2012 - Maine's Kennebec Valley Explorer Vacation Planner by The Kennebec Explorer

EXPL

2012/2013

Kennebec and Moose River Valleys

RER Outdoor Adventures Shopping and Crafts Riverfront Towns Old Canada Road Maineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Capital City Fairs and Festivals Cultural Pursuits and Moreâ&#x20AC;Ś

A Complete Guide to Four Seasons of Adventure!

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CONTENTS

WELCOME Photo courtesy of Angimarie Photography

to the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys

A vivid landscape of river towns, lakes, mountains and vast forests, the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys region of Maine offers its visitors a wonderful blend of outdoor adventure, scenic splendor and the story of America’s early history. Come explore and you’ll fall in love with the people and places that make our region unique.

Start your adventure today. Sign up for our email newsletter on our website at KennebecValley.org. Follow our intrepid Explorer on Facebook or Twitter. Or watch some of the fun on YouTube. See you on the trail [online].

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T H A N K YO U The paper for this project was provided by the Sappi Paper Company Somerset Mill located in Skowhegan, Maine. Front cover rafting photo courtesy of Northern Outdoors

About the Region History Old Canada Road Scenic Driving Loops Gardiner Hallowell Antiquing Winthrop Lakes Augusta Belgrade Lakes Waterville Skowhegan Canaan Area Bingham Area Riverfront Towns Map of the Region The Forks & Caratunk Jackman & Moose River Rockwood-on-Moosehead Fishing Hiking Whitewater Rafting Boating & Paddling Registered Maine Guides Hunting Trail Riding: ATVs & Snowmobiles Winter Activities Family Fun Maine’s Maple Tradition Farmers’ Markets & Stands Eat & Drink Arts & Culture Fairs & Festivals Explorer’s Reource Guide Shopping

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CONTENTS

WELCOME Photo courtesy of Angimarie Photography

to the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys

generated at BeQRious.com

Scan for more information.

T H A N K YO U The paper for this project was provided by the Sappi Paper Company Somerset Mill located in Skowhegan, Maine. Front cover rafting photo courtesy of Northern Outdoors

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We welcome you to come explore the path of adventure in every season, whether it be at the end of a fishing line, on the soles of your muddy boots or from the comfort of your own vehicle. This year, there is even more to do in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys than ever before — from the main street cultural renaissances under way in Skowhegan, Waterville and Gardiner to the best of wet, wild outdoor adventure in The Forks and the sportsman’s paradise of Rockwood-on-Moosehead. In 2012, Lake Parlin was home to its first annual cross-country snowmobile race, and one of our oldest communities, Bingham, will celebrate its bicentennial during weeklong festivities in July. Each year our lakes, streams, campgrounds and trails swell with visitors from across the United States and around the world. Not to be outdone, our riverside cities, towns and villages boast centuries of cultural richness in what was once our young country’s first frontier. This year we’d love to be your host. Explore our majestic rivers, the backbone for any adventure throughout the region. Discover the welcoming waters and people of the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys, like those of generations before. Come. Explore the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys in any season of the year.

MAINE Jackman

Rockwood Skowhegan Canaan

The Forks Bingham Belgrade Lakes Winthrop

Waterville Augusta Hallowell Gardiner

The Kennebec and Moose River Valleys region spans from Kennebec County, which includes Maine’s state capital at Augusta, shimmering lakes and lush rolling agricultural hills, and then heads north to the mountains of Somerset County — following the Kennebec River to its origin at Moosehead Lake and west to Jackman, ending at the Canadian border. (A detailed map is on pages 26 and 27.) Here are a few quick facts for visitors:

Tanya Bentley, Executive Director Kennebec Valley Tourism Council P.S. Please, refer to the Explorer’s Resource Guide (p. 50) to start planning your trip. It contains names, numbers and Urls for many of the locations and activities mentioned in this guide. Or visit our new website at KennebecValley.org today! 2 www.KennebecValley.org

Kennebec County: Founded 1799

Highest Point: Coburn Mountain, 3,750 ft.

Somerset County: Founded 1809

Kennebec River: 170 miles

Total Area: 5,046.55 square miles

Dead River: 42.6 miles

Population: 174,379

Number of Lakes: 446

Average January Temp: 18º F

Drive Times: Boston to Augusta, 2.5 hours Portland to Augusta, 1 hour

Average July Temp: 70º F Highest Waterfall: Moxie Falls, 90 ft. drop

Photo courtesy of Angimarie Photography

2012 is alive with activity!

Make your plan. Chart a course. Grab a paddle. Cast a line. Blaze a new trail. Spot a moose.

Come explore your best vacation ever. A visit to the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys is a uniquely Maine adventure for visitors of every kind. Many come to experience backcountry snowmobile tours or maybe to partake in a moose safari. Others follow the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway, traveling in the footsteps of the historically controversial and ill-fated Benedict Arnold.

Waterville offers tons to do downtown with cafés, coffeehouses, the newly revived Waterville Opera House and the renowned Maine International Film Festival. It’s also home to both Thomas and Colby Colleges. Then as you head north, pause in Hinckley where you’ll discover some offbeat artifacts and wildlife dioramas at the L.C. Bates Museum.

Adventure seekers will wipe the spray of whitewater from their brow as they navigate the Kennebec and Dead Rivers and then later tip back a local brew as they recount the day’s adventure with new friends. Some will hunt in a different way as they wander through the galleries and antique shops scattered throughout area towns.

As you cross the Kennebec on the Swinging Bridge, you’ll come into bustling downtown Skowhegan. Stop awhile to shop in its many charming, locally owned shops or visit the Margaret Chase Smith Library. Up the road apiece, put aside some time to take in a show at historic Lakewood Theatre. Before you head out of town, say hello to all 62 feet of the Skowhegan Indian.

Traveling from south to north the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys cover almost 5,000 square miles in just two counties, with nearly seventy cities and towns, each vastly different from the next. From Litchfield to Jackman, we offer the unhurried Maine of generations past, but also one ripe with new experiences — a place that, like our namesake river, is filled with vast beauty and pulse-quickening adventure.

The Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway (Route 201) traces a centuries-old travel route between Maine and Canada. Wind through scenic forests, mountains and old-time villages, like Bingham or Moscow, from Solon to the Canadian border.

In Augusta, Maine’s capital city, take time to explore 12,000 years of history at the Maine State Museum. Visit the Maine State House, with its 180-foot granite dome. Step back in time with a visit to Old Fort Western, built in 1754. Relax for a spell in the beautiful Viles Arboretum. Nearby Hallowell is a must for antiques hunters, and Gardiner hits the spot for the hungry. The Belgrade Lakes region inspired Ernest Thompson to write the play On Golden Pond. Spend some time here and enjoy all it has to offer: superb fishing, boating, hiking, biking and golf on a championship course; spectacular fall foliage; cross-country skiing and ice fishing. It’s no wonder thousands return to this chain of seven island-studded lakes every summer. A bit to the southwest lies the much-loved Cobbosseecontee Lake in Winthrop.

The Forks is the epicenter of whitewater rafting in Maine. Here, the confluence of the Dead and Kennebec Rivers offers rafters of any skill level the opportunity of a lifetime. Local guides provide gear, meals and lodging. The area is also renowned for its fishing, hiking, mountain biking, hunting and trail riding. Don’t miss the half-mile trek to the region’s crown jewel, 90-foot Moxie Falls. Jackman, set on the Old Canada Road, is the gateway to sixty lakes, ponds and streams, as well as extensive interconnected snowmobile and ATV trails. Just south of town, be sure to stop for a moment at the Attean View rest area with its unparalleled vistas (maybe bring a picnic). Stay at a traditional sporting camp. Step away from the land, grab a paddle and take to the water to kayak, canoe or fish for trout and landlocked salmon.

To learn more about the towns and villages of the region, visit KennebecValley.org. Like Us

MAINE Jackman

Rockwood Skowhegan Canaan

The Forks Bingham Belgrade Lakes Winthrop

Waterville Augusta Hallowell Gardiner

Kennebec County: Founded 1799

Highest Point: Coburn Mountain, 3,750 ft.

Somerset County: Founded 1809

Kennebec River: 170 miles

Total Area: 5,046.55 square miles

Dead River: 42.6 miles

Population: 174,379

Number of Lakes: 446

Average January Temp: 18º F

Drive Times: Boston to Augusta, 2.5 hours Portland to Augusta, 1 hour

Average July Temp: 70º F Highest Waterfall: Moxie Falls, 90 ft. drop

Photo courtesy of Angimarie Photography

2012 is alive with activity!

Make your plan. Chart a course. Grab a paddle. Cast a line. Blaze a new trail. Spot a moose.

To learn more about the towns and villages of the region, visit KennebecValley.org. Like Us

Steeped in history. In 2020 our state will turn 200. The people and places of the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys have been an integral part of this history. Here are just a few things, and one person, that have helped to make Maine great. As you travel throughout the region, look around — you are walking in the footsteps of the state’s, the country’s and even the world’s history.

Dancing Logs During the boom days of the 19th and 20th centuries, logs were dropped into the Kennebec River to float down to the sawmills. Logjams were common on the log drive, and loggers used poles, booms and even dynamite to break up the logjam. One of the biggest jams in history was on the Kennebec in early March 1896, following a huge flood.

Old Fort Western Built in 1754, this National Historic Landmark, on the banks of the Kennebec in Augusta, is America’s oldest surviving wooden fort. It also served as the staging point for Benedict Arnold’s ill-fated march on Québec.

Courtesy

of the Mar

garet Cha

se Smith

Librar y

Come as a Stranger. Leave as a Friend.

Waterville’s Two Cent Bridge The Ticonic Footbridge, nicknamed the Two Cent Bridge, is a suspension bridge that crosses the Kennebec River between the cities of Waterville and Winslow. One of the oldest surviving wire-cable steel suspension bridges, it is considered to be the last known extant toll footbridge in the United States.

Margaret Chase Smith On June 1, 1950, Maine’s Senator Margaret Chase Smith stood up in the Senate and gave the famous Declaration of Conscience speech, speaking out against the injustices of the McCarthy era. Senator Smith, a native of Skowhegan, was the first female presidential candidate.

To learn more about the history of the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 4 www.KennebecValley.org

Surrounded by nearly 330,000 acres of forest land, Historic Pittston Farm offers guests activities for all seasons. It may be little overwhelming to choose. We’d like to offer a few suggestions: canoeing, hiking, fishing, birding, hunting, horse riding, trail riding, snowmobiling, cross-county skiing, snowshoeing, or you can just relax and do nothing at all. And when night falls, a restful sleep awaits in the many lodgings we offer — camping to carriage house — to prepare you for another adventure-filled day. But be sure you stop by the dining room because the food is pretty good too. — Jenny and Bob Mills, Owners 53 Pittston Farm Rd., Pittston Academy, Grant Twp. • PittstonFarm.com • 207.280.0000 A Maine Environmental Leader - Registered Maine Guide On Site - Wi-Fi Like Us

Courtesy

of the Mar

garet Cha

se Smith

Librar y

Come as a Stranger. Leave as a Friend.

To learn more about the history of the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 4 www.KennebecValley.org

Old Canada Road [Route 201] National Scenic Byway Length: 78 Miles Travel Time: 3 Hours

Shimmering leaves. Dappled sunlight. 360-degree views.

Journey through heaven on earth.

Points of Interest along the Kennebec:

Whether it be for our world-class outdoor adventure or just a quick camping getaway, we’re glad you came. One special treat offered to those who travel throughout our region is some of Maine’s most unforgettable scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for the chance to spot a bald eagle or moose, all at no extra charge.

Old Fort Western — built in 1754 —

Below we briefly describe three driving loops. The full route descriptions, as well as others, can be found at KennebecValley.org. Each drive varies in length to fit any driver’s schedule. So hit the road and discover just one more thing that makes the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys so very special. (A detailed map is on pages 26 and 27.)

(a quick one, sort of)

Kennebec-Chaudière International Corridor

Voyage International

Length: 60 Miles Travel Time: 1 Hour, 15 Minutes

(as the name suggests, bring your passports)

Maine’s industrial and economic past has been greatly shaped by its relationship with Canada, more specifically with Québec. Our history, culture and even geography are closely tied to the French-Canadian province. Nowhere is that more evident than along the Kennebec-Chaudière International Corridor: Route 201 in Maine and Route 173 in Québec, along the Kennebec and Chaudière Rivers, and in the surrounding cities and towns.

(includes a hike to Moxie Falls)

Settlers and traders began using the route in the 1600s, and it continued to serve as a migratory route through Maine’s industrial boom years of the 20th century. This pathway provides a cultural connective tissue for generations of French-Canadians living in Maine to this day. Officially opened in 2001, the Heritage Trail now serves as the main corridor for the thousands of visitors to our beautiful and culturally rich region every year.

After the hike, return to Route 201 and proceed north to Jackman, turning onto Routes 6/15 to Rockwood; then proceed on to Greenville Center. Continue south on Routes 6/15 turning at Abbot onto Route 16, completing the loop in Bingham.

Two of the five sections of the Kennebec-Chaudière run through the region: Central Kennebec and Forest Highlands. Look for the signs — you’re traveling through history.

Visit Lakewood Theatre in Madison — one of the oldest continuously operated summer theatres in the U.S.

Starting in Skowhegan, proceed on Route 150 north to Athens; follow Route 151 to junction with 16 toward Bingham. At the junction of 16 and 201, head south (look for a scenic area 6 miles south of here) all the way to Skowhegan.

It Takes Moxie Starting in Bingham, follow Route 201 north to The Forks (turning right onto Lake Moxie Road). Some 2 miles down on the right will be a parking area for the trail to Moxie Falls.

Take in the fresco murals at the

Beginning in Skowhegan, follow Route 201 north through Jackman and then on to the Canadian border. Be sure to have the proper credentials to cross the border. In Canada, take Route 173, then left at Route 269, then left at Route 204 in St. Gideon. Turn left onto Route 161 to Woburn and back across the border to Coburn Gore in Maine. From here, follow Route 27 to Eustis and into Kingfield, turn left onto Route 16 through Madison; then take Route 201A south and turn left onto Route 2 into Skowhegan. Length: 245 Miles Travel Time: 5 Hours, 25 Minutes

Length: 144 Miles Travel Time: 3 Hours, 18 Minutes

For more detailed directions and drives, visit KennebecValley.org.

6 www.KennebecValley.org

Drive through Bingham, celebrating its bicentennial in 2012; see the historic clapboard homes of the 19th- and 20th-century lumber barons. Ride the Dead (River). Explore the chance to ride this amazing river during one of several special releases.

Scenic Lower Somerset

Drive through Canadian-American History on the

served as the staging point for Benedict Arnold’s march to capture Québec.

South Solon Meeting House, a surprising treat set in a venerable American structure. Enjoy a crisp autumn day boating on Wyman Lake or biking along the

Solon-Bingham Rail Trail and breathe in the mountain air.

Amaze the kids with a visit to the Skowhegan Indian, the largest sculpture of a Native American in the world. Visit one of the finest waterfalls in New England and one of the tallest single drops in the state of Maine, Moxie Falls, which is easily accessed just off Route 201 near The Forks.

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Scan for complete driving routes and additional loops.

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Old Canada Road [Route 201] National Scenic Byway Length: 78 Miles Travel Time: 3 Hours

Shimmering leaves. Dappled sunlight. 360-degree views.

Journey through heaven on earth.

Points of Interest along the Kennebec:

Old Fort Western — built in 1754 —

(a quick one, sort of)

Kennebec-Chaudière International Corridor

Voyage International

Length: 60 Miles Travel Time: 1 Hour, 15 Minutes

(as the name suggests, bring your passports)

(includes a hike to Moxie Falls)

Two of the five sections of the Kennebec-Chaudière run through the region: Central Kennebec and Forest Highlands. Look for the signs — you’re traveling through history.

