2015 - Maine's Kennebec Valley Explorer Vacation Planner by The Kennebec Explorer

One visit is all it takes to fall in love with

Maineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kennebec Valley

KennebecValley.org

Maineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kennebec Valley Each new generation to vacation here finds something new to love â&#x20AC;&#x201D; truly original experiences that defy description.

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Photo by: Benjamin M Williamson Photography

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CONTENTS 4 Maine Moose

Summer, fall or winter this is one of

Antiques, the fiber arts, pottery or Native

Snowmobile or ATV

the best trail systems in the country.

Arts, Crafts and Antiques

American baskets, we’ve got them all.

Keep an eye out to spot a Moose, our official animal ambassador.

Family Fun

Hitting the road with the whole family? Find plenty of ideas for keeping the (family)

Whitewater Rafting is King

peace while on vacation here.

Experience the epic thrill of the finest whitewater rafting in the East.

Strolling into the Holidays

Revelry and good cheer greet you on

Let’s Go Camping

strolls through our towns and villages.

Kids. Gear. Tent. Car. Go. And don’t

forget the marshmallows.

The Ladies Delight

in Lake Cobbosseecontee.

One cast and you’ll be hooked in the home of the 2014 Major League Fishing

Maine’s sweetest little (and only active inland) lighthouse sits on a small island

World-Class Fishing Summit Cup.

Hunting

Discover traditions passed down from

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

A foodie’s delight, with everything from brew pubs and diners to heritage grains and whoopie pies.

Real Maine Maple

Real Maine maple syrup is some of the best anywhere. Come see how it’s made every March on Maine Maple Sunday.

generation to generation.

Special Moments

Our region offers a beautiful backdrop in any season for an ideal destination event.

Shopping

Hiking and Biking

Whether on a mountain path, in-town trail or the open road, the choice is yours!

Enjoy America’s pastime: from retail therapy to browsing for antiques and Maine-made crafts.

Arts and Culture

On the Water

Paddling here is simply good for the soul.

Stellar performances across the region are worth a second look.

Stop by a Farmers’ Markets

From a roadside farmstand to an in-town Farmers’ Market taste some of the freshest food around.

The longest running fair in the United States — celebrating 197 years.

Maine’s smallest city is calling your name.

A welcoming pair of little Maine towns that

Skowhegan State Fair

Hallowell

Canaan and Hartland

make an ideal base camp for sportsmen.

Real summertime adventure is what you’ll find here in the heart of Vacationland.

Riverside Towns

The Winthrop Lakes

From Bingham to Moscow, these are the storied towns along the Kennebec.

Augusta

Set alongside the beautiful Kennebec, the capital city offers visitors much more than they expect.

Belgrade Lakes

Beauty abounds in this four-season recreational paradise that inspired the classic tale On Golden Pond.

From patriotic parades and river festivals to ways to eat yourself silly, it’s all right here.

Calendar of Fairs & Festivals

Map of the Region

A detailed map of the region featuring local campgrounds, scenic drives and the Appalachian Trail.

Waterville

Art. Theater. Dining. Film. Festivals. A world-class downtown. Say hello to the cultural center of mid-Maine.

Madison and Lakewood

The pretty tree-lined drive along Route 201 makes the perfect introduction to the next act here.

A dozen more reasons to fall in love with

Adventureland: Hike to a waterfall. Ride the rapids. Land a big one. Spot a moose.

Cities and Towns of Maine’s Kennebec Valley

The Forks and Caratunk

Maine’s Kennebec Valley.

The Moose River Valley

Explore boundless recreation and endless natural beauty in Jackman and Rockwood.

Scenic Drives

The best way to see all the beauty of the region is from behind the wheel.

With cute shops and a surprising number of popular restaurants this town is a

Stop by and take a bite of the deliciously indescribable vibe in this foodie town.

Gardiner

riverside original.

Skowhegan

The paper for this project was provided by Sappi Fine Paper NA. This publication was paid for in part by a grant from the Maine Office of Tourism. ©2015 Kennebec Valley Tourism Council Cover photo by: Tom McPherson Photography

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

In search of the Maine

MOOSE The only question: who’s watching who?

Here in Maine’s Kennebec Valley we love the moose so much that we named it our official animal ambassador. These majestic animals spend so much time welcoming visitors while grazing in the many marshy roadside places that it was time to elevate their status.

Best Viewing Times & Spots

As you ride up towards the Jackman area, you enter prime moose country. Anywhere along Route 201 — from The Forks to the Canadian border and on Route 15 to Rockwood they can often be seen along logging roads, diving for dinner in wet boggy areas, hanging out in gravel pits and clomping down hiking or snowmobile trails — moose, moose and more moose are what you are apt to spot on any given day.

Because of their massive size, moose find it easier to move about in open areas, making it fairly easy to spot one if you are fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. The best moose viewing experience has to be seeing one in its own element — out in the woods, while you are hiking, snowmobiling or ATVing. Give them a wide berth, and don’t forget your camera!

The best times to spot moose are at dawn and dusk from mid-May through July. In the fall, during the rut, is a good time to spot a bull with a fully formed rack. Seeing a moose then is a real treat because they’ll soon shed their antlers.

Photo courtesy of: Northern Outdoors

Whitewater Rafting is King in Maine’s Kennebec Valley! Forget what anyone says to you about rafting anywhere else in Maine — the Kennebec River Valley is the king of the whitewater. From the pounding intensity of a day on the Dead River during a special water release to the unmatched excitement and pulse-elevating thrills of the Class IV rapids of the Kennebec River, welcome to some of the finest whitewater rafting in the East. The best thing about rafting on the Kennebec and the Dead is that all you need to prepare, is yourself. No special equipment. No extensive training. Just bring your thirst for adventure and hunger for thrills. Granted, some of the rapids on the Dead are meant for folks who have done this once or twice, but even novices can easily find the experience of a lifetime to suit them.

Here’s just a bit of advice for prospective rafters: Plan Ahead. There are many rafting companies in the region. Each is suited for different kinds of rafters, from extreme adventure seekers to families out for a day of wet and wild fun. For groups of any size, we suggest that you talk to a couple of companies to find the one that suits you, and please don’t just show up; make reservations to avoid possible disappointment. Be Prepared. You are going to get wet, so bring a change of clothes. Towels and extra drinking water should always be available at the end of the trip. Be Respectful. Follow your guide’s rules at all times. Be safe and take care of Mother Nature.

Because both the Dead and Kennebec Rivers come from controlled sources, each has regularly scheduled water releases. Visit the blog on our website for this year’s posted special release schedule, and start planning your rafting adventure today.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

Let’s Go Camping!

THE ENDLESS VARIETY OF CAMPING From rugged fun to relaxing in the sun, you’re sure to make some of the finest family memories when you just hit the road with all your camping stuff. Bring your sense of adventure and a plan to have no plans. Just get out and have some fun; you’ll be amazed what it can do for you. Maine’s Kennebec Valley offers some spectacular areas for traditional family camping.

The Lakes in Monmouth

Sportsman’s Wonderland

Cool, clean waters welcome you to our region here. Fish for bass that take home the prize and sizzle sweetly in the pan over a hot fire. Sleep soundly to the chirrup of frogs and crickets. Then go for a dawn hike, or maybe sleep in for awhile.

Head north to the Moose River Valley for a bit of four-season camping and uncover a very special part of Maine. Be careful though; the moment you set up camp you may never want to leave. Do everything or nothing. Hunt in the grand tradition, cast into swift streams, paddle the famous Moose River Bow Trip.

The Gateway to Adventure From Canaan, along Route 2 and north up 201 to Solon and Bingham you’ll find some centrally located family campgrounds that offer the quintessential Maine camping experience. Explore Lake George Regional Park. Paddle, swim, hike, bike; repeat.

A Note of Advice Check out the many resources online, like CampMaine.com. Look at next year’s potential campground on this year’s trip. Plan ahead and account for the idea that you may not have access to the comforts of home. And as always, make a reservation.

Presenting Maine’s ONLY Inland Lighthouse

— The Ladies Delight Light — The Ladies Delight Light, a small lighthouse set on Lake Cobbosseecontee near Manchester, is Maine’s only active inland waters lighthouse. It sits on a small island located in the bay near the north end of the lake; its light flashes 365 nights a year. Built in 1908, the lighthouse was designed by Frank Morse, a Boston marine architect, and erected by the Cobbosseecontee Yacht Club. Originally, its light was provided by kerosene lanterns; a volunteer keeper went out each evening to trim the wicks, clean the globes and light the beacon. A reflector in the light was rotated by a system of weights from a longcase clock. Located in the lake’s North Bay, the lighthouse was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. In 2001 it had a severe list corrected, and in 2005 a new top constructed of marine-grade aluminum was installed. On August 9, 2008, a 100th anniversary celebration was held at the lighthouse. In 2011 an exterior restoration secured the Ladies Delight Light’s position as the crown jewel of Lake Cobbossee. The lighthouse can be seen at a distance from various points along the shoreline but is best viewed by boat. Various lodging establishments on the lake — like the Lakeside Motel and Cabins and Yukon Cottages in East Winthrop — occassionally offer boat rental or cruises allowing for the unique opportunity to view the lighthouse from the water.

Delightful Tidbits – Located on Ladies Delight Island, the tower is 25 feet tall and is equipped with a 100-watt light. – It has been powered by kerosene, wind and presently electricity. – It was built with the aid of two oxen transported to the island one at a time on a barge. – There were once two other lighthouses on the lake: the Belle Island Lighthouse and the Crow Island Lighthouse. – The Cobbosseecontee Yatch Club continues to maintain the light.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

Hiking and Biking

Backwoods Trails or the Ideal Ride are Never Far Off Maine’s Kennebec Valley holds an untold wealth of places to walk or bike. Somerset County, up near The Forks, is even home to a section of the storied Appalachian Trail. It would take a lifetime to walk, or describe every mile of trail or the best roads the region offers, so to the right we offer four of our favorites. Ideal for mountain biking are the Bond Brook Area in Augusta, Lake George Regional Park in Canaan, the huge Kennebec Messalonskee Trails in Waterville and surrounding towns, the Kennebec Highlands in Belgrade and on and on. There are vast resources both on the ground and online at MaineTrailFinder.com that will point you in the right direction. All you need to do is go online, then get going. Visitors planning on biking in the region can make the most of their ride here by checking out the Bicycle Coalition of Maine at BikeMaine.org and by connecting with the three active bicycling clubs in the region: Central Maine Cycling Club, the Kennebec Valley Bicycle Club and for trail riding CeMeNEMBA. Each holds recreational rides for peddlers of all ages and skill levels. Rest assured the scenery is beautiful whether you walk along the river, ride our huge collection of rugged trails or take to the numerous scenic wooded roads well-suited for a country ride.

Moxie Falls

Location: The Forks Area Length: 0.6 Miles Challenge: Easy The reward of this beautiful hike is Maine’s most picturesque waterfall — a great way to end a day of whitewater rafting.

