The Kennebec Explorer 2014 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 35

A true riverside original: Gardiner
During the mid-1800s Gardiner became recognized as a
worldwide shipping port. Today, this attractive riverside city
— rich in architectural history — is a wonderful place to
spend a day or evening.
For the lovers of architecture, build your day around visits to
Oakland’s Mansion and the Laura Richards House. Swing
by the Gardiner Public Library with its vaulted ceilings and
restored stained-glass windows. Stop and sit awhile on the
the town’s waterfront green space. Or take in a performance
at Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center, the heart and
soul of Water Street.
During the summer months, great food, local entertainment
and the city’s culture are all part of the weekly farmers’ markets,
artwalks, and the annual Greater Gardiner River Festival.
Many come to Gardiner to shop and dine, as well as to play.
The Kennebec Rail Trail begins here and extends north to
Augusta. This stretch of converted railway is ideal for biking,
jogging or walking. Gardiner also sports a boat landing for easy
access to this slow and easy stretch of the Kennebec River.
Maine’s Smallest City: Hallowell
Like a tiny jewel Hallowell sits on the Kennebec River just
south of Augusta and north of Gardiner. Founded in 1762,
the city was originally a bustling merchant port. Not much
has changed over the last 250 years. Today, numerous
creative, intellectual and political figures call it home.
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.
Many seek out the antiques and art here, others come
here to grab a great bite, to partake in a day of shopping,
or to grab a pint at the Liberal Cup, one of Maine’s
most famous pubs. This fun little city is also home to
the Gaslight Theater, entertaining us all since 1937.
And pick up some sweets for the kids (and yourself)
at Scrummy Afters.
Got a boat? Hallowell is the place for you.
Hallowell is also home to a state-operated boat landing,
making the river an easy place to escape the hustle bustle
of Water Street. Old Hallowell Days held the third
Saturday in July, boasts a parade and a road race and is
widely heralded for its fireworks and, oddly enough,
for its cribbage tournament.
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