Visit Lakewood Theatre in Madison — one of the oldest continuously operated summer theatres in the U.S.

It Takes Moxie Starting in Bingham, follow Route 201 north to The Forks (turning right onto Lake Moxie Road). Some 2 miles down on the right will be a parking area for the trail to Moxie Falls.

Take in the fresco murals at the

Length: 144 Miles Travel Time: 3 Hours, 18 Minutes

For more detailed directions and drives, visit KennebecValley.org.

6 www.KennebecValley.org

Scenic Lower Somerset

Drive through Canadian-American History on the

served as the staging point for Benedict Arnold’s march to capture Québec.

South Solon Meeting House, a surprising treat set in a venerable American structure. Enjoy a crisp autumn day boating on Wyman Lake or biking along the

Solon-Bingham Rail Trail and breathe in the mountain air.

generated at BeQRious.com

Scan for complete driving routes and additional loops.

Like Us

RIVER FESTIVAL Come together, June 20–23, as Gardiner hosts the start of the Kennebec Valley’s regional “Whatever Family Festival.”

SWINE & STEIN OKTOBERFEST October 13th Gardiner’s take on a traditional Oktoberfest celebration. For more information about what’s going on, visit GardinerMainStreet.org

Location. Motivation. Cooperation. First consider Libby Hill Business Park’s outstanding central location and proximity to your markets. Then discover the other compelling reasons to locate your company at Mid-Maine’s most dynamic business park.

New Brunswick New Brunswick

Quebec

As featured on the… •• Bangor Bangor Augusta

Experience the vibrant historic riverside town of Gardiner.

Gardiner v •• Portland Portland NH

a1diner.com 3 bridge st., gardiner, me

•• Boston Boston

207.582.4804 CT

Dave’s Diner Great Homemade Cooking Daily Lunch Specials Breakfast Served All Day Open 7 days a week 6 to 2 • 207-588-0022 VISA & MasterCard Accepted

390 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, ME 04345

In the Heart of Historic Downtown Gardiner.

14 MAINE AVENUE GARDINER, ME

22 beers on tap – great food fun folks – live music daily food & drink specials always open ‘til 1:00am 207.588.0081

8 www.KennebecValley.org

Photo courtesy of the A1 Diner

Kick off summer with Gardiner’s annual Memorial Day weekend event.

Photo courtesy of Angimarie Photography

RIDE INTO SUMMER

“ The City of Gardiner was willing to work with us and willing to listen; no matter what the issue, we had a one-call resolution. The City has a very pro-business attitude, and I am positive that is what keeps us here.” – Peter Prescott, Owner, Everett J. Prescott, Inc., tenant since 2003

• “Fast Track” pre-permitted lots, right-priced and shovel ready with infrastructure in place • Located on I-95/I-295 in the Capitol business district • Outstanding TIF/CEA and financing incentives, including local revolving loan fund • Business friendly, local decision-making in an innovative and entrepreneurial community Call Nate Rudy, Director of Economic Community Development, at 207-582-6888, and find out how easy we will make it for you to grow with Gardiner!

Business Park Gardiner, Maine

www.libbyhillbusinesspark.com

During the mid-1800s Gardiner became recognized as a worldwide shipping port for its ice harvested from the Kennebec and as a flourishing mill town. Today, this attractive riverside city, rich in architectural history, is a wonderful place for a day, an evening or even a weeklong stay. Both beautiful and charming, Gardiner is filled with historic landmarks, scenic views, recreational opportunities along the river and some of the finest dining in the state.

By day, Gardiner is a feast for the eyes; by night, it’s simply a feast. For the lovers of architecture, build your day around visits to Oakland’s mansion, Johnson Hall, and the Laura Richards House. Swing by the Gardiner Public Library with its vaulted ceiling and restored stained-glass windows. Plan on a stop (toot-toot) at the Gardiner Railroad Station.

Did you know? Dr. S. Gardiner, a prominent Boston physician and the principal proprietor of the Kennebec Purchase within the old Plymouth Patent, founded the town of Gardiner as Gardinerstown Plantation in 1754. The golden sturgeon — Gardiner’s symbol — celebrates the city’s fishing heritage. These prehistoric bony fish, valued for their eggs (caviar), can still be caught in the Kennebec River.

While the area along Water Street is a valued historic treasure, it may be more well known as the vibrant home to shops and restaurants like the popular A1 Diner — featured on the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. During the summer months, great food, local entertainment and the city’s culture are all part of the weekly farmers’ markets and the annual Greater Gardiner River Festival. Many come to Gardiner to play as well as shop and dine. The Kennebec Rail Trail begins here and extends north through Hallowell, ending in Augusta. This 6.5-mile stretch of converted railway is ideal for biking, jogging or walking. Want to be on the water? Gardiner also sports a boat landing for easy access to this slow and easy stretch of the Kennebec River.

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center has been jumpin’, jivin’, wailin’ and entertaining audiences of all kinds for nearly 150 years. This beautiful and soon to be beautifully restored theatre is the heart and soul of Gardiner’s Water Street. Come catch a show and be a part of Gardiner’s cultural history.

Gardiner is a town shaped by its past while looking toward its future. Come explore.

To learn more about Gardiner, visit KennebecValley.org. Like Us

RIVER FESTIVAL Come together, June 20–23, as Gardiner hosts the start of the Kennebec Valley’s regional “Whatever Family Festival.”

SWINE & STEIN OKTOBERFEST October 13th Gardiner’s take on a traditional Oktoberfest celebration. For more information about what’s going on, visit GardinerMainStreet.org

New Brunswick New Brunswick

Quebec

As featured on the… •• Bangor Bangor Augusta

Experience the vibrant historic riverside town of Gardiner.

Gardiner v •• Portland Portland NH

a1diner.com 3 bridge st., gardiner, me

•• Boston Boston

207.582.4804 CT

Dave’s Diner Great Homemade Cooking Daily Lunch Specials Breakfast Served All Day Open 7 days a week 6 to 2 • 207-588-0022 VISA & MasterCard Accepted

390 Brunswick Avenue, Gardiner, ME 04345

In the Heart of Historic Downtown Gardiner.

14 MAINE AVENUE GARDINER, ME

22 beers on tap – great food fun folks – live music daily food & drink specials always open ‘til 1:00am 207.588.0081

8 www.KennebecValley.org

Photo courtesy of the A1 Diner

Kick off summer with Gardiner’s annual Memorial Day weekend event.

Photo courtesy of Angimarie Photography

RIDE INTO SUMMER

Business Park Gardiner, Maine

www.libbyhillbusinesspark.com

Gardiner is a town shaped by its past while looking toward its future. Come explore.

To learn more about Gardiner, visit KennebecValley.org. Like Us

Kennebec River Artisans

POTTERY • JEWELRY • WOVEN • RUGS • JURIED CRAFTS 130 Water Street, Hallowell, ME • Mon–Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4 KennebecRiverArtisans.com

Hattie’s Chowder House

Hallowell, Maine’s smallest city.

• Full Service Restaurant •

Hallowell sits like a jewel, just south of Augusta, the state’s capital. Founded in 1771, the city was originally the home of many chemists, physicians, politicians, inventors and artists. Well, not much has changed over the last 240 years.

Welcome to Maine’s

One of the oldest surviving doctor’s offices in the U.S. stands in Hallowell. Dr. John Hubbard’s circa 1830 one-room office stood behind the Hubbard home until 1988 — it was moved to where it now stands on Second Street. The office is a nearly ideal replica of the good doctor’s place of practice.

Today, numerous creative, intellectual and political figures call Hallowell home, due in part to its location, its jubilant downtown, its storied architecture and its old-fashioned New England charm.

Hallowell may be a great place to grab a bite or to put your boat in the Kennebec, but for some, more importantly, Hallowell is the epicenter of antiquing in Maine.

Hallowell’s downtown, bordered on the west by Middle and Warren Streets, is a National Historic District filled with buildings and homes that reflect multiple architectural periods ranging from Federal to Victorian.

Hallowell’s main 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.

Today, the city’s population (2,467) is only slightly smaller than it was in 1820, the year Maine seceded from Massachusetts and became a state in its own right.

Aside from being a prime destination for those in the antiques trade, this city (only a whopping 6.1 square miles in size) is the place to grab a great bite or to celebrate a day of shopping over a pint at the Liberal Cup, one of Maine’s most famous pubs. This sweet little city is also home to the Gaslight Theater, which has been entertaining audiences since 1937.

Maine’s first automobile came from Hallowell, as did the first practical threshing machine.

Got a boat? Then Hallowell is the place for you.

Did you know?

So what does a city this small have to offer?

Hallowell is home to a state-operated boat landing, set in an area that becomes a hustle-bustle of activities once the weather turns warm. The city really shines for visitors every summer during the Old Hallowell Days held the third Saturday in July. This festival boasts a wonderful parade and road race and is widely heralded for its fireworks and, oddly enough, for its cribbage tournament.

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Scan for complete online events listing.

10 www.KennebecValley.org

If you don’t find yourself here in the summer, check out the Hallowell take on Mardi Gras (February) and June’s Whatever Festival or the charm of Christmas in Old Hallowell.

To learn more about Hallowell, visit KennebecValley.org.

Antiques Central

But don’t stop with Hallowell. Start there! Then move on to other plum spots throughout the Kennebec Valley. There’s the Fairfield Antiques Mall just up Route 201 from Waterville. Then, if you haven’t yet exhausted yourself or your wallet, move on to Skowhegan, where we can reliably say that you may become an antique yourself if you take all the time necessary to search through every antique nook and cranny along its storied streets.

Best Chowdah Evah!

Serving Lunch and Dinner 7 Days a Week

Monday through Saturday 11–9 Sunday 11–8

207.621.4114 www.hattieschowderhouse.com

103 Water Street Hallowell, Maine

Rock City Coffee and Gifford’s Ice Cream served in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere with a beautiful view of the Kennebec River. www.RefreshmentsMaine.com 223 Water Street, Hallowell • 207-512-8223

If you are interested in antiques but not in shopping, stop into the many historical societies along the way, many which have some wonderful pieces in their collections. If you are on the hunt, you might be rewarded if you keep your eyes open, your ears perked up and you know who to ask. Bargains and surprises await you at every turn. If you find a great bargain, share it with us at Facebook.com/TheKennebecExplorer.

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Kennebec River Artisans

POTTERY • JEWELRY • WOVEN • RUGS • JURIED CRAFTS 130 Water Street, Hallowell, ME • Mon–Sat 10-5, Sun 12-4 KennebecRiverArtisans.com

Hattie’s Chowder House

Hallowell, Maine’s smallest city.

• Full Service Restaurant •

Welcome to Maine’s

Today, numerous creative, intellectual and political figures call Hallowell home, due in part to its location, its jubilant downtown, its storied architecture and its old-fashioned New England charm.

Hallowell may be a great place to grab a bite or to put your boat in the Kennebec, but for some, more importantly, Hallowell is the epicenter of antiquing in Maine.

Today, the city’s population (2,467) is only slightly smaller than it was in 1820, the year Maine seceded from Massachusetts and became a state in its own right.

Maine’s first automobile came from Hallowell, as did the first practical threshing machine.

Got a boat? Then Hallowell is the place for you.

Did you know?

So what does a city this small have to offer?

generated at BeQRious.com

Scan for complete online events listing.

10 www.KennebecValley.org

If you don’t find yourself here in the summer, check out the Hallowell take on Mardi Gras (February) and June’s Whatever Festival or the charm of Christmas in Old Hallowell.

To learn more about Hallowell, visit KennebecValley.org.

Antiques Central

Best Chowdah Evah!

Serving Lunch and Dinner 7 Days a Week

Monday through Saturday 11–9 Sunday 11–8

207.621.4114 www.hattieschowderhouse.com

103 Water Street Hallowell, Maine

Like Us

Summertime Rules in

Winthrop Lakes Summertime giggles, tan lines and the great American camping trip. This is what awaits in the Winthrop Lakes region — close enough to everything and just far enough away from it all.

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 will show its best features. You’ll immediately be taken with Cumston Hall, the cultural center of the region, with its 250-seat opera house, a library and Maine’s official Shakespearean Theatre. Looking for something more agrarian? The Monmouth Museum actively documents 19th-century farm living.

All summer long the Norcross Point Concert Series will delight visitors with an easy afternoon of entertainment. If that’s not enough, you might be attracted to the idea that you’ll find some of the finest smallmouth and largemouth bass fishing in Maine in the waters of the Winthrop Lakes. The annual Monmouth Fair has all the makings of an honest-togoodness down-home country fair. But if you go, be careful, you might just find yourself taking part in the skillet toss.

Cobbosseecontee is considered one of the best lakes in the Northeast — with plenty of Maine’s largest bass lingering just beneath its surface. And 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 will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the region. Hikers here will appreciate the good work of the Kennebec Land Trust who have, through years of work, put together access to some of the most beautiful and unspoiled hiking spots.

To learn more about the Winthrop Lakes area, visit KennebecValley.org. 12 www.KennebecValley.org

Augusta

Long a hub of government, trade and cultural life in the Kennebec Valley, the Augusta region invites you to visit. For a glimpse of all that there is to do and see, call 207.623.4559 or visit AugustaMaine.com and ask for the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Guide, the complete catalog of absolutely everything in the area: Shopping Hiking and Biking Golf and Fishing Art Festivals Museums History and…

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Summertime Rules in

Winthrop Lakes Summertime giggles, tan lines and the great American camping trip. This is what awaits in the Winthrop Lakes region — close enough to everything and just far enough away from it all.

To learn more about the Winthrop Lakes area, visit KennebecValley.org. 12 www.KennebecValley.org

Augusta

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Augusta

A capital experience awaits you. Photos of architectural detail, flower, Capitol building and Vietnam Memorial courtesy of Angimarie Photography

Area Attractions Maine State Museum 230 State St., Augusta

Old Fort Western 16 Cony St., Augusta

Viles Arboretum 153 Hospital St., Augusta

Maine State House 210 State St., Augusta

Governor’s Mansion — Blaine House 192 State St., Augusta

Children’s Discovery Museum 171 Capitol St., Augusta

Augusta Marketplace 197 Civic Center Dr., Augusta

Bond Brook Park Winthrop St. via Mt. Hope Cemetery, Augusta

Lithgow Public Library 45 Winthrop St., Augusta

Come shop, learn and play in Maine’s capital city. Clouds float across the smooth-as-glass surface of the majestic Kennebec as it flows past the city of Augusta. The river here is a world away from the Class IV rapids 100 miles north of Maine’s capital city. While the waters here reflect the serenity of a summer’s day, just steps away on the broad avenues and side streets of the capital you’ll find history in the making, bustling commerce and the business of government under way. First inhabited in 1629 and locally known as Cushnoc or “head of tide” — the last point where tidal waters affect a body of water — Augusta rapidly grew into a center of trade. Then, within 30 years, it was abandoned and left unoccupied for three-quarters of a century. 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. The fort also holds the dubious honor of being the mustering point for Benedict Arnold’s failed march up the Kennebec to Québec.

Maine is known as the

Pine Tree State.

Every corner of our state is filled with the plentiful economic, environmental and recreational resource of the pine forest.

Sometime after this and in fairly rapid succession, it was renamed Augusta, became the seat of government for the newly formed Kennebec County and, in 1827, was designated as the capital for the recently formed state of Maine. Today, the crackle of the blacksmith’s fire draws you in as he shares tales recounting the various residents of Old Fort Western, home to the longest-standing American blockhouse. There really is something for everyone on a tour led by historical reenactors. Afterward, let the kids blow off some steam on the playground next door at the East Side Park. What fun!

