The downtown area is full of many local businesses and attractions that delight residents and tourists alike.
Our real estate agents find a delightful mix of traditional and modern attractions at these great destinations in downtown Augusta.
Since separating from Massachusetts and becoming the 23rd state, Maine has created a rich history of its own. Learn about the fascinating past, present, and future of our state with a visit to the Maine State House, just minutes away from Augusta homes for sale.
History of the Maine State House
After a fierce rivalry among communities to be named the capital city, Portland emerged as the victor. But the honor proved to be temporary, as the state legislature voted in 1827 to make Augusta the permanent capital.
In order to meet the high standards befitting this honor, Maine hired famed Boston architect Charles Bulfinch to design the State House. Bulfinch's portfolio already included the Massachusetts State House as well as sections of the U.S. Capital and many prominent New England buildings.
The first meeting of the Maine Legislature in the new State House was held in 1832. Over the years, remodeling and expansion has included the addition of a west wing and the replacement of the original low dome with the high copper dome seen today.
The Maine State House complex includes the Maine State Museum and Blaine House, with Capitol Park bridging the area between the complex and the Kennebec River. While the Museum is currently closed for renovations, the State House and Blaine House are open to the public.
Visiting the Maine State House
Is finding the perfect place to call home the most important task on your list of New Year's resolutions? Then there are many reasons that Maine should be at the top of your list. Our real estate agents have all of the details on why you'll love moving to Maine in 2023.
Once you've settled into your new home, what better way to celebrate than with a party? Ring in the New Year in your new house! Celebrate the new year in style with these tips for hosting a memorable New Year's Eve party.
Ice skating is an annual tradition for many families near Augusta homes for sale, and you have plenty of local options if it appeals to you. Many communities near Augusta host seasonal ice skating. Some rinks are in municipal facilities or set on outdoor lakes, while others are found in large event venues.
Between showings of the best Augusta homes for sale, our team knows that it's important to take time out for all the little things that make life special. The holidays are the season to get together with loved ones and celebrate what matters most. That also means it's time for the hectic fun of holiday shopping!
Even with the best of intentions, time can get away from you. Luckily, you have plenty of options when it comes to finding the perfect gift here in Maine. Plus, our real estate agents know of a few places where you could find something truly special.
A public library is the cornerstone of every community. By promoting literacy, providing free access to information, and serving as a neighborhood gathering space, libraries play a big part in helping better the lives of everyone around.
In Augusta, we're very lucky to have the Lithgow Public Library, which offers services residents of all ages can utilize. Our real estate agents are always talking about the library's wonderful features, which benefit adults, teens, and children. Here are several ways the library can benefit you:
With the fall season here, it's a terrific time to give your home a seasonal makeover. Our real estate agents suggest following these tips to update your home for the autumn months.
Are you planning a visit to Augusta — perhaps to look at Augusta homes for sale? While you're in the area, we highly recommend checking out some local museums and attractions. One of the best ones to visit is the Monmouth Museum, which houses displays related to early life in Maine. Visiting this museum will give you a better understanding of the region's history, and it will also feel like a peek back in time. Here are the key things you need to know prior to your visit.
Who says goodbyes have to be hard? Bid summer farewell with a bang at the Windsor Fair, the annual showcase event near Augusta homes for sale. Plan this year's visit with a little help from our real estate agents, who share a sneak preview of what to expect.
Maine's Kennebec Valley really comes to life in summertime, with a wide range of fairs, festivals, and events. Many of them, including the much-anticipated Taste of Waterville Festival, are just minutes from these Hallowell homes for sale.
Highlighting all the unique flavors of Maine's diverse culinary landscape, Taste of Waterville is now in its 30th year. As we get ready for one of our favorite summertime festivals in Maine, our real estate agents are excited to share more information about Taste of Waterville.
About Taste of Waterville
Lobster is to Maine what BBQ is to Texas. Enjoy the king of fresh Maine seafood at these wonderful Kennebec Valley restaurants favored by our real estate agents.
Maine proudly stands out as the #3 producer of maple syrup in the country. Yes, it's true we're not that far from Canada, but maple syrup from The Pine Tree State is in a class by itself.
