The people who make Gardiner
One of the best parts of staying in Gardiner is how much is within walking distance. Downtown's Water Street is an 8-minute walk from One Lincoln Ave, and it's full of independent, locally owned places worth supporting. These are the spots we point our guests to first.
For the full list, including parks, day trips, and seasonal events, see our things to do in Gardiner.
Coffee & breakfast
- Bintliff's Corner Brew 8-minute walk
Coffee and all-day brunch on the corner of Water Street.
- A1 Diner 10-minute walk
A 1946 diner car up on steel stilts, with a menu that goes well past eggs and toast.
Dinner & drinks
- Table Bar 8-minute walk
Natural wine bar and bottle shop with seasonal small plates.
- Bateau Brewing 8-minute walk
Small brewery taproom with a riverside deck, beer garden, and fire pit.
- Buck's Naked BBQ 8-minute walk
Smokehouse barbecue on Water Street, with trivia nights.
- The Depot Sports Pub 10-minute walk
Casual pub with a long tap list, full bar, and food.
Shops, art & culture
- Renys 8-minute walk
Maine's family-owned department store, in a restored historic building.
- Alan Claude Gallery 8-minute walk
Poster-style Maine art prints and gifts.
- Johnson Hall Opera House 10-minute walk
Maine's oldest operating opera house, with concerts, comedy, and film in a restored 1864 hall.
- Gardiner Public Library 8-minute walk
A historic library that lends museum and state park passes.
On the river
- Webb & Sons Paddling Rentals delivers locally
Kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals dropped off in the Gardiner area.
- Gardiner Waterfront Park 10-minute walk
A 750-foot boardwalk, boat ramps, a kayak launch, and picnic tables where Cobbossee Stream meets the Kennebec.
- Kennebec River Rail Trail 10-minute walk
A flat, paved 6.5-mile path along the river to Hallowell and Augusta, starting at the waterfront.
Community
- Gardiner Farmers' Market across the street
Wednesday afternoons on Gardiner Common, spring to fall.
- Gardiner Main Street 8-minute walk
The downtown nonprofit behind Swine & Stein and Artwalk. Their site lists local businesses and what's on this week.
Own a business in Gardiner?
We love sending guests to local places. If you run a business in Gardiner and would like to be included, or to work together, email us at [email protected].