The gateway to northern Maine, Bangor combines the best of city and country, with a wealth of restaurants, retail, and attractions downtown, not to mention multiple parks and paths along the mighty Penobscot River. However, it’s the vast natural resources that serve as the main attraction, with seemingly endless forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife preserves offering some of the nation’s best fly fishing, hiking, biking and kayaking. Here are six great stops to soak up the nature in and around Bangor.
Mount Hope Garden Cemetery
The second oldest garden cemetery in the United States covers 260 verdant acres along the north bank of Penobscot River, three miles northeast of downtown. Opened in 1836, it was designed by architect Charles G. Bryant and now holds the graves of 30,000 people, many of them notable Mainers, including Abraham Lincoln’s first vice president, Hannibal Hamlin. Indeed, it’s the Civil War memorials, including the nation’s first, that offer the most touching tributes. Handsome walking paths connect them all, as well as the landscaped gardens, brooks, and ponds.
1048 State Street, mthopebgr.com
Bangor City Forest
A five-minute drive from your Starbucks latte is 680 acres of Rolland F. Perry City Forest, known locally as Bangor City Forest. Under canopies of trees, through meadows, and over bogs run more than nine miles of trails for running, hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Along the way, keep an eye out for ample wildlife, including beavers, porcupine, hares, owls, deer, and even black bear, not to mention more than 250 species of wildflowers and shrubs.
Tripp Drive, cityforest.bangorinfo.com
BANGOR FARMERS’ MARKET
Apples, blueberries, peaches, plums, cider, eggs, milk, and cheeses are just a tiny fraction of the fresh, local produce on sale at Bangor’s Farmers’ Market. Every Sunday, from 11 to 2, more than 20 farmers and producers fill Abbott Square, across from the Bangor Public Library. Naturally raised meats — including beef, pork and chicken — are also on the block, as are seedlings and cut flowers. Watch out for the YumBus food truck from Billi Barker of the Enchanted Kitchen at Fire Fly Farm, which serves hot savory and sweet crepes.
140 Harlow Street, bangorfarmersmarket.org
JENKINS BEACH
Bangor may not be on the coast, but that doesn’t mean beautiful beaches are in short supply, thanks to the bevy of lakes surrounding. Maine’s “finest fresh water beach” is a 27-minute drive south from Bangor to the shores of Green Lake. The fine white sand is ideal for sunbathing, volleyball, and classic beach fun, while the clean, fresh water offers a summer cool down. The surrounding forests and hills wrap it all in a pretty green bow.
Off Route 1A, Dedham; jenkinsbeach.com
Bangor Municipal Golf Course
This 27-Hole Championship course designed by renowned golf course architect, Geoffrey Cornish, anchors the south end of Bangor’s downtown district. Catering to all abilities, it’s divided into the large greens and expansive fairways of the “Original 18” and “The Kelly Nine.” The latter offers the ultimate test of your golf skills with smaller greens, more bunkering, and narrow fairways. Otherwise tune up your game at the driving range, two practice greens, and short-game practice facility. In summer, up the social quotient Monday evenings with the “Wine and Nine” program, which mixes your favorite reds and whites with new friends.
278 Webster Avenue, bangorgc.com
Fields Pond Audubon Center
Bird watchers have more than 175 species of birds to view at the 212-acre Audubon sanctuary and wildlife center seven miles southeast of Bangor. The centerpiece is the 85-acre pond (with boat launch in the summer) and trails of various difficulties — from mowed fields to steep rocky climbs — extend in several directions and offer ample opportunity for nature study, wildlife-watching, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. Guided tours are available and further educational opportunities can be found in the visitor center, which has a nature store, a reading room, interactive exhibits and a taxidermy collection.
216 Fields Pond Road, Holden; maineaudubon.org/visit/fields-pond/
Getting There
American Airlines offers multiple daily nonstop flights from Reagan National Airport (DCA) to Bangor International Airport (BGR).