No visit to Augusta would be complete without a visit to the Capitol Complex, home to the Maine State Museum, Capitol Park and of course The State House (call ahead to secure a space on the tour). The governor resides at Blaine House, named after James G. Blaine — one of the most illustrious political leaders of the state of Maine and two-time U.S. Secretary of State. Open for tours of the house and gardens, it is well worth the trip. With nearly 225 acres to explore and enjoy, the Viles Arboretum (formerly the Pine Tree State Arboretum) offers numerous exhibits including the very special American Chestnut collection and the renowned Hosta Garden. Picnicking is encouraged, but be sure to carry out what you carry in. No one likes a rainy day — except the trees — but when the sun hides, Augusta shines. Discover the Children’s Discovery Museum, catch a movie or head out for some retail therapy at the Augusta Marketplace. Rain or shine though, Bond Brook Park is the centerpiece of a visit to Augusta. In fact, many area residents are unaware of this great park that may soon become a world-class destination for fans of nonmotorized recreation — cross-country skiing, mountain biking and hiking — all inside the city limits. If you want to use this park, do some research, get a map, park on Winthrop Street and enter through Mt. Hope Cemetery. Then spread the news about this hidden gem.

The winds from the Atlantic Ocean are greatly softened by the time they reach Augusta’s Capitol Park, a lovingly tended public garden adjacent to the Maine State House and Museum. Also home to the Vietnam Memorial, the park boasts some of the best shade trees in the city. Bring a blanket and a picnic. Or maybe head over to the Farmers’ Market at Mill Park on Water Street (Tuesdays from May to October) to pick up a fresh local treat.

Whatever you do… The Whatever Festival, held from June 20th through July 4th, is a chance every summer for people from the surrounding areas to do, well, whatever. Kind of. It also celebrates the ongoing efforts to keep the Kennebec River clean. Among the 100 or so events are the annual talent show, water race and Rotary fireworks. The highlight is Family Fun Day on June 30th featuring a full day of family-focused events. There really is nothing quite like this event anywhere else. Augusta has long kept its light under a bushel basket, but as the word gets out regarding all that there is to do, see and experience in our capital city, no trip through the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys will be complete without spending at least a day or two here. From history to government to thrilling outdoor adventures on the water or a leisurely stroll in the park, Augusta awaits.

To learn more about Augusta, visit KennebecValley.org. 14 www.KennebecValley.org

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Augusta

A capital experience awaits you. Photos of architectural detail, flower, Capitol building and Vietnam Memorial courtesy of Angimarie Photography

Area Attractions Maine State Museum 230 State St., Augusta

Old Fort Western 16 Cony St., Augusta

Viles Arboretum 153 Hospital St., Augusta

Maine State House 210 State St., Augusta

Governor’s Mansion — Blaine House 192 State St., Augusta

Children’s Discovery Museum 171 Capitol St., Augusta

Augusta Marketplace 197 Civic Center Dr., Augusta

Bond Brook Park Winthrop St. via Mt. Hope Cemetery, Augusta

Lithgow Public Library 45 Winthrop St., Augusta

Maine is known as the

Pine Tree State.

Every corner of our state is filled with the plentiful economic, environmental and recreational resource of the pine forest.

To learn more about Augusta, visit KennebecValley.org. 14 www.KennebecValley.org

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BELGRADE LAKES

THE REGION’S SEVEN LAKES

Belgrade 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

Where memories last a lifetime!

Breathtaking scenery. Crystalline lakes. Plentiful activities. Here beauty abounds. Ask anyone here what makes Belgrade Lakes a special place and the answer you’ll doubtless come away with is that it’s a four-season recreational paradise.

Photo courtesy of Four Season Cottages Belgrade Lakes

Generations of visitors have passed along the message of relaxation, rejuvenation and recreation. The wholesome, free-and-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.

generated at BeQRious.com

Seven Year Round Cottages on Great Pond in Belgrade, Maine

207-495-9217 • BelgradeCottages.com

July 4th: Events and Parade Columbus Day Weekend: Oktoberfest 1st Saturday in December: Christmas Stroll Scan for Info

BelgradeLakesMaine.com

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 lake-side 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 our region in the autumn. In the colder months, the region becomes a winter wonderland offering activities ranging from cross-country skiing and trekking to ice fishing or snowmobiling on the area’s well-cared-for trails. Having shed their “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.

To learn more about Belgrade Lakes, visit KennebecValley.org. 16

www.KennebecValley.org

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BELGRADE LAKES

THE REGION’S SEVEN LAKES

Belgrade Lakes

Where memories last a lifetime!

Photo courtesy of Four Season Cottages Belgrade Lakes

generated at BeQRious.com

Seven Year Round Cottages on Great Pond in Belgrade, Maine

207-495-9217 • BelgradeCottages.com

July 4th: Events and Parade Columbus Day Weekend: Oktoberfest 1st Saturday in December: Christmas Stroll Scan for Info

BelgradeLakesMaine.com

To learn more about Belgrade Lakes, visit KennebecValley.org. 16

www.KennebecValley.org

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Photo courtesy of the Waterville Opera House

101 Things To Do In Vacationland

MaineThingsToDo.com

Welcome to the Elm City — the cultural heart of Central Maine. The arts are alive in Waterville. Waterville Opera House 1 Common St., Waterville

Maine International Film Festival July 13 to 22, 2012

42nd Annual Waterville Intown Arts Fest July 28, 2012

Atlantic Music Festival July 9 to August 5, 2012

The Taste of Greater Waterville August 1, 2012

Lebanese Heritage Mural 51 Main St., Waterville

Colby College Art Museum 230 State St., Waterville

6th Annual Hill ’n the Ville Music Festival September 2012

Once hundreds and perhaps even thousands of elms could be found throughout the city of Waterville. Most of them are now gone, but the name remains, as does a great deal of the historic beauty and charm of one of Maine’s great centers of adventure and culture. Waterville is a primary center for education in Maine; it is home to top-ranking Colby College as well as Thomas College. Visit the beautiful Colby campus to stroll along its tree-lined paths, or perhaps, visit its renowned art museum. This collegiate spirit spills over into the downtown, where visitors are offered access to cultural activities, a wonderful food scene and myriad diversions when the stars come out.

In 2013 Colby Art Museum will complete a massive expansion, which will make it the largest of its kind in Maine and a must-see on any visit to the region. Each summer, the Maine International Film Festival — entering its 14th year — presents nearly 100 films in 10 days. Works represent the best of American and international independent cinema, with a spotlight on the innovation and creativity of New England’s finest filmmakers. For visitors with an ear for music, Waterville once again hosts the Atlantic Music Festival — a highly respected organization whose mission is to cultivate originality, independence and innovation in the American musical performance arena. During the event held each summer, hundreds of emerging artists gather here to celebrate the work of musical masters. 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 our annual celebration of food. The Taste of Greater Waterville brings together all things tasty from the region into one yummy day and night. Outdoor enthusiasts have nothing to worry about either; Waterville is at the heart of a burgeoning in-town outdoor mecca, with miles of hiking trails spread throughout the city. Interested? Check out the Quarry Road Trails, which double in the colder months as some of the finest in-town cross-country ski trails.

To learn more about Waterville, visit KennebecValley.org. 18 www.KennebecValley.org

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Photo courtesy of the Waterville Opera House

101 Things To Do In Vacationland

MaineThingsToDo.com

Welcome to the Elm City — the cultural heart of Central Maine. The arts are alive in Waterville. Waterville Opera House 1 Common St., Waterville

Maine International Film Festival July 13 to 22, 2012

42nd Annual Waterville Intown Arts Fest July 28, 2012

Atlantic Music Festival July 9 to August 5, 2012

The Taste of Greater Waterville August 1, 2012

Lebanese Heritage Mural 51 Main St., Waterville

Colby College Art Museum 230 State St., Waterville

6th Annual Hill ’n the Ville Music Festival September 2012

To learn more about Waterville, visit KennebecValley.org. 18 www.KennebecValley.org

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The Towne Motel offers fine lodging in beautiful central Maine The Towne Motel is convenient to the Skowhegan state fairgrounds and within walking distance to the Heritage House Restaurant and our historic downtown shopping district. Visit our website for a complete list of fairground events. The Towne Motel is the perfect place to stay for a visit to the Lakewood restaurant and summer theatre.

172 Madison Ave., Skowhegan Located at the intersection of Routes 201N and Route 2

207-474-5151 • 1-800-843-4405

townemotel@myfairpoint.net

www.townemotel.com

20 www.KennebecValley.org

Summer recreation activities include: hiking, fishing, swimming, rafting, kayaking, and wildlife tours. We are just 40 minutes from the Sugarloaf Mountain Resort. Complimentary Breakfast • Online Booking • Free High Speed Internet • Large Outdoor Swimming Pool • Non-Smoking Rooms

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172 Madison Ave., Skowhegan Located at the intersection of Routes 201N and Route 2

207-474-5151 • 1-800-843-4405

townemotel@myfairpoint.net

www.townemotel.com

20 www.KennebecValley.org

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Skowhegan — A place to watch. Settled in 1773, Skowhegan has long been the hub of commercial and outdoor life in the southern part of Somerset County, set at the intersection of Route 2 and the Old Canada Road. The Kennebec River is the pulsing, beating heart of this river town. A powerful river gorge runs through its charming downtown area — a gorge that will one day become home to the finest whitewater paddling facility in New England. Today, Skowhegan bustles with the activity of modern businesses as diverse as SAPPI Fine Paper and the New Balance Shoe Company. But there is a unique vibe in the downtown, one of only a handful of Main Street Maine communities, that is anything but corporate. Cafés, shops and merchants set in and among a collection of beautiful historic structures come together to celebrate the diversity of the town. 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. This 12-acre oasis celebrates its beauty with its summertime gazebo concert series. Back in town, look for a few more things that make Skowhegan a great place to spend some time as you wind your way through the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys. The Skowhegan Indian, safely tucked into a corner off Route 201 (just behind the Cumberland Farms), was presented in 1969 by Maine’s own Bernard Langlais as a gift on behalf of the Abenaki Indians to Skowhegan, in observance of Maine’s 150th birthday. He waits to welcome you to town. Stop in and see him.

THE BANKERY

HERITAGE HOUSE

OLD MILL PUB

An unforgettable dining experience that is a favorite among visitors and locals alike.

Enjoy casual riverside dining along the Kennebec River in a historic building with great character and charm.

3. Downtown Shopping

Located in the old 1864 bank building is a traditional, from-scratch bakery specializing in fine baked goods including breads, pies, and pastries.

4. Lake George Regional Park

CAYFORD ORCHARDS

10 Great Things about Skowhegan 1. Skowhegan State Fair 2. Margaret Chase Smith Library

5. Skowhegan Indian 6. The Kneading Conference 7. Walking Bridges 8. Skowhegan History House 9. Coburn Park 10. Skowhegan Drive-In Movies

Skowhegan was also home to our nation’s first female senator, Margaret Chase Smith, an outspoken protector of free speech. Visitors can now see the entire body of her 32 years of service at her namesake library on Norridgewock Avenue. Finally, if you plan on coming through in early August, you may catch what is the longest running fair in the United States. The Skowhegan State Fair — established in 1818 — has it all, from popcorn and rides, attractions and entertainment to animal and agricultural exhibits, harness racing and of course a demolition derby.

To learn more about Skowhegan, visit KennebecValley.org.

22 www.KennebecValley.org

87 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-BAKE(2253) SkowheganFleuriste.com

260 Madison Ave., Skowhegan 207-474-5100 TowneMotel.com/TheHeritageHouse

THE KNEADING CONFERENCE

99 Hilton Hill Rd., Skowhegan 207-474-5200 CayfordOrchards.com Visitors are always welcome to explore the farm, pick your own apples, have a picnic and take a hayride around the orchard.

THE CHILDREN’S COTTAGE

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

COUNTRY CROW PRIMITIVES

29 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-8504 PictureTrail.com/MECountryCrowPrimitives Offering a wide variety of primitive home decor from new reproductions to farmhouse antiques.

39 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-6627 www.OldMillPub.net

RIVER ROADS ARTISANS GALLERY

Skowhegan State Fair Grounds July 26-27, Artisan Bread Fair, July 28 KneadingConference.com

75 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-858-5303 www.RiverRoadsGallery.com

A two-day intensive educational experience about bread baking, grain growing, wood-fired oven construction and use, and milling.

Co-operative gallery of local Maine Artists and Artisans featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings, fabric art and more.

NEW BALANCE FACTORY STORE

Corner of Court and High Streets SkowheganFarmersMarket.com

12 Walnut St., Skowhegan 1-877-623-7867 NBFactoryStores.com

Athletic footwear and apparel for the entire family at factory store pricing everyday.

NORTH AVENUE EMPORIUM 213 North Ave., Skowhegan 207-399-3980

Featuring a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, books, and used items from a growing number of dealers. Visit our new book room!

SKOWHEGAN FARMERS MARKET

Locally produced organic and natural vegetables, meats, milk, cheeses, eggs, herbs, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, fruit, cider, coffee and more.

WHITTEMORE’S REAL ESTATE 108 Water St., Skowhegan 207-474-3303 WhittemoresRealEstate.com

Whittemore’s Real Estate has been in business since 1969 selling land, residential and commercial properties.

For more information, visit MainStreetSkowhegan.org.

Like Us

THE BANKERY

HERITAGE HOUSE

OLD MILL PUB

An unforgettable dining experience that is a favorite among visitors and locals alike.

Enjoy casual riverside dining along the Kennebec River in a historic building with great character and charm.

3. Downtown Shopping

Located in the old 1864 bank building is a traditional, from-scratch bakery specializing in fine baked goods including breads, pies, and pastries.

4. Lake George Regional Park

CAYFORD ORCHARDS

10 Great Things about Skowhegan 1. Skowhegan State Fair 2. Margaret Chase Smith Library

5. Skowhegan Indian 6. The Kneading Conference 7. Walking Bridges 8. Skowhegan History House 9. Coburn Park 10. Skowhegan Drive-In Movies

To learn more about Skowhegan, visit KennebecValley.org.

22 www.KennebecValley.org

87 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-BAKE(2253) SkowheganFleuriste.com

260 Madison Ave., Skowhegan 207-474-5100 TowneMotel.com/TheHeritageHouse

THE KNEADING CONFERENCE

99 Hilton Hill Rd., Skowhegan 207-474-5200 CayfordOrchards.com Visitors are always welcome to explore the farm, pick your own apples, have a picnic and take a hayride around the orchard.

THE CHILDREN’S COTTAGE

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

COUNTRY CROW PRIMITIVES

29 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-8504 PictureTrail.com/MECountryCrowPrimitives Offering a wide variety of primitive home decor from new reproductions to farmhouse antiques.

39 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-474-6627 www.OldMillPub.net

RIVER ROADS ARTISANS GALLERY

Skowhegan State Fair Grounds July 26-27, Artisan Bread Fair, July 28 KneadingConference.com

75 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan 207-858-5303 www.RiverRoadsGallery.com

A two-day intensive educational experience about bread baking, grain growing, wood-fired oven construction and use, and milling.

Co-operative gallery of local Maine Artists and Artisans featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings, fabric art and more.

NEW BALANCE FACTORY STORE

Corner of Court and High Streets SkowheganFarmersMarket.com

12 Walnut St., Skowhegan 1-877-623-7867 NBFactoryStores.com

Athletic footwear and apparel for the entire family at factory store pricing everyday.

NORTH AVENUE EMPORIUM 213 North Ave., Skowhegan 207-399-3980

Featuring a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, books, and used items from a growing number of dealers. Visit our new book room!

SKOWHEGAN FARMERS MARKET

Locally produced organic and natural vegetables, meats, milk, cheeses, eggs, herbs, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, fruit, cider, coffee and more.

WHITTEMORE’S REAL ESTATE 108 Water St., Skowhegan 207-474-3303 WhittemoresRealEstate.com

Whittemore’s Real Estate has been in business since 1969 selling land, residential and commercial properties.

For more information, visit MainStreetSkowhegan.org.

