People often ask Kim Lindlof to recommend places to go for fun in Waterville.
After all, it’s part of her job. As president and CEO of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce in Waterville, she keeps on top of all the eating, shopping and recreation opportunities the area has to offer. Here are a few of the ones she ends up recommending time and again.
Where do you like to eat?
This is probably the hardest question because there are approximately 23 restaurants within about four blocks of downtown Waterville. It really depends on what I’m in the mood for.
One place I enjoy is Front & Main at the Lockwood Hotel. The atmosphere is comfortable, the food is always beautifully prepared, and it’s a nice place to meet friends for breakfast, lunch or dinner. I also love that after eating, I can walk to a movie, visit a shop or attend an event downtown. That is one of my favorite things about Waterville — you can park once and make an entire afternoon or evening of it.
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Where do you like to get a drink?
I have a few favorites, depending on the kind of evening I’m looking for. Amici’s Cucina has a terrific wine list. Silver Street Tavern is a fun place to meet friends, and they have 24 different beers on tap and they make a fantastic margarita. It’s lively, comfortable and usually filled with familiar faces.
Lion’s Den Tavern is another favorite when I’m in the mood for live music and a little more energy. Mainely Brews Brewhouse and Restaurant has been a downtown gathering place for years, and it has that relaxed, familiar feeling where it’s easy to settle in for a drink and conversation.
Where do you like to connect with nature?
I really enjoy Quarry Road Trails because it feels like you are much farther from the city than you actually are. I can leave downtown and, within minutes, be walking through the woods. Depending on the season, people are hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing or just taking a quiet walk.
I also love the Kennebec Messalonskee Trails. There are several different trails to explore, and each one gives you a slightly different view of the rivers, woods and natural areas around Waterville. They are some of my favorite places to clear my head and get outside without having to travel very far.
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Where do you like to shop locally?
I love walking along Main Street and stopping into the different locally owned shops. Old Soul Supply Co. is always fun to browse, especially for outdoor gear, clothing and Maine-made gifts. Pickles Potions and Lotions has a completely different personality and is filled with unique items that make it difficult to leave empty-handed.
Main Street Provisions is another favorite of mine. They have wonderful specialty foods, gifts and items that are perfect when I need to bring something to a dinner or find a present. Incense & Peppermints has many of the candies from your childhood plus fudge, ice cream and specialty treats.
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What’s a hidden gem or can’t-miss place in town?
For me, the arts are one of the best parts of Waterville. I love visiting the Colby College Museum of Art because the collection is incredible, the exhibits are always changing and admission is free. I can spend an hour there or an entire afternoon.
The Paul J. Schupf Art Center is another place I visit often. It has art, films and events all in one location, and there is usually something interesting happening. In the summer, the Maine International Film Festival is a highlight for me. I love the excitement it brings downtown, and it’s fun to see films you may never get the chance to see anywhere else.
Five Things is a feature in which locals give our readers suggestions for exploring the state of Maine, town by town. Have a city or town you think we should explore in the future? Tell News & Culture Editor Katherine Lee at [email protected].