The Kennebec Explorer 2014 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 33
Arts, Crafts and Antiques. Delightful objects to behold.
Antiques | Craft | Fiber Art | Native American Culture
Antiques Central
Many diehards compare their search in terms of “the hunt.”
And we are proud to have more than a few spots across the
region that have attracted “pickers” looking for that perfect
piece of American farm history, a country table or a road sign
that completes a room.
Hallowell’s River Street, running along the riverfront, is closely
lined with a small but well-groomed collection of antique shops,
art galleries and boutiques all packed to the gills with the best
stuff (old and new) you have ever laid your eyes on.
But don’t stop with Hallowell. Start there! Then head up to
Fairfield for a day’s antique adventures at the Fairfield Antiques
Mall on 201. If you plan your trip right, you might be rewarded
when you witness the world’s foremost firearms auctioneer
James D. Julia — an Antiques Roadshow regular — in action.
So, if you are on the hunt, keep your eyes open, your ears
perked up and you know whom to ask. Bargains and
surprises await you at every turn.
Craft
A couple years back, the Maine Turnpike Authority entered into
a wonderful relationship with the Maine Craft Association and
opened the Center for Maine Craft at the West Gardiner rest
area. No matter what time of year, if you take the time to stop
in you’ll get the chance to pick up something special created
by one of Maine’s hugely-talented collection of crafts workers.
You can also stop in at the Maine Made & More stores in
Belgrade, Augusta and Waterville for more Maine craft
and gifts that truly “speak like a Mainer.”
Fiber Art
“Only in Maine” is a phrase heard from time to time, but with
the annually held Fiber Frolic, they may be right. This early June
festival held at the Windsor Fairgrounds is a little like a mecca
for the fiber art world. It is a marketplace “celebrating fiber,
fiber animals and fiber arts.” Not too Baaaad!
Native American Culture
For our visitors with an interest in the craft and work of the
first people to inhabit Maine, make the trip over to the south-
western part of Somerset County along Route 27 where you’ll
find Nowetah’s American Indian Museum. The owners offer
a free glimpse into what might be one of the larger private
collections of American Indian crafts, pottery and baskets in
all of New England. With over 600 examples of basketry and
bark containers, it really is a sight to behold.
For more information on Antiques and Crafts, visit KennebecValley.org.
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