The Kennebec Explorer 2018 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 25

Augusta
The Capital City is a must on your next visit.
In addition to being Maine’s capital,
Augusta is one of the more lovely and
under-explored cities in Maine. Spend
time at the capital complex, visit the
Maine State Museum, cross over the
Kennebec for an afternoon of living
history at Old Fort Western, maybe
shop the day away at the Marketplace
at Augusta. Grab a meal or do some
window shopping on Water Street.
Downtown on Water Street
The beating heart of Maine’s capital
city, set along a historic stretch of Water
Street just a short walk from the capital
and across the bridge from Old Fort
Western, Downtown Augusta seems
to have hit its stride offering visitors
places to eat and drink, like Circa 1885
and Otto’s, as well as the exciting
Cushnoc Brewing Company. Come for
city events or the weekly Farmer’s
Market in Mill Park at the end of
Water Street, one of the best around.
attractions. Inside you will spot the Lion,
one of the nation’s oldest steam engines.
Explore 12,000 years of Maine’s history,
or tour the museum’s prize exhibit—a
spectacular three-story water-powered
woodworking mill that was taken apart
and re-assembled inside the museum.
The Arboretum
Crossing the Kennebec takes you to the
Viles Arboretum, a vibrant showcase
offering a refreshing selection of walking
trails on 225 acres. The arboretum is
home to a well-curated American
Chestnut collection and the renowned
hosta garden. Look up the regularly
scheduled artist programs, like the
annual Sculpture Symposium. The
location is also one of Maine’s top
in-town birding locales, with more
than 39 documented species.
Active in Augusta
The entire Kennebec Valley is criss-
crossed with trails, but Augusta is lucky
enough to be home to some of the best
maintained, and easily accessible trails
around. One of these, Bond Brook Park,
is Augusta’s must-visit spot. Amazingly,
many area residents are unaware that
this park exists. But Bond Brook has a
growing reputation and the potential to
become a world-class trail-sports venue
that supports Nordic skiing, mountain-
biking, trail-running, and hiking.
With its deep connection to American
history, a happening downtown, one of
the state’s finest museums, and a growing
reputation as a foodie destination, no
visit to the Kennebec Valley could be
complete without spending time in
the capital area.
The Capitol Complex
There is no getting around in Augusta
without spotting the recently replaced
copper dome of the state Capitol. Spend
a little time getting the grand tour,
or skip it and simply relax and enjoy
downtime in Augusta’s Capitol Park,
the public garden directly across the
street from the Capitol complex. The
broad, grassy park is also home to the
Maine Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Maine State Museum
The Maine State Museum is another
of the city’s delightful and surprising
The Blaine House, Capitol Complex, Augusta
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