Town of Farmington, Maine

This Franklin County Seat town of 8,000 people, give or take, has a long, colorful history. Yes, that goes for a lot of places in Maine, as the state’s been around for a while. Farmington’s more recent history is that of a modestly sized municipality that has become a vibrant setting and a destination point unto itself.

Farmington has small town appeal with an expansive way of viewing the world. This is a place where arts blend well with manufacturing, and much of that is being done by entrepreneurs. This is how the town, through its residents, is making a statement. That is, we know what we want for the future and we’re willing to put in the effort to make it happen.

Oh yes, let’s not overlook that this is the original of home of Maine’s first female governor, Janet Mills.

When you’re right in the center of town, there’s scenery in every direction. It may be the sight of rolling hills, fields leading down to Sandy River’s banks, or the quilt-like patterns of metal rooves and stately towers. Some of those are on the campus of the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) that has been consistently recognized as leader in state-supported liberal arts education. Just outside of town, many of the vistas range off in the distance as you drive through agricultural acres heading east or wooded slopes to the north.

Local Attractions

There’s plenty of things to do right in Farmington! Really, without having to travel out of town. It’s fairly amazing, once you pause to think about it. There are super places to eat, either for dining in or taking out. And this includes a variety of cuisine, with something new popping every now and again.

Entertainment is varied too, with the Narrow Gauge Movie Theater running several features at a time, and outdoor movies in the summer. That’s fun, as is the theater scene that’s both community and school-based. The same can be said for athletics with UMF having a wide roster of teams, as does Mt. Blue High School.

A few blocks from the center of town you can take a peaceful walk through the Powder House Hill Trails, a wooded, well maintained area that has year round access for walking, cycling, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing. The Whistle Stop Trail is a 14-mile all season rail trail that you can pick up in West Farmington and follow all the way through Wilton to Jay. Access is free, pet-friendly, and open to all kinds of getting from here to there and back again!

Places to Go, Right Nearby and Within an Hour

Titcomb Mountain is a year round place for fun and adventure, hosting volunteer events along with Nordic and alpine skiing, and boarding. The UMF Fitness and Recreation Center is open to the community, including day pass options for college students’ guests. This is good place to go for a swim when natural swimming places are chilly.

Speaking of swimming and all things water related, the Sandy River meanders through Farmington and is easily accessed at several points, one being right down the drive from the movie theater. There are spots to swim or wade and those super for paddling by kayak or canoe.

Out in Industry and a short ride from the Farmington’s center is Clearwater Lake with a public boat launch and swimming access. Of course, there are any number of streams for fishing and ponds in the nearby towns of Temple and Chesterville, plus Wilson Lake in Wilton and Webb Lake in Weld, as noted in other articles.

You can plan a day trip to Augusta that’s less than an hour away. Of course, you may not want to go any further than the picturesque Belgrade Lakes area that’s only a half-hour drive. Yes, there’s plenty to do there, including golfing that’s also available in nearby Wilton or less than an hour up the road to either Sugarloaf or Rangeley.

Shopping in Farmington

Farmington is one of those towns that’s good for walking! It’s rather amazing when you see the variety of shops and eateries to choose from. There’s a lot of free on street parking and several municipal lots, all within a short walk to shops. Even if you have to circle around to find parking, you get to see all of the unique establishments to visit!

One of those is a book lover’s destination named Twice Sold Tales, a place where you can spend the whole day perusing stacks and shelves of used books representing all genres. Right around the corner is the town’s own Indie bookstore, Devaney, Doak, and Garrett, a welcoming spot that’s been around since 1991!

Nearby is Reny’s, a celebrated Maine chain of stores that truly is an adventure. When you visit this one, be sure to visit all three floors in what was once a theater. Mere steps away there are thrift stores, curio shops, fabric and kitchen stores, and a newer business that specializes in the design and manufacture of clothing and gear for Jiu Jitsu and lifestyle athletes.

Garden and florist shops here are popular year round, selling all kinds of flora during the growing season, as the area abounds with gardeners. Farmington has a Farmer’s Market that operates year round, hosting it on various days of the week by season.

Heading south from Farmington via U.S. Route 2 there’s an array of lodging and big box stores and other independent retail shops, all just minutes from the center of town. Yes, this is the very same Rte. 2 that was built almost 100 years ago! From Farmington, you can take it east and north to the Canadian border just beyond Houlton, or west to Burlington Vermont and Lake Champlain. Either way, the scenery is spectacular, and you’ll get to visit more interesting places in Maine.

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