Whether you slather it on pancakes or slip it in your coffee, our real estate agents know that maple syrup is a local tradition. When you choose Augusta homes for sale, you will have the opportunity to partake in it with some of the freshest maple syrup you can find in the United States.
Our real estate agents know the Kennebec Valley region is full of surprises. If you're exploring it for the first time, it's tough to even know where to begin! History, culture, and natural beauty all combine to create a uniquely enticing environment where you'll find great Augusta homes for sale.
Trying to squeeze in some holiday shopping while you're busy touring Augusta homes for sale? Take in the local ambiance and pick up one-of-a-kind gifts at these craft shows and markets recommended by our real estate agents.
The Kennebec Valley is a beautiful place in any season, but it's at its most striking in autumn. When the brilliant fall foliage makes its return to the Augusta area, it's time to get outside and enjoy it! Check out our real estate agents' favorite places to experience nature in the fall.
Fall isn't just about the beautiful scenery in the Kennebec Valley. It's also one of the best times to go trout fishing, and it's a season our real estate agents look forward to every year.
If you're in the Augusta, Maine area this fall, be sure to wet a line in these great local rivers, lakes, and streams. There's nothing like trout fishing on a crisp fall morning in Maine.
The end of summer doesn't mean the end of amazing fruits and vegetables. Our real estate agents will be picking up delicious local foods and seeing a farm animal or two at these great Kennebec Valley farms.
Plan ahead for the seasons changing, with this list of Kennebec Valley Farms to visit this fall. Plus, they are all just a short drive from Augusta homes for sale.
Antiquing can be a lot of fun, but one of the hardest parts is sorting the trash from the treasure. When you discover that perfect find, there's no feeling quite like it! Our real estate agents happen to know some of the best places in Maine to find genuine treasures.
If you're on the hunt for an Augusta home for sale (and some great antique furniture to fill it with) then you might want to check out some of these amazing antique stores and markets in the Kennebec Valley!
Horseback riding delivers mental and physical health benefits as well as the deep satisfaction of interacting with animals. Our real estate agents love to destress with a ride at one of these top stables around Augusta.
Our real estate agents prefer growing their own plants from seed. It gives gardeners more flexibility and control over the way the young plant is raised. Also, you have a much wider choice of varieties and can work within the planting dates that suit your area. Here's a step by step guide to help you grow your plants from seed with ease.
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, it's either amore or time for National Pizza Day. Our real estate agents are excited to celebrate! On Tuesday, February 9, celebrate with an order of delicious pizza from one of these great Kennebec Valley restaurants.
A wise but anonymous person once described hot chocolate as "a hug from the inside." During a cold Maine winter, that couldn't be more true! When our real estate agents feel a need for the warm embrace of cocoa, they head to these great restaurants and coffee shops near Augusta homes for sale.
It's time to start thinking about decorating your home for the holidays. If your home is listed among Augusta homes for sale, you will be looking for just the right tone, perhaps going low key this year so as not to be too distracting from showing your home. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to make your home feel extra cozy this holiday season. Follow these tips to give your holiday decorating a boost this year.
Making your own wreath is a fun and simple way to spruce up your home for the holidays. Since decorations can be overpriced this time of year, our real estate agents came up with five inexpensive ways to make your own holiday wreath.
Before you get started, you'll want to head over to your local craft store and pick-up a few supplies. In addition to the base material you select (more on that below), it's usually a good idea to have an abundance of twine, pins, glue, and floral tape on hand.
We could go on and on about all the reasons we love autumn in Maine. The crisp morning air, the brilliant foliage, the welcome return of flannel weather. But few things say 'fall' quite like apple picking.
Our real estate agents are blessed to live in a place with an incredible variety of orchards, farms, and farm markets where fresh apples are abundant every autumn. Here are some of our favorite places to pick apples in the Kennebec Valley:
The Kennebec Valley is known far and wide for its natural beauty. Augusta homes for sale put you right in the midst of it all, with many of Maine's top camping spots within a short drive.
Our REALTORS® work with many outdoor enthusiasts. With our help, you'll feel right at home – both on your new property and out there in the great outdoors.
