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L. C. Bates Museum in Fairfield

8 Best Things to Do in Fairfield, Maine (2024)

Fairfield is a small town in Maine’s Somerset County. Housing a permanent residency of no more than 6500 people, Fairfield is quite popular amongst in-house tourists. Mainers, especially the old retirees, choose Fairfield as one of their favorite towns to settle. And why not? The peace and safety found in Fairfield are nowhere else to be seen. Fairfield is located in Maine’s south-central portion, right near the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and the Kennebec River.

The town of Fairfield in Maine has an old-fashioned New England charm. It was once an English outpost and colony, and its original establishment dates back to the 1600s. The town, though, is small in area, but it is full of exciting tourism and entertainment opportunities. Its proximity to historical, cultural, and natural wonders draws in a number of tourists throughout the year. People who want a break from the crowd and fast pacing life choose Fairfield for their next vacation trip. So, are you one of them? If yes, then here are all the Popular things to do on a trip to Fairfield, Maine.

8 Best Things to Do in Fairfield, Maine

Have a look:

1. Attend the Common Ground Fair

Fairfield’s annual highlight, the Common Ground Fair, is what locals and tourists always talk about. This is the town’s one of the most memorable events held on Crosby Brook Road in nearby Unity. Common Ground Fair is known for its excellent food served by a number of local and visiting vendors who gather here every year. From fresh carrot juice to cold sandwiches, lobsters, seafood, vegetarian, and vegan, the options truly know no end. Like any fair, it also includes endless shopping, gaming, and entertainment opportunities. Though what makes it unique is that Common Ground Fair serves the purpose of educating and promoting thoughts on sustainable farming practices. All thanks to that, the year 2022 saw a record-breaking 67,848 fairgoers at Common Ground Fair.

2. Checkout Colby College Museum of Art

Nearly 4 miles from the center of town, the Colby College Museum of Art is a popular place to check out in Fairfield. The museum is inside the campus of Colby College and is a good spot to check out for free. This teaching museum is a destination for American Art. Operating since 1959, it is home to five wings, over 38,000 square feet of exhibition space, and nearly 8000 works of art and exhibits. In addition to American art, they also have a large collection of Contemporary Art, European paintings, Chinese antiquities, and appreciable work on paper. The art pieces by local and regional artists that depict local scenes are definitely to be seen. Visitors can explore the museum on their own, or for a more meaningful experience, there are free audio guides available at the reception desk.

3. Visit the L. C. Bates Museum

L. C. Bates Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Fairfield located inside the Good Will-Hinckley campus. The museum is nestled inside a 1903 Romanesque Revival brick school building, particularly the Quincy Building. It was originally a training and industrial space, but the early 1920s brought its fate towards a museum. A walk inside the L. C. Bates Museum will introduce you to one of the most well-preserved museum interiors from the early 20th century. The exhibition inside the museum includes galleries of birds, mammals, marine life, insects, reptiles, 32 Maine habitat dioramas, a collection of minerals, and a lot more. The museum grounds are also home to an arboretum, the Sun Set Park. The area includes natural landscapes with walking trails and is one fine place to check out.

4. Next, Head Towards Cotton-Smith House, Fairfield Historical Society Museum

According to locals, the Cotton-Smith House is one of the must-visit places in Fairfield. This historic home is one of the finest examples of Queen Anne Victorian houses in Fairfield and has been standing since 1890. It today operates as a museum of local history today that operates as the Fairfield History House. This 2+1⁄2-story wood-frame structure, set on a granite and brick foundation, is also registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The property opens for the general public only on Tuesdays from 9 am to noon and 1 pm to 4 pm thereon. On the rest of the days, one must make early reservations to check the facility from the inside. There is nothing more than a few historical exhibits and documents, but if you have time on hand, do not miss this place.

5. Plan a Family Outing to the Apple Farm

The Apple Farm dates its history back to the time when Maine belonged to Massachusetts. It was later on when the ownership of the farm went to Wentworth Family and later to Steven and Marilyn Meyerhans, who are also its current owners. Since the weather and soil conditions of central Maine are ideal for growing apples, the Apple Farm has benefited a lot from it. They grow a fine selection of classic as well as new Apple Varietals. Early September brings Milton, Pound Sweet, Spartan, Canadian Strawberry, Ginger Gold, and more such varieties. Whereas in October, the classics like Gala, Golden and Red Delicious, Baldwin, Empire, and Black Oxford take the limelight. The Apple Farm organizes u-pick activities which is a big hit with both locals and tourists. In addition, they also sell apple cider and a range of other apple goodies.

6. Take a Walk Across the Two-Cent Bridge

Two Cent Bridge is a fascinating public spot located less than 10 minutes out of Fairfield town. It is right near the intersection of Kennebec River and Temple Street in downtown Waterville. Also known as the Ticonic Footbridge or Two Penny Bridge, this suspension bridge is probably the last known extant toll footbridge in the United States. Not just that, but it is also claimed as one of the few of those oldest surviving wire-cable steel suspension bridges in the Nation. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Two Cent Bridge has undergone various preservation and restoration but still maintains its originality. Upon climbing the bridge platform, one can capture the most scenic and unobstructed views of the Kennebec River. Besides that, its connection to the nearby park also makes it a popular place for afternoon and evening hangouts.

7. Try the Belanger’s Drive-In

If you are passing from Fairfield in your car, do make a stop at Belanger’s Drive-In. A popular New England spot, the drive-in is located on Main Street in Fairfield. This nostalgic place serves some mouthwatering snacking options like seafood chowder, fried fish, coleslaw and French fries. Their menu further extends towards cold and hot sandwiches, burgers, fresh bread, salads, smoked meats, meat pies, and wraps. However, what takes the badge of most popular is their Lobster rolls. Their no-nonsense, fresh and affordable Lobster rolls are worth trying.

8. Take a Look at Hillman’s Bakery If You Are Still Hungry

Operating for over 60 years now, Hillman’s Bakery is a destination no one should miss. The Bakery is located on Western Avenue in Fairfield and is popular for making everything from scratch. Their menu comprises a range of pies, donuts, pastries, bread, cakes, biscuits, and other fresh bakery goods. Hillman’s old-school vibe, reasonable price, aromatic atmosphere, and super delicious bakery good brings people back and over again. From local and neighboring towns, it has successfully made several regular customers who can just swear by all their bakery goods. Hillman’s Bakery is also popular for its aromatic and flavorful coffee.

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