A Day Trip to Androscoggin County

Lewiston-Auburn is Maine's second largest metropolitan area. Located on the banks of the Androscoggin River, these historic mill towns loom large in the region’s cultural and economic history. They also boast a gastronomic legacy that transcends state lines. Since 1818, Lewiston has been home to The Farmers’ Almanac, that nostalgic compendium of helpful home and garden hints, folklore, trivia, and long-range weather predictions. In 1925, Labadie’s Bakery served Maine’s first whoopie pie. In more recent years, the Twin Cities have been at the forefront of a burgeoning movement to create economically empowering, culturally-affirming opportunities for refugees and other new Mainers. 

The Lewiston Farmers’ Market, which normally opens for the season in mid-May, features the goods and produce of several farmers from New Roots Cooperative Farm and Fresh Start Farms. The Farmers’ Market is only a short walk from Forage Market, home to some of Maine’s most exceptional wood-fired bagels. 

Like many other cities in Maine, the Twin Cities enjoy a strong representation of craft breweries. Baxter Brewing’s spacious Lewiston taproom offers an impressive 24 beers on tap! The patio of Gritty’s Auburn outpost overlooks the Androscoggin, and is a beautiful destination for a sunny spring day. Founded in 1988, Gritty's was the first brew pub in Maine since prohibition, and became a foundational part of the state's craft brewing revolution. 

In the mood for wine or cider? Head north. In Leeds, Willows Awake Winery produces a small selection of red and white wines. Winemaker Lindsay Benson has plans to create a number of estate wines from the 8 acres of cold-hardy hybrid vines that were planted in 2018. In Tuner, the next town over, the Ricker family has been tending their orchards for over nine generations, but only started producing ciders in 2014. The lineup at Ricker’s Hard Cider has something for every taste: from semi-sweet seasonal blends to a traditional dry farmstead style.

Also in Turner, Nezinscot Farm has been run by the same family for over a century. It was just awarded a James Beard award for America’s Classics - a category which recognizes businesses for their timeless appeal. Just down the road, Canty Cow Creamery churns out velvety-rich frozen custards which are available for grab-and-go purchase year-round.