The gateway to northern Maine, Bangor combines
the best of city and country, with a wealth of
restaurants, retail, and attractions downtown, not
to mention multiple parks and paths along the mighty
Penobscot River. However, it’s the vast natural
resources that serve as the main attraction, with
seemingly endless forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife
preserves offering some of the nation’s best fly
fishing, hiking, biking and kayaking. Here are six great
stops to soak up the nature in and around Bangor.
MOUNT HOPE GARDEN CEMETERY
The second oldest garden cemetery in the United States covers 260
verdant acres along the north bank of Penobscot River, three miles
northeast of downtown. Opened in 1836, it was designed by architect
Charles G. Bryant and now holds the graves of 30,000 people, many
of them notable Mainers, including Abraham Lincoln’s first vice
president, Hannibal Hamlin. Indeed, it’s the Civil War memorials,
including the nation’s first, that offer the most touching tributes.
Handsome walking paths connect them all, as well as the landscaped
gardens, brooks, and ponds.
1048 State Street, mthopebgr.com
BANGOR CITY FOREST
A five-minute drive from your Starbucks latte is 680 acres of Rolland F.
Perry City Forest, known locally as Bangor City Forest. Under canopies
of trees, through meadows, and over bogs run more than nine miles of
trails for running, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing.
Along the way, keep an eye out for ample wildlife, including beavers,
porcupine, hares, owls, deer, and even black bear, not to mention
more than 250 species of wildflowers and shrubs.
Tripp Drive, cityforest.bangorinfo.com
BANGOR MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE
This 27-Hole Championship course designed by renowned golf course
architect, Geoffrey Cornish, anchors the south end of Bangor’s
downtown district. Catering to all abilities, it’s divided into the large
greens and expansive fairways of the “Original 18” and “The Kelly
Nine.” The latter offers the ultimate test of your golf skills with smaller
greens, more bunkering, and narrow fairways. Otherwise tune up
your game at the driving range, two practice greens, and short-game
practice facility. In summer, up the social quotient Monday evenings
with the “Wine and Nine” program, which mixes your favorite reds and
whites with new friends.
278 Webster Avenue, bangorgc.com
FIELDS POND AUDUBON CENTER
Bird watchers have more than 175 species of birds to view at the
212-acre Audubon sanctuary and wildlife center seven miles southeast
of Bangor. The centerpiece is the 85-acre pond (with boat launch in
the summer) and trails of various difficulties — from mowed fields
to steep rocky climbs — extend in several directions and offer ample
opportunity for nature study, wildlife-watching, snowshoeing, and
cross-country skiing. Guided tours are available and further educational
opportunities can be found in the visitor center, which has a nature
store, a reading room, interactive exhibits and a taxidermy collection.
216 Fields Pond Road, Holden; maineaudubon.org/visit/fields-pond/
GETTING THERE
American Airlines offers multiple daily nonstop flights from Reagan
National Airport (DCA) to Bangor International Airport (BGR).
BANGOR FARMERS’ MARKET
Apples, blueberries, peaches, plums, cider, eggs, milk, and cheeses
are just a tiny fraction of the fresh, local produce on sale at Bangor’s
Farmers’ Market. Every Sunday, from 11 to 2, more than 20 farmers and
producers fill Abbott Square, across from the Bangor Public Library.
Naturally raised meats — including beef, pork and chicken — are
also on the block, as are seedlings and cut flowers. Watch out for the
YumBus food truck from Billi Barker of the Enchanted Kitchen at Fire
Fly Farm, which serves hot savory and sweet crepes.
140 Harlow Street, bangorfarmersmarket.org
JENKINS BEACH
Bangor may not be on the coast, but that doesn’t mean beautiful
beaches are in short supply, thanks to the bevy of lakes surrounding.
Maine’s “finest fresh water beach” is a 27-minute drive south from
Bangor to the shores of Green Lake. The fine white sand is ideal for
sunbathing, volleyball, and classic beach fun, while the clean, fresh
water offers a summer cool down. The surrounding forests and hills
wrap it all in a pretty green bow.
Off Route 1A, Dedham; jenkinsbeach.com
Cedar waxwing
Credit: iStock.com/Genfirstlight
SUMMER 2018 39 FLYWASHINGTON.COM