Burnt Jacket Mountain

Location: Jackman Length: 1.5 Miles Challenge: Moderate

Burnt Jacket, visible from the approach to Jackman and only a few miles southeast of the Canadian border, offers beautiful open summits with dramatic views.

Bigelow Preserve – Fire Warden’s and Horns Pond Trails Loop

Location: Dead River Township, Wyman Township Length: 12.4 Miles Challenge: Difficult

Within the Bigelow Public Reserved Land, this challenging combination of trails allows one to summit both West Peak and the Horns.

Quarry Road Recreation Area Location: Waterville Length: Varies Challenge: Varies

A four-season 200-plus-acre park with multi-use trails for all experience levels. Beautiful views, woods and open spaces.

Canoeing, Kayaking and Boating They’re just good for the soul.

Imagine a day spent gliding across a pristine lake, exploring a meandering stream or paddling down a gently flowing river. Taking in the scenic landscape from the water is guaranteed to be one of the most relaxing parts of any vacation. Paddlers and boaters alike are attracted to our region for many reasons. From Gardiner to The Forks, our public boat launches get you on the Kennebec River quickly. Or they come to paddle the famed Moose River Bow Trip. The Bow is a 2- to 5-day wilderness paddle that begins on Attean Lake, hooks to the Moose River and then goes back around to Attean Lake — with only one portage. From the top to the bottom of our region, the lakes and rivers are plentiful. Beginning at the lower end, there are larger lakes like Cobbosseecontee, Maranacook and Echo, lakes that offer wide spans of shoreline to tour as well as myriad opportunities for wildlife watching.

China Lake, in Vassalboro and China, is riddled with small islands that are fun to explore. The Belgrade Lakes area boasts Long Pond, Great Pond and Messalonskee Lake. Each of these lakes provides areas to experience the pure joy of the great outdoors via canoe, kayak or boat. The central and northern parts of our region offer even more bodies of water to enjoy. Around Skowhegan and Madison you’ll find Lake George and Wesserunsett Lake, each with magnificent areas to discover. If true wilderness paddling and boating are what interest you, try out Moxie Pond and Pleasant Pond in the Caratunk area; each offers a peaceful, pristine setting for adventure. Larger lakes like Wyman, Indian Pond and Brassua have vast expanses of water on which you can play and fish. Bring your boat, rent one or hire a local guide to experience an unforgettable lakes and rivers paddling vacation.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

Snowmobile or ATV Come ride the finest trails in Maine. Photo courtesy of: Northern Outdoors

Imagine a breathtaking sunset over the mountains after a day of all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riding to secluded waterfalls, wildlife habitats or perhaps a private lookout point. Maybe you dream of a week spent bundled up against the cold as you zoom around one of the best trail systems in the country. Our region offers hundreds of miles of well-maintained backcountry trail opportunities for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a short, relaxing family ride, a day of mountain trail exploration or perhaps a longer overnight excursion, snowmobiling and ATVing are a classic Maine experience you won’t want to miss.

A Winter’s Day Spent Zooming Across the Snowy Landscape of the Upper Kennebec Valley Travelers have been coming to Maine’s Kennebec Valley for years for world-class snowmobile riding. Throughout the region, resorts and lodges offer trail riding to and from their back doors. In fact, one of the best ways to enjoy a stunning winter landscape is to climb aboard a snowmobile, rev up the engine and ride to your heart’s content. Travel through snow-covered landscapes of fragrant spruce and balsam forests, along frozen streams and rivers. Traverse wide-open fields and vast expanses. Frozen lakes and ponds are often crossed, but always check locally for safe ice conditions. This is a frozen paradise.

Up toward the Canadian border, you’ll discover snowmobile-friendly towns that you’ve probably never even heard about. Numerous outfitters, camps and resorts will provide you with complete rentals (should you need them), and guide services, as well as riding gear and supplies. Plan ahead and make reservations, or take a chance and just show up. Those seeking comraderie can take part in the action with the numerous club activities, from pancake breakfasts and trail lunches to competitive events throughout the area. Guided sled tours are available, from half- and full-day outings for families and groups to extended trips of a few days or more. Whatever package you choose, count on a truly memorable outdoor adventure.

Summer Through Late Fall, Zig-Zag Through the Woods and Fields of the Upper Kennebec Valley In the warmer weather, those with a hunger for the trail can easily find adventure in Maine’s Kennebec Valley, because many trails are multi-use (summer and winter). Sitting astride an ATV has so much to offer: exhilaration, endless vistas and raucous fun. The best part about touring on an ATV is that the farther you get from civilization, the more relaxing life gets. So go on, head north and dig deeper into the seemingly unexplored forests of our region;

our vast network of accessible trails will take you beyond the boundaries of your imagination. One piece of advice to always remember when you decide to spend some time traversing the Maine Woods: much of the land you are traveling on is not state or public land, but belongs to private landowners who have agreed to allow recreational use of their property. Please tread lightly. Making snowmobile or ATV adventures part of your vacation is not hard to do. Local chambers of commerce and snowmobile, and ATV clubs can hook you up with outfitters, or just join club rides and events to make your visit a successful one. Visit MESnow.com or ATVMaine.org to do your research first; that way when you arrive, all you’ll need to do is hit the gas and have a blast. This information regarding trail riding is sponsored by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.

Learn more at ParksandLands.com

Three great rides in the Kennebec Valley Region: 1. Pittston Farm Trail Location: Jackman

Beginning at the trailhead in Jackman, this scenic 60-mile ATV or snowmobile day trip to Historic Pittston Farm takes riders past several breathtaking vistas. The terrain varies from gravel and skidder trails to true forest terrain.

2. Greenville Trail Location: The Forks

This loop ATV/snowmobile trail covers about 100 miles total — depending on the route you choose — with diverse sights along the way, including Moxie Falls, Lake Moxie, Moxie Bald Mountain, Shirley Bog, Greenville, Moosehead Lake and Little Moose Mountain. Trail conditions are 85% gravel roads and 15% skidder trails. Parking is available at Northern Outdoors or Berry’s Store in The Forks.

3. Sugarloaf Mountain Lookouts Location: Bingham

This trail, which starts in Bingham on a section of the Kennebec Valley Trail, has a loop distance of 25–35 miles and offers several pull-off areas with river views and unequalled opportunities to spot bald eagles, ospreys, loons, deer and moose. Once at the overlook, catch a glimpse of the Sugarloaf mountain range and the Moxie Mountains. Trail conditions are 80% gravel roads and 20% backcountry trails.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

World-Class Fishing on the lakes and streams of Maine’s Kennebec Valley

One Cast and You’ll Be Hooked Any time of year is a good time of year to go fishing in Maine’s Kennebec Valley. Fly anglers love the northern Kennebec River for its springtime hatches and the chance to read its whirls and eddies. In winter, our hardwater offers a different kind of thrill. And if you didn’t know it, when summer rolls around it’s all about the bass. The Kennebec Valley is the perfect destination for your fishing vacation. But as that popularity grows, don’t be surprised if you find yourself drifting alongside a pro bass boat with a TV crew in tow. No foolin’. In August 2014 Major League Fishing spent time crisscrossing mid-Maine filming the Summit Cup Series. This summer the hugely popular Maine Man vs. Bass Trail series might lure you to the area. Whatever calls to you, there is no denying our status when Bassmaster Magazine’s Top 100 Lakes lists three here in Maine that all happen to be in the Kennebec Valley — Cobbosseecontee, Moosehead and China (2014). New to fishing, but want to give it a try? You might get more out of your trip if you hire a Registered Maine Guide and please be certain to get everyone a Maine state fishing license. Happy fishing!

FISH CHECK LIST: Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Rainbow Trout Brook Trout Brown Trout Landlocked Salmon Striped Bass Rainbow Smelt Togue Char

Just to name a few.

COME CATCH THE EXCITEMENT Whether you are out for the day or out for glory, fishing on the ponds and lakes of mid-Maine delivers endless excitement. This summer, come watch the Maine Man vs. Bass Trail fishing tournaments — New England’s premiere open competitive bass fishing events — including the Tournament of Champions in October, where the top half of the field competes for a chance at fishing in the Bassmaster Classic. Great Pond - Belgrade - May 2 - $6,500 Long Pond - Belgrade - June 6 - $4,000 China Lake - China - June 28 - $7,700 Messalonskee - Oakland - August 8 - $7,200 2015 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

Maranacook Lake - Winthrop - October 10 - $5,300 Site of a Major League Fishing 2014 Summit Cup Event

FMI: MaineManvsBass.com These Events Sponsored By

midmainechamber.com

50 Elm Street, Waterville, ME 04901 207-873-3315

BELGRADE LAKES

Belgrade Lakes Marine & Storage, Inc. Winter Storage for Summer Vehicles Secure newer storage facilities accommodate boats on trailers, autos, and the largest RVs in 3 buildings totaling over 21,000 sq. ft. Electrical charging outlets are available. Reasonable rates for real protection from extreme winter storms and sun damage.

generated at BeQRious.com

July 4th: Events and Parade Columbus Day Weekend: Harvest Festival 1st Saturday in December: Holiday Stroll

207-495-2378 • WWW.BelgradeLakesMarine.com 366 Augusta Road, Route 27, Belgrade, ME

Scan for Info

BelgradeLakesMaine.com

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

HUNTING

A time-honored tradition.

Registered Maine Guides There are nearly 4,000 licensed Maine guides — most operating as small independent businesses — that offer highly personal and customized experiences, taking you to special places you couldn’t have otherwise found, offering equipment, advice and instruction. Then they step aside and let you enjoy the action. When you explore the woods and waters of the Kennebec Valley in the company of a Registered Maine Guide, you can be assured of a first-class outdoor recreation experience. Cast for native brook trout on a remote pond, hunt for deer on a frosty autumn morning, raft a roaring river, hike a quiet wilderness trail, pitch a comfortable camp in a forest of spruce and fir, canoe a scenic stretch of river and watch for moose. The list goes on and on and on. Find a professional guide at MaineGuides.com.

Prepare Yourself for the Thrill of a Lifetime There’s a reason that sportsmen continue to take advantage of the traditional relaxing hospitality and hunting experience that Maine’s Kennebec Valley has to offer. Consider yourself invited to come and experience the time-honored tradition for yourself. Whether you are pursuing the black bear, elusive coyote, our popular white-tailed deer — always a challenge for both bow and gun hunters — or Maine’s popular big game target, the moose; the sporting camps, guides, and lodges throughout the Kennebec Valley are well prepared to make your expedition memorable. Those who prefer bird hunting will also find prime opportunities to hunt for ruffed grouse and woodcock or explore the wide variety that comes with our varying landscape: the lakes and ponds and their excellent waterfowl hunting or pheasant hunting on an upland preserve. Finally, Maine’s wild turkey population has recovered quite well, providing experienced hunters with yet another challenge. And what would the hunt be without a great place to hang your cap at the end of the day? The superb hospitality here keeps sportsmen coming back year after year to warm beds, ideal trailside locations and home-cooked meals. What more could a sportsman want!

