8 Timeless Towns In Maine
Maine is the largest State in the historic New England region of the United States. Located in the corner of the American Northeast, Maine shares a border with New Hampshire and the Canadian provinces Quebec and New Brunswick.
Also known as the "Pine Tree State," Maine's natural splendor and cultural attractions make it a most special place. Joining the Union on March 15, 1820, as the 23rd state, the great State of Maine and its historic towns should definitely not be overlooked by any guest to the northeastern United States. Any time spent in these wonderful communities will undoubtedly create a timeless set of memories that all ages can appreciate.
Bangor
The seat of Penobscot County, Bangor, is a welcoming mid-sized town with a population of nearly 32,000 residents. As the third largest urban center in Maine, the town can trace its modern history to the 1760s, and it flourished in the mid-1800s as a logging and shipbuilding hub. Today, Bangor remains a most inviting and scenic place, where comfortable warm summers and snowy winters are the norm. Scenically situated along the Penobscot River, a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere can be enjoyed here, and this "Queen City" reflects a historic character through many of its architectural landmarks. Featuring many edifices designed in the Victorian and Greek Revival Styles, among the sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places include St. John’s Catholic Church (1855) and the Thomas Hill Standpipe Tank (1897).
Meanwhile, an afternoon at the Zillman Art Museum immerses guests in the best of contemporary art, while the attractive Bangor City Forest is a must for any outdoors lover. Here, awesome green spaces, picnic areas, and hiking and biking trails create a lovely ambiance that no nature enthusiast will want to miss out on!
Waterville
Just a short 30-minute drive from Maine’s capital city of Augusta, the town of Waterville is beautifully located along the banks of the Kennebec River. Founded in the early 19th century and with a modern populace of nearly 16,000, Waterville is a most pleasing place where cool winter and hot summer temperatures make it a great spot year-round. Guests of all ages can enjoy a number of pleasant attractions in Waterville. Visit the Colby College Museum of Art, where across some 38,000 square feet, more than 8,000 works are displayed that span Asian, European, and modern artists. From there, stroll through the wonderful campus of Colby College (1813) and enjoy its classical buildings and inviting green spaces.
Meanwhile, for the performing arts lovers, be sure to catch a show at the Waterville Opera House (1902) or see what is playing at the annual Maine International Film Festival. Here, the best of new international and American cinema takes center stage every summer, sure to intrigue a wide variety of interests. The 2025 version runs from July 11 to 20th. With fine local eateries and shops like the Lion’s Den Tavern and the Bull Moose Record Store, spending any time in Waterville is truly one of the most timeless ways to experience Maine and its famed New England charm.
Sanford
Situated along the Mousam River near Maine’s Atlantic Coast, Sanford is a welcoming town that lies near the border with New Hampshire. Home to just under 22,000 residents and with a modern history dating to the 1730s, Sanford is also the seventh largest municipality in Maine. Featuring hot summers and cool winters, spending time outdoors here is enjoyable throughout the year and whether one likes to go swimming or skating.
Meanwhile the historic charm of the area is difficult to miss, and one can even visit the village of Springvale located within Sanford. Stroll through an alluring 19th-century Main Street and learn more about the region at the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society Museum through its collection of photographs, artifacts, and other documents. Finally, end or start your day with a tasty meal at local joints like Shain’s of Maine or Hanna’s Tavern. Shopping at the Midtown Mall is the perfect place to find a hidden treasure ready to take home!
Saco
Just some 18 miles east of Sanford, Saco also offers splendid panoramas of the Atlantic Coast and pretty beach areas. Incorporated back in the 1760s, today, just over 20,000 reside here, and the community continues to be, as its motto proclaims, “Friendly by Nature.” Home of the Ferry Beach State Park (spanning some 117 acres), tourists can enjoy miles of sandy beachlines, challenging hiking trails, swamp areas, lush greenery, marine wildlife, and breathtaking ocean views in this spectacular natural attraction.
Meanwhile, back in town proper, the young and old can enjoy the sights and sounds of the Funtown Splashtown Amusement Park, which specializes in water-based rides and games! With such great beach areas like Bayview and Kinney Shores, being outside in Saco is simply a delightful experience. Add in fine local eateries like the Golden Rooster and Sea Salt Lobster and discover firsthand the special New England allure of this timeless Maine community.
