Augusta
Around Augusta
Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Town and around · Maine · 128k people
Augusta
Locals say Kennebec Valley · “Elm City”, “Capital City”
Augusta · Waterville
River town charm, Maine style.
Colby BluePine Green
Welcome to the Kennebec Valley, where the river runs through our towns and the seasons shape our days. Whether you're here for the summer lake life or the cozy winter months, you'll find a community that knows how to enjoy the simple things. We're glad you're here.
Clubs for Augusta
No clubs for Augusta yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Augusta. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Augusta. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Colby College Museum of Art Notable collection of American and contemporary art on Colby's campus.
- Maine State Capitol Seat of Maine's government, with a golden dome overlooking the Kennebec.
- Maine State Museum Exhibits on Maine's natural and cultural history.
- Farnsworth Art Museum Home to the world's largest collection of Wyeth art.
- Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse Iconic lighthouse at the end of a mile-long granite breakwater.
- Waterville Opera House Historic performing arts venue in downtown Waterville.
- Outdoors Kayak or paddleboard on the Kennebec River
- Outdoors Hike the Kennebec Highlands
- With kids Children's Discovery Museum
- With kids Skowhegan State Fair
- Evenings Waterville Opera House
- Evenings Downtown Rockland bars
- Locals love Lobster shacks
- Locals love Diners
Through the year
- Skowhegan State Fair August One of America's oldest state fairs, with agriculture, rides, and food.
- Maine Lobster Festival August Celebrates lobster with a huge seafood feast, contests, and music.
- Maine International Film Festival July Screens independent and international films in Waterville.
- North Atlantic Blues Festival July Top blues acts perform in Rockland's harbor park.
- Gardiner River Festival June Community celebration along the Kennebec with music, food, and river activities.
Cold, snowy winters and mild, pleasant summers. Best time to be out is summer and fall. Best: Summer for lake and coast activities, fall for foliage.
Talk like a local
- “Ayuh”
- Yes.
- “Wicked”
- Very.
- “Chowdah”
- Chowder.
- “Flatlander”
- Someone from out of state.
Getaways
Local flavour
Rooting for Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins
Eat and drink
- Lobster roll Cold lobster meat with mayo on a toasted bun, a Maine icon
- Whoopie pie Chocolate cake with creamy filling, claimed by Maine
- Moxie soda The official soft drink of Maine, a bitter-sweet local favorite
Where people go
- Lobster shacks Casual waterfront spots serving fresh lobster
- Diners Classic American diners with hearty breakfasts
- General stores Small-town stores with local goods and a friendly feel
- Lakeside camps Rustic cabins along the many lakes and rivers
Heritage and traditions
The Kennebec Valley is proud of its rich Franco-American heritage, its long history as a river and mill town, and its vibrant arts scene, from the Farnsworth Museum to the Maine International Film Festival.
This time of year in Augusta
- Leaf peeping Fall Driving to see the fall foliage, especially in October.
Say it like a local: “Wicked good” — very good
Festivals
- Maine Maple Sunday March/April Sugarhouses open to the public for syrup tasting and demonstrations.
- Maine Open Farm Day July Farms across the state welcome visitors for tours and activities.
Landmarks with a story
- Old Fort Western Oldest surviving wooden fort in New England, built in 1754.
- Hallowell Historic District Known for its 19th-century granite architecture and historic homes.
- Redington Museum Local history museum in Waterville with artifacts from the area's industrial past.
Food traditions
- Bean suppers Community gatherings with baked beans, brown bread, and hot dogs, often held at churches.
- Red snapper hot dogs Natural-casing hot dogs with a red color, a Maine classic.
- Wild blueberry pie Made with tiny wild blueberries that grow in Maine.
- Maple syrup Produced in spring, used on pancakes and in baked beans.
- Apple cider donuts A fall favorite from local orchards, often enjoyed with fresh cider.
Music and arts
- Contra dancing A traditional New England folk dance with live fiddle music, popular in community halls.
- Franco-American fiddle music Influenced by French-Canadian traditions, featuring accordion and fiddle.
- Visual arts scene Centered around Colby College Museum of Art and Farnsworth Art Museum, with many local galleries.
A little history
- 1754 Fort Western built
- 1818 Skowhegan State Fair established
- 1827 Augusta becomes the capital of Maine
- 19th century Ice harvesting on the Kennebec River, shipped worldwide
- 20th century Paper mills dominate the local economy
- Game day Harness racing at the Skowhegan State Fair
- Game day Ice fishing derbies
- Outdoors Cross-country skiing
- Outdoors Snowmobiling
- With kids Ice cream stands
- With kids Feeding ducks at a park
Locals speak with a distinct Maine accent, dropping 'r's and using phrases like 'ayuh' for yes. They also use 'wicked' as an intensifier and refer to outsiders as 'from away'.
Only here
- Moxie soda was invented in Union, Maine, in the 1880s.
- The Kennebec River is the longest river in Maine.
- The Skowhegan State Fair is one of the oldest in the country.
- The Maine State House has a distinctive gold dome.
New here? A few tips
- Learn to say 'ayuh' and 'wicked' to fit in.
- Prepare for long, cold winters with plenty of snow.
- Try a red snapper hot dog and a whoopie pie.
- Visit the Farnsworth Art Museum and Colby College Museum.
- Be aware of black flies in late spring.
Make this page better
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Nearby
Every areaFarmingtonMaineWhere the mountains meet the riverLewistonMaineTwo cities, one river, a Franco-American heart.SkowheganMaineWhere the rivers run quiet and the woods are deep.Oxford CountyMaineWhere the mountains meet the riversMidcoastMaineSalt air, pine, and the working sea.PortlandMaineWhere the sea meets the pines, and the welcome is warm.BangorMaineWhere the river meets the pinesLaconiaNew HampshireThe heart of the Lakes Region
Augusta-Waterville, ME. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.