Like Us

CanaanSuperette Meats • Deli • Pizza • Sandwiches • Wine • Beer • Agency Liquor Store

Whether you’re shopping for everything on your grocery list or just need a few specialty items,

Canaan Superette has what you need! ROUTE 2, CANAAN, MAINE Mon – Sat: 5am – 9pm and Sun: 6am – 9pm Memorial Day thru Labor Day, Mon – Sat: Open until 10pm!

For specials and direction, call 207-474-5490

Skowhegan/Canaan

Hey, Kampers! Mention this ad for a

10% discount.

800-562-7571 or 207-474-2858 GPS Latitude: 44.769710269401 Longitude: -69.54370379447937

SmoreFunCampground.com

www.Canaan-Motel.com 24 www.KennebecValley.org

Just east of Skowhegan, the village of Canaan may be small but is central to much of the region’s recreational activities. Summer means swimming, boating and fishing. During the winter the Ice Fishing Derby is a tradition. Originally settled in 1770 as Wesserunsett, the town became known as Canaan in 1788 “because of the beauty of its scenery and the fertility of its soil.” Interestingly, the original deed for Canaan included nearby Skowhegan. For summer visitors, opportunities for lodging are bound only by your tastes. Take a room at a motel, rent a cabin, bring your RV or pitch a tent. Once you’re here take it easy. There’s lots to do, starting with resting. Then move on to relaxing. End the day with kicking back. OK, we’re kidding. But the point is, Canaan is a place for those looking to take a little time out. On the edge of town you’ll find Lake George Regional Park, a 320-acre park with extensive trails, playing fields and two beaches where visitors can swim, boat, canoe and play all day long.

Your Hosts: Gary and Liz French

Toll Free:1-877-529-8753 or Local: 207-474-3600 US Rt. 2, 205 Main St., Canaan, ME 04924

A friendly small-town atmosphere without the crowds.

RT 2 (18 Cabin Road), Canaan, ME. 04924

The Canaan Motel • Spacious rooms featuring TVs, phones, Wi-Fi, refrigerator and microwave • Pool and hot tub • Reasonable rates • Beaches, boating, hunting, ATV trails, and fishing nearby • Snowmobile trails to and from motel • Restaurant and groceries within walking distance • Outdoor barbecue grill and horseshoe pits

Canaan Area

If guided hunting is more your style, try pheasant hunting on a local preserve. ATV trails are located on the north side of town and connect to the town of Hartland, providing access to many other trails. Local snowmobile trails link to ITS (Interconnected Trail System) and provide an entry point to limitless destinations.

247 Main Street, Canaan Five other local shops for your convenience. Locally owned & operated by Colleen & Ed Bailey.

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. If you’re looking for a friendly small-town atmosphere without the crowds, then Canaan is the perfect place for you.

To learn more about the Canaan area, visit KennebecValley.org.

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CanaanSuperette Meats • Deli • Pizza • Sandwiches • Wine • Beer • Agency Liquor Store

Whether you’re shopping for everything on your grocery list or just need a few specialty items,

Canaan Superette has what you need! ROUTE 2, CANAAN, MAINE Mon – Sat: 5am – 9pm and Sun: 6am – 9pm Memorial Day thru Labor Day, Mon – Sat: Open until 10pm!

For specials and direction, call 207-474-5490

Skowhegan/Canaan

Hey, Kampers! Mention this ad for a

10% discount.

800-562-7571 or 207-474-2858 GPS Latitude: 44.769710269401 Longitude: -69.54370379447937

SmoreFunCampground.com

www.Canaan-Motel.com 24 www.KennebecValley.org

Your Hosts: Gary and Liz French

Toll Free:1-877-529-8753 or Local: 207-474-3600 US Rt. 2, 205 Main St., Canaan, ME 04924

A friendly small-town atmosphere without the crowds.

RT 2 (18 Cabin Road), Canaan, ME. 04924

Canaan Area

247 Main Street, Canaan Five other local shops for your convenience. Locally owned & operated by Colleen & Ed Bailey.

To learn more about the Canaan area, visit KennebecValley.org.

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mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Happy 200th Birthday

Bingham

The town of Bingham is preparing for its Bicentennial, which it will begin celebrating on July 21, 2012, and continuing through July 29. 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 who love the outdoors who choose to include 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 here, affectionately calling sections of this wonderful stretch of river Rainbow Alley. Bingham has a well-known and really fun swimming hole at Houston Brook Falls where Houston Brook empties into Wyman Lake on the Kennebec River. So grab your suit and jump into some 200-year-old fun.

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm The historic Bingham Free Meetinghouse was built in 1835 and added to the National Register in 1976.

To learn more about Bingham, visit KennebecValley.org.

BINGHAM m BICENTENNIAL

Come one! Come all! Join in our 1812–2012

200 th

BIRTHDAY

FULL WEEK of Fun & Festivities!

mm CELEBRATION mm S A T U R D A Y SAT. JULY 21 : Franco-American Festival ~ Children’s Parade with Decorated Bikes & Doll Carriages ~ Geo Cache Clinic & Scavenger Hunt SUN. JULY 22: 5K Road Race & Kids’ Day Events MON. JULY 23: Talent Show with Community Chorus TUE. JULY 24: Historic Ride about Town ~ Historic Fashion Show WED. JULY 25: Musket Shoot Competition ~ Play with Scenes of First Town Meeting THU. JULY 26: Video Clips of Historic Films: Logging in the ‘20s, Building Wyman Dam, Sesquicentennial Revisited, Town Field Day in 1930’s, Native American Speaker FRI. JULY 27: School Homecoming ~ Revolutionary War Encampment ~ Outdoor Music Concert SAT. JULY 28: Political Speakers ~ Parade ~ Fly Over ~ Fireman’s Muster ~ Time Capsule ~ Fireworks SUN. JULY 29: Ecumenical Service and Community Chorus ~ Jon Hall’s Centennial Band ~ Bicentennial River Float m m m m m

July 21st • thru SUNDAY • July 29th

See You There! mmFor

more info visitmm

BinghamMaine.org

The storied riverside towns along the Kennebec. Madison | Solon | Norridgewock | Moscow Madison, Summer Theatre and the 12-month tomato. Set on the western shore of Lake Wesserunsett is a true American gem. The Lakewood Theatre, established in 1867, is one of the country’s oldest and most famous summer theatres. Shows of all varieties run from Memorial Day through September. Every summer, the theatre welcomes patrons from around the world to enjoy these enduring performances. Make your plans to visit the official summer theatre of the state of Maine. Tomatoes are not always the first thing that comes to mind when people think of Maine, but in 2006, armed with the idea of making a great local tomato available all year round, the guys over at Backyard Farms got started on their plan. Now, with 42 acres under the protective cover of greenhouse overhead, local “Madison” tomatoes are available to New Englanders 12 months out of the year.

Solon, the Old Canada Road and the South Solon Meeting House Long the home of log drives, Solon is now a prime destination for those seeking a great place to fish, hunt, hike or paddle. More importantly, Solon is the point of origin for the Old Canada Road. This majestic 78-mile scenic byway 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 Meetinghouse, 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 in the 1950s by artists from the nearby Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture, the artwork inside this building features a painting technique called buon fresco, which has been taught at the Skowhegan School since its founding in the mid-1940s.

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 new 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 bound to become a new landmark for the town for the next 100 years. It is here that the Norridgewock Falls drop 90 feet over a mile, a geological feature which long attracted manufacturers to the area.

Moscow and the Wyman Dam The small residential town of Moscow is situated just north of Bingham and 24 miles from Skowhegan. The town’s outstanding feature is the Wyman Dam, which dams up the Kennebec River and forms Wyman Lake. Replacing a natural course of rapids 140 feet high, the construction of the dam was started in October 1928, and the first unit was operational on December 24, 1930. The nearly 3,000-feet-long dam provides 88 megawatts of hydroelectric power for the Kennebec Valley annually. Wyman Dam created an artificial lake 12 miles long and more than a mile wide, extending north almost to the village of Caratunk.

To learn more about the Riverside Towns along the Kennebec, visit KennebecValley.org. 26 www.KennebecValley.org

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mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Happy 200th Birthday

Bingham

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm The historic Bingham Free Meetinghouse was built in 1835 and added to the National Register in 1976.

To learn more about Bingham, visit KennebecValley.org.

BINGHAM m BICENTENNIAL

Come one! Come all! Join in our 1812–2012

200 th

BIRTHDAY

FULL WEEK of Fun & Festivities!

July 21st • thru SUNDAY • July 29th

See You There! mmFor

more info visitmm

BinghamMaine.org

To learn more about the Riverside Towns along the Kennebec, visit KennebecValley.org. 26 www.KennebecValley.org

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Map of the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys 28 www.KennebecValley.org

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Map of the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys 28 www.KennebecValley.org

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The Forks & Caratunk Hike to a waterfall. Ride the rapids. Land a big one. Spot a moose.

Jackman

Situated along the Old Canada Road, just before the U.S./Canadian border, Jackman has built a reputation as base camp for outdoor adventure of many kinds.

& Moose River

Adventure takes many styles these days, from hiking (or snowshoeing) to riding an ATV or snowmobile for a couple of hours or a full day. Hunting, fishing, boating and rafting trips are at the core of any visit to the Jackman area, and opportunities for adventure abound at every turn.

A sportman’s paradise.

As you head into Jackman, be sure to make a stop at the Attean View Rest Area, just south of town. It’s a great place to stop and stretch your legs, picnic and to take a peek at the finest view of Attean Lake and the network of ponds connected by the Moose River, with the western mountains as the backdrop. It’s an unforgettable prelude to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. Situated on the shores of Wood Pond, Jackman provides swift access to over 60 lakes, ponds and streams. But accessibililty is not always the goal; many of the more remote fishing camps date back to the late 1800s, each with a loyal fan base that return year after year.

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. The 12-mile Kennebec River trip begins on Indian Pond and roars through the spectacular 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.

Moxie Falls is one of Maine’s highest and most easily accessible waterfalls is only a couple miles up from The Forks and less than a mile on foot from the road on a well cared for path.

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 booked, often long in advance. 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. If you are coming all this way, plan on going to Moxie Falls, Maine’s most beautiful waterfall hands-down. Bring a towel, too, because there is a rockin’ swimming hole a hundred feet or so down from the main falls.

To learn more about The Forks, visit KennebecValley.org. 30 www.KennebecValley.org

Regardless of your sport, the folks in Jackman will greet you with a smile and some “local advice” about the area.

To learn more about the Jackman area, visit KennebecValley.org.

GRAY GHOST CAMPS

Rugged and remote doesn’t need to feel that way. Our riverside cabins put you in the heart of Maine adventure country.

161 Jackman Rd. Rockwood - 207-534-7362 - GrayGhostCamps.com Adventure Equipment Rentals – Maine Guide on premises

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Millions of gallons of water are churning beneath you. Down you go and then up again. You are hurled up over the brow of a massive white wall of water. Tension mounts as you slam back down. Screams of delight erupt from all your raft mates. This is an appropriate welcome to The Forks.

Come explore the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys Sign up for our email newsletter on our website at KennebecValley.org. Follow our intrepid Explorer on Facebook or Twitter. Or watch some of the fun on YouTube. See you on the trail [online].

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The Forks & Caratunk Hike to a waterfall. Ride the rapids. Land a big one. Spot a moose.

Jackman

Situated along the Old Canada Road, just before the U.S./Canadian border, Jackman has built a reputation as base camp for outdoor adventure of many kinds.

& Moose River

A sportman’s paradise.

Moxie Falls is one of Maine’s highest and most easily accessible waterfalls is only a couple miles up from The Forks and less than a mile on foot from the road on a well cared for path.

To learn more about The Forks, visit KennebecValley.org. 30 www.KennebecValley.org

Regardless of your sport, the folks in Jackman will greet you with a smile and some “local advice” about the area.

To learn more about the Jackman area, visit KennebecValley.org.

GRAY GHOST CAMPS

Rugged and remote doesn’t need to feel that way. Our riverside cabins put you in the heart of Maine adventure country.

161 Jackman Rd. Rockwood - 207-534-7362 - GrayGhostCamps.com Adventure Equipment Rentals – Maine Guide on premises

EXPLORE

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ROCKWOOD

on Moosehead Lake

Photo courtesy of The Briches Resort

Mt. Kineo has always had an almost magnetic appeal, drawing people through Rockwood and Greenville to its mystically high peak. Today, that draw continues to pull year-round visitors to the handsome little village of Rockwood-on-Moosehead.

32 www.KennebecValley.org

Whatever the force that calls to you — adventure, relaxation or escape from civilization — Rockwood-on-Moosehead has an answer. Once you arrive in Rockwood, you will notice that every knotty muscle loosens up with the first cast, the first paddle or the first dive. Rockwood-on-Moosehead is a pure Maine escape. Step onto the trail and explore. Head out for a day’s ride. Hunt for that perfect trophy image. Partake in all of these or maybe none of these. This is why Rockwood-on-Moosehead exists. While all the necessary conveniences are available to the modern traveler, accommodations run from the classic to the very rustic — we’ll let you decide what that means. Rest assured, your hosts will do all that they can to make your stay both comfortable and memorable.

To learn more about Rockwood, visit KennebecValley.org.

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ROCKWOOD

on Moosehead Lake

Photo courtesy of The Briches Resort

32 www.KennebecValley.org

To learn more about Rockwood, visit KennebecValley.org.

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Got fish? Boy, do we!

Rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, salmon and stripers — just to name a few.

The deep, cold ponds and lakes of Winthrop and Belgrade are bursting with bass. The beautiful and storied Kennebec beckons to the most talented fly anglers. Wesserunsett, Wyman and Moxie speak the tales of past adventures filled with pike, landlocked salmon and an untold number of the ones that got away. Brook and brown trout, togue, smallmouth and largemouth bass — all those who fish the Kennebec and Moose River Valley will be rewarded with the quest of a lifetime. Even those just out for a day of family fun will be amazed. Spring, summer, winter or fall, you can’t find any better fishing in Maine than in the waters of the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys. But remember, everyone must have a license to fish in Maine. So whether you hire a professional Maine fishing guide or go it on your own, are out for a day, or stay for a week at one of our traditional Maine sporting camps, look no further for that perfect fishing spot.

Take a hike! A woodland path. Riverside rail trails. In-town secret hiking places. The Kennebec and Moose River Valleys hold an untold wealth of places to walk, hike or trek. 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 the region offers. There are vast resources both on the ground and on the internet (trails.com and metrailfinder.com) that will point you in the right direction. All you need to do is ask. Here we offer 6 of our faves.

Burnt Jacket Mountain

Pleasant Pond Mountain

Kennebec River Rail Trail

Location: Jackman Length: 1.5 Miles Challenge: Moderate

Location: Caratunk Length: 1.2 Miles Challenge: Moderate

Location: Augusta Length: 6.5 Miles Challenge: Easy

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.

This steep and wide but short day hike makes for a great trip during the winter.

This is a great riverside walk from Augusta to Gardiner.

French’s Mountain

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

To learn more about fishing in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 34 www.KennebecValley.org

Location: Belgrade Lakes Area Length: 15 to 20 Minutes Challenge: Easy Enjoy several scenic lookouts along the way, plus great views of Long Pond, Great Pond and Belgrade Lakes village from the top.

Mt. Pisgah Location: Winthrop Length: 1 Mile Challenge: Easy This hike offers unmatched views, especially from the top of the tower.

To learn more about hiking trails in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. Like Us

Got fish? Boy, do we!

Rainbow trout, brook trout, brown trout, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, salmon and stripers — just to name a few.

Burnt Jacket Mountain

Pleasant Pond Mountain

Kennebec River Rail Trail

Location: Jackman Length: 1.5 Miles Challenge: Moderate

Location: Caratunk Length: 1.2 Miles Challenge: Moderate

Location: Augusta Length: 6.5 Miles Challenge: Easy

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.

This steep and wide but short day hike makes for a great trip during the winter.

This is a great riverside walk from Augusta to Gardiner.

