Waterville is a small city in central Maine anchored by Colby College, one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, and a revitalized downtown that has become a model for small city renewal in Maine. The Paul J. Schupf Art Center and the Colby College Museum of Art make Waterville a legitimate arts destination, while its location at the crossroads of I-95 makes it a natural base for exploring central Maine.
Best Restaurants in Waterville, Maine
Waterville’s dining scene has improved dramatically with downtown revitalization. The Oak and Ember is a popular downtown spot for wood-fired cuisine and craft cocktails. Mainely Brews is a beloved local craft brewery and community gathering spot. Grand Central is a lively downtown bar and restaurant that anchors the social scene. The Colby College dining program also brings culinary talent and energy to the broader Waterville food community.
Best Hotels in Waterville, Maine
Waterville has a solid range of accommodations for business and leisure travelers. The Lockwood Hotel is a beautiful boutique hotel that anchored the downtown revitalization effort with stylish rooms and a prime Main Street location. Several well-maintained chain hotels along Kennedy Memorial Drive offer convenient highway access and reliable amenities for travelers passing through central Maine.
Things to Do in Waterville, Maine
The Colby College Museum of Art is free and houses an outstanding permanent collection of American and contemporary art including works by Alex Katz, who has a deep connection to Maine. The Paul J. Schupf Art Center hosts rotating exhibitions and live performances in a beautifully renovated downtown space. Head of Falls Park on the Kennebec River offers walking trails and scenic river views. The Waterville Opera House is a gorgeously restored venue hosting concerts, comedy, and performing arts year-round.
Day Trips from Waterville
Augusta is 20 minutes south with the Maine State Museum and the impressive State House. Skowhegan is 20 minutes north with the Skowhegan History House and the famous Skowhegan State Fair each August. Moosehead Lake is about 90 minutes north for wilderness recreation and floatplane adventures. The Belgrade Lakes region just west of Waterville offers excellent fishing, kayaking, and classic Maine summer cottage culture.
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