Discover Main Street Maine: 11 Historic Downtowns Full of Charm, Culture & Community
- Gerry Caron
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Discover Main Street Maine: 11 Historic Downtowns Full of Charm, Culture & Community
If you’re looking to experience the heart and soul of Maine, skip the highways and discover Main Street Maine, part of the National Main Street Program. Across 11 historic downtowns—Biddeford, Saco, Westbrook, Brunswick, Bath, Rockland, Belfast, Gardiner, Augusta, Ellsworth, and Skowhegan—you’ll find timeless charm, vibrant culture, and small-town energy that feels like stepping into a storybook.
Each downtown offers 19th-century brick shopfronts, tree-lined streets, and classic New England architecture, all buzzing with unique shops, locally owned restaurants, and cultural treasures. Whether you’re exploring coastal harbors, riverside trails, or artsy side streets, you’ll see why Main Street Maine is one of the state’s most authentic travel experiences.
Why Visit Main Street Maine?
Authentic small-town charm in every community
Local dining featuring Maine-made ingredients
Historic theaters & arts venues still thriving
Riverside & coastal walks with year-round activities
Events & festivals that celebrate Maine’s heritage
11 Historic Downtowns Full of Charm, Culture & Community
Belfast: History Meets Waterfront Adventure
Begin in Belfast, home to the Colburn Shoe Store (the oldest shoe store in America, est. 1832). Stroll its quirky shops and galleries, or step aboard a traditional wooden boat with DoryWoman Rowing to explore scenic Belfast Bay and the Passagassawakeag River. Don’t miss the colorful Colonial Theatre with its famous rooftop elephant!
Bath: A Working Waterfront with Maritime Spirit
Known as the “City of Ships,” Bath blends history and modern energy. Visit the Maine Maritime Museum, then take a river cruise for close-up views of shipbuilding heritage. Its downtown bustles with boutiques, galleries, and the Chocolate Church Arts Center, a hub for concerts and performances.
Rockland: Windjammers & Art by the Sea
In Rockland, the ocean sets the scene. Set sail aboard a historic two-masted Windjammer, or explore cultural gems like the Farnsworth Art Museum and the restored Strand Theatre. Fresh seafood restaurants and waterfront festivals keep Rockland lively year-round.
Ellsworth: Gateway to Acadia with Local Flavor
Ellsworth, the newest Main Street Maine community, charms with 1920s brick storefronts, eclectic shops, and a walkable downtown along the Union River. Stop by The Grand Theatre, enjoy farm-to-table dining, or browse boutiques before heading toward Acadia National Park.
Skowhegan: Local Grains & Riverside Charm
Hungry? Head to Skowhegan, where you’ll find The Bankery (a bakery inside a vintage bank building) and brews at Bigelow Brewing Company. Many eateries here use grains from Maine Grains, a mill revitalizing the local economy. Stroll the Kennebec River trails, shop local, and catch a film at the Strand Cinema.
Gardiner: Festivals & Historic Theaters
Gardiner’s downtown sits along the Kennebec River, where summer concerts, river walks, and events like Swine & Stein Brewfest bring the streets alive. Catch a show at Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center, or browse antique shops and cafes tucked into historic buildings.
Augusta: Maine’s Capital with Local Flavor
As the state capital, Augusta mixes history with riverfront fun. Walk the Kennebec Rail Trail, enjoy shopping and dining in its revitalized downtown, and explore nearby cultural landmarks like the Maine State Museum. Its Main Street community continues to grow with breweries, art, and live events.
Brunswick: Mills, Arts & College Town Energy
Brunswick’s Main Street thrives with cultural depth. Explore the Fort Andross Mill Complex, now home to restaurants, antique shops, and studios. Visit Bowdoin College Museum of Art and catch a show at the Maine State Music Theatre. This downtown pulses with creativity and community spirit.
Biddeford: Revitalized Mills & Foodie Culture
Former mill town Biddeford is now one of Maine’s most exciting foodie destinations. Its massive Pepperell Mill Campus houses breweries, art studios, and award-winning restaurants. Downtown buzzes with coffee shops, craft cocktails, and live music, making Biddeford a hip stop on Main Street Maine.
