Vibrant Riverside Cities

Discover authentic, historic, must-visit destinations that grew up along the Kennebec River.

Destinations | Vibrant Riverside Cities

Augusta: Maine’s capital city

One of Maine’s under-explored cities, Augusta’s downtown area is set along a historic stretch of Water Street. Visitors will find places to eat and drink, like Oak Table & Bar, State Lunch, and the top-rated Cushnoc Brewing Company. Shoppers will be delighted with all the options, from local shops to big box.

Take in the state Capitol building’s copper dome from Capitol Park, located directly across from the complex and home to the Maine Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The nearby Blaine House has been the home of Maine’s Governors and their families since 1919. Free guided tours can be scheduled in advance.

Old Fort Western stands on the river’s eastern bank, offering living history exhibits and reenactments. The fort is known as the final departure point of Benedict Arnold’s expedition to Quebec. A short drive downriver, Viles Arboretum offers walking trails on 225 acres with outdoor sculptures scattered throughout.

Waterville

Waterville is a top Maine destination for arts and culture. Visitors will find shopping, a downtown humming with events, dining, and nightlife. Plus, the city’s proximity to outdoor recreational areas and its wide variety of lodging make it an ideal place to stay.

Each summer, the Maine International Film Festival brings the best of American independent and international cinema to the area. Sculpture and murals adorn the city’s open spaces, creating a feast for the eyes alongside galleries filled with avant-garde showings.

Waterville does a top-notch job at keeping visitors’ bellies full, and thirsts quenched with dozens of restaurants offering classic flavors to trendy cuisine, all sure to delight.

Skowhegan

In Skowhegan, there is always a cool local event worth checking out. In March, Maine Maple Weekend heralds the end of winter at the area’s many sugar houses. July brings the Kneading Conference and Artisan Bread Fair. In early August, the Skowhegan State Fair will open its gates. Later, raise your glass at the Skowhegan Craft Brew Fest. Even in February, fun beckons all at Somerset SnowFest, featuring the unique sport of skijoring.

The state’s best whitewater rafting is up the road a piece, and excellent trout fishing lurks just below the Skowhegan Gorge. Hiking, trail running, biking, ATV riding, and snowmobiling are found in any direction.

Part of Maine’s original foodie scene, Skowhegan is now home to a local farm-to-table movement in part due to the success of Maine Grains and the Skowhegan Farmers’ Market. Recognized for a very walkable downtown, Water Street is home to small cafés, shops, and businesses housed in historic buildings.

Request a Visitor Guide

Download the Explorer App

Sign Up for emails

Follow & Share

Gardiner

With a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment, a visit to Gardiner can easily be turned into a full day. Charming shopfronts and well-rated restaurants flank both sides of Water Street.

Johnson Hall now boasts year-round performances following the complete restoration of the magnificent theater housed within. During the summer, Johnson Hall holds the weekly Waterfront Concert Series.

Family-friendly and fantastic events grace downtown. Visitors are welcome to linger at the town’s amazing waterfront park. Stroll past its many picturesque homes and the beautiful library, or take the self-guided walking tour in the footsteps of poet E.A. Robinson.

Hallowell

Hallowell rests on a slow-moving stretch of the Kennebec River. But the town rarely rests, day or night. A key center of art and culture for the area, Hallowell should top your list of places to visit in Maine’s Kennebec Valley.

The eclectic variety of restaurants and shops fill Maine’s tiniest city — a National Historic District to boot. Because of this, visitors feel simultaneously quaint and urbane with an abundance of Federalist and Victorian structures.

Shop along Water Street. Take your pick from a collection of antique and vintage shops where you can certainly find something you “have to have.” Discover a selection of boutiques, book shops, and gift stores. Plus, there are all the locally owned places you’d expect to find in a busy community.