Before You Hunt: As always we encourage you to “Be Prepared,” find a place to stay that fits your style and suits your every need. Plus, with hunting taking place almost year-round, there are nearly endless opportunities, don’t limit yourself to just one quarry or one season. Visit Maine.gov to if you wish to purchase your license before you arrive (you can get one later as well). Lastly, we highly encourage anyone new to the sport of hunting to consider using a Registered Maine Guide, working with someone who knows the terrain can greatly improve your success rate and the chances that you’ll be back next year for more.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

Simple Pleasures

and Special Moments Maine’s Kennebec Valley provides the beautiful backdrop your once-in-a-lifetime event deserves. Rolling hills of green, the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of an autumn treeline, an ancient horse barn set against a stone wall, a country inn with a history reaching back to the days of the Revolution, a mossy forest trail beneath majestic pines or an open lawn set beside a stream-fed pond. Each and all of these are and could be an ideal location for your special day. What’s more, all are here waiting to become the setting of a special event. Here are just a few ideas to consider: Photo courtesy of: Maine Lakeside Cabins

Destination Weddings A celebration of marriage here tops the list, mostly because of the pristine beauty you’ll find in every corner of our region. However, when planning a destination wedding it is critical to offer your guests some additional diversions to make the trip worthwhile, and from whitewater rafting to an excellent night out in Waterville, we believe we’ve got you covered. Oh, and don’t forget that we make an ideal getaway for a bachelor or bachelorette weekend or, even better, a great destination for the honeymoon.

Reunions of All Kinds Whether you are looking to reconnect with schoolmates or family or just pulling together a group of old friends for a camping or canoe trip, or a couple of days away with the guys (or gals), there is more than enough here to fulfill every wish in your group. Hunting (for game or antiques), sport shooting, ATV or snowmobile riding, paddling the day away or finding your way up a rocky mountainside together. We give you tons of options.

Corporate Retreats and Team-Building Events A way for you to get the group to connect, reconnect or maybe even re-reconnect. There is something about sticking a bunch of people out in nature that really facilitates bonding. Add to that our ability to make it east for you by providing the guides, locations and gear needed to make it all come together.

Photo by: Tom McPherson Photography

Shopping: the All-American Pastime Whether you spend your day shopping in the grand plazas near Augusta and Waterville or browsing through riverside antique shops in Hallowell, we certainly know that shopping is an important part of any trip. Maine’s Kennebec Valley offers plenty of retail therapy, big and small. When you can, buy local! The business owners truly appreciate your effort.

Shopaholics Unite! Just off the interstate at Maine Turnpike exits 109 and 112 in Augusta or exit 130 in Waterville, you’ll find all the big stores tucked in around regional favorites. The Marketplace at Augusta, located just off I-95, offers a great blend of national retailers like Barnes & Noble and Old Navy, with brands you love like ULTA, too. Shop for bargains at Kohl’s or grab a bite with friends and family at Red Robin or Panera. Whether it is shopping for something you need and forgot or maybe you’re just treating yourself while on vacation, you’ll find it here.

Stocking Up for Camping From Gardiner up to Waterville, there are numerous options for groceries nearby. But Skowhegan is home to the last big grocery, a Hannaford, as you head into the Maine Woods; you’ll also find a Walmart here for odds and ends you left at home. Farther up Route 201, there are some terrific family-run places, and if they don’t got it, you don’t need it.

These include the Solon Corner Market, Jimmy’s Shop & Save in Bingham, Berry’s in The Forks area and Bishop’s in Jackman.

Great Stuff, Old & New Gardiner, Hallowell, downtown Augusta and Skowhegan have really done a marvelous job of building up areas to attract local merchants of all kinds. Snuggled in between some of the area’s finest eating and drinking establishments, you will find new fashions, collectibles by the yard and things that go zip and zoom for the kids. But keep your eyes open as you travel our byways for those delightful out-of-the-way shops, too.

Just a Tip Buying old stuff: Mainers are good at finding a bargain and at giving one, too, but only if you ask. If you want to get a good deal on something, you may have to work for it a little. You will go home happy, no matter what.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

17 17

Photo courtesy of: Colby Art Museum, Around 4, by Bernard Langlais

Photo courtesy of: Theater at Monmouth, Knight of the Burning Pestle

Arts and Culture: Lighting up the Night From a classic American theater perched upon the edge of a sparkling Maine lake to a gleaming modern museum showcasing the finest American artwork of the past three centuries, the arts community here continues to shine, sharing its collected beauty with the world. Regardless of why you first come to the region, our culture offers a great reason to return again. And again.

Film

Art Museums and Galleries

Theater and Musical Performance

During its first two years, the Colby Museum of Art’s new wing has impressed visitors with its vast collection of American art from across the past three centuries; it’s a must-see (and it’s free!). For art on a smaller scale, take in the work of talented artists showing at Monkitree in Gardiner and Harlow Gallery in Hallowell, or the broad range — from performance art to traditional gallery shows — on offer at Common Street Arts in downtown Waterville.

The Maine Film Center offers special programs and annual events like the acclaimed Maine International Film Festival. Up the river in The Forks you’ll find the Maine Outdoor Film Festival for movies made about the great outdoors shown under the stars in the Maine woods.

Waterville Opera House now offers performances year-round. During the summer visit the majestic Snow Pond Center for the Arts in Sidney. Lakewood Theater raises its curtain on another season; so does the Gaslight Theater in Hallowell, Johnson Hall in Gardiner, and the Theater at Monmouth. Hallowell has many year-round music venues. Lovers of country and bluegrass should check out Blistered Fingers bluegrass festival and Country Fest; both held annually in Litchfield.

Arts, Crafts and Antiques. Delightful Objects to Behold. Antiques Central Many diehards compare their search in terms of “the hunt.” And we are proud to have more than a few spots across the region that have attracted “pickers” looking for that perfect piece of American farm history, a primitive table or a vintage road sign that completes a room. Hallowell’s Water Street, running along the riverfront, is closely lined with a small but well-groomed collection of antique shops, art galleries and boutiques all packed to the gills with the best stuff (old and new) you have ever laid your eyes on. But don’t stop with Hallowell. Start there! Then head up to Fairfield for a day’s antique adventures at the Fairfield Antiques Mall on 201. If you plan your trip right, you might be rewarded when you witness the world’s foremost firearms auctioneer, James D. Julia — an Antiques Roadshow regular — in action. So, if you are on the hunt, keep your eyes open and your ears perked up, and if you know whom to ask, bargains and surprises await you at every turn.

Crafts A couple of years back, the Maine Turnpike Authority entered into a wonderful relationship with the Maine Craft Association and opened the Center for Maine Craft at the West Gardiner rest area.

No matter what time of year it is, if you take the time to stop in, you’ll get the chance to pick up something special created by one of Maine’s hugely talented collection of craft artists. You can also stop in at the Maine Made & More stores in Belgrade, Augusta and Waterville for more Maine craft and gifts that truly “speak like a Mainer.”

Fiber Arts “Only in Maine” is a phrase heard from time to time, but with the annually held Fiber Frolic, they may be right. This early June festival held at the Windsor Fairgrounds is a little like a mecca for the fiber art world. It is a marketplace “celebrating fiber, fiber animals and fiber arts.” Not too baaaad!

Native American Culture For our visitors with an interest in the crafts and work of the first people to inhabit Maine, make the trip over to the southwestern part of Somerset County along Route 27, where you’ll find Nowetah’s American Indian Museum. The owners offer a free glimpse into what might be one of the larger private collections of American Indian crafts, pottery and baskets in all of New England. With over 600 examples of basketry and bark containers, it really is a sight to behold.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

Make Vacation Time Family Time Discover Digital Free Options with Instant Smile Factor You’ve sung the campfire songs. You’ve played UNO® over a 100 times. Tag, done. Red Rover, over. Kick the can, OK. You cry “uncle” and you head out on the road for something that the kids will enjoy that won’t break the bank. The Children’s Discovery Museum in Augusta is a very cool hands-on play place. And play they do. Be ready to let them exhaust themselves. Fun, fun, fun! Hallowell’s lush Vaughan Woods has taken on the name Hobbitland. This ancient feeling mossy place just around the corner from the 21st century will give you a glimpse at what our verdant woods looked like thousands of years ago. Take a swing (a mini-swing) and grab a cone of the World’s Best Vanilla at our region’s own Gifford’s Ice Cream stands in Skowhegan and Waterville. There is nothing better to top off 18 holes of mini-golf than that — we couldn’t be more certain. The LC Bates Natural History Museum in Hinckley defines American natural history for children of all ages. Plus, each summer the museum runs a series of weekend programs featuring interactive workshops and hikes. Also, see if you can track down Hemingway’s marlin; we promise, it’s there. DEW Haven in Mount Vernon is part zoo, part sanctuary and an entirely unique place filled with beautiful, exotic and well-loved animals you’ve likely never heard of before. Take the time to make this place part of your visit. (Closed Mondays.) Grab a picnic lunch and a Frisbee® and head out to the Viles Arboretum in Augusta or Fort Halifax Park in Winslow, with its broad lawns; you’re bound to make the catch of a lifetime. Plan a trip during one of the state’s Free Fishing Days. Just bring a couple of rods and a spirit of adventure. You might even catch a fish or two. Holiday parades delight the senses, but what about a Holiday Whoville Parade? Gardiner’s incredibly clever twist on Dr. Seuss’ classic tale invites participants to come decked out as the citizens of the town of Whoville (the target of that dastardly Grinch). Each year magical holiday elves transform downtown Waterville into the North Pole town of Kringleville. The celebration begins in late November with the festive Parade of Lights, an event that only could have been dreamed up in the mind of a child. Will you line up this year with the scores of children who wait for their chance to share secret wishes with Santa Claus?

Strolling into the Holiday Season Please allow us to set out a few gifts, a flurry of holiday trip ideas too inviting to pass up. If your visit is blessed with a soft blanket of Christmas snow, all the better. Head to riverside villages like Gardiner, Hallowell and Skowhegan this holiday season. Our inns and B&Bs are dressed for the season, and weekly events put the quaint shops, restaurants and galleries in a festive mood. Revelry and good cheer will, without doubt, take you late into the night, when truly magical things happen.

Christmas in Old Hallowell Typically celebrated at the end of the first full week of December, Christmas in Old Hallowell seems to go on for days, with a spectacular craft fair and a classic Christmas parade that ends with a display of fireworks over the Kennebec River. A very merry Christmas indeed.

Strolling in Belgrade The charming village that sits at the center of the Belgrade Lakes comes together for its annual stroll, transforming the town into a picture postcard vision of a New England Christmas.