French’s Mountain

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

To learn more about fishing in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 34 www.KennebecValley.org

Location: Belgrade Lakes Area Length: 15 to 20 Minutes Challenge: Easy Enjoy several scenic lookouts along the way, plus great views of Long Pond, Great Pond and Belgrade Lakes village from the top.

Mt. Pisgah Location: Winthrop Length: 1 Mile Challenge: Easy This hike offers unmatched views, especially from the top of the tower.

To learn more about hiking trails in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. Like Us

Woo-hoo!

In the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys 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 pulseelevating thrills of the Class IV rapids of the Kennebec, 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 a few times, but even novices can find an experience of a lifetime that suits them. Because both the Dead and the Kennebec Rivers come from controlled sources, each has scheduled, controlled water releases. Visit our website for the posted special release schedule, and start planning your rafting adventure today.

whitewater rafting is king!

Here’s just a bit of advice: Plan Ahead. There are many rafting companies in the area. Each is suited for different kinds of folks — from extreme adventure seekers to families out for a day of wet and wild fun. Big groups or small, we suggest you talk to a couple companies to find the one that suits you and make reservations before you show up. Be Prepared. You are going to get wet, so bring a change of clothes; towels and extra drinking water should always be available for you at the end of the trip. Be Respectful. Follow your guide’s rules at all times. Be safe and take care of Mother Nature. If you do all three of these, we guarantee that you will soon be planning for your next rafting adventure on our majestic waters.

To learn more about rafting in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 36 www.KennebecValley.org

Canoeing, kayaking and boating are just good for the soul.

Getting on the water is a way of life in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys. Imagine a day spent gliding across a pristine lake, exploring a meandering stream or paddling down a swiftly moving river. Taking in the scenic landscape from the water is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable parts of your vacation. Paddlers and boaters alike are attracted to our region for many reasons. From The Forks to Gardiner, our boat launches provide easy access to the waters of the Kennebec River. Many people come to paddle the famed Moose River Bow Trip. The Bow, as the locals call it, is a 2- to 5-day wilderness paddle that begins on Attean Lake, hooks to the Moose River and then back around to Attean Lake. From the top to the bottom of our region, the lakes and rivers are plentiful and diverse. 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, located 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 vacation. For maps and directions to boat launches throughout the region, visit maine.gov/doc/parks/programs/boating.

To learn more about paddling and boating in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. Like LikeUs Us

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Woo-hoo!

whitewater rafting is king!

To learn more about rafting in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 36 www.KennebecValley.org

Canoeing, kayaking and boating are just good for the soul.

To learn more about paddling and boating in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. Like LikeUs Us

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REGISTERED

Maine Guides Did you know? Maine’s first licensed guide was a she. Everybody has heard of Annie Oakley. What about Cornilia Thurza Crosby? Cornilia, or “Fly Rod” as she was affectionately known, had the honor of receiving the first Maine guiding license in 1897. She was also Maine’s first public relations genius, arranging an elaborate hunting display at the first Annual Sportsmen’s Show in New York’s Madison Square Garden starring herself, rifle in hand, wearing a daring knee-length doeskin skirt. She was a sensation.

When you explore the woods and waters of the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys in the company of a Registered Maine Guide, you can be assured of a first-class outdoor 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.

…is a time honored tradition in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys. There’s a reason that famous sportsmen like Teddy Roosevelt, Ted Williams and Ted Nugent have taken advantage of the traditional relaxing hospitality and hunting experience that Maine has to offer. Come and experience the time-honored tradition for yourself.

Photo by Ken Lamb

Today, there are more than 4,000 licensed guides in Maine, most operating as small independent businesses that offer visitors a highly personal and customized experience. They’ll take you to special places you wouldn’t have found otherwise, offer equipment, advice and instruction; then they step aside and let you enjoy the action.

Maine Experience Guide Service

• Fully guided fishing, hunting and sightseeing adventures • Half-day, full-day and group rates • Custom tour packages available Master Maine Guide and U.S. Coast Guard Captain

(207)215-3828 MaineExperienceGuideService.com 38 www.KennebecValley.org

Photo courtesy of Silverton Sporting Ranch

Make your next fishing trip the most unforgettable ever.

Those who prefer to hunt avian species will find untold opportunities here for world-class duck hunting on our lakes and pheasant hunting in the tall grasses throughout the region. Due to the successful efforts of our state to restore the wild turkey, we are now seeing a new breed of hunter come into our region. The ongoing efforts to build and keep our stocks of game high have certainly paid off for hunters with season after season of successes. But what would the hunt be without a great place to hang your hat at the end of the day? Our location and the wide assortment of accommodations, camps and resorts make our region the ideal destination for those traveling to get the big one. The hospitality given by these resort and camp owners is considered second to none to the many sportsmen who return year after year. With warm soft beds, blazing fires, great home-cooked meals and some of the best guides anywhere, what more could a sportsman want? Whether you seek upland birds, Maine black bear, deer, the wily coyote or Maine’s popular big game target, the moose, the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys are ready and waiting for your party.

Before you hunt: If you are going to hunt in Maine, we encourage you to do your research and get the correct credentials for what you plan to hunt. Anyone hunting in Maine must possess the proper license; there are many different types for the hunting of different species. So plan ahead for what you’re going to do, where you’re going to stay and what you’re going to hunt. Please visit Maine.gov/ifw/ to purchase your license before you arrive. We also encourage anyone new to the sport of hunting to consider using a Registered Maine Guide.

To learn more about hunting in the region, visit KennebecValley.org.

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REGISTERED

Photo by Ken Lamb

Maine Experience Guide Service

• Fully guided fishing, hunting and sightseeing adventures • Half-day, full-day and group rates • Custom tour packages available Master Maine Guide and U.S. Coast Guard Captain

(207)215-3828 MaineExperienceGuideService.com 38 www.KennebecValley.org

Photo courtesy of Silverton Sporting Ranch

Make your next fishing trip the most unforgettable ever.

To learn more about hunting in the region, visit KennebecValley.org.

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Ride the finest Snowmobile & ATV Trails in Maine. 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 across snow-laden fields on a snowmobile. Our region offers hundreds of miles of well-maintained backcountry riding trails for all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for a short relaxing ride, a day of mountain trail exploration or perhaps a longer overnight excursion, snowmobiling and ATVing are a classic Maine experience you don’t want to miss.

A winter’s day spent zooming across the snowy landscape of the Upper Kennebec Valley Travelers have been coming to the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys area for years for world-class snowmobile riding. Throughout the region, resorts and camps offer trail riding right outside 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. Wind through snowy environs of fragrant spruce and balsam forests, along frozen streams and rivers.

40 www.KennebecValley.org

Traverse wide-open fields and vast expanses of frozen lakes and ponds. This is a frozen heaven-on-earth. Up toward the Canadian border, you’ll discover snowmobilefriendly towns that you’ve never even heard about. Numerous outfitters, camps and resorts will provide you with complete rentals should you need them, from helmets and sleds to parts and fuel. But plan ahead and make reservations. Those seeking excitement can take part in the action with the numerous competitive events throughout the area. This year saw the premier Lake Parlin 100 on the last weekend of January hosted by Lake Parlin Lodge. You can take advantage of guided sled tours, 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 zig-zagging through the woods and fields of the Upper Kennebec Valley In the warmer weather, those with a hunger for the trail can still find adventure in the Kennebec Valley. Sitting astride an ATV has so much to offer: exhilaration, endless vistas and raucous fun.

Three great rides in the Kennebec Valley Region:

The best part about touring on an ATV is that the farther you get from civilization, the better things get. 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. A piece of advice: If you decide to spend some time traversing the Maine woods, we encourage you to remember that much of the land you are traveling on is owned not by the state but by private landowners who have agreed to allow recreational use of their property. Treat it as if it were your own. Making an ATV adventure part of your vacation is not hard to do. Local chambers of commerce and snowmobile clubs can hook you up with outfitters who can make the whole thing happen. Or visit KennebecValley.org for resources. So when you arrive, all you’ll need to do is hit the gas and have a blast.

Information regarding trail riding is sponsored by the Maine Department of Conservation. FMI, visit www.maine.gov/doc/.

1. Pittston Farm Trail Location: Jackman Beginning at the trailhead in Jackman, this scenic 60-mile day tour 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 trail covers about 60 miles total, 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.

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40 www.KennebecValley.org

Three great rides in the Kennebec Valley Region:

Information regarding trail riding is sponsored by the Maine Department of Conservation. FMI, visit www.maine.gov/doc/.

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Let it snow! Enjoy more winter fun in the Kennebec Valley.

Fun for kids of all ages. You’ve sung the campfire songs. You’ve played UNO® a hundred 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 and won’t break the bank.

Here are three family-friendly ideas: DEW Animal Kingdom, about half an hour northwest of Augusta, is in a world all its own. It’s not a zoo — just forget that word. It’s more of a sanctuary, filled with some of the most beautiful, exotic and well-loved animals you’d have never thought were in Maine and some you never even thought existed. DEW is absolutely worth the trip if anyone in your family loves exotic animals. Be sure you make time to see Mufassa the lion and Makeena the Bengal tiger.

Jackman, Maine, goes to the dogs The Northeast Championship Dogsled Races have been held every March, in Jackman, for the past 10 years. Dog teams from all over the U.S. come to Jackman to participate, pulling everything from traditional wooden sleds to titanium sleds to skiers — a sport known as skijoring. This is a great family event for both racers and spectators. So bundle up, grab a thermos of hot cocoa and get ready for an action-packed day of racing, canine-style .

The L.C. Bates Natural History Museum at the Good Will-Hinckley School in Hinckley is a treasure trove of early-20th-century natural history that really expands the minds of children of all ages. Each summer the museum runs a series of Saturday programs featuring family and children’s history and natural history workshops and hikes. Summer art exhibits are also held in the museum. The Children’s Discovery Museum in Augusta is a very special place that creates an interactive community in which hands-on learning is provided through play. And play they do. Be ready to let them exhaust themselves for at least an hour or more on all the cool but uncomplicated play centers, from running a diner or bank to enjoying the touch tank and the construction site. Fun. Fun. Fun!

Many who come to the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys are not up for the high-speed rush that comes with a ride across a snowy field on a snowmobile. Luckily, in the winter there is so much more fun to be had throughout this winter wonderland. Going fishing? Maine ice fishing is one of our most popular outdoor winter pastimes. For just a couple of bucks, you can get in on the action. If getting a license is not something you wish to do, there are a number of free fishing days in the region that allow you to make the most of the season. If you are here for more than a couple of days and you really want to get in on the action, get a license! For some people, the best thing about ice fishing is being able to spend time out on the ice with some old friends and then thawing out fireside later on. Cross-country skiing: Our region is heavily crisscrossed with trails for hiking, biking and ATVs, then when the snow flies they become ideal for cross-country skiing. Here you will find a few gems, including the Birches Nordic Trail, which takes skiers over the ice on Moosehead Lake to Mt. Kineo. What about taking a walk? Snowshoeing has gained in popularity over the past several years, becoming an alternative to other winter sports. Plus, snowshoes are affordable and easy to use. Once you hit your stride, you may just forget you are walking atop that “deeply drifted snow.” Reach back into your childhood with a friendly snowball fight. Build a snow fort. Take a ride down a hill on a sled or toboggan, or plan for a beautiful sleigh ride with a horse or two out front. The Kennebec and Moose River Valleys are one of the most beautiful and romantic regions of Maine during winter. Come experience it for yourself.

To learn more about winter activities in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 42 www.KennebecValley.org

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Let it snow! Enjoy more winter fun in the Kennebec Valley.

To learn more about winter activities in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 42 www.KennebecValley.org

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What makes the sweet taste of real Maine Maple Syrup so very, very good? 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 folks 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 and Moose River Valleys, this is the busiest time of the year. We encourage you to go out and learn how this wonderful stuff is made; from tree to bucket to evaporator, there is a whole lot more to it than just that. And every sugarmaker has stories and tales to tell that make their shacks the best ever.

Farmers’ Markets 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.

Throw off the winter doldrums on the last Sunday in March — officially Maine Maple Sunday — and go out and learn all about that yummy stuff you pour on your waffles.

The list below shows you’d be hard-pressed to miss a farmers’ market in all our cities and towns. Each has its own flair and appeal. All offer the finest and the freshest from hardworking farmers throughout the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys.

Fun Fact: Somerset County is the number one producer of maple syrup in the

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 hatched tomorrow’s omelette.

United States, as counties go, with over 1.2 million taps (and growing) each season.

SOMERSET COUNTY

S UG AR M A KERS ASSOCIATION

Maine Maple Product, Inc.

Award-Winningest!

Augusta Farmers’ Market

East Vassalboro Farmers’ Market

Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market

Whitten Rd., Augusta Mid-May to Mid-Oct., Wed. & Sat., 10–1 207-549-5112

Vassalboro Grange, 357 Main St., East Vassalboro, May to Oct., Fri., 3–5 207-923-3397

Appleton St. & Maine St., Waterville May to Mid-Nov., Thurs., 2–6 207-680-2055

Gardiner Summer Farmers’ Market

Town of Wayne Farmers’ Market

Johnson Hall, 280 Water St., Gardiner May to Oct., Wed., 2–6 207-512-8022

Village Center, Main St., Wayne, June to Halloween, Sat., 9–Noon 207-685-4657

Gardiner Winter Farmers’ Market

Winthrop Farmers’ Market

Christ Church, 2 Dresden Ave., Gardiner Nov. to April, Wed., 2– \6 207-512-8022

Main St., Winthrop May to Oct., Tues. & Sat., 9–1 207-446-2899

Belgrade Mid-May to Mid-Oct., Thurs., 2–6 & Sun., 8–1 207-626-2305

Pittsfield Farmers’ Market

Canaan Farmers’ Market

Skowhegan Farmers’ Market

Thanks to the Get Real Get Maine website for the content in this listing. We encourage you to explore the details for this on your own, and to call for dates and times.

Farmers’ Market at Mill Park 1 Water St., Augusta Mid-May to Mid-Nov., Tues., 2–6 207-626-2305

Viles Arboretum Farmers’ Market

Taste More Than 100 Years of Tradition. Real Somerset County Maine Maple Syrup! Buy, use or take some home today.

153 Hospital St., Augusta May to Nov., Fri., 2–6 207-626-7989

Belgrade Lakes Farmers’ Market

Our maple syrup has been selected the BEST for quality, purity and taste by the Maine Dept. of Agriculture 10 of the last 12 years. Judge for yourself. Visit our shop and take home a real taste of Maine.

MaineMaple.com

Visit MaineMapleProducers.com. 44 www.KennebecValley.org

449 Lakewood Rd. (Route 201) - Madison, ME

Canaan Grange, Rte. 2, Canaan, May to Oct. Mon., 3–6 207-431-2860

Pittsfield, May to Halloween, Mon. & Thurs., 2–6

Court St. & High St., Skowhegan, Mid-May to Halloween, Wed., 3–6 & Sat., 9–1 207-474-6864

There is only one other gathering like the Kneading Conference — held annually in Skowhegan — in the U.S. and that is held in what is arguably the West Coast food capital, San Francisco. With exclusive company like that, there must be something really special going on. This tasty conference, driven by the locavore movement (eating locally produced and grown foods) brings together some of the worlds’ most talented professional and novice bakers, farmers and millers. They participate in a collection of lectures and demonstrations centered on the art of (and new ideas) surrounding making and baking bread in wood-fired ovens. They even bring in the guys who design and make the ovens. July 26–28 Skowhegan Fairgrounds

For more info, visit KennebecValley.org

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Throw off the winter doldrums on the last Sunday in March — officially Maine Maple Sunday — and go out and learn all about that yummy stuff you pour on your waffles.

Fun 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.

SOMERSET COUNTY

S UG AR M A KERS ASSOCIATION

Maine Maple Product, Inc.

Award-Winningest!

