? Get your tarot cards read – if you dare. At Thirteen Moons in Millinocket, the monthly readings are free (though a donation is encouraged). For more information or to sign up for the New Age store’s monthly e-newsletter and schedule of events, visit www.thirteenmoons.net.

4. BRUNCH AT THE LUCERNE INN

Dress up in your Sunday best and dine in style: Belgian waffles, carved roast beef and an omelet made to order are some of the highlights. Although we’ve known people who have simply filled their plate with bacon. $16.95 per person and $8.95 for children under 10; Route 1A, Lucerne-In-Maine; call 843-5123 for reservations.

5. EAST SANGERVILLE GRANGE COFFEEHOUSE

World-class musicians, amazing desserts and strong coffee – does it get any better? If you’re up for an evening of good cheer, hop in your car and head to this pretty little Grange hall in East Sangerville, near Dover-Foxcroft. The next event, Homemade Jam from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, will feature music and merriment from local favorites such as Doughty Hill. The hall is located at 287 East Sangerville Road; call 564-2722.

6. RANGELEY CAFE AT EASTERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

On Thursdays during the school year, this training restaurant for EMCC culinary arts students serves one of the best lunches in town. And at $15 for a four-course meal, it’s a bargain. This semester will focus on international cuisine, including Russian and German favorites. For reservations or other information, call 974-4830. For a weekly menu update, send your name and e-mail address to Jay Demers at jdemers@emcc.edu.

7. THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE MUSEUM OF ART

The best things in life are free. And for the next year, so will one of the best things in Bangor. The University of Maine Museum of Art is a great place to spend an afternoon taking in everything from Hudson River School landscape paintings to Warhol prints. Located at 40 Harlow St., Bangor; call 561-3350, www.umma.edu.

8. SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED

Carrie Bradshaw had the right idea: even the most luxurious, decadent cocktail is an affordable indulgence. The research was tough, but somebody had to do it, and we managed to narrow it down to three favorites: The mojito at Woodman’s in Orono, whatever martini is on special at New Moon in Bangor and the espresso martini at 3 Tides in Belfast.

9. CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AND SNOWSHOEING

Take to the woods – or the golf course – for a little exercise and a lot of fun. Some of our favorite trails are located in Bangor City Forest (off Stillwater Avenue); on the UMaine campus; at Bangor Municipal Golf Course and on the Grounds of the Woodlawn Museum in Ellsworth. For great facilities and a list of community trails, visit Maine Winter Sports Center at www.mainewsc.org.

10. WINERY TOURS

For a state that isn’t exactly known for its grape harvest, Maine is full of creative vintners. The folks at Cellardoor Vineyards have a “Maine Wine Trail” link on their Web site, which includes Bartlett Maine Estate Winery in Gouldsboro, Winterport Winery, Cellardoor Vineyard in Lincolnville, Bar Harbor Cellars, Blacksmiths Winery of South Casco and Savage Oakes in Union. Visit www.mainewine.com for more information.

11. THE SPORTS ARENA

From the outside, this cavernous bowling alley-arcade-bar doesn’t look like much. But inside, it’s like a playground for kids of all ages. We can’t get enough of the Skee-Ball and glow bowling – not to mention the 60 TVs. Located at 1640 Outer Hammond St. on the Hermon-Bangor line; call 848-5850.

12. HIGH TEA

At Heidi’s Tea Shop in Presque Isle, the day’s troubles seem to melt away. Order a pot of lavender-scented Earl Grey and split a gigantic slice of carrot cake with your best girlfriend. Trust us, it’s almost as relaxing as a spa visit. 769 Main St., Presque Isle, 768-7900, www.heidisteashop.com.

13. A SLEIGH RIDE AT LEONARD’S MILLS

Dashing through the snow – in a two-horse open sleigh, through the woods you’ll go, laughing all the way (ha, ha, ha). On Feb. 3 and 17 and March 2, Leonard’s Mills in Bradley will offer horse-drawn sled rides to the public, and trust us, it’s a blast. Just follow the signs from the parking lot and be sure to bundle up – even if it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together. $7 for adults, $4 for children. For more information or to schedule a private ride, call 581-2871.

14. SHOPPING FOR USED RECORDS

If you’ve got an old turntable, used vinyl shopping is an incredibly cheap way to bulk up your record collection. And you never know when you’ll find an old gem in mint condition for $3. Our picks for vinyl include Wild Rufus Records in Camden (22 Main St., 236-2263), Dr. Records in Orono (20 Main St., 866-7874), Record Connection in Waterville (254 Main St., 873-1798) and the Big Chicken Barn in Orland (Route 1, 667-7308).

