Off-the-beaten-path things to do near Lewiston, Maine

June 22, 2007 10:25 AM

I'll be spending next week with my wife in the midcoast region of Maine. (Just outside of Lewiston-Auburn.) She has family there, so she has spent plenty of time at all of the touristy things around. What off-the-beaten-path things can I suggest for us, within about an hour of Lewiston?
posted by Plutor to travel & transportation (33 comments total)

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village

Maine Wildlife Park

Bates College Museum of Art

McLauglin Garden

Norlands Living History Center

Joshua L. Chamberlain Museum

Moxie Festival
posted by anastasiav at 10:47 AM on June 22, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

I have a friend who went to undergrad at Bates. One time I visited him there and we ended up going to the Moxie Museum. I wasn't really a fan of Moxie prior to going, but I must say that the Moxie flavored ice cream was awesome.
posted by o0dano0o at 10:49 AM on June 22, 2007

Now you're talking my home turf.

Do visit Hodgman's Frozen Custard stand in New Gloucester for some above-average ice creamy goodness. It surprises me that a lot of locals don't know this place, because it's so good.

Similarly, drive to Brunswick and get an awesome burger served in your car in a real 1950s drive-up diner called Fat Boy's. Mainers in the know wait all winter for this place to open.

If there's anything going on at the theater at Bates College in Lewiston, it's usually worth going to see.

Wolfe's Neck State Park in Freeport is a nice little place with great ocean views. Skip the shopping in downtown Freeport, which is all tourists, and enjoy a hike and a picnic. They also grow and sell organic beef there, if you want to pick up something other than lobster to make dinner.

The planetarium at the University of Southern Maine is a neat hidden gem if you like that sort of thing. They do laser shows, too.

An hour's radius of Lewiston covers Augusta AND Portland AND much of the mid-coast, so you're asking for a pretty wide area.

I can suggest other things if you want to e-mail me (address in my profile).
posted by briank at 10:52 AM on June 22, 2007

I would ditto everything anastasiav suggested, too.
posted by briank at 10:53 AM on June 22, 2007

It's a shame the Moxie Festival is a couple weeks later. You got my hopes up, anastasiav! I didn't realize there was a museum, though.
posted by Plutor at 10:54 AM on June 22, 2007

I'd totally second Fat Boy's (and not just because my husband's sister waits tables there - if you go, ask for Samantha to be your car-hop).

Brunswick can be a great day trip. There is a nice flea market in the old mill there, plus Fat Boy's, plus the Chamberlain museum, plus the Bowdoin College Art Museum, plus the Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum (also at Bowdoin college). Then drive out to Harpsell and have dinner at somewhere like Hawkes Lobster or Morse Lobster. You'll end up a bit more than an hour away from Lewiston, but well worth the trip.
posted by anastasiav at 11:04 AM on June 22, 2007

In Augusta:
Fort Western Museum
Maine State Museum

And if you want suggestions in Portland, I have a ton....
posted by anastasiav at 11:08 AM on June 22, 2007

Doesn't Maine have a bustling music scene or am I thinking of something else? I recall reading somewhere years ago that near Bangor Maine there were cool rock bands and Stephen King allegedly made appearances in that scene now and then. How close is Lewiston to Bangor? If I were in Bangor I'd probably drive by Stephen King's estate just so I could say I done it.
posted by ZachsMind at 11:08 AM on June 22, 2007

Again, ditto on the Maine State Museum -- a very underappreciated place. I've never been to the Ft. Western museum.

If you really want lobster, drive to Wiscasset and get the world's best lobster roll at Red's. You can't miss it, it's right on the main road through town. We are also big fans of the Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth.

Hey, where's Mayor Curley? Shouldn't he be pitching in on this?
posted by briank at 11:14 AM on June 22, 2007

Bangor is about 2 hours from Lewiston, a bit more than 100 miles.

Given that the University of Maine is nearby, there are bound to be bands and bars and such, but it's summertime and the students clear out.

Frankly, going to Bangor for entertainment when you're in the Lewiston-Auburn area is a bit of a stretch. The action is definitely towards Portland and the coast.
posted by briank at 11:16 AM on June 22, 2007

If you're into geeky stuff, the City Hall in Lewiston has an amazing, totally functional, late-19th century clock in it. The mechanism used to be up in the tower, but they've since moved it down into the lobby so you can look at it (it still drives the big clock face in the tower via a shaft).

The technical details escape me, but it uses some type of very novel / rare escapement, and when it was installed it was one of the most accurate clocks in Maine.

Anyway, I probably stood there and watched it for a good fifteen minutes one day when I had reason to be in there. It's very cool.