Photo by: Tom McPherson Photography

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Photo by: Tom McPherson Photography

Leave it to Mainers to find a way to make a meal out of virtually anything, and while there are far too many foodie things for us to serve up, we have selected a few tasty things that are worth looking into when you visit Maine’s Kennebec Valley.

Breakfast: One of Our Three Favorite Meals We tend to like our diners here, and we have done a good job of keeping this eating tradition alive. Some great diners include the Purple Cow and the Flatlanda in Fairfield. Dave’s Diner is a classic in Gardiner, and while you’re there stop in at Frosty’s for a sinfully delicious donut. The Downtown Diner in Augusta gets started early, too. Wherever you land, you can count on having freshly baked pie; go for the blueberry, always.

Lunchtime Favorites. The China Dine-ah offers reliably yummy takes on traditional diner fare. Looking for a perfect sandwich on a bagel? Head into Augusta and stop by Bagel Mainea. Delish. We recommend checking out Augusta’s Red Barn for some great fried seafood. If you are in the mood for a sandwich, Day’s Store in Belgrade satisfies, as do Kel-Mat or the Pickup Café in Skowhegan. If you’d rather grab a hot dog, look for The Hott Dogg House in Augusta or Bolley’s Famous Franks in either Hallowell or Waterville. We also like the Maine Barbecue Co. in Windsor.

Road Notes on Places to Stop Try Thompson’s in Bingham: you can blow by this place and never think twice unless it’s mealtime, because then the street is all parked up. Kniffin’s Custom Meats and Smokehouse on Route 201 in Anson is the place to stop for some of the best chops and bacon, and it is right down the road from Maine Maple Products. Selah Tea Café in Waterville is a refreshing stop. Take a break and have a “cuppa” with a friend and just slow down at this in-town oasis.

Dinner in Waterville: Satisfaction Guaranteed Waterville has been attracting some real talent over the past few years, and now it’s all coming together. Here are notes from foodie insiders on five great picks for a meal out in Waterville. 18 Below topped more than one person’s list; don’t miss out on their freshly prepared fish and meat dishes. But especially the fish. Joseph’s Fireside is a great meal, well prepared and fun. Mainely Brews is a pub-style place worth waiting in line for. Silver Street Tavern offers a tasty and eclectic menu. Finally, Buen Apetito is churning out delicious Mexican food in a casual atmosphere (their sauces are bona fide delicious). Bonus: Barrels Market attracts a local, kinda crunchy crowd, but their menu is worth swinging by for a tasty takeaway lunch.

Photo by: Thalo Blue Design

Other Tasty Bits We’ve heard that Lake Parlin Lodge has a dynamite chef, and they have a barbecue menu, too; check it out and let us know. If you are in Belgrade for dinner, head over to the newly renovated Village Inn for the duck (but call ahead for a table).

Treats for You The Bankery in Skowhegan and Waterville’s Holy Cannoli offer up the sweets like nobody’s business. It seems to be available everywhere now, but ice cream right from Gifford’s stand in Skowhegan or Waterville cannot be beat. For pure heaven try Kennebec Chocolates on the rotary in Augusta. A favorite for candy and treats has got to be Scrummy Afters in Hallowell.

Whoopie Pie Put a Whoopie Pie in front of us and you’ve got our attention, put one from Skowhegan’s own Al’s Pizza down and we can’t resist. Or stop by Aroma Joe’s in Waterville or Hillman’s Bakery in Fairfield to satify your craving for the official Maine treat.

Festive Foods The Skowhegan State Fair is a fair food mecca, but then any of the festivals or fairs in the region can offer you a

tasty-but-bad-for-you meal. Then there are the special food events like the Taste of Waterville which brings restaurants in from all around. If you love bread, the Artisan Bread Fair after the Kneading Conference is something you should make the trip to Skowhegan for.

How About a Tasty Beverage? In 1996, Oak Pond Brewing Company opened a brewery not far from Skowhegan. They stuck with the classics, such as their Nut Brown Ale with its complex eight-malt blend, an Oktoberfest lager and some seasonal brews you’re sure to love. Tree Spirits in Oakland makes beverages of another sort. Winemaker Bruce Olson is turning Maine’s sweetest apples, pears and maple syrup into award-winning wines and distilled spirits. Last year they became the only approved absinthe maker in Maine. Across the street from Tree Spirits is Riverside Farm for a night of fine dining and music or the area’s finest brunch. And we would be tossed out if we failed to mention our very good friends at The Maine House or The Liberal Cup in Hallowell. The “cup” offers a rotating menu of 21 beers all year long. Kennebec River Pub & Brewery, located at Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in The Forks, offers great seasonal brews and some of the finest IPAs in the state.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 23

Toasty Warm Days. Freezing Cold Nights. More Than 100 Years of Tradition. By Valentine’s Day the trees are just starting to get the message. Though the ground is still frozen and it will be weeks before we start thinking about spring, there is excitement in the air perfumed with the heady scent of wood smoke and the sweetly aromatic scent of maple sap boilin’ down in the evaporators. For the sugarmakers of the Kennebec Valley, this is the busiest time of the year. We encourage you to learn how it’s made: from tree to bucket to evaporator. And every sugarmaker has stories and tales to tell that make their syrup the best you’ve ever had.

Real Maine Maple Syrup

So very, very good!

Throw off the winter doldrums on the fourth Sunday in March — officially Maine Maple Sunday — and go out and learn all about that yummy stuff. Then go ahead and pour some on your waffles, pancakes or anything you like. If you really love it, visit Skowhegan during the week leading up to Maine Maple Sunday for its annual Skowhegan Maple Festival.

One Tasty Fact: Somerset County is the number one producer of maple syrup in the United States, as counties go, with over 1.2 million taps (and growing) each season.

Maine Maple Products, Inc.

Award Winning!

Simply the Best. 1-800-310-3803 | MaineMaple.com 449 Lakewood Rd. (Route 201) - Madison, ME 24

FILL YOUR BASKET AT A FARMERS’ MARKET Bright, colorful signs advertise the freshest corn you’ve ever had, an apple that bites back, brilliantly hued pumpkins of a thousand shapes and sizes. This is the story of roadside agriculture and farmers’ markets in Maine. So when you are out on the road, keep your eyes peeled — you may just come across a pile of heirloom tomatoes stacked high and priced to sell on the honor system. Or perhaps you might stop in and meet the hens that just hatched tomorrow’s omelete. The list below shows you’d be hard-pressed to miss a farmers’ market across our region. Each has its own flair and appeal. All offer the finest and the freshest from hardworking farmers throughout Maine’s Kennebec Valley.

Augusta Farmers’ Market

East Vassalboro Farmers’ Market

Fairfield Farmers’ Market

Farmers’ Market at Mill Park, Augusta

Gardiner Summer Farmers’ Market

Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market

Mid-May to Mid-October

Mid-May to Mid-November

Viles Arboretum Farmers’ Market Year-round

Belgrade Lakes Farmers’ Market Mid-May to Mid-October

Canaan Farmers’ Market May to October

May to October May to October

Gardiner Winter Farmers’ Market November to April

Pittsfield Farmers’ Market May to Halloween

Skowhegan Farmers’ Market Mid-May to Halloween

Mid-May to October

May to Mid-November

Waterville Winter Farmers’ Market November to April

Wayne Farmers’ Market June to Halloween

Winthrop Farmers’ Market May to October

Thanks to the Get Real, Get Maine website — GetRealMaine.com — for the content in this listing. We encourage you to check there or call ahead for specifics on locations, dates and times.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 25

America’s Longest-Running Fair Organized in late 1818, the first of what was to be an unbroken succession of 197 Skowhegan fairs, was held in January 1819 by the original organization known as the Somerset Central Agricultural Society. That name was used for the event until 1942, when the official designation became the Skowhegan State Fair. While no record is in existence of what the weather was in January of 1819, it apparently wasn’t a determining factor in the attendance, as a history of Skowhegan records that the fair attracted the largest crowds to ever have assembled in Somerset County. The Skowhegan State Fair happens every August and involves livestock competitions, rides, treats, games and more. There is nothing quite like a warm summer day at the Skowhegan State Fair. So head to Skowhegan while the State Fair is going on; you won’t forget the great time you’ll have at the fair. And you’ll be able to participate in the longest-running state fair in existence! In this case, you’ll get to have your cake and eat it, too — or if nothing else, you’ll get to eat funnel cake! Fairs are a great time for everyone, and if you happen to have the kids with you, it’s a great family time together.

Fairs, Festivals and Special Events Come celebrate with us. Most every sizable city and town in Maine’s Kennebec Valley will play host to annual Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day parades, fall harvest festivals and Christmas festivities, so what we have assembled here are the fairs and festivals that celebrate the unique agricultural and celebratory nature of this welcoming region.

MAY ‘15 Dead River Release Event May 24 The Forks

The Kneading Conference July 30–31 Skowhegan

Monmouth Fair

JUNE

July 30–August 2 Monmouth

Whatever Family Festival

Country Fest

June 5–July 4 Augusta, Hallowell, Gardiner

Maine Fiber Frolic June 6–7 Windsor

Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival June 17–20 Litchfield

Greater Gardiner River Festival

July 30–August 2 Litchfield

AUGUST Maine Artisan Bread Fair August 1 Skowhegan

AQUAFEST

August 1 Belgrade Lakes

Skowhegan River Fest

June 20 Gardiner

August 4–9 Skowhegan

Whatever Kids Day in Capital Park

Taste of Waterville

June 27 Augusta

JULY Maine International Film Festival July 10–19 Waterville

Central Maine Egg Festival July 13–18 Pittsfield

Old Hallowell Day July 18 Hallowell

Pittston Fair July 24–27 Pittston

August 5 Downtown Waterville

Winslow Blueberry Festival August 13 Winslow

Skowhegan State Fair

Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival August 26–29 Litchfield

The Great Windsor Fair August 30–September 2 Windsor

Harmony Free Fair

August 30–September 2 Harmony

SEPTEMBER Litchfield Fair

September 6–8 Litchfield

Clinton Lions Fair September 10–13 Clinton

Common Ground Fair September 25–27 Unity

Monmouth Apple Festival September 28 Monmouth

Manchester Apple Festival September 29 Manchester

August 13–22 Skowhegan

OCTOBER

Maine Outdoor Film Festival

Columbus Day Weekend Belgrade Lakes

August 15 The Forks

Anson-Madison Days August 20–23 Madison

Harvest Festival

Moose River Valley Enduro 500 Auto Race October 9 –12 Jackman

Swine & Stein October 10 Gardiner

NOVEMBER Waterville Parade of Lights

November 27 Downtown Waterville

Kringleville

November 27 – December 22 Downtown Waterville

DECEMBER Holiday Stroll

December 4–5 Skowhegan

Christmas in Old Hallowell December 4 Hallowell

Belgrade Holiday Stroll December 5 Belgrade

FEBRUARY ‘16 Winter Carnival and Ice Fishing Derby

Lake George Regional Park Canaan

MARCH Northeast Championships Dogsled Races First Weekend Jackman

Annual Maple Festival March 20–22 Skowhegan

Maine Maple Sunday

Fourth Sunday Annually Regionwide

Exact dates for every event cannot always be determined by time of publication. Please visit the website for more information as it becomes available.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 27

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 29

The Cities and Towns of

Maineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kennebec Valley

Jackman

Rockwood The Forks Caratunk

Bingham Madison Belgrade Lakes Winthrop Monmouth

Skowhegan Canaan Waterville Augusta Hallowell Gardiner

Each rolling twist along the way could lead to a chance encounter with your next great adventure. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love about that?