15. THE CHEAP SEATS

Movie Magic on Odlin Road in Bangor is the best deal for movie-going around. Every Tuesday night all the movies shown are just one dollar! Sure, most of them are second-run movies, but in recent months Movie Magic has gotten flicks like Oscar contenders “No Country for Old Men” and “Sweeney Todd” within a few weeks of their national release dates. The food’s super-cheap too. Call 941-9419 for show times.

16. LECTURES AT UMAINE

Every week the University of Maine offers free, open-to-the-public lectures and discussions. Some of the best programming includes the New Writing Series, which features both new and established poets and writers from all over the world, the Maine Peace Action Committee’s Peace and Justice film festivals, and numerous one-off talks from visiting professors, artists, scientists and thinkers. Visit www.umaine.edu and click on “Calendar” for a schedule of events.

17. CHEAP MAKEOVERS AT PIERRE’S SCHOOL OF BEAUTY

If you got a full makeover at a spa or salon – hair, nails, the works – you’re easily talking $200. Not so at Pierre’s School of Beauty. The students at the school offer haircuts starting at $7, color treatments at $18, manicures for $10, pedicures for $20 and face waxing for a whopping $5. And at the Bangor location, they offer a full body, hourlong massage for $20. The Bangor school (942-0039) is in the Broadway Shopping Center, off Interstate 95, and the Caribou location (1-888-749-5757) is at the Skyway Plaza.

18. PUBLIC SUPPAHS

Churches, Grange halls, schools, VFW and American Legion posts, Kiwanis and Lions Clubs all offer public suppers seemingly every weekend, all over the state. Rarely do they cost more than $7 for an adult. Baked beans, turkey, roast beef, you name it – wicked tasty. Check with local churches and other organizations to see what’s for supper.

19. CONTRADANCES

Square dancing’s easier, less fast-paced cousin, contradancing is a fun, chem-free way to spend your night. Most of the events offer a lesson before the full dance, and often there’s a potluck to accompany it. Admission is anywhere from $5 to $10. Regular dances are offered by Belfast Flying Shoes (www.belfastflyingshoes.org), the Blue Hill Town Hall (374-5417), and at the Keith Anderson Community Center in Orono (866-3126).

20. MAYNARD F. JORDAN PLANETARIUM

Space is not only the final frontier, it’s also easily accessible at the Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium in Wingate Hall on the University of Maine campus. It seats just 30 spectators, so it would behoove you to call ahead to reserve a spot, but the Planetarium offers shows every weekend, and they’re only $3. Far out, man. Visit www.galaxymaine.com or call 581-1341.

21. FIELDS POND AUDUBON CENTER

This site in Holden has 192 acres of trails, lakefront, fields, forest and wetlands, as well as the L. Robert Rolde Nature Center, where numerous nature-related programs are held, as well as art exhibits. There are canoe rentals, bird-watching walks, snowshoeing and hiking. It’s open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. So what are you waiting for? Call 989-2591.

22. BAY CHAMBER CONCERTS

All year-round, Bay Chamber Concerts (236-2823) in Knox County offer a wealth of concerts and performances from some of the most critically acclaimed musicians and dancers from around the world. The Strand Theatre in Rockland, the Rockport Opera House and the Strom Auditorium in Camden all host performances. Prices range from $15 to $30, but if you’re under 25, you’re in luck – all shows are just $8.

23. THE UNDERGROUND AND THE KAVE

Keep it local and do it yourself. That’s the mantra at the Kave in Bucksport and the Underground in Bangor. These two all-ages, chem-free venues offer live music most weekends from countless local bands and the occasional touring act, skewing toward hardcore and metal, but also hip-hop, punk and jam bands. Most shows are $10; visit myspace.com/thekave and myspace.com/clubug for schedules.

24. ACADIA NATIONAL PARK

Acadia National Park is free in the winter. Sure, hiking options are basically nil, but you can drive the park loop road and not get run off Cadillac Mountain by confused Minnesotans. And even better – the Schoodic area is also free, and it’s virtually deserted, meaning you get the spectacularly gorgeous beaches and rocky cliffs all to yourself. It’s a whole other level of beauty in the winter. The perfect day drive.

25. LADIES’ NIGHT AT BARNABY’S

Some may scoff, but it’s true – Wednesday nights at Barnaby’s at the Ramada Inn on Odlin Road in Bangor is the craziest club night you’ll ever attend in eastern Maine. Week in, week out, it’s off the hook. Don’t go expecting fancy martinis or high fashion. Go expecting to drink beer, people watch and dance your butt off. You won’t see a more diverse group of Mainers anywhere. Must be seen to be believed. And remember: ladies get in for free. Dudes have to pay $3.