Our favorite places to eat, walk, paddle and wander, from right across the street to a day on the coast. Times are measured from our front door.
Water Street is an eight minute walk down the hill: brick storefronts, a working opera house, and good places to eat and drink.
Maine's oldest operating opera house. Concerts, comedy and film in a restored 1864 hall.
Visit websiteNatural wine bar and bottle shop with seasonal small plates.
Visit websiteSmall brewery taproom with a riverside deck, beer garden and fire pit.
Visit websiteCoffee and all-day brunch on the corner of Water Street.
Visit websiteA 1946 diner car up on steel stilts, with a menu that goes well past eggs and toast.
Visit websiteSmokehouse barbecue on Water Street, with trivia nights.
Visit websiteCasual pub with a long tap list, full bar and food.
Visit websiteMaine's family-owned department store, in a restored historic building.
Visit websitePoster-style Maine art prints and gifts.
Visit websiteHistoric library that lends museum and state park passes.
Visit websiteThe downtown nonprofit. Their site lists local businesses and what's on this week.
Visit websiteDowntown runs right along the Kennebec. Walk the boardwalk, put in a kayak, or follow the river trail north.
A 750-foot boardwalk, boat ramps, kayak launch and picnic tables where Cobbossee Stream meets the river.
Visit websiteFlat, paved 6.5-mile path along the river to Hallowell and Augusta. Starts at the waterfront.
Visit websiteKayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals dropped off in the Gardiner area.
Visit websiteAdirondack chairs along the river at Granite City Park, a block from Hallowell's shops.
Visit websiteA 4-mile river island with trails, wildlife and lean-tos. Paddle over from Richmond.
Visit websiteStart across the street on Gardiner Common, then head out to the woods, the arboretum or a quiet pond.
Historic town common with a fountain, gazebo, playground and monuments.
Visit websiteTrail map and parking for the full Gardiner to Augusta route.
Visit websiteAbout 3 miles of trails through 197 conserved acres, with a stream and footbridges.
Visit websiteA short woods hike with a view of the State House dome.
Visit websiteSmall sandy swimming beach on Pleasant Pond. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Visit websiteFree botanical garden in Augusta with walking trails and plant collections.
Visit websiteA network of conserved land nearby, including the Mount Pisgah fire tower in Winthrop.
Visit websiteGardiner sits in the middle of Central Maine. The capital, two college art museums and the City of Ships are all within 35 minutes.
Walkable Water Street of shops, bars and restaurants along the river.
Visit websiteThe capitol is open to walk-in visitors on weekdays, with free guided tours in the morning.
Visit websiteState history and natural history next to the State House. Reopens late October 2026 after renovation.
Visit websiteA 1754 riverside garrison with living-history tours. Open late May to mid-October.
Visit websiteShipbuilding city with a walkable historic downtown on the Kennebec.
Visit websiteA wide Maine Street of shops, and a free college art museum.
Visit websiteLarge museum with strong American and contemporary collections in Waterville.
Visit websiteThe Waterville Opera House, Maine Film Center and Ticonic Gallery.
Visit websiteBeaches, lighthouses and harbor towns are an hour or less away. Leave after breakfast and be back for dinner downtown.
Shipbuilding history on the Kennebec, with a historic shipyard and river cruises.
Visit websiteSmall historic village on the Sheepscot River, known for its lobster stands.
Visit websiteOutlet shopping town anchored by the 24-hour L.L.Bean flagship.
Visit websiteLong sand beach at the mouth of the Kennebec. Walk out to Fox Island at low tide.
Visit websiteTwo sand beaches, dunes and the Griffith Head lookout.
Visit websiteLarge gardens with woodland trails and giant troll sculptures. Lit up for Gardens Aglow in winter.
Visit websiteHarbor village with boat tours, shops and a long footbridge.
Visit websiteCobblestone waterfront district of restaurants, shops and island ferries.
Visit websiteMaine's most photographed lighthouse, with a museum in Fort Williams Park.
Visit websiteMaine art museum with a large Wyeth collection.
Visit websiteLighthouse on dramatic rock ledges, with a small fishermen's museum. Open mid-May to late October.
Visit websiteHike or drive up Mount Battie for the view over Camden Harbor.
Visit websiteA few dates worth booking around.
Gardiner's biggest day: craft beer and pork on Water Street.
Visit websiteEvening art walk with artists set up in downtown shops and studios.
Visit websiteWednesday afternoons on Gardiner Common, right across the street.
Visit websiteParade, fireworks and live music in Hallowell, ten minutes up the river.
Visit websiteConcerts, comedy and film. See the current calendar.
Visit websiteEight one-of-a-kind private suites, an eight minute walk from Water Street.
See the SuitesHours and seasons change. Check each website before you go.