explore more
With the help of suggested intineraries and inspiration for how to spend your time in Maine’s Kennebec Valley.
trip ideas
This summer, CapShore Photography spent numerous days traveling around Maine’s Kennebec Valley, from Gardiner, at the southern end of the region, to Solon, just above Skowhegan, the gateway to the northern section of the region. Out of that adventure came our premiere itinerary— Flavors & Rhythms: A Culinary & Cultural Adventure in the Kennebec Valley.
Flavors & Rhythms: A Culinary & Cultural Adventure. Part IV & V
Content created by CapShore Photography — August 2024
Shopping
A cozy yarn shop in downtown Skowhegan offers a wide variety of high-quality yarns and supplies. With friendly and knowledgeable staff, Happy Knits is a haven for knitters and crocheters of all levels.
Insider Tip: The shop holds monthly groups and is home to Maine’s Summer Knitting Cruise. Learn about fun projects you can do and shops you can visit around the state.
This beloved floral shop in a historic Waterville bank also has a second location in Belgrade Village. Renowned for its exquisite arrangements and personalized service, this local business offers a variety of floral designs for all occasions, from birthdays and anniversaries to weddings and funerals. Its focus is on fresh, regional, and high-quality flowers and gifts.
Insider Tip: The Robin’s Nest offers floral design classes with The Mid Maine Regional Adult Education and private classes on or off-site. Customers in the Kennebec Valley love the Robin’s Nest. They state: “Incredible arrangements according to whatever budget you give. Customer service is the highest quality. I keep going, again and again!
Located in the heart of downtown Gardiner, the shop is a premier destination for fly fishing enthusiasts. With a knowledgeable staff and a wide selection of gear, Selene’s offers everything needed for a successful day on the water in the Kennebec Valley.
Insider Tip: Owner Selene is also an accomplished watercolorist, and you can see (and purchase) her wildlife-inspired artwork in the shop.
Revitalization
The Johnson Hall Opera House began in 1864. Over the centuries and countless performances later, the newly renovated space features two theaters—a 400-seat grand theater called the Reehl Stage and a 120-seat Black Box theater called the Logan Stage. Both spaces feature refreshment areas and full ADA access. The names honor former owners and performers who were instrumental in putting the Opera House on the map.
In 2018, the renovation of the Johnson Hall Opera House began by focusing on the artist and guest experience. Its goals were twofold: “We wanted to be the “best-sounding room in Maine. We invested heavily in the sound system and sunk the audio booth at seat level so that any equipment would not disrupt the audience members’ line of sight,” states Executive Director Michael Miclon. “And we wanted to bring back community theater and live music to Central Maine. We want both kids and their families to experience all aspects of creativity- from playwriting to performance.”
The Black Box Theater is the perfect home for creative play and exploration and acts as a springboard for smaller, local acts to get their start.
More prominent acts are also attracted to the Opera House. Grammy Award-winning artist Lyle Lovett remarked, “How beautiful the sound is at Johnson Hall Opera House. It is like you are right there, filled with the music.” Find out more about shows & programs online.
Flavors & Rhythms: A Culinary & Cultural Adventure. Part II & III
Content created by CapShore Photography — August 2024
Arts & Culture
Instrumental in revitalizing the city’s downtown area, Waterville Creates is a nonprofit organization that is committed to enriching the city’s cultural landscape.
Through a collaborative effort of local arts organizations, they offer diverse programs, including theater productions, live music concerts, dance performances, film screenings, and visual arts exhibitions.
The Paul J. Schupf Art Center hosts events year-round is connected to the Waterville Opera House, home to the Maine International Film Festival.
Downtown Waterville
Explore Waterville’s outdoor public art scene featuring numerous murals that add color and character to the city. These murals depict various themes, from local history to contemporary art, and can be found throughout the downtown area.
Tip: Check out the Light Sentinels by Skunk Control on the green. These outdoor sculptures open and close during the day and illuminate at night.
