City of Saco, Maine

Mention Saco, Maine, to almost any visitor from out of state and chances are the only attraction they’ll be familiar with would be the Saco River—which is why they’d need to check in here at Exploring Maine before setting out to experience this former textile and iron mill city.

Along with Biddeford, its sister city across the river, Saco is enjoying a steady rejuvenation—albeit at a slower pace. Much like her twin, Saco has been designated as a Main Street, America community—which has helped boost the tourism factor. And while Biddeford has become a landing area for entrepreneurial Millennial creatives, Saco possesses a stately grace and quaint vibe all of her own.

Exploring Saco Maine

Connected to Biddeford’s Pepperell Mill Campus by a beautiful pedestrian bridge over the Saco River, both The Mill at Saco Falls and Saco Mill #4 offer a variety of options for modern, architecturally innovative residential apartments; Saco Mill #4 features commercial space, as well, with nearly 20 small businesses peppered throughout the complex, including several dining options.

Once you cross the bridge—whether it be the pedestrian or automotive—you will have arrived on Saco Island. If you’re traveling by car, immediately on your left is the Run of the Mill brewpub. This cozy eatery has both indoor and outdoor seating (in season), and if you visit in the spring, prepare yourself to be serenaded by the sounds of the raging Saco River. Just up the hill in Saco Mill #4 you’ll find The Deli & Company—and if you are a sucker for spectacular sandwiches made with local and house-made ingredients, then make sure to stop in with your appetite. Just a few steps away from Deli & Company is Pacifico, a sit-down-and-order-from-a-server type of establishment; while still casual, both the cool esthetic and amazing menu are creative and original, taking the dining experience to the next level.

Just a bit further north, you’ll pass by the Amtrak station—conveniently located a few blocks away from the leisurely hustle and bustle of Saco’s Main Street and downtown Biddeford. Hop aboard and explore the beauty of the surrounding Northeast…or anywhere else the rail giant travels to.

Downtown Saco

At the top of the hill and just after you cross back over to the “mainland” is the real heart of Saco—Main Street. This 7-block stretch of storefronts evokes a feeling of days gone by with a modern flavor, and the many dining options reflect this comfortable conjunction of old-meets-new. For example, right around the corner from Rapid Ray’s—a classic diner-style, award-winning burger joint that’s been satisfying Sacovian appetites since 1953—is the diminutive Quiero Café (owned and operated by the gastronomic geniuses at Pacifico) whose Latin-American inspired menu explodes with authentic flavor and flair (you’ve never really had a stateside empanada until you’ve tried one of theirs).

If you’re on the hunt for someplace that offers amazing take-out sandwiches as well as a great selection of beer and wine, then stop by Vic & Whit’s. And if you’re just looking for a quick-but-amazing craft cocktail and a game of pinball, check out the retro-chic Up & Up, conveniently located…you guessed it—upstairs from Vic & Whit’s.

Outdoor Activities

While Main Street may be the heart of Saco’s downtown, it only represents a tiny portion of what the city has to offer; Saco sprawls out and away in every direction and includes a small shoreline, as well as a large inland expanse of farmland and northern pine woods. The famed and storied Saco River forms the city’s southern border and offers a plethora of options for boating, rafting, fishing, tubing…you get the idea. Don’t own a canoe, kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski? Try a no-commitment rental at Saco Bay Rentals.

Saco isn’t all about watersports, though. Tucked up and away inland is the Saco Heath Preserve—a spot Down East magazine dubbed as “Maine’s Best Overlooked Gem.” The heath is actually a northern raised bog and is traversed by boardwalks. “The Heath”—as it is known by locals—is free, and is an easy out-and-back 2.1-mile stroll…a must-see in spring when all of the low, scrubby growth bursts into a profusion of pink, purple, and white blooms. Speaking of springtime blossoms—if you do happen to be in town during late April/early May, make a point to seek out the historic Laurel Hill Cemetery—a true garden cemetery that, if you drive to the very back of the property, you will be treated to a real spectacle: Swaths of yellow, cream, gold, and white daffodils covering a vast hillside that rolls down to the edge of the Saco River.

Another excellent spot for those who enjoy communing with nature by foot is Horton Woods, which features an array of varied and fascinating ecological habitats; be sure to stay on the marked pathways to avoid damaging any of these delicate natural wonders. And if you crave a rollicking frolic in the pounding surf after your stint in the woodsy silence, then head on out to Ferry Beach State Park, where you can both hike AND swim (for a fee).

Dining

If all that outdoorsy stuff has you hankering for a nibble, head a few minutes south along the coast to Camp Ellis Beach, where the seasonal Huot’s Seafood Restaurant has been holding court since 1935. Order up whatever floats your boat—and then take your meal out onto the jetty for a true oceanside dining experience. Or head inland to Route 1, where the Sea Salt Lobster Restaurant offers a no-frills, delicious dining experience featuring “locally sourced and harvested seafood.” Just a mile north is Barreled Souls Brewing, where creative, collaborative concoctions abound for folks who just crave a craft brew. Drop by their tasting room for a flight of their latest offerings.

With an eye for keeping visitors and residents of all ages entertained and satisfied, Saco also offers amusements of the manmade variety; Funtown Splashtown and Aquaboggan provide hours of seasonal, water-centric entertainment for all, and are located just three minutes apart on Route 1. And just across the street from Aquaboggan is the dog-friendly Saco Drive-In, for those of us nostalgic for those days gone by when these establishments were far more plentiful.

With an abundance of amusements and activities for all interests, Saco is truly a city for the ages—and like a fine wine, she just keeps getting better.

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