Augusta, Maine, is the epitome of gentle meandering through the heartland of America. Although Augusta is the capital city of Maine, it is really little more than a lulling and tranquil by-way on the road to elsewhere. Popular with RV-owners and families looking for a gentler vacation destination, even the Augusta events err on the side of genteel fun.
Events
The St Mark's Whatever Art Festival (the eclectic nature of the event is evident in the name) is held annually. This year, June 26th (2010) is the date to be in Augusta, at least if you are a fancier of all things crafty. Despite the low-key nature of the event, anyone with the slightest interest in handicrafts and home-spun art – sometimes literally homespun – will be pleased with the vibrancy of the day. A good all-rounder event for a family vacation.
Things to See and Do
The main attractions of Augusta are – as with so many smaller US cities – primarily to be found in the history of the place. Augusta is evidently proud of it's peaceful yet varied heritage, and the Fairfield Antiques Hall is a distinctive blend of shopping opportunities (strictly for purist antiques fans, there is very little kitsch here, or bric-a-brac posing as antiques) and local history. The offerings hold the occasional international oddity, but most of the items are from within Maine. Hoosiers are particularly popular, and if you know what a hoosier is, you've a good chance of picking up a treat at Fairfield.
Arts
Augusta's one concession to modernity is it's enduring support of modern art. Surprisingly progressive, putting paid to the stereotypes of backwater America, is the Maine Art Museum Trail. A collection of buildings, each housing a distinctive style, the Trail covers seven major centers. Not all are in Augusta, so a car is advised, but the exhibitions are impressive indeed; both from established artists and new talents.
Off the Beaten Path
Getting off the beaten path in Augusta is as easy as pulling on a comfortable pair of shoes. This is a city for the nature-lover, rather than those looking for the latest in underground nightclubs, but for anyone who enjoys a dose of fresh air, the Pine Tree State Arboretum is well worth a visit. Also dubbed Maine's Living Museum of Trees, the Arboretum houses a five-mile winding trail designed to guide visitors through the more than three hundred plant species. Winter makes the area an attraction for cross-country skiers, and the horse-back riding, cycling and bird-watching (not as boring as it sounds) make this a good choice to wile away a couple of days.
Hotels
Accommodation in Augusta tends to fall into either the cheap, motel-style, the chain-style hotel (not so many choices), or the B & B style that makes the city a bit of romantic getaway. Although the budget end of the spectrum will cost only around $50 per room per night, the upper end isn't too distant, at around $150 per night for a completely indulgent and isolated cottage, complete with champagne, a breakfast basket and a jacuzzi.
Use the Hotelsio Rate Finder to find top accommodation and cheap hotels in Augusta, Maine.
(Photo:iStockPhoto/molibra)
