Hallowell

Hallowell is known for its unique charm and character. The city’s main street features local shops, and restaurants as well as the Kennebec Rail Trail walking path that connects walkers to Augusta over the course of 6.5 miles. Additionally, the Gaslight Theater, one of Maine's oldest community theater companies, is also located in Hallowell. There is no shortage of fun activities to explore in this city. Hallowell is well-known for its strong support of the arts, from its art galleries, performing art theaters, studios and general support of local artists in central Maine. The city is also known for its 18th and 19th century architecture found throughout town, many of which are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visitors looking for fun events to attend in Hallowell can enjoy the city’s exceptional farmer’s market, which takes place every Tuesday at 4pm. Additionally, the city frequently hosts exhibits for local artists to display their work, fun art classes and workshops for visitors and residents alike, and much more. Hallowell’s charming Hubbard Free Library, the oldest library building in Maine, is also a source of entertainment and frequent fun events.

One particular event that Hallowell is known for has been occurring since 1968; Old Hallowell Day! This annual celebration is hosted on the third weekend of July and includes a parade, fireworks, live performances and a 5k road-race that benefits organizations in the city. If outdoor fun is what you’re after, be sure to explore nearby Vaughn Woods, otherwise known as Hobbit Land. Located just around the corner from Hallowell in neighboring Gardiner, Vaughn Woods’ paths take visitors through forests and fields and over beautiful stone bridges.

There is no shortage of great places to eat in Hallowell, including Maple Hill Farm, an eco-friendly country inn sitting on 130 acres of land. Or, the Second Street Bed & Breakfast, located just minutes from downtown which features fantastic food and a cozy place to stay for the evening.

The Liberal Cup Public House and Brewery is a well-known pub in Hallowell, featuring incredible burgers, pot roast and more. Slate’s Restaurant and Bakery is another must-see, as well as Lucky Garden which offers amazing Chinese cuisine.

5 Fast Facts About Hallowell, Maine:

1. Hallowell’s Historic District is more than 260 acres and has more than 446 participating buildings, including the Hubbard Free Library.
2. One of the largest stores in Hallowell is the Antique Mall, a multi-building complex that offers shoppers unique objects, from furniture to décor.
3. The first settlers in Hallowell were said to be Deacon Pease Clark and his family, who moved from Attleborough.
4. The Quarry Tap Room in Hallowell is a local favorite, and offers 40 microbrews and domestic beers on tap.
5. In 2018, the Kennebec River flooded Hallowell’s main street, causing significant damage to many of the stores and restaurants downtown.

Common questions

Is Hallowell worth visiting?

Yes, for an evening or a slow afternoon. Hallowell fits an unusual number of good restaurants, bars, galleries and antique shops into a few blocks of Water Street along the Kennebec, and the whole downtown is walkable in ten minutes. It is small, so treat it as a stop while you are in the Augusta area rather than a multi-day base.

Does Hallowell have antique shops?

Yes, and antiques are the town's oldest calling card. The dealers cluster along Water Street within a short walk of one another, mixed in with galleries such as Forbidden Fruit, rated 4.9 from 311 reviews. Many are one-person operations whose stock turns over constantly, so a weekend visit gives you the best odds of finding everything open.

Where do people eat in Hallowell?

Water Street is the whole answer. The Quarry Tap Room rates 4.4 from 1,413 reviews, The Liberal Cup 4.5 from 901, and Slate's 4.5 from 742, the last two being long-standing local institutions rather than tourist stops. Hallowell Seafood & Produce, at 4.7 from 561 reviews, is where to go for lobster and fish to take away.

How close is Hallowell to Augusta?

Hallowell sits immediately south of Augusta on the west bank of the Kennebec, close enough that the two effectively run together. That is why it functions as the standard dinner destination for people working at the State House or staying in Augusta, and why parking along Water Street tightens up considerably on summer evenings.