Here's a page about it (with photos!).
posted by Kadin2048 at 11:22 AM on June 22, 2007

Geeky's good, lobster's out (my wife's vegetarian).
posted by Plutor at 11:35 AM on June 22, 2007

My Island of residence, Chebeague, is an absolutely beautiful place located just north of Portland. (Ferries originate from Portland-Casco Bay Lines- and Falmouth/Yarmouth -Chebeague Island Trans Co-). You can hop on a ferry, walk to the bike man (Near the northern end of South Road, next to the general store) where you can grab a bike for free. Or pick up some of the freshest lobsters you can find at the Stone Wharf. Or enjoy fantastic food at the Clam Shack on North Road. It's a really cool, relaxing place to spend a day walking or riding about (and if you need a ride, just ask) where everyone waves as they pass by. Check out The Chebeague Information Site for more info and links.
posted by nursegracer at 11:41 AM on June 22, 2007

Also, this time of year there's the Bates Dance Festival going on at Bates College in Lewiston; looks like the performances don't start until July 9th, though. And I'll second the art gallery at Bates; check online first and see if anything intrigues you.

Is beer in? If you go down to Portland, you could spend all week just hitting up the breweries there. (Shipyard, Gritty's, Sebago, etc.) The historic district is definitely worth seeing. Lots of neat art galleries and stuff around, too. If your wife is a local she's probably been down there, but I can't imagine she wouldn't want to go back to take you.

There are two Indian restaurants in Brunswick -- their names escape me at the moment, but they're right on the main drag -- but they're both good, and IIRC they're run by two brothers in the same family. Slightly different styles, though. (I've been to both with vegetarian people and they were able to eat.)

In Lewiston, DaVinci's Eatery has great brick-oven pizza and other Italian dishes, and it's in a very cool location in an old textile mill. Alternately, Nothing But The Blues Cafe, also in Lewiston, is a neat local gem. It gets full of college students during the year but during the summer would probably be pretty laid-back. Their menu changes daily.

And of course there's more hiking and walking opportunities than you can shake a stick at.
posted by Kadin2048 at 11:58 AM on June 22, 2007

Did I hear vegetarian? Pepper Club in Portland has it, along with some dynamite meat dishes.

It's summer, which means you'll find plenty to do in the area.
posted by SteveInMaine at 12:12 PM on June 22, 2007

Oh, and if you're heading north on 95, get off at exit 63 in Gray, follow Route 100 north, wave when you drive past that big grey house on the hill, and in another 10 minutes or so you'll drive right past Hodgeman's. It's on the left hand side, across from VFW hall on the back way to Lewiston. They only have 3 flavors at one time, vanilla, chocolate and a "special" flavor. If you're lucky it'll be peanut butter.
posted by SteveInMaine at 12:19 PM on June 22, 2007

Somewhere near there is an odd little place we always pass signs for, but we've never stopped -- The Russian or Eastern European (Slovakian? Slovenian?) museum. Anyone else from the area know what I'm thinking of? I'm having little luck with google, since I can't remember what nationality it is.

To the west, there's Oxford ME where there's a New Balance outlet store, if you want cheap sneakers. Heading in that direction is definitely away from the beaten path.

Sebago and Long lakes are very pretty - Sebago is great for swimming - or was 10 years ago.

This is sort of on the beaten path, but the Desert of Maine might be fun - I've never been there. Freeport is also home to outlet malls and shopping galore.

If you like rocks and nature, you can get a copy of the book "roadside geology of maine" and just drive around.

Wiscasset is a cute little coastal town. The Miss Wiscasset diner is in hot demand at normal weekend brunch times, but you may be able to get in at other times. Really anywhere on the coast will provide a great meandering drive with frequent stops for ice cream and grilled cheese.

Edgecomb is in the area, and Edgecomb Potters is a great - though expensive - art pottery store. Worth a 1/2 hour or more of happy browsing if you like handcrafts or art.

Boothbay Harbor is good. If you drive through the village green, you'll pass the shop with the "Free Beer Tomorrow" sign, which always makes me happy no matter how many times I see it. The Hodgdon Bros yacht-building factory is one of (the?) longest-running in the US, and incredible if they let you tour it - they're in East Boothbay. There's a great coffeeshop with good veggie sandwiches (Townsend Ave Cafe and Wine Bar) on the main drag in downtown Boothbay (West Boothbay? I can't keep the names straight). There's a couple of candy stores and an ice cream store down the slope toward the water, there's the Ebb Tide - a quirkily-arranged greasy spoon with a great puzzle on their menu. You can rent kayaks and paddle out to Burnt Island, if you're feeling active. There's a good yarn and needlepoint store downtown if that sort of thing appeals.

Damariscotta is further along, yet another very cute coastal town with little bookstores, bars, and cafes etc. It has a great yarn store in a big old Victorian house, run by a very chatty and nice woman.
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:35 PM on June 22, 2007

Seconding Portland's historic walking district. There is a completely amazing antiquarian map store there, among many other things.
posted by LobsterMitten at 12:36 PM on June 22, 2007

There are some phenomenal state parks in that area, granted I lived in Lewiston when my dad was teaching at Bates and I was all of 2-3, but I still remember them. Also I cannot believe no one has mentioned Mount David, its right by the campus, and based on my recollection is the tallest and most dangerous mountain in the world (maybe not...).
posted by BobbyDigital at 12:40 PM on June 22, 2007

This is sort of on the beaten path, but the Desert of Maine might be fun

No. No, it is not.