Saco: River Walks & Classic New England Vibes
Across the river from Biddeford, Saco boasts historic architecture, boutique shopping, and riverfront trails. Don’t miss a summer night at the Saco Drive-In, one of the nation’s oldest drive-in theaters, for a nostalgic slice of Americana.
Westbrook: Art, Music & the Mighty Presumpscot
Just minutes from Portland, Westbrook blends industrial heritage with modern culture. Stroll the Riverwalk along the Presumpscot River, check out public art installations, or enjoy live music at Rock Row. With breweries, restaurants, and green spaces, Westbrook is a rising star in the Main Street Maine family.
Plan Your Visit
Main Street Maine invites you to shop local, dine local, and support Maine’s historic communities. Learn more at 👉 Main Street Maine
Quick Tip Reference – Main Street Maine Downtowns
City | Highlights | Contact | Website |
Biddeford | Historic mill district, dining, shopping, City Theater | (207) 284-8520 | |
Saco | Downtown charm, trails, dining, historic Saco Drive-In | (207) 286-3546 | |
Westbrook | Riverfront downtown, breweries, shopping, community events | (207) 391-2977 | |
Brunswick | Fort Andross Mill, Bowdoin College, antique shopping, restaurants | (207) 729-4439 | |
Bath | Maritime heritage, Maine Maritime Museum, Chocolate Church Arts Center | (207) 442-7291 | |
Rockland | Arts capital, Farnsworth Museum, Windjammer Cruises, Strand Theatre | (207) 593-1189 | |
Belfast | Waterfront town, art galleries, Colonial Theatre, boutique shops | (207) 218-1158 | |
Gardiner | Kennebec River, Swine & Stein Festival, Johnson Hall Theater | (207) 582-3100 | |
Augusta | State capital, riverwalks, historic downtown, cultural events | (207) 623-3811 | |
Ellsworth | Gateway to Acadia, Union River views, The Grand Theatre, boutique shops | (207) 669-6655 | |
Skowhegan | Maine Grains, The Bankery, Bigelow Brewing, river trails, Strand Cinema | (207) 612-2571 |
What to Do in the Moosehead Lake Region & Beyond: Your Complete Guide to Outdoor Adventure & Local Attractions
Planning a trip to the Moosehead Lake region in Maine? You're in for an unforgettable experience packed with adventure, breathtaking natural beauty, and cozy lodging options. From high-adrenaline ATV trails to peaceful paddles on glassy waters, the Moosehead Lake area is a four-season playground perfect for outdoor lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and explore.
Want more insider tips? Discover top recommendations at Moose River Lookout, your go-to resource for:
🛶 Boating & paddling routes
🎣 Fishing hotspots
🏕️ Wilderness camping sites
🥾 Trail maps for hiking & nature walks
🍽️ Local dining & shopping recommendations
Stay updated with the latest happenings and news in the Moosehead Lake region. Learn more about what to do and where to go in the Moosehead Lake area and beyond.
🏡 Where to Stay: Moose River Lookout – Your Basecamp for Adventure
Located in Rockwood, Maine, Moose River Lookout is the ultimate vacation home rental for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Nestled on the Moose River, this cozy home features:
Private Dock with access to Moosehead Lake
3 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | Sleeps 7
Free WiFi & TV
Backup Generator
Easy driveway access for trailers & ATVs
Direct access to ITS66 Snowmobile Trails
Year-round availability for summer AND winter sports
Whether you're hiking Blue Ridge, casting a line in the river, or hitting the snowmobile trails—Moose River Lookout is where your Maine vacation begins.
Ultimate Outdoor Getaway
With direct backyard access to Maine's Interconnected Trail System (ITS66) and a private dock on the river, adventure awaits right outside your door. Whether you're into hiking, golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, skiing, or snowmobiling, you'll find it all just steps away from our doorstep.
Book Your Stay
Experience the ultimate outdoor getaway in the heart of Maine's natural beauty. For inquiries or to make a reservation, please don't hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming you to Moose River Lookout, lodging Rockwood Maine a Vacation Home Rental, on Moose River with access to Moosehead Lake and Mt. Kineo!
Phone: 800-544-0300
Email: mooseriverlookout@gmail.com
Address: 4054 Rockwood Rd Rockwood, ME 04478
Website: Moose River Lookout
✨ Main Street Maine is more than a destination—it’s an experience of timeless New England culture, creativity, and community.