Camping is becoming more popular as people look for safe and enjoyable ways to get out of the house for a while. Mild summer weather and warming temperatures have many hearing the call of the wild. But, with so many spaces to explore, there's plenty of room for everyone. You've never seen Maine's lake country like this!
When you're feeling hungry while exploring the streets of Augusta, there's nothing quite like making your way to your favorite food truck. With freedom of movement and the ability to customize their menus to suit the personality of the chef, food trucks are great places to find items that aren't available at other local restaurants or sample foods that you haven't tried from around the world. You'll often find food trucks in the busiest parts of the city, or catering local events of all sizes. Our REALTORS® know Augusta, and we've put together a list of 5 food trucks you won't want to miss in the area.
As Maine celebrates its bicentennial in 2020, why not learn more about some of the historic landmarks in our area? Our REALTORS® help you get in the spirit by sharing 10 fun facts about one of Maine's most enduring symbols, the Maine State House.
Dr. Seuss wrote of Great Places where "your mountain is waiting," and there are wonderful heights waiting to be scaled at the library. Is there a more fitting way to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday than Read Across America Day?
On Monday, March 2, take the whole family for a visit to one of these amazing local libraries suggested by our real estate agents.
The Kennebec Valley is the place to be during the holiday season. To help you get in the holiday spirit, our REALTORS® highly recommend adding the following events coming to the nearby area to your calendar.
Every year on the weekend after Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday gives shoppers an opportunity to support their local businesses. It's a great chance to get your holiday shopping done and show your favorite mom-and-pop stores some love.
In honor of the occasion, our REALTORS® are excited to share some of their favorite small businesses in the Augusta, ME area. Be sure to check out these amazing local shops this season!
There's always something new and exciting to discover in Augusta, ME. Contact us today to learn more about life in Maine, and talk to our team about finding your dream home.
The Harvest Season is a picturesque time in Maine. As leaves change colors and the breeze gets crisper, families from far and wide visit the Augusta area to enjoy autumn's outdoor activities. As you look for a place you can call home in central Maine, we recommend scheduling your visit during one of these events happening this fall in Augusta and Monmouth.
According to Shakespeare, all the world's a stage, and he would be delighted with Theater at Monmouth, the year-round repertory company that's been entertaining local audiences since 1970. Here's a closer look at one of the most popular attractions near Monmouth homes for sale.
Theater at Monmouth was established as a way to enrich the cultural landscape around Monmouth and the state of Maine. Professional actors from across the country present innovative approaches to the works of Shakespeare and other fascinating plays, from comedies to dramas.
Five years after it was founded, Theater at Monmouth was officially recognized as the Shakespearean Theater of Maine by the state legislature. Throughout 49 years of the three-month summer repertory season, TAM has staged upwards of 340 productions, including 28 world premieres.
Maine's Kennebec Valley has many charms, including spectacular outdoor scenery that you won't find anywhere else. From hiking trails to public parks and waterways, there are so many different ways to experience the natural beauty of the Kennebec Valley. There's nothing like traversing the area by water, in a kayak, canoe, or small boat. It provides a unique perspective on familiar natural spots throughout the area and offers a great workout in the process. Our real estate agents know outdoor fun, and we've got all the info you need to paddle your way around the Kennebec Valley.
Belgrade Canoe & Kayak – 1005 Augusta Rd., Belgrade 04917
With a convenient location close to Belgrade homes for sale, you can find everything you need for a day of paddling at Belgrade Canoe & Kayak. This spot is known for its fantastic customer service and extensive selection. It's also open 24 hours, so you can always find equipment for your next trip.
One of the many things our real estate agents love about the Kennebec Valley is that it's one of the best places in America to experience the great outdoors. And despite offering some of the best fishing in the country, this region still flies under most people's radar—and we think that should change!
When it comes to fishing in the Kennebec Valley and Augusta, Maine area, the options are endless. The Kennebeck River offers unmatched fly fishing opportunities, especially in spring and fall when trout spawn in the main river and its many tributaries. Lakes and ponds up and down the river provide excellent bass fishing in summer as well. Even in winter, ice fishing gives hardy anglers a chance to tangle with big fish through the ice.
