Augusta

Augusta in Kennebec Valley is home to some 19,000 people.

From Augusta, Portland is approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) to the southwest from here while Bangor is 60 miles (97 kilometers) to the northeast.

It's difficult to know what makes a place tick until you know its past; thankfully, Augusta has preserved many of its more important historic places. Masonic Hall and Kennebec Arsenal are two of the area's premier heritage places. Should you develop a taste for local history, check out Old Federal Building and Cushnoc Archeological Site.

To discover the cultural side of Augusta, pay a visit to one of its many galleries and collections. Two of the area’s best attractions are the Maine State Museum and Redington Museum. Those on tight schedule, however, should not miss the Children's Discovery Museum.

Check out the defense structures and forts in Augusta. Read the informative signs to learn the role they had in the regions’s history. Two of the most photographed former defenses here are the Old Fort Western and the Old Western Fort.

Immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the cool shade in public parks and gardens such as Capitol Park and Augusta Mill Park. Taking the time to smell the flowers and mingle with locals in these parks will ensure your visit to Augusta is both memorable and relaxing.

Turnpike Mall is the perfect place to visit if you have a passion for shopping and watching the world go by. It is a busy attraction full of clothes and accessory stores, fresh produce and great places to eat.

For a true taste of Augusta culture, spend an evening at the Waterville Opera House, one of the region’s most popular performing arts venues. This city’s citizens have a long, proud tradition in the performing arts, so be sure to check out what shows are scheduled while you’re in town.

As well as urban parks, the local area also has some ecological havens where families can enjoy beautiful surrounds and some notable native species. Go for a long walk in Kennebec River Rail Trail and savor being out in nature and away from the urban streets.

Plant lovers will appreciate Viles Arboretum, an excellent example of botanical conservation in Augusta. Like many other botanical gardens in the country this place is involved in protecting a range of plants.