The Kennebec Explorer 2014 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 47

Skowhegan A place to watch. Settled in 1773, Skowhegan has long been the hub of commercial and outdoor life in the southern part of Somerset County, set at the intersection of Route 2 and Route 201 The Kennebec River is the pulsing, beating heart of this river town. A powerful river gorge runs through its charming downtown area — a gorge that will sometime in the future become home to one of the finest whitewater paddling facilities in New England. Today, Skowhegan bustles with the activity of modern businesses as diverse as SAPPI Fine Paper and the New Balance Shoe Company. But there is a unique vibe in the downtown, one of only a handful of Main Street Maine communities, that is anything but corporate. Cafés, shops, and merchants set in and among a collection of beautiful historic structures come together to celebrate the diversity of the town. Just a short walk from downtown, you’ll find a gem in Coburn Park, a stunning example of modern community gardening that welcomes visitors from far and near. This 12-acre oasis celebrates its beauty with its summertime gazebo concert series. 10 Great Things about Skowhegan 1. Skowhegan State Fair 2. Margaret Chase Smith Library 3. S  kowhegan Maple Festival 4. Lake George Regional Park 5. Skowhegan Indian 6. The Kneading Conference 7. W  alking Bridges 8. S  kowhegan History House 9. C  oburn Park 10. Skowhegan Drive-In Back in town, look for a few more things that make Skowhegan a great place to spend some time as you wind your way through the region. In late March, Skowhegan celebrates its own mapley goodness with its week long Maple Festival. This event is totally worth the trip. The Skowhegan Indian, safely tucked into a corner off Route 201, was presented in 1969 by Maine’s own Bernard Langlais as a gift on behalf of the Abenaki Indians to Skowhegan, in observance of Maine’s 150th birthday. This summer he will be unveiled after a $65,000 year-long restoration. Skowhegan was also home to our nation’s first female senator, Margaret Chase Smith, an outspoken protector of free speech. Visitors can see the entire body of her 32 years of service at her library on Norridgewock Ave. Finally, if you plan on coming through in early August, you’ll catch what is the longest running fair in the United States. The Skowhegan State Fair — established in 1818 — has it all, from popcorn, rides, attractions and entertainment to animal and agricultural exhibits, harness racing and of course a demolition derby. To learn more about Skowhegan, visit KennebecValley.org. 45 45