The Kennebec Explorer 2014 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 43

Welcome to Waterville — the cultural heart of central Maine. There is so much that it has to offer. Colleges. Art and Theater. Dining. Festivals. A world- class downtown. No visit to Maine’s Kennebec Valley would be complete without spending time in what is arguably the cultural center of Central Maine. The arts are alive in Waterville. Any visit to the area requires a trip to the Colby Museum of Art. In celebration of the college’s bicentennial in 2013, the museum opened its new expanded wing which houses its vast collection of American art. Maine’s largest art museum, this is a must see. Waterville Opera House The collegiate spirit spills over into the downtown, where visitors should stop by Common Street Arts, a wonderful food scene and myriad diversions when the stars come out. Lovers of the performing arts should check out the Waterville Opera House. Since reopening in 2012, acts of all kinds have been entertaining audiences from throughout the region. Each summer, the Maine International Film Festival — entering its 17th year — presents nearly 100 films over a 10-day time period. Works represent the best of American and international independent cinema. Visitors with a love for music should keep an ear open for the Atlantic Music Festival — this highly respected organization fosters innovation in American musical performance. Each summer hundreds of emerging artists gather here to celebrate the work of musical masters. The hungry will not be turned away with a tasty array of food styles to choose from. Diners can enjoy something new every night or perhaps enjoy it all at once at the annual Taste of Waterville, which brings together all things tasty from the region into one yummy day and night. Outdoor enthusiasts have nothing to worry about either; Waterville is at the heart of a burgeoning in-town outdoor center, with miles of hiking trails spread throughout the city. Interested? Check out the Quarry Road Trails and the Messalonskee Trails, which double in the colder months as some of the finest in-town cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. 1 Common St., Waterville Maine International Film Festival July 11 to 20, 2014 Atlantic Music Festival July 7 to August 3, 2014 Common Street Arts 16 Common St., Waterville The Taste of Waterville August 6, 2014 Lebanese Heritage Mural 51 Main St., Waterville Colby Museum of Art 5600 Mayflower Hill Dr., Waterville To learn more about Waterville, visit KennebecValley.org. 41