The Kennebec Explorer 2018 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 41

Downtown Gardiner ©Tom McPherson
Find yourself down on Main Street Crafted in Maine Shopping for Maine foods
The Kennebec Valley is home to three
of Maine’s Main Street Communities—
Gardiner, Augusta, and Skowhegan—
that represent the idea that a vibrant
downtown is an economic engine. Each
works in different ways, but all continue
to advance their communities. Their
streets are lined with shops, boutiques,
and restaurants of all kinds. Most, if
not all, are run by local business people.
Shopping in other downtowns is no
less enjoyable though. Make time to
hit the bricks in Hallowell, Monmouth,
Belgrade, Waterville, and Madison.
More than just places to shop and
eat, they are gathering places for local
celebrations like Kringleville or Old
Hallowell Day and performances at
places like Johnson Hall in Gardiner,
or the Waterville Opera House. If you find yourself headed north into
the Kennebec Valley traveling along the
interstate, jump off and take a break at
the West Gardiner Travel Plaza. Once
inside, you’ll find the Center for Maine
Craft located in the corner next to
Starbucks. Take time to wander around
this amazing store organized and run
by the Maine Crafts Association. It’s
open year-round and nearly every
kind of craft imaginable—from carved
and turned wood pieces to delicate
jewelry, fiber art, books, and even some
food products—are represented here.
Everything in the store has been created
by Maine’s hugely-talented crafts workers.
Those looking for other Maine-made
merchandise should visit the Maine
Made & More stores in Belgrade
and Waterville. Not to discount what you will find at
over a dozen farmers markets here, but
there is a food revolution happening in
the Kennebec Valley. Good food, made
here is showing up everywhere. Some
of the best tomatoes in the world are
grown in Madison. Gourmet chocolate
from Waterville. Wines and spirits from
Oakland. Ice cream from Skowhegan.
Whoopie pies and artisan crisps from
Waterville. Flour and grains milled in
Skowhegan. Sauces and marinades
from Canaan. Maple syrup from
Madison. Mushrooms from Gardiner.
And microbrews from just about every
zip code in the region. Look for the
Made In Maine brand when you are
shopping in the region and give our
local stuff a try. Happy eating.
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