The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 19

Photo by: Tom McPherson Photography
Shopping: the All-American Pastime
Whether you spend your day shopping in the grand plazas near Augusta and Waterville or browsing through riverside
antique shops in Hallowell, we certainly know that shopping is an important part of any trip. Maine’s Kennebec Valley offers
plenty of retail therapy, big and small. When you can, buy local! The business owners truly appreciate your effort.
Shopaholics Unite!
Just off the interstate at Maine Turnpike exits 109 and 112 in
Augusta or exit 130 in Waterville, you’ll find all the big stores
tucked in around regional favorites. The Marketplace at Augusta,
located just off I-95, offers a great blend of national retailers like
Barnes & Noble and Old Navy, with brands you love like ULTA, too.
Shop for bargains at Kohl’s or grab a bite with friends and family
at Red Robin or Panera. Whether it is shopping for something
you need and forgot or maybe you’re just treating yourself
while on vacation, you’ll find it here.
Stocking Up for Camping
From Gardiner up to Waterville, there are numerous options
for groceries nearby. But Skowhegan is home to the last big
grocery, a Hannaford, as you head into the Maine Woods;
you’ll also find a Walmart here for odds and ends you left
at home. Farther up Route 201, there are some terrific
family-run places, and if they don’t got it, you don’t need it.
These include the Solon Corner Market, Jimmy’s Shop & Save
in Bingham, Berry’s in The Forks area and Bishop’s in Jackman.
Great Stuff, Old & New
Gardiner, Hallowell, downtown Augusta and Skowhegan
have really done a marvelous job of building up areas to attract
local merchants of all kinds. Snuggled in between some of the
area’s finest eating and drinking establishments, you will find
new fashions, collectibles by the yard and things that go zip
and zoom for the kids. But keep your eyes open as you travel
our byways for those delightful out-of-the-way shops, too.
Just a Tip
Buying old stuff: Mainers are good at finding a bargain and
at giving one, too, but only if you ask. If you want to get a
good deal on something, you may have to work for it a little.
You will go home happy, no matter what.
Learn more at KennebecValley.org
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