The Kennebec Explorer 2018 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 23

Try Thompson’s in Bingham. You can
easily blow by this place, unless it’s meal
time when the street is all parked up.
Central Maine Meats in Gardiner is the
place to pick up some of top chops and
bacon to take home. Then take a ride up
to Maine Maple Products in Madison.
Jorgenson’s and Selah Tea in Waterville
have great coffee, tea, and treats while
Main Street neighbor Itali-ah Market
and Restaurant serves wood-fired
pizza, gelato and bellisimo espresso.
Treat yourself
Want an iconic whoopie pie? Grab a
dozen at Wicked Whoopies in Gardiner
or Al’s Pizza in Skowhegan. Waterville’s
Holy Cannoli offers up baked treats
like nobody’s business, and Gifford’s
Ice Cream stands in both Skowhegan
or Waterville cannot be beat. Want a
frappe? Try Winthrop’s Fast Eddies
(Wednesday is cruise night).
It’s time for dinner
Gardiner’s tidy little downtown offers
up a few of our favorite dinner spots,
including Pastaz, Depot Sports Pub,
and A-1 Diner—a classically-styled joint
that has turned “diner” into “dinner.”
With downtown Augusta on the rise,
we want to tip our cap in the direction
of Downtown Diner, and Riverfront
Barbecue. Sweet Chili at the Augusta
Airport surprises for a tasty Thai dinner.
Finally, Cloud 9 at the Senator Inn &
Spa is a retreat from everyday dining.
Hit Waterville’s jackpot. From the Last
Unicorn to 18 Below’s raw bar, there
is no going wrong. Amici’s Cucina
for Italian, Proper Pig is a carnivore’s
dream, and Itali-ah’s pizza and fresh
pasta astound.
Skowhegan’s mainstays: Ken’s Family
Restaurant and Heritage House have
pleased palates for years. M-Thai is
always packed. In Belgrade, the
Village Inn’s duck is famous and Sunset
Grill is favored for casual dining.
In The Forks try The Boatman’s Bar
and Grill, or Riverside Pub. Stop by the
Hawk’s Nest for pub grub overlooking
the Dead River.
Quench that thirst
Downtown Augusta is booming with
Cushnoc Brewing Company. Nearby,
is Two Gramps Brewing in Gardiner.
Oak Pond Brewing and Bigelow Brewing
hold the fort in Skowhegan, both making
tasty ales. Sit down for a pint at the
Old Mill Pub in town. September brings
with it the Skowhegan Craft Brew Fest,
where you can sample dozens of
Maine-made beers. Hallowell’s The
Liberal Cup offers an ever-rotating
menu of English-style, house-made
beers, as well as The Quarry Tap
Room, “Maine’s deepest watering hole.”
The Maine House is a craft cocktail
bar using Maine-made spirits and
eight taps for local beers. Kennebec
River Pub & Brewery, at Northern
Outdoors Adventure Resort in The
Forks, make great seasonal brews.
Waterville Brewing Company and
Mainely Brews anchor opposites ends
of downtown Waterville with
local beers on offer.
Stop in and stock up at Fairfield’s
Meridians, selling craft beers, wines
and food to go with them. Tree Spirits
makes wines and absinthe in Oakland.
Gardiner’s Sebago Lakes Distillery is
making fine rum. A little further afield
in Unity, stop by the tasting room at
Younity Winery, in season.
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