Photo by: Daniel J. Marquis Photography

SCENIC DRIVES A great way to cover the Kennebec Valley’s nearly 5,000 square miles is by car, and whether you’ve come for world-class outdoor adventure or just a quick camping getaway, you’re bound to see some of our best sites from behind the wheel.

Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway Maine’s historical, industrial and economic past travels along Route 201, weaving a story through our cities and towns. Officially, the Byway begins in the hills above Skowhegan, where ME-43 meets US-201, and heads north to the international border with Canada. Unofficially, it began in the 1600s and continued through Maine’s industrial boom years of the 20th century, providing the connective tissue for generations of French-Canadians living in Maine to this day. Length: 78 Miles Travel Time: 3 Hours Learn more at OldCanadaRoad.org.

Scenic Lower Somerset Proceed on Route 150 from Skowhegan to Athens; join Route 151 and at Mayfield Corner turn left onto Route 16 to Bingham, then travel south on Route 201 all the way back to Skowhegan. Length: 60 Miles Travel Time: 1 Hour, 15 Minutes

It Takes Moxie Take Route 201N from Bingham to The Forks and turn right onto Lake Moxie Rd. Two miles down on the right will be a parking area for the trail to Moxie Falls. The easy hike is 1.2 miles total. Back on Route 201, head north to Jackman, with a right onto Route 6/15 to Rockwood and on to Greenville Center, then south to Route 16 at Abbot and back to Bingham. Length: 144 Miles Travel Time: 3 Hours, 18 Minutes

Voyage International Follow Route 201N from Skowhegan through to the Canadian border. Once in Canada, take Route 173, turning left at Route 269 and left again at Route 204 in St. Gideon. Follow Route 161 to Woburn, cross into the U.S. to Coburn Gore, follow Route 27 into Kingfield, turning onto Route 16 through Madison, and then head south on Route 201A back into Skowhegan. Length: 245 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours, 25 Minutes

Read on to learn more about the cities and towns in Maine’s Kennebec Valley.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

Gardiner: Maine’s Riverside Original

Photo by: Benjamin M Williamson Photography

Shopping, dining, entertainment; a short visit to Gardiner — a hot spot on Maine’s map of architectural history — can be turned into a full day with the right motivation. Cute shops and a surprising number of popular and well-rated restaurants flank both sides of the often hopping Water Street. Further along you’ll find the uniquely Maine Renys store along several storefronts; allow yourself to have some fun in there. Looking around, you’ll notice how well-cared-for the facades of the buildings are; it is a testament to the town’s efforts to keep the spirit of this riverside city alive, that and some of the family-friendly and fantastic events that grace downtown and the waterfront park each year, from the spring and summer Artwalks and June’s Greater Gardiner River Festival to October’s Swine & Stein. There is no going wrong if you plan on coming to Gardiner. For those looking for some entertainment, cast your eye no further than Johnson Hall, celebrating 150 years of entertaining and moving performances, a theater beyond measure that now boasts year-round performances as it works towards the complete restoration the magnificent theater that bears its name.

Many are surprised to learn that downtown Gardiner hosts more than a dozen restaurants, with a wide range of offerings. Some favorites include Lisa’s Legit Burritos, the nationally recognized A-1 Diner, The Depot, a friendly pub, and Pastaz, with heaping servings of freshly prepared Italian favorites. Those looking for a wonderful glass of wine should drop by Vintage. And the best donuts in Maine can be found at Frosty’s on the corner. Outside of downtown, visitors are welcome to take advantage of the amazing waterfront, its many picturesque homes, the beautiful Gardiner Public Library and the self-guided walking tour in the footsteps of Gardiner poet E.A. Robinson.

Not to Be Missed Do yourself a favor and stop in at the Center for Maine Craft retail store and gallery — on your way into Gardiner or if you are simply passing through — which makes its home at the West Gardiner Travel Plaza. While the location, just off the highway where I-95 and 295 reunite below Augusta, is a little on the unconventional side, the works of the highly talented craft artists on display, with items from the usefully mundane to the outright outlandish, are all worthy of your attention.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 33

Photo by: Dean Abramson

Experience Something New in Old Hallowell Hallowell rests on a slow-moving stretch of the Kennebec River below Augusta, but it’s not a place that feels like it’s resting, day or night. A key center of art and culture for the entire region, Hallowell should sit atop your list of places to include during a visit to Maine’s Kennebec Valley. The eclectic variety of restaurants and shops Hallowell has set into its tidy and welcoming package — Maine’s tiniest city and a National Historic District to boot — make visitors feel simultaneously quaint and urbane. With an abundance of Federalist and Victorian structures, the city is well deserving of a more in-depth visit.

Window Shopping is a Must Water Street is an ideal base camp for visiting Hallowell; simply walk up one side then down the other, stopping in along the way at any of the many wonderful and welcoming shops. Take your pick from a deep collection of antique and vintage shops where you can certainly find something you “have to have.” Hallowell also offers an excellent selection of boutiques, book shops and gift stores — plus all the locally owned places you’d expect to find on the main drag of a busy community. Then make a departure into a world of sweets with a trip to Scrummy Afters.

Forks Up! When you’re ready to eat, it’s time to make some decisions. There are so many favorites here, it’s impossible to be impartial! Savor some freshly baked deliciousness at Slate’s. Celebrate over some of Maine’s top pints at The Maine House or try the Liberal Cup. From Hattie’s Chowder House at one end of town all the way to a tasty Thai dinner at Café de Bangkok at the other, the plates on offer in Hallowell deserve your attention.

Out On the Town Next, while other communities are rolling up the sidewalks, Hallowell is rolling out the welcome mat. Maine’s antique river port seems anything but old when the moon comes out. Catch a stage performance at Gaslight Theater, chat with a local artist at Harlow Gallery or just catch an acoustic set or rock show around town. We hope to see you out.

And Hobbits, Too! While most of the action is on Water Street, the downtown doesn’t have a monopoly on “cool.” During the warmer months visit the cool and shady Hobbitland, a wooded parklike area at Vaughan Homestead, just a short walk from town. Here mossy green paths transport you to another, more peaceful time and place.

Greetings From the

Winthrop Lakes

Real Summertime Adventure in the Heart of Vacationland Cobbosseecontee, or Cobbessee, as it is often called, is one of the best bass lakes in all of the Northeast, with plenty of “Maine’s largest” lingering just beneath its surface. It also sports the state’s only working inland lighthouse. The magic of this corner of the Kennebec Valley lies in its lakes. Gorgeous stretches of clean, pure, wonderful water. They are a real crowd pleaser. In addition to Cobbosseecontee, you’ll find Androscoggin, Annabessacook and Maranacook; havens for boating, kayaking, canoeing, fishing or swimming. C’mon, welcoming waters await.

A Quick Climb to Survey Our Entire Area Don’t forget to take the opportunity to make the short hike up the Mt. Pisgah trail to climb the 60-foot historic fire tower. You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the region. Hikers here will appreciate the good work of the Kennebec Land Trust, which has, through years of work, put together access to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled hiking spots. Check them out.

Our Brand of Fun is Meant for Kids of All Ages, Too All summer long the Norcross Point Concert Series will delight visitors with an easy afternoon of entertainment. Or spend

Independence Day on our shores and then enjoy Winthrop’s Annual Fourth of July Fireworks on Lake Maranacook. Small, and proud of it, Monmouth packs a punch in a number of ways. Located just outside of Augusta on Route 202, a trip up Main Street shows off its best features. You’ll immediately be taken with Cumston Hall, the cultural center of the area, with its 250-seat opera house, a library and Maine’s official Shakespearean Theatre. Up the street you’ll also find The Monmouth Museum; it actively documents 19th-century farm living. Come summer, the annual Monmouth Fair has all the makings of an honest-to-goodness down-home fair. But if you go, be careful, or you might just find yourself getting pulled into the skillet toss.

Summer Fun for Generations of Kids These shores also serve as the backdrop for many of the Maine summer camps filling summers with smiles, activity and laughter. Our region offers some of the finest and most well-established camp experiences in the country and even the world.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 35

Augusta: Much More Than Expected

The city of Augusta has grown into more than the home of Maine’s state government. Visitors from far and near come to take advantage of our beautiful location on the Kennebec River, boating, fishing or swimming right here in town or in any of the nearby lakes perfectly designed for a day on the water. Others come to spend time in our museums and see history come to life at Old Fort Western; still others come to shop the day away at the Marketplace at Augusta or with a little window-shopping in nearby towns. When the day is done, Augusta serves up a different kind of fare: dining and entertainment for all. Augusta truly has more to offer than you could have expected.

Enjoy Our City by Day There is no getting around in our city without seeing the recently replaced penny-colored copper dome of our Capitol building. Spend a few hours getting the grand tour, or skip it and simply relax and enjoy Augusta’s Capitol Park, a lovingly tended public garden directly across the street from our Capitol building. The broad, grassy park flanked by some of the best shade trees in the city is also home to the Vietnam Memorial.

Gray day outside? The Maine State Museum is a delightful and surprising adventure; inside you can spot the Lion (one of the nation’s oldest steam engines), explore 12,000 years of our past, or tour one of the prized exhibits of the museum, a spectacular three-story water-powered woodworking mill that was taken apart and re-assembled inside the museum.

Looking for More? Head over to the Farmers’ Market at Mill Park on Water Street (Tuesdays from May to October) to pick up a fresh local treat or takeaway lunch. Or cross the Kennebec and head over to the Viles Arboretum, a vibrant showcase offering a refreshing collection of walking trails (perfect for birding) on 225 acres. The Arboretum is home to a well-curated American Chestnut collection and the renowned Hosta Garden. Also, look up the regularly scheduled programs that bring in artists, like the 2014 Sculpture Symposium, or perhaps take a hike along any of the trails that crisscross the Arboretum. Take advantage of one of Maine’s top in-town birding locales.

Old Fort Western – Over 250 Years in Cushnoc

Downtown Augusta Lives

In 1754 a blockhouse was erected to provide for regional protection, and it still stands today at Old Fort Western, on the eastern bank at Cushnoc. True to Mainer form, the “fort” has been used for many different purposes during its long life, including a civilian store, a private residence and a rooming house. The fort also holds the dubious honor of being the mustering point for Benedict Arnold’s failed march to Québec.

