A Trip to Katahdin
Mount Katahdin is one of Maine’s most breathtaking spectacles, and is worth a trip to the state on its own! The journey however, might just be as fun as hiking the mountain, as there’s plenty of great spots to get delicious drinks and food as you drive to your destination! It can be a bit tricky to figure out where to stop, so this itinerary is here to help you get an idea of locations you might want to visit.
Our first stop is the incredibly unique Blenheim Park! Blenheim Park is a 16 acre property which serves as a creative retreat as well as a cherry orchard. The pink cherry tree blossoms are absolutely stunning, and the fact that the property is on a pristine lake elevates the experience even more. It’s important to note that while the farm’s store is open most days of the week, the actual estate is regularly reserved for those who make a reservation. Some of the products sold in their farm’s store include bath salts, handmade soaps, handmade flavored bitters for cooking, and a bar onsite. Blenheim Park is an amazing place to unwind, especially if you’re about to embark on a pretty hardcore hike like Katahdin! Alternatively, you could visit on the way back and get some bath salts if you find that your body is sore from the hike.
Looking for some delicious and healthy food to help fuel yourself for your journey ahead? Check out Dig Deep Farm’s farmer’s markets in Augusta. During the summer season, they’re regularly held every Tuesday from 2pm - 6pm. Their produce is certified organic, so you don’t have to worry about any possible chemicals or GMOs. If you find yourself going back to the farmer’s market, you can get a membership which for a flat price guarantees you a bag of fresh produce every week! You could also join their credit program, so you can shop at the market without having to worry about using your card. Dig Deep Farm is a great place to stop by if you want a healthy way to fuel your body!
Another location that makes use of memberships is Hart Farm, located in Holden Maine. For a one time fee, you can get weekly boxes of food grown organically on their farm, as well as flowers. Don’t worry, though, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars if you only plan to drive through Maine once! On their website, they have specific dates for dinners they hold at the farm, which you can buy a ticket to in advance. It’s a great way to experience their delicious cooking and check out the property without having to make any commitments or spending a large sum of money. Hart Farm is an absolute must if you want to get a taste of the farm life in central Maine!
Millinocket is the gateway for Katahdin, acting as the last point of civilization before you’re fully in the woods. It’d be a good idea to stock up on some healthy food to get you through your hike, and thankfully the town is home to Riverside Farm Market! This small and cozy location carries just about everything you could think of, including vegetables, meats, and eggs. They also carry freshly harvested fiddleheads, the vegetable of choice for many native Mainers! All of their food is fresh and comes straight from the farm to the market, guaranteeing the food you’re eating is as natural as it comes! With food from Riverside Farm Market, you’re sure to succeed on your hike up Katahdin, just make sure you bring a lot of water for the climb!