The Kennebec Explorer 2020 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 22
Vaughan Woods
Courtesy of Old Fort Western
Gardiner’s Waterfront Park
OLD FORT WESTERN BIG, LITTLE HALLOWELL GET OUT IN GARDINER
In 1754 a blockhouse was erected to
provide for the regional protection of
the then wilderness area that would
become known as Augusta. It still
stands today at Old Fort Western, on
the eastern bank at Cushnoc. It also
served as the mustering point for
Arnold’s failed march on Quebec in
1775. Through many iterations, the
“fort” has been re-purposed several
times during its life, including a civilian
store, a private residence, and a room-
ing house. Today it welcomes visitors
to the capital region, offering living
history exhibits and reenactments. Just a stone's throw from the lazy flow
of the Kennebec River is one of the
tiniest but most lively cities you could
imagine. In just a few blocks along
Water Street is a tasty mix of stores,
restaurants, bars, brewpubs, and
antique shops made to delight and
satisfy any and all cravings; there’s
even a candy shop. Perfect for walking
and window-shopping, especially for
great river views along the Kennebec
Rail Trail, Hallowell is a living museum
with well-preserved historic buildings
that evoke its place as Maine’s
Antique Riverport. Visitors will first notice that Gardiner
is well-kept with a welcoming historic
downtown filled with restaurants
and shops. The scene in Gardiner is
made all the more complete with
its brick sidewalks, architectural
restorations, and manicured parks
filled with sculptures. Enjoy yourself
inside the historic Johnson Hall during
a rousing live performance or head
over to the waterfront park for their
wildly popular family-friendly outdoor
summer concert series. Come to
shop, dine, or even for a complete
night out with entertainment.
OldFortWestern.org Hallowell.org DiscoverGardiner.com
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