Main Street Maine highlights Maine’s National Main Street communities that are vibrant places to find local food, shops, cultural happenings and great New England architecture.
The following historic downtowns have earned the National Main Street designation!
Main Streets in Maine:
Augusta, Maine
Maine’s capital! Situated along the Kennebec River, downtown Augusta offers an eclectic mix of old and new, perfect for either a family outing or a night out on the town.
Biddeford, Maine
Biddeford is a fast-growing community in Maine for people under 30. The town features a bustling, historic downtown and redeveloping mills, and with its monthly ArtWalks, City Theater performances, historic mill tours, international restaurants and scenic river walk, Biddeford has something to offer for everyone.
Bath, Maine
A year round community, Bath has a unique mix of shops, restaurants, and museums. The 19th-century brick buildings and narrow streets have the charm of revisited childhood … a slower pace and a friendly pedestrian atmosphere. The city’s tree-lined avenues are graced by modest and grand examples of classic American architecture.
Belfast, Maine
Located at the mouth of the Passagassawakeag River and on Penobscot Bay, the charming town of Belfast has it all! Seafood and a hip brewery on a working waterfront, one of Maine’s best vegetarian restaurants, the iconic Belfast Co-op, the art-deco Colonial Theatre, art galleries, antiques, renowned book shops, the oldest shoe store in America and the largest, year-round Maine farmers’ market with 70+ vendors. Belfast is also home to several well-known Maine festivals.
Brunswick, Maine
Previously a town of wealthy shipbuilders, manufacturers and merchants, Brunswick is still a bustling center of activity. Today’s Brunswick has a vibrant main street, a very active arts and entertainment culture and of course, quintessential New England charm. Downtown revitalization efforts as well as ongoing local support make Brunswick one of Maine’s most livable towns.
Gardiner, Maine
Centrally located Gardiner offers a rich cultural past, shopping and outdoor activities, as well as a variety of arts and entertainment. This charming and authentic New England community with its sparkling waterfront and thriving downtown offers a vibrant and eclectic business culture, making Gardiner and ideal place to live and visit.
Ellsworth, Maine
Located near the entrance of Acadia National Park and nestled within Maine’s picturesque Downeast region, downtown Ellsworth maintains a classic New England small-town feel while offering modern amenities. Ellsworth hosts farmers’ markets, festivals, and seasonal events that bring the community together and attract visitors.
Saco, Maine
Saco, Maine sits between 7 miles of sandy ocean beaches to the east and the beautiful Saco River to the west. Main Street in downtown Saco is peppered with art, gathering places, public spaces, parks and access to the river. This is a place to explore and enjoy all year long!
Skowhegan, Maine
Skowhegan, Maine is centrally located to everything, offering both a vibrant and unique downtown and close proximity to outdoor recreational areas. The Kennebec River runs through Skowhegan’s charming downtown area, and the town is easy to navigate with pedestrian friendly sidewalks, downtown green spaces, and interesting and upgraded building facades. Skowhegan has something for everyone with cafés, shops and merchants all set in and among a collection of beautiful historic structures that come together to celebrate the diversity of the town.
Westbrook, Maine
Westbrook, Maine is situated on the Presumpscot River, a natural feature that is central to its history. Historically, the Wabanaki people lived along its banks for generations, and European settlers arrived around 1632. Today, Westbrook is home to an ever-growing business base and developing core downtown district. Downtown businesses are interspersed with arts, culture, shopping, dining and entertainment experiences making Westbrook one of the fastest-growing areas in Maine for people to live, work and play.
Click on one of the following Maine downtown images to learn more about these historic districts and to see our suggestions of places and events