Lewiston
With a population of just over 37,000, Lewiston ranks as the second largest urban center in Maine, and it is beautifully located along the eastern shores of the Androscoggin River. Incorporated by French settlers in the 1790s, the historic and charming Lewiston is a great place to get acquainted with the past while enjoying a comfortable modern lifestyle.
Featuring upwards of 40 landmarks listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an encounter with the 18th and 19th centuries is never far away here. Including mansions, the historic city hall, several churches, and even the Androscoggin Mills, exploring Lewiston’s past is a delightful experience. In addition, inviting museums and performing arts spaces like the Bates College Museum of Art and the Franco Center bring pleasant doses of culture to any visiting guest.
Augusta
Maine’s capital city, Augusta, is a timeless place of discovery for all ages, and with its moderate temperatures throughout the year, there is never a bad time to come and visit. With a modern history dating to the mid-1700s, today, just under 19,000 reside in the beautiful capital, many of which are retirees. Filled with loads of historic intrigue, many landmarks in the city are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and invite guests to truly get a sense of Maine’s past. Amongst the sites of note include the Old Post Office (1886), the South Parish Church (1865), the Maine State House (1829), and even the colonial outpost Fort Western (1754).
After browsing some history, why not spend some time at the stunning Viles Arboretum botanical garden and its 224 acres of open trails and pretty green spaces? Featuring over 300 species of trees and other plant life, this is definitely one of the loveliest places in Augusta. Add in an informative afternoon at the Maine State Museum highlighting the colonial and natural history of the State, and a renewed appreciation for the region will certainly be attained. Even just relaxing down near the Kennebec River may be all that is needed for a most pleasing holiday outing.
Biddeford
Considered the twin city of the town of Saco, the town of Biddeford is also an equally captivating destination with some of Maine’s best Atlantic Ocean panoramas. Home to just over 22,000 inhabitants, the community can trace its modern settlement history all the way back to the early 1600s by British colonists. Enjoy hot summers and cool winters here while cultural attractions like the pretty campus of the University of New England (1831) delight with its old-world charm. Meanwhile, other notable landmarks include Saint Joseph’s Church (constructed in 1870 and still the tallest edifice in Maine) and the Biddeford Historic District are great ways to feel the century's worth of history.
From there, explore the resort village of Fortune Rocks and enjoy time along the splendid beachfront. Add in a scenic game of golf with a special ocean background, and an awesome New England outing can be felt to the core. Finally, do not forget about the summertime La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival, which lovingly celebrates the culture of Maine’s French settlers. Featuring live music, tasty local foods, fireworks, and fun for all ages, the 2025 Festival runs from June 19 to 22.
Westbrook
A scenic wonder for all lovers of the outdoors, Westbrook is a most delightful destination that is situated along the Presumpscot River. Add in the special Congin and Saccarappa Falls, lush surrounding greenery, and a pleasant year-round climate, and it is easy to see what makes Westbrook such an attractive place. Founded in the early 19th century, today, just over 20,000 residents call this Cumberland County town home.
Spend a calming and picturesque afternoon at the Westbrook River Walk, while other inviting park areas like Riverbank Park and the Bicentennial Park & Skate Park entertain guests of all ages. Finally, Westbrook has a number of great local eateries that offer some of the best in New England. These include the Frog & Turtle Restaurant and The Baker’s Bench, where fresh ingredients and warm smiles come together to create a perfect snapshot of Americana.
Maine is the largest state in America’s beloved New England region in the northeast part of the country, and any visitor here will surely find plenty to admire. From stunning coastal communities to historic centers, the charm and beauty of Maine and its timeless towns are amongst the finest to be had in the country. Enjoy the history and hospitality of the capital, Augusta, while the special beach allure of Saco never disappoints. In any of these splendid towns, the inviting character of Maine comes shining through, ready to welcome all who visit. So come visit Maine and get a dose of New England across a historic holiday spent in these awesome and timeless towns and see why the "Pine Tree State" has rightfully secured its spot as one of northeastern America’s finest destinations!
