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Staycation Fun: Exploring Augusta's Hidden Summer Gems
If you can't squeeze a traditional vacation into your calendar this summer, taking a staycation is the next best thing. Our real estate agents swear by these short experiences as a way to unwind without stressing out over lost time or money.
If you'll be taking a staycation around Augusta this year, there are a few spots near our Augusta homes for sale that we think you'll want to check out.
Kick Back This Summer at These 6 Underrated Augusta Attractions
University of Maine at Augusta
Address: 46 University Drive, Augusta, ME 04330
University of Maine at Augusta isn't just for students. Since it's a public university, many of the campus buildings are free to explore. You can:
- Attend a public lecture, performance, or speaking engagement
- Check out all the contemporary artwork on display at the Danforth Gallery in Jewett Hall
- Visit the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine, a special section of the campus's Michael Klahr Center dedicated to the fight against prejudice and persecution
- Dive into the archives at the Bennett D. Katz Library
You can also stroll through most parts of the school's grounds, including the trails, tennis courts, and Community Garden.
Mill Park
Address: 1 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Mill Park is more than just another run-of-the-mill (pun intended) city park. The local government added a pavilion to this spot almost a decade ago to encourage the community to hold more events here, and it worked.
The park is always buzzing with fun community events, especially in the summertime. Some highlights include:
- The Summer Fun Concert Series, a free public concert held every Wednesday evening from June to August
- Maine Made Summer Fest, a craft show where artisans from all over the state can come to sell their wares
- Speeches, demonstrations, and fundraisers from local organizations like the Colonial Maine Living History Association
You can also enjoy the small community garden at the park's entrance, the fenced-in public dog park, and the petanque courts at any time.
Augusta Farmers Market
Address: 1 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Mill Park also hosts the weekly Augusta Farmers Market, the best place in the city to score local food and goods during the growing season. Come browse the stalls to find:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Eggs and dairy products from local farms
- Baked goodies like artisan bread, sweet rolls, cookies, and pies
- Locally sourced jams, jellies, preserves, honey, and maple syrup
- Handmade crafts, home goods, beauty products, and more
Kennebec River Rail Trail
Address: 368 Water Street, Augusta, ME 04330
Most people around Augusta know the Kennebec River Rail Trail exists, but few take the time to walk more than a short section. The path was once part of a train corridor used to transport Augusta's lumber and paper products to Portland. It was converted into a peaceful walking trail in the early 2000s and is now a well-loved local recreation spot.
The full trail spans 6.5 miles, starting beneath Memorial Bridge and running alongside the Kennebec River. Along the way, it passes through three other cities:
- Hallowell
- Farmingdale
- Gardiner
Hallowell Antique Mall
Address: 191 Water St, Hallowell, ME 04347
What's old is new again at Hallowell Antique Mall, a two-building antique shop, right around the corner from our Hallowell homes for sale. Many vendors from around the area sell items at this location, so you can find almost anything here if you look hard enough. Keep an eye out for:
- Furniture and home decor
- Vintage clothing and upcycled pieces
- Retro toys and games
- Artwork and sculptures
- Dishes, cutlery, and cooking tools
- Rare and out-of-print books
Alan Claude Gallery
Address: 165 Water Street, Gardiner, ME 04345
If you're willing to go even further from Augusta proper, you can visit the award-winning Alan Claude Gallery. All the artwork featured here was created by Alan Claude himself, and many pieces feature classic Maine iconography such as lobsters, lakes, and lighthouses. His bold and colorful illustrations are sure to put a smile on your face.
Visit this exhibition space near our Gardiner homes for sale to browse the art on display or shop for printed pieces to take home.
Discover Even More Local Hangouts in Your New Augusta Home
There are dozens more shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and outdoor spaces around Augusta, and any one of them could be your new favorite staycation destination. Contact us today to learn more about our current selection of properties in this area and see how much fun life in this laid-back New England community can be.