The days when people greeted their neighbors each morning while getting the paper might be gone (we've noticed that less people seem to be receiving an actual physical copy of their paper!), but the things we love about the old days of Maine are still lurking throughout the state. From former mills to beautiful barns, fish houses to historic houses, these are some of the best places to see the old Maine!
1. The Palace Diner, Biddeford
Originally opened back when Biddeford was a textile mill town, the Palace Diner has been around since 1927. Listen carefully and you might hear the ghosts of conversation between those who used to frequent the train car that also served as a diner. Today, that train car is still slinging burgers and the fluffiest pancakes this side of the Fore!
Check 'em out at: 18 Franklin St., Biddeford / (207) 284-0015
2. Bath, Sagadahoc County
Bath is holds the key to the history of Maine's shipbuilding past. In fact, it's become known as the "city of ships." The well-known "Bath Iron Works" can be found here, as well as the Maine Maritime Museum. Arts lovers will enjoy the Chocolate Church Arts Center which often hosts events.
3. Kamp Kamp, Greenville
Those who grew up visiting the Moosehead Lake area will know what it felt to go into town with allowance money to shop at the Moosehead Lake Indian Store. You can still see the old building it operated in, but today's version is something (dare we say) even more special!
4. Winslow Homer Studio, Scarborough
Winslow Homer often painted from the wonderful balcony in the winter. Interestingly, Homer's family made upgrades to the house, which were undone by the Portland Museum of Art who now owns it in order to ensure it looked as it did when the artist lived there. You can take private tours of the home and studio through arrangements with the museum.
5. The Swing Bridge, Portland
The remnants of this old bridge are probably familiar to most people in southern Maine, but do you know what it is? For over 100 years, the bridge allowed for fluid movement of ships through the area. In 1984, the important bridge fell victim to arson and was greatly damaged. In fact, the damage was so significant that the most frequent user of the bridge, the Grand Truck railroad, felt it wasn't worth investing in repairs. It was left in the open position where it still sits today.
6. The Augusta Mental Health Institute, Augusta
Long abandoned and finally closed, this formidable building still sits on the grounds of The Kennebec Arsenal. You can't go inside, but looking at it is enough. Those who grew up when this institution was in operation will tell you the tales that circulated about what went on inside.
7. Moulton’s Mill, Newfield
Potatoes and lumber! Seeing this mill will remind you of Maine’s lumbering heritage. It was was built in 1790 and was operational until the end of the 20th century.
8. The Brunswick Diner, Brunswick
This tiny, beloved spot has been around since 1946! With options like the "James Dean" and "Little Richard", the Brunswick Diner will take you back in time. It's small, so be sure to get there early on busy weekends.
Check 'em out at: 101 Pleasant St., Brunswick / (207) 721-1134
9. The Jameson Tavern, Freeport
Maine's oldest tavern might is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to understanding the real "old Maine." It's been around since 1779 and was once a family home. But, most notably, records show that commissioners met in the northeast corner of the second floor to sign the papers that gave Maine independence from Massachusetts. Today, a plaque placed by the Daughters of the Revolution in 1914 commemorates the event.
Check it out at: 115 Main Street, Freeport, Maine / (207) 865-4196.
10. Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, New Gloucester
Did you know that Maine has the only active Shaker village in the world? Not only that! It also has the last two living members anywhere in the world! Today you'll find 17 historic structures, which date from the 1780s through the 1950s, located on 1,800 acres of farm and forest land.
Check it out: 707 Shaker Road in New Gloucester, Maine / (207) 926-4597
11. The abandoned locomotives deep in the North Woods
While not an obvious choice for this list, these steely remains included because they hearken back to Maine's lumbering days. Used for carrying logs from this part of Maine further south, seeing them is a reminder of what Maine was all about.
12. The Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport
Those who love trains, will love this wonderful museum in Maine. But, it's also pretty lovely for those who love Maine history. It offers a fun journey through transportation history in the state and easily occupies an entire afternoon with kids!
Check 'em out at: 195 Log Cabin Road, Kennebunkport / 207-967-2712
Once you're done checking out the old Maine, sweeten your day by heading to this chocolate factory in Freeport!
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