Across the Kennebec from Old Fort Western is a part of the city that is quickly on the rise. Downtown Augusta has emerged as a revitalized area, with shops, restaurants, galleries and boutiques all welcoming visitors. Downtown has many great spots for a quick lunch while exploring the rest of the city or dinner at the end of a fun day exploring Maine’s capital.

Active Augusta Our region is crisscrossed with some of the most beautiful, green and in some cases historic trails in the state, and Augusta is not to be outdone. One quick visit to AugustaTrails.org shows the variety offered here. Bond Brook Park is the must-visit place in Augusta for outdoor active recreation. Amazingly, even many area residents are unaware of this great park that is working towards becoming a world-class venue for cross-country skiing, mountain biking and hiking. It’s a little out of the way, but so worth the trip.

Whatever You Do… The Whatever Festival, held annually at the end of June and start of July offers citizens lots of whatever to do, especially on the event’s Family Fun Day. There really is nothing quite like this event anywhere else in Maine. In addition to being the seat of government for Maine, there is quite a bit more to Augusta than is expected. When you visit, take some time to stroll through our museums and parks, shop, dine or just play. Visit a downtown gallery or walk through history. But most of all, meet some of our residents. Once you do, you’ll learn why Augusta is a great place to come back to again and again.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 37

THE AUGUSTA REGION – MUCH MORE THAN YOU EXPECT! More cultural attractions. More of the arts. More shopping. More dining and nightlife. Our cities and towns along the Kennebec River even offer more outdoor recreation than you ever imagined. Come spend a little more time here…it’s more than you expect. Request our Map and Activities Guide by calling 207-623-4559 or visiting AugustaMaine.com

Visit Hallowell Maine

Voted One of the Best Places to Live by Downeast Magazine Relax by Day | Rock by Night

Hallowell Area Board of Trade Learn more at Hallowell.org 38 38

Belgrade Lakes

THE REGION’S SEVEN LAKES Great Pond Belgrade / Rome Messalonskee Belgrade / Oakland / Sidney Long Pond Belgrade / Mt. Vernon / Rome North Pond Mercer / Smithfield East Pond Oakland / Smithfield Salmon Pond Oakland / Belgrade McGrath Pond Oakland / Belgrade

HERE BEAUTY ABOUNDS Breathtaking scenery. Crystalline lakes. Plentiful activities. Ask anyone here what makes Belgrade Lakes a special place and the answer you’ll probably come away with is that it’s a recreational paradise in every season. Generations of visitors have passed along the message of relaxation, rejuvenation and recreation. The wholesome, freeand-easy attitude seems to just melt away life’s tension. Golfing, swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking or just running into town to grab the necessities, whatever your pleasure, Belgrade Lakes is the iconic American summer vacation destination. Set out on foot with pole in hand (don’t forget your fishing license); soon you’ll find your new favorite fishing spot, even if you never make your first cast. Find your way to Blueberry Hill for a sweeping view of the seven lakes. Or take a scenic drive and be rewarded with some of the finest lakeside views in Maine. American playwright Ernest Thompson was so inspired by childhood summers spent on Great Pond that he penned On Golden Pond.

Enjoy a round on the 18-hole championship Belgrade Lakes Golf Course, which was recognized as one of the best in Maine by Golf Digest. Perhaps the soft, fragrant summer breezes that lull you to sleep in your camp-side hammock will put you in the swing of things. Nature’s colorful fireworks truly showcase the beauty of the region in autumn. And in colder months, the region becomes a winter wonderland offering activities ranging from cross-country skiing and snowshoe trekking to ice fishing or snowmobiling on the area’s well-cared-for trails. Having shed its “summer only” moniker years ago, Belgrade Lakes offers a wide selection of lodging available in all four seasons. Belgrade Lakes is the kind of place where the happiest of vacation memories are made, no matter what your age or activity.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 39

FIS H I N G • SW I MMI N G

TE NNIS • S AND BE ACH

American plan lake front cottages on the shore of Great Pond in the heart of the Belgrade Lakes region. Open May to October. www.BearSpringCamps.com • 207.397.2341 • 60 Jamaica Point Rd. Rome, ME 04963

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

Photo courtesy of: Maine International Film Festival

Photo courtesy of: Taste of Waterville

Welcome to WATERVILLE

Photo courtesy of: Taste of Waterville

Waterville has so much to offer visitors. Art. Theater. Dining. Film and Festivals. Colleges. A world-class downtown. It is arguably the cultural center of mid-Maine. Any visit to mid-Maine would be incomplete without a trip to the Colby Museum of Art, featuring a vast collection of American artwork spanning three centuries and the celebrated Bernard Langlais Collection.

The Arts Are Alive! Waterville Opera House 1 Common St., Waterville OperaHouse.org

The collegiate spirit spills over into the downtown, where visitors should stop by Common Street Arts, a great food scene and myriad diversions when the stars come out. Lovers of the performing arts should check out the Waterville Opera House. Since its reopening in 2012, acts of all kinds have been entertaining audiences from throughout the region.

Maine International Film Festival

Each summer, the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF), entering its 18th year, presents nearly 100 films in 10-days — works representing the best of American and international independent cinema.

July 7 – August 1, 2015 AtlanticMusicFestival.org

Visitors with a love of music should keep an ear open for the Atlantic Music Festival — this highly respected organization fosters innovation in American musical performance. Each summer hundreds of emerging artists gather to celebrate the musical masters.

16 Common St., Waterville CommonStreetArts.com

The hungry will not be turned away — with a wide array of food styles to choose from — diners can enjoy something new every night, or perhaps enjoy it all at once at the annual Taste of Waterville, which brings together all things tasty from the region for one yummy day and night.

August 5, 2015 TasteofWaterville.com

Outdoor enthusiasts have nothing to worry about either; Waterville is at the heart of a burgeoning in-town outdoor center, with miles of hiking trails spread throughout the city and fishing only minutes away from anywhere in town. Check out the Quarry Road Trails and the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails, which double in the colder months as some of the finest in-town cross-country ski and snowshoe trails.

July 10 – 20, 2015 MIFF.org

Atlantic Music Festival

Common Street Arts

Taste of Waterville

Lebanese Heritage Mural 51 Main St., Waterville

Colby Museum of Art

5600 Mayflower Hill Dr., Waterville Colby.edu/museum/

Downtown Waterville Dining Guide Located on the banks of the Kennebec River, Waterville is home to an array of restaurants — from authentic Lebanese and Asian specialties to fresh seafood. Plus, outstanding events like the Taste of Waterville and the Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market. 18 Below

Selah Tea Cafe

18 Silver St. | 207-861-4454

177 Main St. | 207-660-9181 www.selahteacafe.com

Amici’s Cucina 137 Main St. | 207-861-4440 www.amiciscucina.com

Cancun Mexican Restaurant 14 Silver St. | 207-872-7400

downtown SMOOTHIE

Find it all here:

MidMaineFun.com

147 Main St. | 207-872-2200 www.watervillethaibistro.com

Holy Cannoli

10 Water Street, Suite 111 207-616-0003

41 Temple St. 207-861-4433 or 207-861-4488 www.jinyuans.com

COMMUNITY

Thai Bistro

The Button Down Cafe

Jin Yuan Chinese Restaurant

ENTERTAINMENT

2 Silver St. | 207-680-2163 www.silverstreettavern.com

113A Main St. | 207-660-4221 72 Main St. | 207-877-7899

ARTS

Silver Street Tavern

Jorgensen’s Main Street Café 103 Main St. | 207-872-8711

The Jewel of India 104 Main St. | 207-877-1957 www.thejewelofindia.com

The Last Unicorn 8 Silver St. | 207-873-9363

The Villager Family Restaurant

Lebanese Cuisine

40W Concourse | 207-872-6231

34 Temple St. | 207-873-7813

Waterville House of Pizza

Mainely Brews Restaurant & Brewhouse 1 Post Office Square 207-873-2457 www.mainelybrews.com

139 Main St. | 207-873-4300 www.whoponline.com

You Know Whose Pub 55 E Concourse | 207-873-5525

Pagoda Express 80W Concourse | 207-873-3300

Visitor Center 50 Elm Street Waterville

Call 207.873.3315

WatervilleMainstreet.org Learn more at KennebecValley.org 43

A PLACE TO PLAY, EAT, SHOP & EXPLORE

Help us celebrate 75 years of service to Skowhegan by joining us at any Skowhegan possesses an indescribable vibe. It could be the thundering waters of the of these fun community events. Part downtown, part carnival, a whole lot of energy and a ton of fun.

Kennebec River that split the town and cascade into the river’s gorge. Maybe it is the deep sense of community. We can’t quite put a finger on it, but regardless of the time of year, there is always seems to be something great happening.

Memorial Day Parade | May 25 | Downtown Skowhegan

75TH ANNIVERSARY EVENTS

Our Memorial Parade travels through downtown celebrating our service men and women past and present and concludesSo with a time, short so service Veterans Park on Water Street. little manyingreat things to do.

It’s the modern traveler’s conundrum. But don’t worry, every year any of the many

20th Annual H.O.G. Rally Skowhegan events offers an antidote to whatever ails you. This year is no exception.

July 23–25 | The Skowhegan State Fairgrounds Come July, the Maine Harley Owners Group will be celebrating 25 years of rallies with a

The Roarin’ 20th Homecoming HarleyNot Owners Rally commemorates itsKneading anniversary by homecoming. muchGroup later will be the one-of-a-kind Conference. Paddle in returning to Skowhegan, where it all started in 1995. Events include the Poker Run, for River Fest during the first part of August and stay for the Skowhegan State Fair which Biker Bingo and live concerts in the Grandstand. is still going strong as it creeps up on its 2018 bicentennial. Whew, time for a vacation.

Kneading Conference & Artisan Bread Fair

July Down 30–August 1 |Street The Skowhegan State Fairgrounds on Water Come learn the best ways to grow and prepare grains using traditional methods in Maine’s As home to only one of the few Main Street Maine communities, Skowhegan has been Breadbasket. Then, the Artisan Bread Fair is a public marketplace for those who love bread. recognized for having a uniquely walkable downtown area filled with small local Cafés, shops, and merchants set in and among a collection of beautiful historic structures. A River Fest | August 4–9that | Downtown Skowhegan blend truly showcase the diversity of this place. Just a short walk from downtown, Celebrate the fun that comes from living along “The Mighty Kennebec.” More a community gardening you’ll find a gem in Coburn Park, a stunning example of than modern dozen events spread over six days include: Rotary Lobster Bake, Sundowner Canoe Race, that welcomes visitors from far and near. If you get to spend time here in the summer, live concerts and FIREWORKS! join us in the park for the gazebo concert series.