Augusta Farmers’ Market

East Vassalboro Farmers’ Market

Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market

Whitten Rd., Augusta Mid-May to Mid-Oct., Wed. & Sat., 10–1 207-549-5112

Vassalboro Grange, 357 Main St., East Vassalboro, May to Oct., Fri., 3–5 207-923-3397

Appleton St. & Maine St., Waterville May to Mid-Nov., Thurs., 2–6 207-680-2055

Gardiner Summer Farmers’ Market

Town of Wayne Farmers’ Market

Johnson Hall, 280 Water St., Gardiner May to Oct., Wed., 2–6 207-512-8022

Village Center, Main St., Wayne, June to Halloween, Sat., 9–Noon 207-685-4657

Gardiner Winter Farmers’ Market

Winthrop Farmers’ Market

Christ Church, 2 Dresden Ave., Gardiner Nov. to April, Wed., 2– \6 207-512-8022

Main St., Winthrop May to Oct., Tues. & Sat., 9–1 207-446-2899

Belgrade Mid-May to Mid-Oct., Thurs., 2–6 & Sun., 8–1 207-626-2305

Pittsfield Farmers’ Market

Canaan Farmers’ Market

Skowhegan Farmers’ Market

Thanks to the Get Real Get Maine website for the content in this listing. We encourage you to explore the details for this on your own, and to call for dates and times.

Farmers’ Market at Mill Park 1 Water St., Augusta Mid-May to Mid-Nov., Tues., 2–6 207-626-2305

Viles Arboretum Farmers’ Market

Taste More Than 100 Years of Tradition. Real Somerset County Maine Maple Syrup! Buy, use or take some home today.

153 Hospital St., Augusta May to Nov., Fri., 2–6 207-626-7989

Belgrade Lakes Farmers’ Market

MaineMaple.com

Visit MaineMapleProducers.com. 44 www.KennebecValley.org

449 Lakewood Rd. (Route 201) - Madison, ME

Canaan Grange, Rte. 2, Canaan, May to Oct. Mon., 3–6 207-431-2860

Pittsfield, May to Halloween, Mon. & Thurs., 2–6

Court St. & High St., Skowhegan, Mid-May to Halloween, Wed., 3–6 & Sat., 9–1 207-474-6864

For more info, visit KennebecValley.org

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Eat, drink and be merry. When you’re hungry, you eat, but then there are times when you wish to dine. There is a difference isn’t there? Luckily the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys are more than just a hot dog and burger destination. Let us suggest a few of the best diners in the state (some are true originals), a couple of surprising dining experiences and Maine’s own original ice cream.

Ice cream is good — no, it’s great. Most especially, when your

Diner culture. Mainers love their breakfast, and the hard-working folks in the Kennebec Valley have been eating the most important meal of the day in style for a while now. Some great diners include the Purple Cow and the Flatlanda, both in Fairfield. Dave’s Diner is a chrome-plated classic in Gardiner. In China (Maine that is) there’s The China Dine-ah, offering reliably yummy takes on traditional diner fare.

The folks that started it all again in 1996, are Oak Pond Brewing Company. They brought the first brewery back to Maine after 115 years. OPB has stuck with the classics, brewing numerous tasty ales such as their Nut Brown Ale with its complex and heart-warming eight malt blend, an Oktoberfest lager and some seasonal brews we’re sure you’ll love.

A nice surprise. Our first entry here could have fallen into the diner list, but as the Food Network shared with us, they are something more than just a diner. The A1 Diner in Gardiner mixes traditional diner food with cuisine. Grab a booth and take a gastronomic journey. Up the road in Augusta, the Cloud 9 at the Senator Inn recently introduced an authentic pizza oven to its list of offerings that includes a superb Sunday brunch and what some say is the best happy hour in town. Heading up to Belgrade, we recommend dining at the Village Inn; call ahead for a table, and try the duck. Our final surprise comes in the form of a young chef at Lake Parlin Lodge. In 2011, Ryan Campbell showed the folks on the coast how Maine lobster is done when you take it to the mountains. His food and the comfortable setting make the trip up north absolutely worthwhile.

hometown ice cream turns in prizewinning showings year after year. So stop in for a scoop of Gifford’s in Waterville or Skowhegan; the vanilla and chocolate are repeat prizewinners, and dozens of other custom flavors, like Moose Tracks®, are great too.

From pilsner to the darkest stout, we’ve got beer here.

America has a love affair with beer right now. From talented guys running start-up breweries in their garages and basements to full-on brew-pubs popping up in quaint riverside villages, beer is everywhere. So look around when you get here and try out a couple of these along the way: Kennebec River Pub & Brewery — located at Northern Outdoors Adventure Resort in The Forks — offers great seasonal brews and some of the finest IPA in the region (maybe the state). The Liberal Cup Public House and Brewery, located in Hallowell, offers twenty-plus beers throughout the year. The team here loves to serve the full complement of modern beers. Stop in anytime and you’ll be delighted by the tantalizing selection of brews, plus a wide selection of wine and liquor and a respectable menu as well.

Cheers.

Film. Theatre. Music. Art. Sculpture. From bottom to top, our region is filled with wondrous beauty and the awe-inspiring force of nature. The beauty continues into the night as we entertain you with theatrical and musical performances and elate the senses with art and sculpture. So let the campfires dance, crackle and burn. Tonight you’re in the front row. At the center of all the fun in Gardiner is Johnson Hall, playing host to performances of all kinds in this wonderfully entrancing and beautifully restored theatre. Up the road, the Gaslight Theater calls Hallowell home. This active and long-lived community theatre is a local favorite and worth checking out. Founded in 1937 as the Augusta Players, Gaslight Theater is the oldest continuously operating community theatre in Maine. The capital city of Augusta offers up its own share in the cultural and performing arts, from big-name performances at the Civic Center and the exhibits at the Maine State Museum to the Augusta Symphony — a talented group of musicians who travel throughout the region, making regular stops at Cumston Hall, their beautiful and stately home which is also home to the Theater at Monmouth. Waterville is an epicenter of cultural excitement in the region, from the reopening of the Waterville Opera House this spring to the Maine International Film Festival each summer. This year’s expansion of the Colby Museum of Art will make it the largest collection in Maine. On the beautiful shores of Lake Wesserunsett, farther up the Kennebec River in Madison, is the longtime home of Lakewood Theatre, open every summer since 1901. Actors who have performed at Lakewood include John Travolta, Carol Channing, and Phyllis Diller.

Great Art on the Horizon Partially closed for the construction of a new addition and renovations to existing museum spaces, the Colby Museum is slated to fully open in the summer of 2013. The new wing will consist of an additional 10,000 square feet of exhibition galleries, new art studios for photography and foundations classes, additional classroom space and an expanded lobby and sculpture terrace. Designed by Los Angeles architects Frederick Fisher and Partners, the addition will accommodate the extraordinary Lunder Collection, promised to the college by Peter H. Lunder ’56, D.F.A., ’98 and Paula Crane Lunder, D.F.A., ’98 in 2007.

To learn more about the arts in the region, visit KennebecValley.org.

To learn more about dining in the region, visit KennebecValley.org.

46 www.KennebecValley.org

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47 47

Ice cream is good — no, it’s great. Most especially, when your

From pilsner to the darkest stout, we’ve got beer here.

Cheers.

To learn more about the arts in the region, visit KennebecValley.org.

To learn more about dining in the region, visit KennebecValley.org.

46 www.KennebecValley.org

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47 47

Come celebrate with us. Most every sizable city and town in the Kennebec and Moose River Valleys will play host to the annual Memorial Day, Labor Day and Independence 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.

FEBRUARY Winter Carnival and Ice Fishing Derby Lake George Regional Park Canaan

MARCH Northeast Championships Dogsled Races First Weekend Jackman

The longest-running fair in the United States. Organized in late 1818, the first of what was to be an unbroken succession of 188 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, ever to have assembled in Somerset County. The Skowhegan State Fair occurs 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 if you happen to be anywhere near Skowhegan while the state fair is going on, you should make the effort to spend some time at the fair. You will enjoy it, and you’ll be able to participate in the longestrunning 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, and if you happen to have kids in town, this is a great place to take them.

To learn more about fairs and festivals throughout the region, visit KennebecValley.org.

Fairs, FESTIVALS and Events

Annual Maple Festival March 15th–24th Skowhegan Maine Maple Sunday Four th Sunday Annually Various Locations

JUNE Maine Fiber Frolic June 2–3 Windsor Fairgrounds

Maine International Film Festival July 13–22 Water ville Central Maine Egg Festival July 17–21 Pittsfield AQUAFEST July 21 Belgrade Lakes Bingham Bicentennial Celebration & Upper Kennebec River Valley Festival July 21–29 Bingham The Kneading Conference & Maine Artisan Bread Fair July 26-28 Skowhegan Fairgrounds Pittston Fair July 26-29 Pittston

Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival June 14–17 Litchfield

Skowhegan RiverFest July 27–August 5 Skowhegan

Whatever Family Festival June 20–July 4 Augusta, Hallowell, Gardiner

42nd Annual Waterville Intown Arts Fest July 28 Water ville

Gardiner Arts & Crafts Festival June 23 Gardiner

JULY NEMC Pops Concert July 7 Messalonskee Performing Ar ts Center Oakland

AUGUST Taste of Greater Waterville August 1 Water ville Monmouth Fair August 1–4 Monmouth Athens Wesserunsett Valley Fair August 3–5 Athens

Country Fest August 3–5 Litchfield

Common Ground Fair September 21–23 Unity

Skowhegan State Fair August 9–18 Skowhegan Fairgrounds

Monmouth Apple Festival September 24 Monmouth

Maine Farm Days August 22–23 Misty Meadows Farm, Clinton

6th Annual Hill ’n the Ville Music Festival Date TBD* Water ville

Anson-Madison Days August 23–26 Anson-Madison

OCTOBER

Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival August 23–26 Litchfield Windsor Fair August 26–September 3 Windsor

Octoberfest Columbus Day Weekend Belgrade Lakes Moose River Valley Enduro 500 Auto Race Date TBD* Jackman

NOVEMBER

Harmony Free Fair August 31 - September 3 Harmony

Waterville Parade of Lights November 23 Downtown Water ville

Winslow Blueberry Festival Date TBD* Winslow

Kringleville November 23–December 22 Water ville

Readfield Heritage Days Date TBD* Readfield Fairgrounds

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER 2012 Holiday Stroll! December 1, 2 & 3 Skowhegan Christmas in Old Hallowell December 9 Hallowell

Clinton Lions Fair September 6–9 Clinton Litchfield Fair September 7–9 Litchfield New Portland Lions’ Fair September 14–16 New Por tland

*Exact dates not determined by time of publication. Please visit the website for more information as it becomes available.

To learn more about fairs, festivals and events in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 48 www.KennebecValley.org

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FEBRUARY Winter Carnival and Ice Fishing Derby Lake George Regional Park Canaan

MARCH Northeast Championships Dogsled Races First Weekend Jackman

To learn more about fairs and festivals throughout the region, visit KennebecValley.org.

Fairs, FESTIVALS and Events

Annual Maple Festival March 15th–24th Skowhegan Maine Maple Sunday Four th Sunday Annually Various Locations

JUNE Maine Fiber Frolic June 2–3 Windsor Fairgrounds

Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival June 14–17 Litchfield

Skowhegan RiverFest July 27–August 5 Skowhegan

Whatever Family Festival June 20–July 4 Augusta, Hallowell, Gardiner

42nd Annual Waterville Intown Arts Fest July 28 Water ville

Gardiner Arts & Crafts Festival June 23 Gardiner

JULY NEMC Pops Concert July 7 Messalonskee Performing Ar ts Center Oakland

AUGUST Taste of Greater Waterville August 1 Water ville Monmouth Fair August 1–4 Monmouth Athens Wesserunsett Valley Fair August 3–5 Athens

Country Fest August 3–5 Litchfield

Common Ground Fair September 21–23 Unity

Skowhegan State Fair August 9–18 Skowhegan Fairgrounds

Monmouth Apple Festival September 24 Monmouth

Maine Farm Days August 22–23 Misty Meadows Farm, Clinton

6th Annual Hill ’n the Ville Music Festival Date TBD* Water ville

Anson-Madison Days August 23–26 Anson-Madison

OCTOBER

Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival August 23–26 Litchfield Windsor Fair August 26–September 3 Windsor

Octoberfest Columbus Day Weekend Belgrade Lakes Moose River Valley Enduro 500 Auto Race Date TBD* Jackman

NOVEMBER

Harmony Free Fair August 31 - September 3 Harmony

Waterville Parade of Lights November 23 Downtown Water ville

Winslow Blueberry Festival Date TBD* Winslow

Kringleville November 23–December 22 Water ville

Readfield Heritage Days Date TBD* Readfield Fairgrounds

SEPTEMBER

DECEMBER 2012 Holiday Stroll! December 1, 2 & 3 Skowhegan Christmas in Old Hallowell December 9 Hallowell

Clinton Lions Fair September 6–9 Clinton Litchfield Fair September 7–9 Litchfield New Portland Lions’ Fair September 14–16 New Por tland

*Exact dates not determined by time of publication. Please visit the website for more information as it becomes available.

To learn more about fairs, festivals and events in the region, visit KennebecValley.org. 48 www.KennebecValley.org

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explorer’s resource guide OUTDOOR FUN

explorer’s resource guide PLACES TO STAY — Kennebec County Bear Spring Camps

Plum Creek Timber

Theater at Monmouth

101 Things To Do in Maine

207-453-2527 • PlumCreek.com

MaineThingsToDo.com

At Plum Creek, we understand that hunting, fishing and other forms of outdoor recreation are favorite American pursuits, and we consider the recreational value of our timberlands in our land management decisions.

796 Main St., Monmouth ME 04259 (207) 933-9999 • TheateratMonmouth.org

This online guide is a compilation of the best to do in Maine. You’ll find 101 places and activities that make Maine a great vacation destination. If its worth doing in Maine, you’ll find it here.

Central Maine Guide Services Horseback Rd., Anson ME 04911 207-696-4603 • CentralMaineGuide.sharepoint.com Specializing in half- and full-day guided fishing trips on the waters of the greater Central Maine area.

in the heart of the Belgrade Lakes Region

Bear Spring Camps 60 Jamaica Point Rd., Oakland ME 04963 207-397-2341 • BearSpringCamps.com

The Theater at Monmouth has strong community partnerships, education programs and humanities initiatives and provides exceptional educational, scholarly and artistic experiences.

American plan lake-front cottages on the shore of Great Pond, offering fishing, swimming, tennis and sand beach. May to October.

Three Rivers Rafting

Waterville Opera House

2265 US Route 201, The Forks ME 04985 800-786-6878 • ThreeRiversWhitewater.com

1 Common St., Waterville ME 04901fishing ~ swimming ~ tennis ~ sand beach 207-873-7000 • OperaHouse.org

The home of serious fun! We have everything you need for a great Maine whitewater rafting trip, vacation, weekend getaway or day trip.

The Waterville Opera House has been central Maine’s cultural and performance center since 1902, nurturing the spirit and imagination, strengthening our community and stimulating our economy.

FUN THINGS TO DO

American plan lake front cottages on the shore of Great Pond.

PLACES TO STAY — Skowhegan Area

www.bearspringcamps.com 60 Jamaica Point Rd. Rome, ME 04963 May to October 207.397.2341

Belgrade Lakes 4 Season Cottages 9 Bass Ln., Belgrade ME 04918 207-495-9217 • BelgradeCottages.com Come hear the wild call of the loons. Enjoy Maine’s top summer destination in our traditional cottages on Maine’s Great Pond.

Maine Experience Guide Service

Bingham Bicentennial

Belmont Motel

P.O. Box 652, Bingham ME 04920 207-672-5519 • BinghamMaine.org

Maple Hill Farm B&B Inn

PO Box 824, Gardiner ME 04345 207-215-3828 • maineexperienceguideservice.com

273 Madison Ave., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-8315 • BelmontMotel.com

11 Inn Rd., Hallowell ME 04347 1-800-622-2708 • MapleBB.com

Come join us for an unforgettable time either fishing on Maine’s pristine rivers and lakes or hunting Maine’s whitetail and red stag deer.

