Waterville

Waterville, Maine—nestled where the Kennebec River meets the Sebasticook River and Messalonskee Stream—is known for its blend of small-town charm, vibrant arts scene and growing food culture. Once a bustling mill hub, the city has transformed into a destination for art lovers, history buffs and foodies. Visitors can explore art museums, historic bridges, farm-to-table restaurants and nearby gems like Fairfield, Winslow and Skowhegan, making it an ideal weekend getaway.

Where to Stay

Lockwood Hotel, Waterville

It is somewhat unusual to find a brand-new boutique hotel in small-town Maine, but this sleek escape fits in well with Waterville’s revitalized downtown. The rooms at Lockwood Hotel are spacious and comfortable, the lobby bar and restaurant delicious, and the location can’t be beat. Bonus: the hotel’s architecture integrates thoughtful use of materials—interior wood is sourced from Maine Heritage Timber, which salvages logs from the Penobscot River.

Things to See & Do Near Waterville

Colby College Museum of Art, Waterville

The sprawling Colby College Museum of Art offers free admission and features a collection of American art to rival many big-city art museums. If you want to see a Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe or Jackson Pollack piece in a rural corner of America, here’s the museum to do so. Some exhibits are more static, while others rotate regularly. If you’re looking for even more, explore the second space on Main Street in Waterville’s downtown, with changing exhibits tailored for the local community.

Waterville Creates

Founded in 2014, Waterville Creates is a coalition that curates programming like theater and comedy shows at the Waterville Opera House, independent film showings and the 10-day Maine International Film Festival at the Maine Film Center; and a clay studio and collaboration with Colby Museum of Art in their downtown Ticonic Gallery & Studios. Take your pick from multiple events each week.

Greene Block + Studios

Just across from the Lockwood Hotel, Greene Block + Studios is is the hub for Lunder Institute’s Residential Fellowship Program and the Colby College Arts Office. This community arts center features special events like free arts workshops and art installations. Stop by during First Friday for live music and open studios to meet the artists.

Ticonic (Two Penny) Bridge, Waterville

One of the oldest iron-cable suspension bridges in the world and the last toll footbridge in the U.S., the Ticonic Bridge offers scenic Kennebec River views. Originally built in 1901 to offer a shortcut for mill workers headed across the river to Winslow, it was washed away in a storm later that year. The bridge was then rebuilt in 1903, sturdier and higher over the water, with a 2-cent admission to cover the new build. That is the bridge that remains today. Stroll the connected riverwalk for interpretive signage on Indigenous history, settlement and mill heritage.

Children’s Discovery Museum of Central Maine, Waterville

Once located in Augusta, the Children’s Discovery Museum of Central Maine now brings play and education to children in Waterville. The four exhibits—the Forest, the Mill, the City and the River—all reference the world around Waterville, while sparking different types of imaginative play. They are open most weeks Wednesday through Sunday and offer other programming like summer camps and activities during school breaks.

Where to Eat & Drink

Front & Main, Waterville

Located in the lobby of the Lockwood Hotel, Front & Main punches above most hotel-restaurants with a unique menu, delicious farm-to-table food and a bright atmosphere with huge glass windows overlooking Main Street. Come during warm weather to take advantage of their ample outdoor patio seating.

OPA

OPA brings a lively Greek spirit to Maine’s dining scene, thanks to Chef Gage Derbyshire’s creative spin on Mediterranean classics. Sip on bright, inventive drinks like a pomegranate martini or an orange-mango mezcal mule, then dive into shareable plates that balance comfort and surprise. From dolmathes—grape leaves filled with rice, shallots and lemony herbs—to pan-seared keftedakia meatballs over cool tzatziki, every dish leans fresh and flavorful.

The Jewel of India, Waterville

After nearly a decade in business, The Jewel of India restaurant has garnered a following for its magnificent flavors. Already had plenty of their dishes? Ask your server for recommendations to venture out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Cushnoc Cantina, Waterville

The new northern outpost of Augusta’s Cushnoc Brewery, the cantina (as the name suggests) serves up Mexican-style fair with a bit of a twist. The “nachos” come on tater tots rather than chips, and in addition to more traditional tacos, they have Mexican salads and rice bowls that are a real treat. In addition to their own selection of craft brews, they’ve got tequilas and mezcals for bright margaritas and smoky cocktails.

Borderlands Coffee, Waterville

Borderlands Coffee is a specialty coffee shop located on Main Street, right by the Waterville Creates center, and it serves up top-quality espresso, lattes and tea. Any city trip needs at least one great coffee shop stop, right? This is where to make it happen.