Moonlight Madness | August 6 | Downtown Skowhegan

A Visit Veryparty Tall Friend Combine one part street dance, one partour block and one part family extravaganza and you might just begin to understand our Moonlight celebration. Not Be certain to take a little timeMadness out to see the recently restored Skowhegan Indian, a gift convinced yet? Then don’t miss our world-famous bed races. bestowed upon the town by renowned artist Bernard Langlais in 1969 in celebration of Maine’s 150th Anniversary - High Street between Madison Avenue (Rt. 201) and Court 197th Skowhegan State Fair Street. For attractions “collectors” The Skowhegan Indian is the tallest native american August 13–22 | The Skowhegan State Fairgrounds sculpture in America. Come experience the nation’s longest-running state fair. Rides. Entertainment. Come for the Midway and stay for the Demolition Derby or the excitement of Harness Racing under the stars. Foodie’s Welcome Eons of farming on the rich of the windingHayrides Kennebec may have pre-destined SkowSkowhegan Haunted

October The Statedestination. Fairgrounds hegan’s23–24 current|role asSkowhegan a nascent foodie Or maybe it’s just that vibe thing

again. Asthrill home to traumatize one of the passengers state’s mostatunderrated Spooktacular and scary performances and every turn.farmer’s markets they upped they This is no kiddie ride — look outwith for the klowns and of therepurposing zombie apocalypse. ante the killer stroke of genius an abandoned jail into Maine’s premiere modern grist mill. Check out the Pick-up Café, Foody’s, The Old Mill Pub and then the for a4–5 little | something sweet. Or grab and go from Kel-Mat, 201 Market. Check Holiday Stroll |Bankery December Downtown Skowhegan back again in a year, this list is guaranteed to grow. Join us for a decades-old annual holiday stroll through downtown. Enjoy Friday night’s lighted parade, and then return for a breakfast-time visit with Santa, traditional family attractions and some shopping.

For more information, visit SkowheganAreaChamber.com or call 207−474−3621. * Photos courtesy of Kevin Couture Photography

SKOWHEGAN Part Downtown, Part Carnival, a Whole Lot of Energy and a Ton of Fun Skowhegan possesses an indescribable vibe. It could be the thundering waters of the Kennebec River that split the town and cascade into the river’s gorge. Maybe it is the deep sense of community. We can’t quite put a finger on it, but regardless of the time of year, there always seems to be something great happening.

So Many Great Things to Do It’s the modern traveler’s conundrum. But don’t worry, every year any one of the many Skowhegan events offers an antidote to whatever ails you. This year is no exception. Come July, the Maine Harley Owners Group will be celebrating 20 years of rallies with a homecoming. Not much later will be the oneof-a-kind Kneading Conference. Paddle in for River Fest during the first part of August and stay for the Skowhegan State Fair, which is still going strong as it creeps up on its 2018 bicentennial. Whew, time for a vacation.

Down on Water Street As home to one of the few Main Street Maine communities, Skowhegan has been recognized for having a uniquely walkable downtown area filled with small local cafés, shops and merchants set in and among a collection of beautiful historic structures, a blend that truly showcases the diversity of this place. Just a short walk from downtown, you’ll find a gem in

Coburn Park, a stunning example of modern community gardening that welcomes visitors from far and near. If you get to spend time here in the summer, join us in the park for the gazebo concert series.

Visit with Our Very Tall Friend Be certain to take a little time out to see the amazingly restored Skowhegan Indian, a gift bestowed upon the town by renowned artist Bernard Langlais in 1969 in celebration of Maine’s 150th anniversary, at High Street between Madison Avenue (Rt. 201) and Court Street. For those attraction “collectors,” the Skowhegan Indian is the tallest Native American sculpture in America.

Foodie’s Welcome Aeons of farming on the rich banks of the winding Kennebec may have predestined Skowhegan’s current role as a nascent foodie destination. Or maybe it’s just that vibe thing again. As home to one of the state’s most underrated farmers’ markets, they upped the ante with the stroke of genius of repurposing an abandoned jail into Maine’s premiere modern grist mill. Check out the Pickup Café, Foody’s, The Old Mill Pub and then the Bankery for a little something sweet. Or grab and go from Kel-Mat or 201 Market. Check back again in a year; this list is guaranteed to grow.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

THE BANKERY

87 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-BAKE(2253) SkowheganFleuriste.com Located in the old 1864 bank building is a traditional from-scratch bakery specializing in fine baked goods including breads, pies and pastries.

BETHANY’S AVON

HAPPYKNITS

Somerset Grist Mill, 42 Court St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-7979 PeaceLoveHappyknits.com A yarn store offering a variety of yarns, including locally produced fibers, plus needles, accessories, buttons and patterns in a friendly “sit and knit” environment.

OLD MILL PUB

39 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-6627 OldMillPub.net Enjoy casual riverside dining along the Kennebec River in a historic building with great character and charm.

REJUVENATE SALON

182 Madison Ave., Skowhegan 207-474-5100 HHRestaurant.com An unforgettable dining experience that is a favorite among visitors and locals alike.

14 Madison Ave., Downtown Skowhegan 207-614-4324 Facebook.com/rejuvenatesalon201 Dedicated to providing the best professional hair care services and products tailored to meet our clients’ needs.

THE KNEADING CONFERENCE

THE PICKUP CAFÉ

99 Hilton Hill Rd., Skowhegan 207-474-5200 CayfordOrchards.com Explore the farm, pick your own apples, have a picnic and take a hayride in the orchard. Open 9–5 daily Sept. 1 to Thanksgiving. Try our new hard cider!

Skowhegan State Fairgrounds Thursday, July 30 – Friday, July 31, Artisan Bread Fair, Saturday, August 1 KneadingConference.com A two-day intensive educational experience about bread baking, grain growing, wood-fired oven construction and use and milling.

THE CHILDREN’S COTTAGE

MAJA’S BODY ART

WHITTEMORE’S REAL ESTATE

One Stop Shop Training & Recruiting Center 8 Madison Ave., Downtown Skowhegan 207-431-8079 An Avon Training and Recruiting Center with a product line showroom and catalog ordering.

CAYFORD ORCHARDS

66 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-660-5495 Packed with new and like-new name-brand children’s clothing, toys, baby gear and furnishings.

HERITAGE HOUSE

75 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-9330 Facebook.com/MajasBodyArt A unique shop offering glass pipes, hookahs, tattoos and body jewelry. Check us out! Summer hours: Monday 10–6; Tuesday–Saturday 11–7; Sunday closed.

Somerset Grist Mill, 42 Court St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-0708 ThePickupCSA.com A weekend brunch and dinner café offering food from their local CSA program, located in the Somerset Grist Mill. 108 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-3303 WhittemoresRealEstate.com Whittemore’s Real Estate has been in business since 1969 selling land, waterfront property, camps, cottages, residential and commercial properties.

For more information, visit MainStreetSkowhegan.org. 46

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 47

Photo by: Daniel J. Marquis Photography

Canaan and Hartland: Sportsmen Welcome Canaan and Hartland are a welcoming pair of quiet little towns that make the perfect base camp for sportsmen of all kinds. Looking for a quiet day of fishing? Head out onto Great Moose Lake — making sure you stay around long enough to experience one of the prettiest sunsets in the region — and listen for the loons. Hartland’s 3,500-acre lake is well suited for those fishing for brown trout, large and smallmouth bass, white perch, cusk, landlocked salmon and others. If guided hunting or sport shooting is more your style, try pheasant hunting on a local preserve in Canaan. Also, ATV trails located on the north side of town connect to Hartland and offer access to many other trails. Local snowmobile trails link to the ITS (Interconnected Trail System) and provide an entry point to limitless destinations throughout Maine. Within a half-hour drive, you can reach any number of fairs, festivals and antique shops. Enjoy a stop at a local dairy farm or farmers’ market. Within easy reach of Skowhegan, Pittsfield and even Bangor, these two towns offer a nice respite from the in-town shuffle without much travel time.

Lake George Regional Park Nestled between Skowhegan and Canaan along Route 2, a short and beautiful drive from the region’s Route 201 artery, sits Lake George Regional Park, a delightful outdoor wonderland well suited for nearly any kind of day use. The park’s 320 acres include two sand beaches on a crystalline lake, an extensive trail system for hikers of all skill levels, and fishing, boating and picnicking facilities. In the winter check out the park’s ever-popular Winter Carnival if you happen to be around at the right time, if not, the park is perfect for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing.

BINGHAM | SOLON | NORRIDGEWOCK | MOSCOW Storied Riverside Towns Along the Kennebec Bingham – Gateway to Adventure Known as the gateway to adventure in Maine, Bingham is an outdoor sporting paradise and home to the halfway point between the North Pole and the Equator. Sportsmen and those that love the outdoors, who include a stop in Bingham in their plans are in for a treat in any season. The area’s many guides and outfitters will help them make the most of their trip. Anglers are especially fond of the Kennebec River in this area, affectionately calling sections of this wonderful stretch of river Rainbow Alley.

Solon – Old Canada Road – South Solon Meeting House Long the home of log drives, Solon is the point of origin for the Old Canada Road Scenic Byway. This majestic 78-mile road runs from here to the Canadian border and offers soaring views in any season. Many favor autumn for the unforgettable leaf-peeping opportunities a trip on the Old Canada Road can offer. The South Solon Meeting House, a historic church built in 1842, was added in 1980 to the National Register of Historic Places. Constructed as a traditional Colonial church building with Classical Revival details, the original pews, pulpit and choir loft gallery are still in place. What makes it so special, though, is the interior — elaborately painted with buon fresco technique

in the 1950s by artists from the nearby Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture.

Norridgewock – Home to Maine’s Abenaki Indians The Norridgewock Indians, or the “people of the still water between the rapids,” as their name means in their own language, were an advanced people who cultivated the land and fished the waters of the ancient Kennebec River Valley. Also of note is the beautiful rainbow-arched bridge that crosses the Kennebec River. The bridge replaced an older structure built in 1928 of similar design, lovingly known as the “Covered Bridge” by locals. It is here that the Norridgewock Falls drop 90 feet over a mile, a geological feature that originally attracted manufacturers to the area.

Moscow and the Wyman Dam The small residential town of Moscow is situated just north of Bingham. The town’s outstanding feature is the Wyman Dam, which dams up the Kennebec River forming Wyman Lake, an artificial lake 12 miles long and more than a mile wide, extending north almost to the village of Caratunk. Replacing a natural course of rapids 140 feet high, the dam provides 88 megawatts of hydroelectric power for the Kennebec Valley each year.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 49

Madison and Lakewood A Classsic Pairing

The pretty tree-lined drive along Route 201 makes for a perfect welcome to the quiet little town of Madison — just up a ways from Skowhegan — which has a long history of rolling out the welcome mat for out-of-towners, a tradition that still continues most especially in the eastern part of town known more familiarly as Lakewood. Along the shore of Lake Wesserrunsett, which is just a short jog off of 201 in Lakewood, nestled under clusters of pine and set amongst Maine’s classic bright white birch stand, many well-cared-for and pretty buildings serve as a lasting reminder of what made Maine Vacationland.