A vibrant community arts space it serves as a studio, gallery, and resource for artists and the public. The collaborative offers printmaking workshops, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Insider Scoop: Co-founder and Artist Elizabeth Jabar curates works from printmakers around the country and can often be found working in the shop.
Located in the heart of Waterville, the studio offers a variety of classes, workshops, and exhibitions. This creative space provides opportunities for seasoned and aspiring artists of all ages and skill levels to explore their passions and connect with the local community.
Insider Scoop: Attend the First Friday Events for free live music, including New Orleans Jazz bands.
This unassuming Gothic Revival building has become an intriguing artistic touchpoint, tucked away in the tranquil countryside just north of Skowhegan.
Its interior walls and ceiling are adorned with frescoes painted by artists from the renowned Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture during the mid-20th century. Colorful depictions of biblical and secular themes create a captivating, unexpected, and mysterious atmosphere within the historic space.
Tip: The meeting house is always open and accessible to the public. Seasonal talks are held on site by local art professors. Donations are welcome.
Festivals & Events
This monthly event that brings together the community to celebrate the city’s vibrant arts scene. Held on the first Friday of each month, this event features art galleries, live music, food trucks, and other activities and is an excellent opportunity to explore Waterville’s unique culture and support local businesses.
This popular, multi-week, free music festival is held each summer. It showcases a diverse lineup of local and national bands, attracting music lovers from all over the region. With a focus on community and celebration, this family-friendly event is at Head of Falls along the Kennebec River. It features a beer garden and a food truck park.
The beloved annual community event features live music, a parade, an outdoor film festival, food vendors, craft fairs, and boat races. Riverfest is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Kennebec River and experience the region’s reinvigorated and rich history.
Fun Tip: Register your boat for the Glowstick Paddle or try your hand paddling an Inflatable Kayak through the Skowhegan Gorge during the weekend’s events.
MOFF is an annual event showcasing the Maine outdoors’s beauty and adventure through film. The festival features a variety of films, including documentaries, short films, and feature-length films, that explore topics such as hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking, and more.
Insider Tip: Skowhegan is just one of MOFF’s screening locations. Check the website for a schedule.
Flavors & Rhythms: A Culinary & Cultural Adventure. Part I
Content created by CapShore Photography — August 2024
Food & Drink
Top: Meridians, Fairfield, bottom: Silverton BBQ Bar, Canaan, images ©CapShore Photography
waterville
Front + Main stands out with its exceptional wine list, unique bar program, and delicious comfort food.
Holy Cannoli is an Italian bakery and deli renowned for its delicious cannoli made with a crispy shell and a creamy ricotta filling.
Incense and Peppermints is a nostalgic candy shop in that is a haven for those with a sweet tooth with an array of chocolate bars, jelly beans, and old-fashioned penny candy.
Main Street Provisions is a family-owned grocery store offering a wide selection of beer, wine, pantry staples and locally farmed goods.
Canaan
The Silverton BBQ Bar at Silverton Sporting Ranch is set in an ideal, rural location serving smoked meats, sides, and desserts on the front porch inviting you to take in the serene setting.
skowhegan
Maine Grains, is a sustainable food hub known for their traditional stone milling process produces the highest quality flours (whole wheat, rye, cornmeal, etc.) with exceptional flavor.
The Miller’s Table Café and Bakery is a culinary gem. This farm-to-table cafe and bakery offers a delightful menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The Bankery and Fleuriste, is a charming duo of businesses that offer a delightful combination of baked goods, old-fashioned, scrumptious treats, and floral arrangements.
Crooked Face Creamery, located next door to the Miller’s Table. Amy Rowbottom makes and sells a growing collection of delicious, artisanal cheeses, online and in-store.
Solon
The Solon Hotel (The SOHO) has long been a place for travelers the restaurant and event space has been lovingly renovated. What distinguishes the SOHO menu are its abundant offerings.
