By Kegan Zema
Once in a while, the Orono-Old Town-Bangor scene can grow tiresome and it’s time for a weekend away. Luckily, the University of Maine’s centralized location gives you plenty of options for getaways to a number of the state’s tourist hot spots. This series of articles will look at some popular spots so you’ll know what to do when you get there.
Back in September, we explored Portland. Moving north on I-95, we hit the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn. Affectionately dubbed L/A by some Mainers, Lewiston is a smaller city than both Portland and Bangor, yet still has plenty to do if you’re looking for a weekend away. At just under two hours away, it’s great for a day trip, but if you’ve got a buddy studying at Bates College, you might as well see if you can crash there.
The Lewiston / Auburn area — only the Androscoggin River separates the twin cities — may not be as tourist-friendly as Portland, but what it lacks in shops and restaurants it makes up for in character. Much like a lot of Bangor hot spots, it is the locals who run the show and they are often easy to pick out. As one Lewiston native — The Maine Campus business manager Peter Ouellette, who was consulted for this piece — put it, “you can tell that they’ve probably gone through some tough times.”
Despite its size, there is no shortage of places to check out in Lewiston. Quirky bars and restaurants dot the area, each with their own unique atmosphere. Meanwhile, college town hangouts for the Bates students are interspersed among small local businesses. And there’s a ski mountain just a short drive away.
Friday
Private School Privileges – If you didn’t have the grades or the cash to make it into Bates College, don’t worry. During a visit to Lewiston, you can get a glimpse of the private school life without having to pay back $200,000 in loans. Grab lunch just off campus at Russell St. Variety (88 Russell St.; 207-786-5586) where they offer some of the cheapest Italians around — although when Bates College fourth-year Ben McCall was asked, he said the store was more renowned for late-night booze runs.
If the weather holds up, or if you wait until the spring to go, toss a Frisbee on the Bates campus or just take a stroll. It won’t take long — their campus is about four or five times the size of the Collins Center for the Arts parking lot — but at least it’s a change of scenery from Little Hall. You can also take a walk up the peak of Mt. David — though it’s actually more of a hill — where you can get great views of the town, according to McCall. There’s also Kennedy Park on the corner of Park and Pine streets, though I’ve been told it would be ill-advised to go there at night.
If you’re really feeling like a party-pooper, you can check out the Lewiston Mall (20 East Ave.; 207-783-4701). It’s certainly more of a shopping center than an actual mall, but at least it has a Bull Moose Music store (20 East Ave.; 207-784-6463; bullmoose.com)
She’s a Maineiac
In the Portland edition we talked about the three minor league sports teams in the city. Well, in Lewiston you’ve got the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League team the Maineiacs, who you might be able to catch at the Androscoggin Bank Colisee (190 Birch St.; 207-783-2009; lewistonhockey.com).
If the game doesn’t work out, feel free to check out some of the local flavor on Friday night. Head to Pepper and Spice (875 Lisbon St.; 207-782-7526; pepperandspice.com) for what Ouellette described as the best Thai food he has ever had. Or try Wei Li in Auburn (945 Center St.; 207-344-0022) for what McCall dubbed the best Chinese food.
Loosey Goosey
According to both Ouellette and McCall, no visit to Lewiston would be complete without a drink at the Blue Goose Bar & Grill (69 Sabattus St.; 207-783-3287). This classic hole-in-the-wall bar has an old-time pub charm, even with 50 people crammed into it, and features an eclectic mix of weathered natives and local youngsters.
Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Company was featured in the Portland edition, but their Auburn outpost (68 Main St.; 207-376-2739; grittys.com) is just as popular at this locale. The same loyal drinkers tend to frequent the bar, which offers great views of the Androscoggin River (and all its pollution) from their patio.
Saturday
Rock ‘n’ Roll Diner
The area’s breakfast hot spot is a longtime staple. Rolly’s Diner (87 Mill St.; 207-753-0171; rollysdiner.com) is the best breakfast around, according to Ouellette, but get there early because it’s nearly impossible to get in on the weekends. If you can’t get it there is always Happy Days Diner (67 Mill St.; 207-783-1800) just down the street.
Hit the Slopes
With the winter months fast approaching, your best bet for a trip to L/A might be a visit to Lost Valley Ski Area in Auburn (200 Lost Valley Rd.; 207-784-1561; lostvalleyski.com), about a 15-minute drive from downtown Lewiston. This relaxed ski facility skips out on the glam of some areas, but with affordable hourly rates, it’s a great way to hit the powder without your wallet feeling the pain. They even offer night skiing.
If you don’t know how to ski, or there is no snow during your visit, go take a hike at Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary. This park is just outside of town and is frequented by Bates students looking for a dose of nature, according to McCall.
Vitruvian Dining
It’s important to remember a trip to Lewiston won’t be expensive. Despite the amount of rich college kids, most every place in the area is affordable because it is such a small location. But if you want to spend a little more — perhaps if you’re on a date — there’s always DaVinci’s Eatery (150 Mill St.; 207-782-2088; davinciseatery.com). This restaurant mostly features classic Italian cuisine but has a lot more character than your local Olive Garden.
Or you can hit up Fish Bones American Grill (70 Lincoln St.; 207-333-3663; fishbonesag.com). Located inside of a renovated mill from Lewiston’s glory days, Fish Bones offers some interesting spins on traditional dishes. They offer dishes like Maine Lobster Crepes, stir-fry and a selection of seafood and steak.
If it’s great local live music you’re after, head to She Doesn’t Like Guthries (115 Middle St.; 207-376-3344; guthriesplace.com). Artists from all over southern Maine will travel to Guthries to play a set, and the food ain’t too shabby either. They offer a healthy mix of coffee, tea, soup, salads, paninis and burritos, as well as a selection of beer and wine. It’s the perfect place to park yourself Saturday.