The Kennebec Explorer 2020 Visitor's Guide to Maine's Kennebec Valley | Page 38

Skowhegan
A place to watch becomes the place to be.
Year-Round Events
In March, the annual Skowhegan Maple
Festival heralds the end of winter.
July brings the Kneading Conference
and Artisan Bread Fair. In August, the
Skowhegan State Fair opens its gate for
the 202nd time. Labor Day weekend
offers a chance to raise your glass at the
Craft Brew Fest, which is guaranteed to
be bigger and better than ever. Even in
the middle of the winter, fun beckons
at Somerset SnowFest.
That’s the thing about Skowhegan.
It possesses an unrivaled vibe and
boundless energy like the rolling
waters of the river that cascade into
the gorge. There always seems to be
a cool local event on the calendar
worth checking out.
Basecamp for Adventure
For the visitor who loves adventure,
Skowhegan makes a perfect basecamp
as a bit further up the valley is the
state’s best white water rafting. Here
the waters of the Kennebec River, its
tributaries, and the dams along the way
make for excellent kayaking—try the
Madison Wave—tubing, and some of
the finest trout fishing in the state.
Climbers looking to explore a little
will find a treasure here. Trail running
and biking are found in any direction
you go. But the best part? At the end
of the day, you can head back to town
for a home-style meal and some local
craft beer at well-known places such
36
KennebecValley.org
Skowhegan Craft Brew Fest
as Bigelow Brewing Company, the
Old Mill Pub, and Oak Pond Brewing
Company. Cheers to that!
Lake George Regional Park Trails
Farm-to-Table
Maine’s Kennebec Valley has always
been known for its fertile soil and a
heritage of farming that goes way back.
Today there is a year-round farmers
market where customers will find fresh,
seasonal produce, naturally raised meats,
eggs, local dairy products, baked goods,
coffee, maple syrup, honey, soaps and
salves, seedlings, and cut flowers.
The continued success of Maine Grains
and the Miller’s Table restaurant have
given Skowhegan a certain status that
makes it an ideal location for breweries,
food-friendly events, restaurants,
pubs and, of course, one heck of a
tasty bakery at The Bankery.
Along Water Street
As one of the three Main Street Maine
communities in the Kennebec Valley,
Skowhegan has been recognized for
its very walkable downtown area, filled
with small cafés, shops, and businesses.
It's all set in a backdrop of beautiful and
well-maintained buildings that show
off the history of the town.
When you get here, walk around some.
Just up the street from downtown is
Coburn Park, a pretty and welcoming
green space that also hosts events like
the charming summertime gazebo
concert series and Dinner in the Park.
KennebecValleyExplorer
Dine at the Miller's Table, Skowhegan
@kennebecexplorer
# visitkennebecvalley
Kennebec Explorer