Come celebrate our Bicentennial this summer during our weeklong celebration, from July 21 to July 28. We’ll see you there!

We are ideally suited as your home away from home in any season of the year; we offer all the comforts and conveniences you need for a pleasant visit. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms.

Countryside B&B with double whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, sauna, solar and wind systems. Maine’s first “Environmental Leader” green lodging & “Best Green B&B” (Yankee Magazine, 2011)

Maine Dept. of Conservation

Cayford Orchards

Canaan Motel

99 Hilton Hill Rd., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-5200 • CayfordOrchards.com

Senator Inn & Spa

ATV Coordinator: 207-287-4958 Snowmobile Safety Office: 207-287-5220

205 Main St., Canaan ME 04924 207-474-3600 • Canaan-Motel.com

284 Western Ave., Augusta ME 04330 207-622-8800 • SenatorInn.com

Thousands of miles of maintained ATV and snowmobile trails throughout Maine are available to followers of these exciting and popular sports. Ride safe and tread lightly.

Visitors are always welcome to explore the farm, pick their own apples, have a picnic and take a hayride around the orchard.

Personal attention, warm welcomes and comfortable rooms are what make a stay with us special. Let us take care of you while you enjoy all that Maine has to offer.

Voted Augusta’s best lodging for 16 years running. World-class dining at Cloud 9. Spa offers old-world relaxation with all modern conveniences

Moosehead Sled Rental

DEW Animal Kingdom

Silverton Sporting Ranch

Route 6/15, Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-2261 • MooseheadSled.com

918 Pond Rd., Mount Vernon, ME 04352 207-293-2837 • DEWAnimalKingdom.com

187 Main St., Canaan ME 04924 207-399-3647 • SilvertonSportingRanch.com

Your snowmobile adventure begins here! At Moosehead Sled we rent quality snowmobiles at competitive prices, all within a few feet of Moosehead Lake.

DEW Animal Kingdom strives to provide fun, interactive and educational tours of an active working farm designed to nurture and protect Domestic, Exotic and Wild animals.

Offering rental cabins, family vacation packages, upland hunting, guided nature tours, sporting clays and much more. Central Maine has plenty of opportunities for your Maine adventure.

Mt. Kineo Golf Course

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center

Skowhegan/Canaan KOA

280 Water St., Gardiner ME 04345 207-582-7144 • JohnsonHall.org

18 Cavin Rd., Canaan ME 04924 207-474-2858 • SmoreFunCampground.com

Built in the 1880s, the nine-hole Mt. Kineo Golf Course sits on beautiful Moosehead Lake and is believed to be the second oldest course in New England.

Built in 1864, Johnson Hall provides a beautiful venue for live entertainment, performing arts and more.

Come stay with us for some genuine family fun. Our KOA combines location, facilities and recreation to offer an ideal family vacation setting.

Northern Outdoors

Kneading Conference

1771 Route 201, The Forks ME 04985 207-491-4318 • NorthernOutdoors.com

Skowhegan State Fairgrounds, July 26–27 Artisan Bread Fair, July 28 KneadingConference.com

Towne Motel

Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-9012 • MooseheadLakeGolf.com

Maine’s premier adventure resort. Founded in 1976, Northern Outdoors is in the center of inland Maine’s wilderness playground. World-class outdoor adventure.

50 www.KennebecValley.org

A 2 day intensive educational experience about bread baking, grain growing, wood-fired oven construction and use, and milling.

PLACES TO STAY - Northern Somerset County

The Birches Resort 281 Birches Rd., Rockwood ME 04478 800-825-9453 • Birches.com Families have been vacationing at The Birches Resort for generations on the shores of Moosehead Lake in what is the last great remaining wilderness in New England.

Cozy Moose Lakeside Cabins 451 Moosehead Lake Rd., Greenville, ME 04441 207-695-0242 • mooseheadcabins.com Our Maine cabins and cottages are a unique Moosehead Lake vacation rental property that offers you easy walk-in access to Moosehead Lake just steps away.

172 Madison Ave., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-5151 • TowneMotel.com A short walk from the Skowhegan Fairgrounds, downtown shops and many restaurants like the Heritage House. Minutes from the Lakewood Restaurant and Summer Theatre.

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explorer’s resource guide OUTDOOR FUN

explorer’s resource guide PLACES TO STAY — Kennebec County Bear Spring Camps

Plum Creek Timber

Theater at Monmouth

101 Things To Do in Maine

207-453-2527 • PlumCreek.com

MaineThingsToDo.com

796 Main St., Monmouth ME 04259 (207) 933-9999 • TheateratMonmouth.org

in the heart of the Belgrade Lakes Region

Bear Spring Camps 60 Jamaica Point Rd., Oakland ME 04963 207-397-2341 • BearSpringCamps.com

The Theater at Monmouth has strong community partnerships, education programs and humanities initiatives and provides exceptional educational, scholarly and artistic experiences.

American plan lake-front cottages on the shore of Great Pond, offering fishing, swimming, tennis and sand beach. May to October.

Three Rivers Rafting

Waterville Opera House

2265 US Route 201, The Forks ME 04985 800-786-6878 • ThreeRiversWhitewater.com

1 Common St., Waterville ME 04901fishing ~ swimming ~ tennis ~ sand beach 207-873-7000 • OperaHouse.org

The home of serious fun! We have everything you need for a great Maine whitewater rafting trip, vacation, weekend getaway or day trip.

The Waterville Opera House has been central Maine’s cultural and performance center since 1902, nurturing the spirit and imagination, strengthening our community and stimulating our economy.

FUN THINGS TO DO

American plan lake front cottages on the shore of Great Pond.

PLACES TO STAY — Skowhegan Area

www.bearspringcamps.com 60 Jamaica Point Rd. Rome, ME 04963 May to October 207.397.2341

Maine Experience Guide Service

Bingham Bicentennial

Belmont Motel

P.O. Box 652, Bingham ME 04920 207-672-5519 • BinghamMaine.org

Maple Hill Farm B&B Inn

PO Box 824, Gardiner ME 04345 207-215-3828 • maineexperienceguideservice.com

273 Madison Ave., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-8315 • BelmontMotel.com

11 Inn Rd., Hallowell ME 04347 1-800-622-2708 • MapleBB.com

Come join us for an unforgettable time either fishing on Maine’s pristine rivers and lakes or hunting Maine’s whitetail and red stag deer.

Come celebrate our Bicentennial this summer during our weeklong celebration, from July 21 to July 28. We’ll see you there!

We are ideally suited as your home away from home in any season of the year; we offer all the comforts and conveniences you need for a pleasant visit. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms.

Countryside B&B with double whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, sauna, solar and wind systems. Maine’s first “Environmental Leader” green lodging & “Best Green B&B” (Yankee Magazine, 2011)

Maine Dept. of Conservation

Cayford Orchards

Canaan Motel

99 Hilton Hill Rd., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-5200 • CayfordOrchards.com

Senator Inn & Spa

ATV Coordinator: 207-287-4958 Snowmobile Safety Office: 207-287-5220

205 Main St., Canaan ME 04924 207-474-3600 • Canaan-Motel.com

284 Western Ave., Augusta ME 04330 207-622-8800 • SenatorInn.com

Thousands of miles of maintained ATV and snowmobile trails throughout Maine are available to followers of these exciting and popular sports. Ride safe and tread lightly.

Visitors are always welcome to explore the farm, pick their own apples, have a picnic and take a hayride around the orchard.

Personal attention, warm welcomes and comfortable rooms are what make a stay with us special. Let us take care of you while you enjoy all that Maine has to offer.

Voted Augusta’s best lodging for 16 years running. World-class dining at Cloud 9. Spa offers old-world relaxation with all modern conveniences

Moosehead Sled Rental

DEW Animal Kingdom

Silverton Sporting Ranch

Route 6/15, Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-2261 • MooseheadSled.com

918 Pond Rd., Mount Vernon, ME 04352 207-293-2837 • DEWAnimalKingdom.com

187 Main St., Canaan ME 04924 207-399-3647 • SilvertonSportingRanch.com

Your snowmobile adventure begins here! At Moosehead Sled we rent quality snowmobiles at competitive prices, all within a few feet of Moosehead Lake.

DEW Animal Kingdom strives to provide fun, interactive and educational tours of an active working farm designed to nurture and protect Domestic, Exotic and Wild animals.

Offering rental cabins, family vacation packages, upland hunting, guided nature tours, sporting clays and much more. Central Maine has plenty of opportunities for your Maine adventure.

Mt. Kineo Golf Course

Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center

Skowhegan/Canaan KOA

280 Water St., Gardiner ME 04345 207-582-7144 • JohnsonHall.org

18 Cavin Rd., Canaan ME 04924 207-474-2858 • SmoreFunCampground.com

Built in the 1880s, the nine-hole Mt. Kineo Golf Course sits on beautiful Moosehead Lake and is believed to be the second oldest course in New England.

Built in 1864, Johnson Hall provides a beautiful venue for live entertainment, performing arts and more.

Come stay with us for some genuine family fun. Our KOA combines location, facilities and recreation to offer an ideal family vacation setting.

Northern Outdoors

Kneading Conference

1771 Route 201, The Forks ME 04985 207-491-4318 • NorthernOutdoors.com

Skowhegan State Fairgrounds, July 26–27 Artisan Bread Fair, July 28 KneadingConference.com

Towne Motel

Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-9012 • MooseheadLakeGolf.com

Maine’s premier adventure resort. Founded in 1976, Northern Outdoors is in the center of inland Maine’s wilderness playground. World-class outdoor adventure.

50 www.KennebecValley.org

A 2 day intensive educational experience about bread baking, grain growing, wood-fired oven construction and use, and milling.

PLACES TO STAY - Northern Somerset County

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explorer’s resource guide PLACES TO STAY — Northern Somerset County

Driftwood Cabins Tomhegan Cove, Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7376 • DriftwoodCabins.com Among the very best summer vacation spots, we’re located on a quiet shore of remote Tomhegan Cove. Enjoy Maine’s Moosehead Lake at its secluded and relaxing best!

Gray Ghost Camps 161 Jackman Rd., Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7362 • GrayGhostCamps.com We offer a village of 12 comfortable and inviting waterfront cabins directly on the shore of Moose River, with beautiful views of the water or the mountains.

Historic Pittston Farm 53 Pittston Farm Rd, Pittston Academy ME 04478 207-280-0000 • PittstonFarm.com A 2011 Best of New England award recipient from Yankee Magazine. Come enjoy all that Maine has to offer. Relax. Recreate. Four seasons of adventure outside your door.

Hoyt’s Landing Cabins Rockwood ME 04478 207-933-4246 Welcome to Hoyt’s Landing Cabins. Scenic views in a Maine woods setting. A great place to get away from it all. Come enjoy hunting, fishing, boating, swimming — you name it.

Lake Parlin Lodge 6003 U.S. Rte. 201, Parlin Pond Twp ME 04945 207-358-2577 • LakeParlinLodge.com In summer or winter, we offer direct access to Mother Nature and all her glory. Unique. Beautiful. Unforgettable. A modern classic escape for sportsmen of all kinds.

explorer’s resource guide McIver’s Lakeshore Cottages Rockwood ME 04478 207-695-3519 • McIversLakeShoreCottages.com Nestled among the birch, fir and spruce trees, McIver’s Lakeshore Cottages is a summer playground in the big Maine woods. Enjoy views of Mt. Kineo from a private dock.

Rockwood Cottages Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7725 • MooseheadLakeLodging.com Welcome to our village of housekeeping cottages nestled on the shore of Moosehead Lake set in the heart of a complete four-season outdoorsman’s paradise.

Tomhegan Wilderness Cabins Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7712 • Tomhegan.com For over 100 years we have been offering private, well-equipped cabins and lodges on the shores of Moosehead Lake. Your comfort is our number one priority.

Rockwood ME 04478 207-695-2549 • WilsonsOnMooseheadLake.com Come and enjoy the panoramic views of Moosehead Lake. For those who love the outdoors we have something for your entire family. Four seasons of enjoyment.

75 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 04976 207-858-5303 • RiverRoadsGallery.com

The Marketplace at Augusta offers an ideal blend of the nation’s top retailers, entertainment and restaurants. Your source for dining shopping and entertainment.

Cooperative gallery of local Maine Artists and Artisans featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings, fabric art and more.

SHOPPING & SERVICES – Skowhegan Area

Canaan Superette Main St., Canaan ME 04924 207-474-5490 Stop in and grab a snack, a sandwich or just a cold drink. Pizza and beer or the necessities you need to stock up for vacation. If you need it, we’ve likely got it.

The Children’s Cottage 61 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 04976 207-660-5495 Packed with new and like-new, name-brand children’s clothing, toys, baby gear, and furnishings.

Skowhegan Farmers’ Market Court St. & High St., Skowhegan ME 04976 SkowheganFarmersMarket.com Locally produced organic and natural vegetables, meats, milk, cheeses, eggs, herbs, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, fruit, cider, coffee and more.

Whittemore’s Real Estate 108 Water St., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-3303 • WhittemoresRealEstate.com Whittemore’s Real Estate has been in business since 1969 selling land, residential and commercial properties.

SHOPPING & SERVICES – Rockwood Area

Country Crow Primitives

Century 21 Moose Country Realtors

29 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-8504 PictureTrail.com/MECountryCrowPrimitives

166 Moosehead Lake Rd., Greenville ME 04478 207-695-3731 • C21MooseCountry.com

Offering a wide variety of primitive home décor from new reproductions to farmhouse antiques.

Visit our website to search available listings for this beautiful region of Maine on Moosehead Lake. We are here to serve you.

Maine Maple Products

Moosehead Bait & Tackle

449 Lakewood Rd., Madison ME 04950 207-474-3887 • MaineMapleProductsInc.com

Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-2261

Selected the BEST maple syrup for quality, purity and taste by the Maine Dept. of Agriculture 10 of the last 12 years. Visit our shop and take home a real taste of Maine.

Be prepared, for the best fishing of your life. Stop by and stock up before you head out onto the beautiful waters of Moosehead Lake.

New Balance Factory Store

Moose River Country Store

12 Walnut St., Skowhegan ME 04976 1-877-623-7867 • NBFactoryStores.com

13 Store St., Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7352

Athletic footwear and apparel for the entire family at factory store pricing every day.

We’ve got nearly everything you need and more. Food and gas on the go, sandwiches and snacks and souvenirs of your trip to Rockwood.

North Avenue Emporium

Spalding, Mellon & Munster

213 North Ave., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-399-3980

4109 Rockwood Rd., Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7200 • LizMunster.com

Featuring a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, books and used items from a growing number of dealers. Visit our new book room!

If you’re looking for the ideal place to stay — or live — in the Moosehead Lake region, look no further; Rockwood Maine Real Estate can help you realize that dream.

Worrall’s Camp Rockwood ME 04478 856-429-1637 • WorrallsCamp.com Guests love our awesome view of the majestic Mt. Kineo, plus we’re secluded enough for tranquility yet still able to offer all the comforts and necessities.

SHOPPING & SERVICES – Augusta Area

Angimarie Photography

Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7709 • LawrencesCabins.com

207-588-0123 • angimarie.com Providing beautiful wedding and portrait photography all over Maine and New England.

Maynard’s in Maine

Kennebec River Artisans

Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7703 • MaynardsInMaine.com

130 Water St., Hallowell ME 04347 207-623-2345 • KennebecRiverArtisans.com

Vacation rendezvous in the Great North Woods, celebrating Over 90 years in business! Now open to guests year-round. On-site guide service available.

In the heart of Hallowell you’ll find a lovely store brimming with beautiful handcrafted goods. Stop for a moment and you’ll find a treasure you can’t leave without.

