Gardiner ME is a small town with a lot of history and culture. The downtown area is a great place to shop and visit. The shops are mostly locally owned, and they offer a wide range of products.
Hanna Carlson is 8 years old and loves to draw – on paper or her tablet. She has hypermobility syndrome, a disorder that causes joint pain and fatigue.
Historic Downtown
The downtown area is a National Historic District and the focus of the city’s Main Street Program. The thriving downtown has unique local restaurants, shops, breweries, and is the home to Johnson Hall, which hosts musicians and art events.
Located on Water Street, the Gardiner Public Library is Queen Anne and Romanesque in style. The library has been expanded many times over the years to include books by Laura Richards, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edwin Arlington Robinson and other authors.
A1 Diner is located on the same block and has been a local favorite for many generations. The diner is on stilts because of its location by the Kennebec River which frequently flooded the town, and was originally named Al’s Diner until new owners decided to drop the “l” and call it A1. The diner is now a Gardiner favorite for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Kennebec River Rail Trail
Kennebec River Rail Trail is a 6.5-mile trail that welcomes visitors and locals alike to walk, run, cycle, skate and rollerblade. The multi-use trail parallels the existing rail bed along the Kennebec River and stretches from Augusta Maine’s Waterfront Park, through Hallowell and Farmingdale to its conclusion in Gardiner.
The asphalt-paved trail features a high slope that overlooks the State Capitol complex and offers stunning views of downtown Augusta. The granite quarter-mile markers are a replica of the old railroad tracks. The paved surface makes it easy to ride a bike with children in tow, and it is wheelchair accessible.
The Friends of the Kennebec River Rail Trail is a non-profit group that was founded to support the establishment of the trail and its ongoing maintenance. The “Friends”, who organize and hold public meetings, solicit support from Augusta, Hallowell Farmingdale, and Gardiner municipalities, provide administrative support, and seek and manage funds to maintain and improve this recreational asset.
You can also find out more about the Arts
Gardiner has a rich culture and arts scene. Founded as Gardinerston in 1754 and then incorporated in 1803 as Gardiner, it sits along the Kennebec River and features scenic recreational trails.
Artists Allison McKeen and Matt Demers play with cultural mash-ups in their 1850 Gardiner farmhouse. For example, a refrigerator sticker from the now-defunct Uncle Tom’s Market in Brunswick hangs in the kitchen with a Jonni Cheatwood painting and stacks of cardboard soup boxes.
Located in the Historic Downtown District, Johnson Hall promotes artistic excellence through world-class entertainment and performing arts education. In the 117-seat theater and classrooms, they host performances, educational outreach, and live streams worldwide.
Every summer, local artists showcase their work around town during ARTWALK GARDINER, first launched in 2005 by Artdogs Studios. The event has expanded to include local businesses. This year, Gilg’s wheat paste piece of Robinson’s eyes is joined by works from five other local artists and will remain in place until the next ARTWALK.
Dining
Gardiner has plenty of dining options to keep you satisfied. There is something for everyone, whether you’re looking for great pizza or steak, or want some of the best craft beer in the area.
The Corral has a wonderful Old West atmosphere and is family friendly. The menu includes everything from classic bacon-cheeseburgers to bison or elk hamburgers. There are also a variety of beers available on tap.
Tony has been a fan of restaurants since he got his first paper route at age 12. He is a foodie and loves to try new places. He loves small towns and supports local businesses. When he isn’t busy working, you can find him at a local restaurant enjoying some tasty grub.
