Augusta, Maine

Though it’s the state capital, Augusta’s population hovers just around 18,000.

On weekdays, the center of the city feels bigger as state workers travel daily into Augusta from nearby towns. In the summer, visitors to the nearby lakes come into the city to stock up on groceries or to use rainy days for a bit of shopping.

Augusta is a hub for government business, but because there are so many things to do in Augusta, it’s also become a year-round destination for restaurants, concerts, and shopping. The city’s downtown renaissance has been heralded in recent years, even helping Augusta earn a spot in Downeast Magazine’s 2020 “Best Places to Live in Maine” list.

On The Banks Of The Mighty Kennebec

Augusta’s 58 square miles are split in two by the Kennebec River. The city’s west side is marked by the State House complex, the Western Avenue commercial area, and the historic district residential neighborhood. The east side is marked by more sprawling land, though it has its share of interesting and important sites – the Viles Arboretum, Cony High School, and numerous state government buildings. On the east side of the Kennebec the city’s boundaries extend out toward Togus Pond and other popular spots to fish, kayak, and swim.

The Kennebec River has been integral to Augusta’s economic and cultural development. It marked the area as an early destination for settlement and trade and led to the development of Augusta as a mill town with a strong population of French-Canadian immigrants. The influence of that history and culture remains today, with a petanque court at the riverside Mill Park and the Calumet Club as a popular gathering place.

With Augusta’s recent economic and cultural growth, the banks of the river have more recently been the site of concerts and brew fests that draw locals and visitors alike. During the summer months, people launching kayaks or casting a line from the city-provided docks are a frequent sight.

Recreation is easy to find along the river; the Kennebec River Rail Trail begins in downtown Augusta and offers walkers and joggers miles of riverside trail to Hallowell and beyond. Cross the river and you can walk or jog the trail that winds from Fort Western through to the old AMHI grounds.

For a sweeping view of the city that includes Kennebec River and the State House dome, head to the historic cemeteries or the Augusta State Airport at the top of Winthrop Street. While there, watch planes take off and enjoy a meal at the airport’s Thai restaurant.

Shopping & Dining in Augusta

There is no shortage of dining or shopping options in Augusta. Both the Western Avenue commercial area and the Marketplace at Augusta are right off I-95, offering visitors easy access to numerous chain stores and restaurants along with local favorites.

Residents have their choice of three grocery stores – two Hannafords and a Shaw’s – and a Sam’s Club for bulk buying. Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s are also all within the city limits. Buy your books at Barnes and Noble, then head across the parking lot to catch a movie at Regal Cinemas.

Downtown, you’ll find local options for eating and shopping. Sonny’s Rock Shop and Merkaba Sol add character to Water Street, and the Downtown Diner, State Lunch, and Cushnoc Brewing are just some of the well-loved and locally-owned restaurants along the river. At the end of the main drag is The Colonial Theater, an historic site that a local group has been working hard to bring back to life.

Center of Maine’s Government

Sitting atop a hill, overlooking Capital Park and down to the Kennebec, the Maine State House is a striking sight in this small riverside city. It’s easily visible from many spots across Augusta, with its copper dome topped by a statue of the Lady of Wisdom. In addition to being the workplace of the State Legislature and home to the Governor’s Office, the State House is also open to the public for tours year-round.

The State House complex includes a free parking garage. Located directly across the street from the State House and the Cross State Office Building on one side and from the Department of Health and Human Services building on the other, this garage makes accessing state government easy for visitors and staffers alike.

Other notable buildings in close proximity to the State House include The Blaine House, which is the Maine Governor’s mansion; the Gannett House, now home to the First Amendment Museum; and the Nash School, now home to the Secretary of State’s Office. The Maine State Library, Maine State Museum, and Maine State Archives share a parking lot with the State House.

Healthcare Service Center

Augusta is home to MaineGeneral Health, a non-profit organization that includes a hospital, numerous physician practices, an urgent care center, and the Alfond Center for Cancer Care. Other healthcare services in the city include Kennebec Pediatrics, Concentra Urgent Care, and Togus VA Medical Center.

Numerous dentists and optometrists also practice in Augusta, and pharmacies are easy to find. CVS and Walgreens both have locations in Augusta.

Higher Education in Augusta

People seeking to further their education can do so right in Augusta. The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) has a campus conveniently located near I-95. UMA offers numerous certificate and degree programs and has many distance-learning options available for students. The UMA campus also houses the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine.

Augusta is also home to a Purdue University Global site that is located not far from UMA.

Activities For Everyone

Family-friendly events like movie nights in the park and the annual downtown Halloween festival give people of all ages something to do. Playgrounds are plentiful and the youth never have to look far to find a baseball field, a basketball court, or tennis courts in Augusta. The library was recently expanded and the recently renovated YMCA offers modern facilities for swimming, weightlifting, and cardio workouts. Concerts, conventions, and community events are frequently held at the Augusta Civic Center.