This Maine Town Has The Most Walkable Downtown
Set along the west bank of the Kennebec River just south of Augusta, Hallowell is one of Maine’s smallest cities but one of its most active downtowns. The city developed in the late 1700s as a port and shipbuilding center, and much of that era remains visible today. More than 450 historic buildings line a compact stretch of Water Street and the surrounding hillside, creating one of the state's densest historic districts. Within a short walk are galleries, restaurants, music venues, and breweries. That combination of preserved architecture and a lively main street has made Hallowell stand out among Maine’s riverfront communities.
Arts About Town
Hallowell is well known for its eclectic art scene, and guests can enjoy some stunning pieces at Blanchard Gallery. Featuring works by Maine native Christopher Paul Blanchard, the gallery not only exhibits exquisite art but also hosts community events and art shows. Nestled along the Kennebec River, the gallery rotates its pieces monthly and hosts a poetry night on the first Friday of each month. The Gaslight Theater is another institution to take in local art. What was originally a theater class held at a YMCA, the popularity of the arts blossomed into something even bigger, an entire acting studio. The group was formed in 1937 under the name Augusta Players, and their first show was presented in 1938, Arms and the Man. Visit the oldest continuously operating community theater in Maine and enjoy An Inspector Calls, Halfway There, Things My Mother Taught Me, or whichever plays are in rotation at the time.
New Orleans Of The North
Locals of Hallowell like to think that their town resembles a smaller-scale New Orleans due to its cafes, music, and people. Check it out for yourself and see how the bustling, southern town and the quaint, historical New England town match up. For over 30 years, Slates Restaurant and Bakery has been serving its tiny town and offering charm, entertainment, brunch, and more. While they may not have beignets, Slates offers an entire bakery of options to its patrons. Coffee cakes, pies, cookies, and scones are just some of the sweet choices, while the bakery also provides sandwiches, soup, salads, quiches, and more. Grab a light delicacy or partake in a glorious spread with their dinner menu and enjoy the Monday night converts series. Another parallel aspect of Hallowell and NOLA is the lively music scene. In the heart of downtown, Easy Street Lounge is a welcoming meeting spot to partake in an eclectic and vibrant atmosphere, socialize, and listen to live music. Karaoke nights, live bands, and themed parties are just some of the events put on at the venue. The quirky décor and the diverse atmosphere make the lounge an ideal place to unwind and soak up the good vibes.
Stop by the local watering hole to experience over 38 fine microbrews and domestic beers from all over the U.S. and enjoy them on the street-side patio of The Quarry Tap Room. The bar also features a beer garden and taproom, which hosts local artisans, musicians, and artists. Named for the rustic and rugged interior that carvers and quarrymen would frequent back in the day, this modern-day saloon will leave its patrons feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Historic Haunts
With over 450 18th and 19th-century buildings in the walkable historic district along the Kennebec River, the architecture, design, and history of the Federal-style buildings are a major attraction in this New England town. Literature fans will want to stop at the Hubbard Free Library, the oldest library in Maine.
Designed in the 1800s to resemble an old English country church, the library still serves its original purpose. Browse the books or just appreciate the town’s free library. For anyone who wants to feel transported in time, take a stroll through Kennebec Row in Hallowell’s Historic District. A continuous row of brick commercial buildings represents a rare type of architecture, the Federal style, that is fleeting in the state. The oldest buildings in the district date from the 1790s to the 1810s and are mostly commercial, but still include significant buildings in Hallowell’s history.
Nearby Towns
Augusta
Less than 10 minutes from Hallowell, visitors can find the state’s capital, Augusta, and enjoy some time there. The town has multiple museums and historical landmarks for guests to learn about the state’s past. The Maine State Museum has four floors of exhibits that highlight Ice Age mastodons, Native American artifacts, maritime relics, working mills, and more from over 12,000 years of natural and cultural history. With a focus on geology, wildlife, archaeology, and human stories, the museum has something sure to entice anyone. For more local history, Old Fort Western, the living museum and National Historic Landmark, is the oldest wooden fort from the French & Indian War era still found within the U.S. Preserving over 300 years of history from Maine and New England, Old Fort Western, includes the original 1754 Garrison building, as well as three reconstructed buildings in the form of the1921 Blockhouses, 1988 Watch Boxes, and 1916 Palisade.
Monmouth
Manchester is another town near Hallowell, home to the Theater at Monmouth, a performing arts center. TAM, as it is affectionately known, presents groundbreaking approaches to Shakespeare and other classic plays throughout its 400-production summer. Currently in its 56th season, TAM has showcased Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - Apt. 2B, The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged, Twelfth Night, and so much more. Take in a show and follow it up with a nightcap at Grateful Grain Brewing Co., the first. Oldest and largest brewery in the state! Be sure to pair your visit with one of the nights a local food truck will be there, and enjoy a drink and good eats in the outdoor seating area.
Gardiner
Located in the historic district of Gardiner, along the Kennebec River, an independent small-batch brewery, Bateau Brewing, offers a laidback setting, welcoming atmosphere, and big flavors. Relax on one of the Adirondack chairs on the back deck, chill in the beer garden overlooking the river, or sit by the large fire pit on the patio while enjoying a New England IPA and any of the meals available from local food trucks. To enjoy more fresh air, head to the Cobbossee Stream Conservation Area and take a hike down the Harrison Avenue Nature Trail to capture views of ospreys, bald eagles, double-crested cormorants, great blue herons, belted kingfishers, and more. A unique conservation area, the preserve is adorned with Brick walls, remnants of dams, and rusted pipes from a more industrial time, when the city was powered by Cobbossee Stream.
Once a bustling granite and lumbering community, Hallowell is now known for its lively culture and is often referred to as “The Little Easy. Not just in its comparison to New Orleans, is Hallowell “little” but in its own state as well. Visitors continue to come to this quaint historic town to immerse themselves in its charm of days gone by, the savor of old-world simplicity, and the warmth of old-fashioned hospitality.