52 www.KennebecValley.org

River Roads Artisans Gallery

197 Civic Center Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 AugustaMarketplace.com

Wilson’s on Moosehead Lake

Lawrence’s Lakeside Cabins Quiet, modern cabins with 10-mile views of Moosehead Lake. Come stay in the heart of Maine’s beautiful four-season outdoorsman’s paradise. On-site guide available.

Marketplace at Augusta

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explorer’s resource guide PLACES TO STAY — Northern Somerset County

75 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 04976 207-858-5303 • RiverRoadsGallery.com

The Marketplace at Augusta offers an ideal blend of the nation’s top retailers, entertainment and restaurants. Your source for dining shopping and entertainment.

Cooperative gallery of local Maine Artists and Artisans featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings, fabric art and more.

SHOPPING & SERVICES – Skowhegan Area

The Children’s Cottage 61 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 04976 207-660-5495 Packed with new and like-new, name-brand children’s clothing, toys, baby gear, and furnishings.

SHOPPING & SERVICES – Rockwood Area

Country Crow Primitives

Century 21 Moose Country Realtors

29 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-8504 PictureTrail.com/MECountryCrowPrimitives

166 Moosehead Lake Rd., Greenville ME 04478 207-695-3731 • C21MooseCountry.com

Offering a wide variety of primitive home décor from new reproductions to farmhouse antiques.

Visit our website to search available listings for this beautiful region of Maine on Moosehead Lake. We are here to serve you.

Maine Maple Products

Moosehead Bait & Tackle

449 Lakewood Rd., Madison ME 04950 207-474-3887 • MaineMapleProductsInc.com

Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-2261

Selected the BEST maple syrup for quality, purity and taste by the Maine Dept. of Agriculture 10 of the last 12 years. Visit our shop and take home a real taste of Maine.

Be prepared, for the best fishing of your life. Stop by and stock up before you head out onto the beautiful waters of Moosehead Lake.

New Balance Factory Store

Moose River Country Store

12 Walnut St., Skowhegan ME 04976 1-877-623-7867 • NBFactoryStores.com

13 Store St., Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7352

Athletic footwear and apparel for the entire family at factory store pricing every day.

We’ve got nearly everything you need and more. Food and gas on the go, sandwiches and snacks and souvenirs of your trip to Rockwood.

North Avenue Emporium

Spalding, Mellon & Munster

213 North Ave., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-399-3980

4109 Rockwood Rd., Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7200 • LizMunster.com

Featuring a wide variety of antiques, collectibles, books and used items from a growing number of dealers. Visit our new book room!

If you’re looking for the ideal place to stay — or live — in the Moosehead Lake region, look no further; Rockwood Maine Real Estate can help you realize that dream.

SHOPPING & SERVICES – Augusta Area

Angimarie Photography

Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7709 • LawrencesCabins.com

207-588-0123 • angimarie.com Providing beautiful wedding and portrait photography all over Maine and New England.

Maynard’s in Maine

Kennebec River Artisans

Rockwood ME 04478 207-534-7703 • MaynardsInMaine.com

130 Water St., Hallowell ME 04347 207-623-2345 • KennebecRiverArtisans.com

Vacation rendezvous in the Great North Woods, celebrating Over 90 years in business! Now open to guests year-round. On-site guide service available.

In the heart of Hallowell you’ll find a lovely store brimming with beautiful handcrafted goods. Stop for a moment and you’ll find a treasure you can’t leave without.

52 www.KennebecValley.org

River Roads Artisans Gallery

197 Civic Center Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 AugustaMarketplace.com

Wilson’s on Moosehead Lake

Lawrence’s Lakeside Cabins Quiet, modern cabins with 10-mile views of Moosehead Lake. Come stay in the heart of Maine’s beautiful four-season outdoorsman’s paradise. On-site guide available.

Marketplace at Augusta

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explorer’s resource guide FOOD & DRINK — Gardiner, Hallowell, China

explorer’s resource guide FOOD & DRINK — Skowhegan, Canaan

A1 Diner

The Bankery

3 Bridge St, Gardiner ME 04347 207-582-5586 • A1Diner.com

87 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 207-474-2253 • SkowheganFleuriste.com

As seen on the Food Network, serving the best in roadside diner fare and some new twists you didn’t expect. Classic eats, classic diner.

Located in the old 1864 bank building is a traditional, from-scratch bakery specializing in fine baked goods including breads, pies, and pastries.

Dave’s Diner

Dunkin’ Donuts®

390 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner ME 04345 207-588-0022

Main St., Canaan ME 04924 207-474-8333

A real gem if you are looking for a real, authentic and rare remodeled ’65 Valentine diner. The food is great, too.

Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods.

The Depot

Heritage House

14 Maine Ave., Gardiner ME 04345 207-588-0081 • Facebook.com/TheDepotSportsPub

260 Madison Ave., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-5100 • TowneMotel.com/TheHeritageHouse

The Depot Sports Pub is a long-established favorite eatery and watering hole located in the historic downtown area of Gardiner, Maine.

An unforgettable dining experience that is a favorite among visitors and locals alike.

Old Mill Pub

103 Water St., Hallowell ME 04347 207-621-4114 • hattieschowderhouse.com

39 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-6627 • www.OldMillPub.net

Offering fine dining 7 days a week in a relaxed atmosphere, serving lunch & dinner. Our chowders & lobster stew are available for shipment. Visit our website or call for orders.

Enjoy casual riverside dining along the Kennebec River in a historic building with great character and charm.

223 Water St., Hallowell ME 04347 207-430-2801 • RefreshmentsMaine.com Enjoy Rock City Coffee, Gifford’s Ice Cream, Italian sodas, deli & breakfast sandwiches, salads, soups, desserts and more. Tues–Fri 8 to 6 and Sat 10 to 10

MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES

Belgrade Lakes Maine Belgrade ME 04918 207-495-9217 • BelgradeLakesMaine.com So much to do! No matter what you like, Belgrade Lakes offers something for all ages and all seasons.

The China Dine-ah 281 Lakeview Dr., South China ME 04358 207-622-9503 • chinadine-ah.com High-quality home-cooked meals served by qualified friendly staff in a warm and inviting setting! A stone’s throw away from Route 202.

Gardiner Economic Development 6 Church St., Gardiner ME 04345 207-582-6888 • LibbyHillBusinessPark.com We offer a variety of resources and technical assistance for businesses looking to relocate, expand and then remain in the City.

Gardiner Main Street

177 Water St., Gardiner ME 04345 GardinerMainStreet.org Step back in time and visit Gardiner – an authentic community where a charming and historic downtown meets a vibrant, eclectic entrepreneurial business culture.

54 www.KennebecValley.org

21 University Dr., Augusta ME 04330 207-623-4559 • AugustaMaine.com Welcome to Maine’s capital region, heart of the Kennebec River Valley — the beautiful and bustling greater Augusta area.

Emergency Services Emergency: Call 911 Maine State Police Emergency Augusta: 207-624-7076 or 1-800-452-4664 Kennebec County Sheriff, Randall A. Liberty: 207-623-3614 Somerset County Sheriff, Barry Delong: 207-474-9591 Maine Inland Fish & Wildlife: 207-287-8000 • MEFishWildlife.com

Maine Somerset County Sugarmakers Association

Maine Inland Fish & Wildlife Warden Service Center (Southwestern Division): 207-547-5300 Maine Department of Conservation (Land Use): 207-287-2211

207-265-2600 • MaineMapleProducers.com

Forest Fire Control: 207-287-2275

We are here to promote the maple producers of Somerset County and the Maine maple syrup they produce.

Maine Forest Service: 207-287-2791

MainStreet Skowhegan

Hospitals

Poison Control Emergency: 1-800-222-1222 • TTY/TDD 1-800-442-6305

93B Water St., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-612-2571 • MainStreetSkowhegan.org

MaineGeneral Medical Center (Augusta): 207-626-1000 • TTY/TDD 207-626-1005

Helping Skowhegan’s town center be a place of community pride, economic diversity and thoughtful, sustainable design.

Maine General Medical Center (Waterville): 207-872-1000 Redington-Fairview General Hospital (Skowhegan): 207-474-5121

Local Area Chamber of Commerce Information

Hattie’s Chowderhouse

Refreshments

Kennebec Valley Chamber

community resource guide

Mid-Maine Chamber

Belgrade Business Group: BelgradeLakesMaine.com

50 Elm St., Waterville ME 04901 207-873-3315 • MidMaineChamber.com

Forks Area Chamber of Commerce: 207-663-2121 • ForksArea.com

We are centrally located, so recreational and scenic opportunities in mid-Maine abound no matter which direction you head. No matter why you are here, you’ve picked the right spot!

Jackman-Moose River Chamber of Commerce: 207-668-4171 • JackmanMaine.org

Moosehead Lake Fisheries Coalition Rockwood ME 04478 207-695-3519 • MooseheadLakeCoalition.org It is the mission of the Moosehead Lake Fisheries Coalition to restore, improve and enhance the sport fisheries in Moosehead Lake and the Moosehead Lake region

Rockwood-on-Moosehead Lake Rockwood ME 04478 RockwoodOnMoosehead.org Whether you are looking for solitude among lofty pines or the jab of thrilling adventures, Rockwood promises to supply the memories of a lifetime.

Waterville Main Street 177 Main St., Waterville ME 04901 207-680-2055 • WatervilleMainStreet.org Waterville Main Street will advance efforts to develop the downtown area into a thriving, energetic commercial, social, cultural and entertainment destination.

Hallowell Board of Trade: 207-620-7477 • Hallowell.org

Kennebec Valley Chamber: 207-623-4559 • AugustaMaine.com Kennebec Valley Tourism Council: KennebecValley.org Maine Office of Tourism: VisitMaine.com Maine Tourism Association: 207-623-0363 • MaineTourism.com Maine State Chamber of Commerce: 207-623-4568 • MaineChamber.org Mid-Maine Chamber: 207-873-3315 • MidMaineChamber.com Norridgewock Area Chamber of Commerce: 207-431-5188 • NorridgewockAreaChamber.com Skowhegan Area Chamber of Commerce: 207-474-3621 • SkowheganChamber.com Upper Kennebec Valley Chamber: 207-672-4100 • UpperKennebecValleyChamber.com Winthrop Area Chamber of Commerce: 207-377-8020 • WinthropChamber.org

Digital Signals Both Verizon and U.S. Cellular customers receive good service throughout the region, but AT&T is not as well covered. That said, once you get above Skowhegan, you are travelling to a somewhat remote part of Maine, so plan ahead, put the phone down and enjoy the view.

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explorer’s resource guide FOOD & DRINK — Gardiner, Hallowell, China

explorer’s resource guide FOOD & DRINK — Skowhegan, Canaan

A1 Diner

The Bankery

3 Bridge St, Gardiner ME 04347 207-582-5586 • A1Diner.com

87 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 207-474-2253 • SkowheganFleuriste.com

As seen on the Food Network, serving the best in roadside diner fare and some new twists you didn’t expect. Classic eats, classic diner.

Located in the old 1864 bank building is a traditional, from-scratch bakery specializing in fine baked goods including breads, pies, and pastries.

Dave’s Diner

Dunkin’ Donuts®

390 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner ME 04345 207-588-0022

Main St., Canaan ME 04924 207-474-8333

A real gem if you are looking for a real, authentic and rare remodeled ’65 Valentine diner. The food is great, too.

Dunkin’ Donuts is America’s favorite, all-day stop for coffee and baked goods.

The Depot

Heritage House

14 Maine Ave., Gardiner ME 04345 207-588-0081 • Facebook.com/TheDepotSportsPub

260 Madison Ave., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-5100 • TowneMotel.com/TheHeritageHouse

The Depot Sports Pub is a long-established favorite eatery and watering hole located in the historic downtown area of Gardiner, Maine.

An unforgettable dining experience that is a favorite among visitors and locals alike.

Old Mill Pub

103 Water St., Hallowell ME 04347 207-621-4114 • hattieschowderhouse.com

39 Water St., Downtown Skowhegan ME 04976 207-474-6627 • www.OldMillPub.net

Offering fine dining 7 days a week in a relaxed atmosphere, serving lunch & dinner. Our chowders & lobster stew are available for shipment. Visit our website or call for orders.

Enjoy casual riverside dining along the Kennebec River in a historic building with great character and charm.

MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES

Belgrade Lakes Maine Belgrade ME 04918 207-495-9217 • BelgradeLakesMaine.com So much to do! No matter what you like, Belgrade Lakes offers something for all ages and all seasons.

Gardiner Main Street

54 www.KennebecValley.org

21 University Dr., Augusta ME 04330 207-623-4559 • AugustaMaine.com Welcome to Maine’s capital region, heart of the Kennebec River Valley — the beautiful and bustling greater Augusta area.

Maine Somerset County Sugarmakers Association

Maine Inland Fish & Wildlife Warden Service Center (Southwestern Division): 207-547-5300 Maine Department of Conservation (Land Use): 207-287-2211

207-265-2600 • MaineMapleProducers.com

Forest Fire Control: 207-287-2275

We are here to promote the maple producers of Somerset County and the Maine maple syrup they produce.

Maine Forest Service: 207-287-2791

MainStreet Skowhegan

Hospitals

Poison Control Emergency: 1-800-222-1222 • TTY/TDD 1-800-442-6305

93B Water St., Skowhegan ME 04976 207-612-2571 • MainStreetSkowhegan.org

MaineGeneral Medical Center (Augusta): 207-626-1000 • TTY/TDD 207-626-1005

Helping Skowhegan’s town center be a place of community pride, economic diversity and thoughtful, sustainable design.

Maine General Medical Center (Waterville): 207-872-1000 Redington-Fairview General Hospital (Skowhegan): 207-474-5121

Local Area Chamber of Commerce Information

Hattie’s Chowderhouse

Refreshments

Kennebec Valley Chamber

community resource guide

Mid-Maine Chamber

Belgrade Business Group: BelgradeLakesMaine.com

50 Elm St., Waterville ME 04901 207-873-3315 • MidMaineChamber.com

Forks Area Chamber of Commerce: 207-663-2121 • ForksArea.com

We are centrally located, so recreational and scenic opportunities in mid-Maine abound no matter which direction you head. No matter why you are here, you’ve picked the right spot!

Jackman-Moose River Chamber of Commerce: 207-668-4171 • JackmanMaine.org

Hallowell Board of Trade: 207-620-7477 • Hallowell.org

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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 the journey. The Kennebec and Moose River Valleys offer plenty of retail, big and small. We encourage visitors to buy local if they can as it is all part of the true Maine experience.

National Chains & Outlets 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. No need to deal with the crowds that some of Maine’s better-known shopping locations attract. From Target and Walmart to ULTA and Eddie Bauer, we’ve got it. Whether it is shopping for something you need and forgot or maybe you just want to treat yourself while on vacation, you’ll find it here.

Great Stuff, Old & New Gardiner, Hallowell 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 region’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 out-of-the-way shops.

Groceries From Gardiner up to Waterville, there are numerous options for groceries near by. But Skowhegan is home to the last big grocery, a Hannaford, as you head north on Route 201; 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, Jim’s Market in Bingham, Berry’s in The Forks area, and Bishop’s in Jackman.

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.

About KVTC (Kennebec Valley Tourism Council) For information about advertising in the 2013 travel planner or membership in KVTC, please contact Executive Director Tanya Bentley at 207-430-8820. Copy and Design: Thalo Blue Design, www.thaloblue.com Planning: BrandME, www.brandme.net Printing: Creative Imaging Group ©2012 Kennebec Valley Tourism Council

56 56 www.KennebecValley.org www.kennebecvalley.org

The Explorer Guide publication, the website KennebecValley.org and blog KennebecValley.me are created under the guidance and supervision of the KVTC. For regional businesses seeking more detailed information on the KVTC, how they work, what they do and how to join, please visit KennebecValley.org/about_kvtc.

56 56 www.KennebecValley.org www.kennebecvalley.org