A Quaint Historic Downtown Alive With Art And Festivals Thrives In A Maine Riverfront City Near Portland

Just 50 miles northeast of Portland and 7 miles south of the Augusta State Airport sits a sleepy riverside town with a charming downtown area filled with festivals and fun. Gardiner, Maine is less than an hour away from many of the state's islands that are quintessential East Coast getaways, making it a perfect spot for vacationers. While seemingly tucked away in the wilderness, beer festivals and retro diners make Gardiner an artsy yet cozy gathering place. This small town with big-city vibes is registered as an official Main Street America destination (via Main Street Maine) and is gradually restoring buildings from the town's rich history. Riverfront parks and properties provide a rustic backdrop, and visitors will love sharing in Gardiner's close-knit community.

The best time of year to visit Maine is during the summer, when weather is most favorable. This state is one of the best places to see wildlife, like puffins and whales, and visitors to Gardiner may spot bald eagles, egrets, and loons along Cobbossee Stream and Pleasant Pond. Even man-made structures, like the Cobbosseecontee Dam, blend seamlessly into the area's rugged riverfront landscape. Fishing and paddling are popular activities, and outdoor adventurers can enjoy a walk or picnic after a relaxing day on the water.

Travelers can also visit the historic Christ Church, located at 2 Dresden Avenue, to see the first Gothic New England church, built in 1820. Its bell tower is over 200 years old and still used in Sunday services. Gardiner Public Library, located at 152 Water Street, is another gorgeous historic building. It's hard to miss its majestic red-brick facade standing tall in the center of town.

Gardiner's walkable downtown area lends an eclectic ambience to this quiet, historic city thanks to its coffee shops and quaint stores. Stone Broke Bread and Books, for example, located at 347 Water Street, is an independent bookstore that doubles as a bakery, so you can enjoy the scent of freshly baked bread while perusing stacks of books. Alan Claude Gallery & Gift Shop, located at 165 Water Street, sells stunning contemporary poster art of lighthouses and coastal landscapes. Alan Claude, the gallery's owner, expressed in a 2023 YouTube video for Pouliot Real Estate that he takes pride in the town and feels responsible for maintaining the community's close-knit spirit.

On Water Street, you'll also find cute shops like Monkitree selling handmade creations like jewelry, pottery, and art. Clare Marron, the store's owner, explained in Pouliot Real Estate's video that she was involved in the town's revitalization efforts during her tenure with the Gardiner Main Street Board.

If you get hungry in Gardiner, grab lunch at the historic A1 Diner, located at 3 Bridge Street. You can try delicious pork chops and steak, or stop by for a delectable crab Benedict during Sunday brunch. This cool, retro diner is housed in an authentic 1946 train car offering an unforgettable, blast-from-the-past dining experience. Thirsty travelers will appreciate The Table Bar, located at 207 Water Street, for its selection of wine and cocktails. It also serves seasonal, locally sourced food like oysters, meat, and fish.

Every October, downtown Gardiner recharges its playful spirit with the Swine & Stein Brewfest. If you love beer and sausages, then this festival is for you. In addition to plenty of great beer and food, it includes a beard and moustache competition and a live sausage-making demonstration. Many attendees sport pig noses to celebrate the occasion, and visitors can play giant Jenga while enjoying their pints. And it's not just breweries showcasing their products — distilleries and wineries also participate.

You can wander through booths of pulled pork and baked beans as you sample homemade brews from various local vendors. Admission to the event includes all-day tasting access to local beer, wine, and spirits at the event. The family-friendly celebration even features a petting zoo. Adventurous attendees can compete in a frozen T-shirt race or participate in the Rock, Paper, Scissors Championship. However you decide to partake in the Swine & Stein Brewfest, you're in for guaranteed fun.

If you're looking for quaint places to stay in Gardiner, try the castle-like Stone Turret, located at 17 Lincoln Avenue. This charming loft, converted from a historic church, features stained-glass windows and is available on Airbnb for long-term stays. Historic downtown Gardiner doesn't offer many lodging options, but there are plenty of hotels and motels in the larger city of Augusta, located just 7 miles to the north.