So if you're in the neighborhood looking at Augusta homes for sale, you may want to set aside some time to do some fishing. You can't go wrong in any of the Kennebec Valley's rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds, but if you're new to the area, you may want a bit of expert guidance. These great local guide services can guarantee a great fishing trip in the Augusta area:
It's almost time once again to enjoy two of the biggest celebrations of the year in the Kennebec Valley, packed into one exciting day. June 29th marks the return of both Kennebec River Day and the Kennebec River Brewfest. Both events take place at scenic Mill Park, where you'll find a schedule of events that appeal to every member of the family. From great food to shopping, fun, drinks, and games, Kennebec River Day has it all. Our real estate agents are ready to celebrate with the community, but first, we'll share the key details on Kennebec River Day and Kennebec River Brewfest for 2019.
Date: June 29, 2019 – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Mill Park – 1 Water St., Augusta, ME 04330
Children's Games and Activities
Kids and adults alike will have a blast exploring all that Kennebec River Day has to offer. For younger members of the audience, there will a kids workshop, inflatable obstacle course, musical instrument petting zoo, building with LEGOs, and even the chance to build their own magic wand. Kids also love visiting the Touch-a-Truck exhibition, which allows them to get a first-hand look at emergency response vehicles.
Summer in Kennebec Valley is the best time of the year! Our real estate agents love the warm summer days and long summer nights that are perfect for getting together with family and friends to enjoy the some of the best festivities around Maine. Don't miss these four awesome events happening throughout the summer in Kennebec Valley!
Nothing (and we mean nothing!) beats a fresh, delicious lobster roll made from succulent, flavorful Maine lobster fresh off the boat. You don't have to take our word for it—ask any of our real estate agents, experts all in great Augusta homes and lobster rolls. Here's where to go in Augusta and surrounding areas for this Down East delicacy.
Pure Maine maple syrup is such a popular commodity that Native Americans used it as money. While maple syrup is no longer made by dropping red-hot stones into thick wooden containers of sap, it retains the same unique quality and flavor people have enjoyed for hundreds of years.
On the fourth Sunday of March each year, our state's sugar houses celebrate Maine Maple Sunday. Our real estate agents prepare you for this year's event on March 24 by sharing the story of making maple syrup along with our favorite sugar houses to visit.
The maple syrup cycle begins when the first crow of the year flies, usually in late January. This marks the beginning of the "sweetwater" sap flow, which generally runs until mid-April. Even in these high-tech times, many sugar houses still follow the tradition of collecting sap in buckets hung from trees.
How valuable is sap? A large tree can produce a generous amount of 60 gallons in one year, but the end result is only about one-and-a-half gallons of maple syrup.
If you're ready to dust off your ice skates this winter, you're not alone. Ice skating is practically the official state pastime here in Maine, and if you've never ice skated before, Maine is the perfect place to learn.
Our real estate agents look forward to ice skating season, and it's finally here! Of course, there's one place in town where you don't have to worry about the weather at all – the Camden National Bank Ice Vault.
Home to the Maine Moose ice hockey team and the Skating Association of Maine, the Maine Ice Vault is one of the premier ice rinks in the state. It opened its doors in 2012, replacing the former Kennebec Ice Arena, which collapsed under the weight of snow in 2011.
Folks in Augusta, Maine know how to enjoy the winter weather. In fact, for people who love the snowy season, the variety of options for outdoor winter fun is one of the best aspects of living in the area. Whether you are already an area resident or are shopping Augusta homes for sale with the intention of becoming one, there are lots to do when the snow flies. Here are four places for outdoor winter fun near Augusta that you won't want to miss:
GO Tubing, 60 Alder Park Road, South China, ME
This popular winter fun venue offers old-fashioned fun for families. Snow tubing is their main gig, with four tubing lanes and a tow line to haul tubers back to the top for another run. There is also a skating rink available to patrons, as well as a cozy lodge with a roaring fire and a food truck where meals, snacks, hot chocolate, and other beverages are purchased. You can host parties and group events at GO Tubing.