Lakewood Theater – Maine’s State Theater Then and Now It is here in Lakewood that in 1901 the curtain first went up at Lakewood Theater. Tradition reigns here, with a classic summer season of theatrical performances for audiences of all ages. Its designation as “Maine’s State Theater” in 1967 truly confirmed its place in both tourism and the performing arts. Today the theater continues to raise the curtain each season on comedies, dramas, musicals and children’s shows on its magnificent stage. Add to your theater experience with dinner at the sophisticated Lakewood Restaurant, the other half of the Lakewood experience, offering a menu that changes throughout the growing season. Can’t come for a show? Then just come for brunch.

Par 6 Excellence Both challenging and beautiful, with stunning mountain views, the Lakewood Golf Course is fun and playable, with a front nine that offers the feel of a classic 1920s links course and a modern park-like back nine carved from heavily wooded surroundings. Scenic views and the rolling greenery make this a highly enjoyable course, which is also home to Maine’s only Par 6 — a blistering 660 yards from the white tees.

Along the Kennebec River The Kennebec drops 90 feet over the course of a mile in Madison. This nice drop allows kayakers to float or paddle their way for a couple hours downriver from “the Pines” to Oosoola Park, in Norridgewock. Looking for river action? Find info online about the Madison Wave. For kayakers it offers the kind of ride that you can’t skip. Big air, tricks and a whole lot of fun. For anglers, one fine spot we know can be found just below the Madison dam along the Historic Pines Trail. If you go, look for granite monuments telling the story of Jesuit missionary Sebastian Rasle (pronounced like “wall”) and the Abenaki people. No matter what part of Madison you come to explore, there is bound to be a great day of fun or a night of entertainment in store for you.

MADISON, a great place to live, work & play! COLONY HOUSE INN

68 Beach Rd. – 207.474.6599 ColonyHouseInn.com Built in 1929, the Colony House Inn is situated in scenic and historic Lakewood, offering both the elegance of the Inn and more rustic cottages.

FOSHAY’S INFORMATION BOOTH Main St. One-stop shopping for all your tourism and business information in and around the Madison area. Also the home of Santaville during the holiday season.

HIGH TIDE/LOW TIDE SEAFOOD

30 Main St. – 207.696.7227 Facebook.com/hightide-lowtide-seafood Fresh lobsters and a full case of seafood straight from mid-coast Maine. Family owned and operated.

LAKEWOOD INN RESTAURANT

SOMERSET ABBEY

LAKEWOOD THEATER

TAYLOR’S DRUG STORE

76 Theater Rd. – 207.858.4403 LakewoodTheater.org Enjoy simple Maine elegance with lake-side views. Next to the Theater, enjoy dinner, dessert or a libation before the show or at intermission. 76 Theater Rd. – 207.474.7176 LakewoodTheater.org The longest running summer theater in the nation, located lakeside, this historical setting provides nine performances each summer.

M&M ICE CREAM & CAFÉ

208 Main St. Facebook.com/island dairy treat Relax inside our quaint Victorian home or on our outdoor porch. Delicious soft serve flavors & Annabelle’s Super Premium hard serve ice cream. Coming soon…the Café…soups, salads, panini/wraps and more.

MAINE MAPLE PRODUCTS, INC.

KENNEBEC ICE KREAMERY

469 Main St. – 207.399.4392 Facebook.com/Kennebec-Ice-Kreamery Delicious home made ice cream served in generous portions.

449 Lakewood Rd. – 207.474.3387 MaineMaple.com Our maple syrup has been selected as the BEST for quality, purity & taste 11 of the last 14 years. Judge for yourself.

LAKEWOOD GOLF COURSE

NORTH STAR ORCHARDS

803 Lakewood Rd. – 207.474.5955 LakewoodGolfMaine.com Originally built in the 1920s our beautiful course includes Maine’s only Par 6, with amazing scenery to give you a great golfing experience.

97 Orchard Rd. – 207.696.5109 NorthStarOrchards.me A family farm for family fun! Visit our farm store for fresh apples, cider and much more. Find us on Facebook — we’re open all year round.

98 Main St. – 802.793.5596 SomersetAbbey.com Music and wedding venue in a historic setting. View pictures of this beautiful 19th-century brick church at Facebook.com/somersetabbey. 2 Old Point Ave. – 207.696.3935 TaylorsDrugStore.com Friendly, professional service for all your pharmacy needs for over 100 years. Cards, gift items, photo center. Local, caring, convenient!

TREASURES: A PRIMITIVE SHOP

270 Main St. – 207.696.8440 Facebook.com/Treasures-A-Primitive-Shop A shop of old and new Primitives, including home décor and accents of times gone by.

YOGI BEAR’S JELLYSTONE PARK

221 Lakewood Rd. – 207.474.7353 Yonderhill.com A family-friendly campground that also has cabin and RV rental units. Gem mining, bounce area, pedal cart rentals, fishing, pool, birthday party packages and much more!

XANA-DO SALON & DAY SPA

411 Lakewood Rd. – 207.474.1234 Xana-DoSalonandDaySpa.com Relax with our exceptional, effective beauty treatments and allow yourself and your body to get the rest you need in a rejuvenating environment.

For more information, visit MadisonME.org or Facebook.com/VisitMadisonMaine.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org

BED & BREAKFAST

— SINCE 1816 — 1041 US Route 201, Caratunk, ME 04925

207.672.3333 • MaineSterlingInn.com 52

THE FORKS and CARATUNK Hike to a Waterfall. Ride the Rapids. Land a Big One. Spot a Moose. Millions of gallons of water are churning beneath you. Down you go and then up again. You are hurtled up over the brow of a massive white wall of water. Tension mounts as you slam back down. Something called a “taco” happens. Then screams of delight erupt from all your raftmates. This is an appropriate welcome to The Forks.

There are many rafting companies and guides located in the area, each well suited for different kinds of passengers. In fact, several offer good-quality accommodations in addition to home-cooked meals and an experienced crew. But do your homework and plan ahead; the choice weekends are often booked long in advance.

The Forks is the home of whitewater rafting in Maine and is the reason many people come to explore the region. Located at the confluence of the Dead and Kennebec Rivers, it is the starting point for an experience of a lifetime.

Several of these providers have expanded their services to include guided ATV tours, mountain biking treks, rock climbing, moose safaris and snowshoeing trips. The Forks is a year-round destination for hunters and anglers, but come winter, the snowmobilers arrive.

The 12-mile Kennebec River trip begins upriver on Indian Pond and roars spectacularly through the Upper Kennebec Gorge, with rapids up to Class IV. Even more challenging, the Dead River provides the longest stretch of continuous whitewater in the East.

If you are coming all this way, don’t forget to stop at Moxie Falls, Maine’s highest and, some say, most beautiful waterfall. Bring a towel, too, because there is a rockin’ swimming hole a hundred feet or so down from the main drop.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 53

The Moose River Valley Explore Boundless Outdoor Recreation

Photo by: Daniel J. Marquis Photography

A Remarkable Journey The stretch of the Old Canada Road above The Forks — one of Maine’s four National Scenic Byways — takes on a slightly different feel. The rolling green pitches of the hills urge you northward as you leave the Kennebec Valley and approach the Moose River Valley. The road takes you through prime moose-spotting marshes and ponds that line its edges. In autumn those greens become the vibrant golds, yellows and reds prized by legions of leaf peepers. While there are remarkable and memorable views at virtually every turn in the road, we highly recommend taking time — especially around sunset — to enjoy the truly spectacular view from The Attean Overlook rest area located as you head north just before arriving in Jackman.

Stay Awhile For visitors to this unspoiled destination, its finest attribute, there is a wider selection of lodging than one might expect. There are accommodations to suit all tastes and budgets ranging from lodges and resorts like Lake Parlin Lodge and Cedar Ridge Outfitters to in-town motels like Bishop’s or the Northland. Fans of sporting camps may wish to consider

Bulldog Camps or the aptly named Last Resort. The more you look, the more options seem to appear, be it a tidy, basics-only campsite or an off-the-grid getaway like Attean Lake Lodge, accessible only by boat. So go ahead and boldly forge your plan.

Paddle Into the Region’s Wildness During warmer weather every vehicle seems to be topped with the familiar form of a canoe or kayak, with the driver on the prowl for an open patch of water and a few hours to kill. Who could blame them? There is water everywhere. Jackman itself sits on the shore of Wood Pond at the epicenter of 60 easily accessed lakes, ponds and streams. For paddling devotees, the list of known trips is filled with great variation in length and tests of skill. Days could be spent exploring and paddling among the more than 40 islands that populate Attean Pond spotting the wide variety of birds overhead and earthbound wildlife. This is the home of the Moose River Bow Trip. East of Jackman, paddlers can enjoy the Moose River to Long Pond trip. Challenge yourself with some light rapids on the Moosehead Lake to Indian Pond trip. Or look into the vast stores of information online if you seek something different.

Blissful Casting

Mt. Kineo

With so much water, it was the area’s fishing that attracted many of its original fans. Excellent opportunities for outdoor sport still remain with fish biting in all seasons. So come on by!

When Mt. Kineo swings into view as you roll into the tiny village of Rockwood after the beautiful and sometimes moose-filled drive from Jackman and the Old Canada Road, the reason it has been a destination for longer than written history becomes clear. It’s a mammoth beauty that you just have to experience up close.

Spend a guided day fly fishing on a tributary that feeds the Moose River or trolling for salmon and brook trout along the drop-off in Moosehead. Head to Brassua’s inlet streams like Johnson Brook and Misery Stream for an excellent day of fishing. The great bass fishing on Moosehead may only be exceeded by the Indian Pond fishery. Those seeking native brook trout should explore the many miles of the Moose River above the path of the “Bow” trip. Head to the area of Attean Falls in the spring for a good chance at landlocked salmon and splake.

Take Aim on Excellent Sport Hunting Blaze orange is popular here for a good reason. Something always seems to be in season. Common quarry like deer, moose and bear, while once over-hunted are again plentiful, and many smiling hunters are returning to hunt again the following year. But don’t limit yourself to tradition; increasingly popular are hunts for coyote. And during winter, numerous guides offer wintertime bobcat and snowshoe hare hunting.

The island mountain rises dramatically out of the cold blue depths of Moosehead Lake to an epic 1,789 ft. It boasts panoramic views of the indescribably beautiful lake below and is snaked with an excellent collection of trails. The prize for the hiker will always be the lookout tower at the summit. The views from here are of an unspoiled Maine Woods and include Big and Little Spencer Mountains to the northeast and to the southeast the Lily Bay Mountains. Cast your eye south to see Big Squaw, and southwest beyond Blue Ridge and Misery Ridge you can spot Mt. Coburn, home of Maine’s highest snowmobile trail. Look west and see the three rolling bumps that comprise Boundary Bald Mountain. And of course Little Kineo. The climb and the views are well worth the effort.

Learn more at KennebecValley.org 55