The Kennebec Explorer 2015 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 38

Augusta: Much More Than Expected
The city of Augusta has grown into more than the home of
Maine’s state government. Visitors from far and near come to
take advantage of our beautiful location on the Kennebec River,
boating, fishing or swimming right here in town or in any of the
nearby lakes perfectly designed for a day on the water. Others
come to spend time in our museums and see history come to life
at Old Fort Western; still others come to shop the day away at
the Marketplace at Augusta or with a little window-shopping
in nearby towns. When the day is done, Augusta serves up a
different kind of fare: dining and entertainment for all. Augusta
truly has more to offer than you could have expected.
Enjoy Our City by Day
There is no getting around in our city without seeing the recently
replaced penny-colored copper dome of our Capitol building.
Spend a few hours getting the grand tour, or skip it and simply
relax and enjoy Augusta’s Capitol Park, a lovingly tended public
garden directly across the street from our Capitol building.
The broad, grassy park flanked by some of the best shade
trees in the city is also home to the Vietnam Memorial.
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Gray day outside? The Maine State Museum is a delightful
and surprising adventure; inside you can spot the Lion (one of
the nation’s oldest steam engines), explore 12,000 years of
our past, or tour one of the prized exhibits of the museum,
a spectacular three-story water-powered woodworking mill
that was taken apart and re-assembled inside the museum.
Looking for More?
Head over to the Farmers’ Market at Mill Park on Water Street
(Tuesdays from May to October) to pick up a fresh local treat
or takeaway lunch. Or cross the Kennebec and head over to
the Viles Arboretum, a vibrant showcase offering a refreshing
collection of walking trails (perfect for birding) on 225 acres.
The Arboretum is home to a well-curated American Chestnut
collection and the renowned Hosta Garden. Also, look up
the regularly scheduled programs that bring in artists, like
the 2014 Sculpture Symposium, or perhaps take a hike along
any of the trails that crisscross the Arboretum. Take advantage
of one of Maine’s top in-town birding locales.