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 20 KennebecValley.org KennebecValleyExplorer @kennebecexplorer # visitkennebecvalley Kennebec Explorer