Also I cannot believe no one has mentioned Mount David, its right by the campus, and based on my recollection is the tallest and most dangerous mountain in the world

Well, I lost my virginity there, but otherwise I don't know what other entertainment value it has. It's just a big hill.
posted by briank at 1:06 PM on June 22, 2007 [1 favorite has favorites]

Don't know how to break this to you, LobsterMitten, but the Miss Wiscasset closed a few years back.
posted by SteveInMaine at 1:15 PM on June 22, 2007

Friday the 1st is First Friday Art Walk, which is usually fun.

But you should definitely go see the Portland Observatory and Victoria Mansion.

Also, even though I live here, I have long wanted to go on a duck tour.
posted by miss tea at 1:15 PM on June 22, 2007

(Sorry to be so Portland-centric. it's what I know.)
posted by miss tea at 1:15 PM on June 22, 2007

Hey, where's Mayor Curley? Shouldn't he be pitching in on this?

I just got back from a long lunch to find my usual suggestions mostly covered.

'll be spending next week with my wife in the midcoast region of Maine. (Just outside of Lewiston-Auburn.)

Regional tip-- L/A ain't the Midcoast unless you mean Durham or maybe Lisbon, bro! (and even that's shaky, but they're in the Times Wretched's coverage area, so they're sort of Mid Coast). Lewiston/Auburn and most of Androscoggin County are "Central Maine", despite the geographical absurdity of that. Pedantic, I know, but being proper about it goes a long way in ingratiating yourself in a place known for its distrust of people From Away.

Definitely try to get to the Portland Museum of Art, and I would also follow anastasiav's suggestion to go to Sabbathday Lake. And while you're in the area, if you like animals, the Gray Animal Farm is a do not miss. It's a rehabilitation facility and it's wonderful.

I would also follow briank's suggestion to get to Fat Boy. I'm from Brunswick-- highly recommended. Go to Downtown Brunswick as well. Maine St. (sic) is about as well preserved a New England downtown as you'll find. If you like beer, the Sea Dog Brewpub right across the river in Topsham is very good and in a cool, old converted mill and right on the Androscoggin.

Bowdoin's Walker Art Museum is actually closed right now, so don't go into Brunswick for that.
posted by Mayor Curley at 1:26 PM on June 22, 2007

Don't know how to break this to you, LobsterMitten, but the Miss Wiscasset closed a few years back.
!!!!!!!!! Well crap.
That's alarming for so many reasons, but mostly because it makes me realize how many years it's been since I ate there last (5?!) and so make me feel extra-old.
posted by LobsterMitten at 1:48 PM on June 22, 2007

Ok, to make up for two bad suggestions, I offer the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which are relatively new so your gf won't have been to them as a kid. They're in/near Boothbay; I haven't been but they're supposed to be lovely.
posted by LobsterMitten at 1:55 PM on June 22, 2007

And here are a couple of links about the yachtbuilders - Hodgdon Yachts, and a story about a monster yacht Scheherazade they built a few years ago.
posted by LobsterMitten at 1:58 PM on June 22, 2007

! I just realized that I'm mixing up memories - I was thinking of the Miss Wiscasset and Moody's Diner in Waldoboro as being the same. Moody's is the one that's always swamped on weekends, and they're still in business; go there and get your grease needs met.
posted by LobsterMitten at 2:05 PM on June 22, 2007

If you want some beer, there's a newish brewpub in Auburn (I think it's a Grittys) that's probably the nicest drinking establishment in town. If you want some awesomely townie drinking experiences, Pub 33 and the Blue Goose are fun times.

I can't believe that after spending 21 years of my life in Lewiston, all I can suggest is drinking....

Oh, and the Thai Dish in Auburn is great Thai food (run by the same people that run Thai Dish in Boston)
posted by banjo_and_the_pork at 2:22 PM on June 22, 2007

he Desert of Maine might be fun

No. No, it is not.

This is a matter of opinion. I love it. It's kitschy and weird in the best possible roadside-America sense, and the campground is a very good one if you're a camper.
posted by Miko at 3:24 PM on June 22, 2007

In response to anastaciav's earlier post regarding a day trip to Brunswick, the Bowdoin College Art Museum is closed for renovations until the Fall.
posted by umbú at 8:57 PM on June 22, 2007

If you want some awesomely townie drinking experiences, Pub 33 and the Blue Goose are fun times.

Don't forget O'Shiel's, sista.
posted by Mayor Curley at 4:00 AM on June 23, 2007

In response to anastaciav's earlier post regarding a day trip to Brunswick, the Bowdoin College Art Museum is closed for renovations until the Fall.

I said it was closed about six comments up.
posted by Mayor Curley at 4:02 AM on June 23, 2007