Only Locals Know About These 7 Gorgeous Public Parks In Maine
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Michelle
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It might be September, but the sun is shining and the temperatures are still high. So, what does any good Mainer do when gifted a few extra weeks of summer? They get outside, of course! If an ambitious hike isn’t in your future, keep things simple and enjoy a nice, simple local park. These parks are peaceful, beautiful and won’t be packed with tourists.
The attraction here might be the house, but the surrounding area is just as visit-worth. The Georgian mansion was built in 1785 by Jonathan Hamilton. It overlooks the Salmon Falls River and sits on 35 acres. The grounds feature a Colonial Revival garden packed with shrubs, statues, fountains and perennials. Visit it at: 40 Vaughan's Lane in South Berwick.
This one's not exactly hidden, but it's a lovely inclusion nonetheless. Visit on a Saturday morning in the summer and fall for the farmer's market. A walk around is likely to reveal a random yoga class, people reading and lots of pick-up sports games. Visit it at: Forest Avenue in Portland.
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This garden is tucked away on the campus of the University of Maine in Orono. Started in the 1960s by a horticulture professor, Lyle Littlefield the gardens original purpose was for testing various plants for us in local gardens. Today, it's free to walk around and enjoy the area. Visit it at: 5762 Roger Clapp Greenhouses in Orono.
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This garden is part of the Land and Garden Preserve of Mount Desert Island, which also includes the Thuya Garden & Lodge, and the Asticou Terraces & Landing. The garden has been designed in a Japanese-style and there are lots of paths leading throughout. Be sure to check out the beautiful Asticou Pond. Visit them at: 3 Sound Drive in Northeast Harbor.
This beauty was created in 1981 by the Maine Forest Service. There are six miles of paths that will take you through the 23 different collections. Throughout the park you'll also find fun sculptures made out of rock and metal. There's also a visitor center with exhibits includes wild animal tracks. Visit them at: 153 Hospital Street in Augusta.
McLaughlin Gardens was started by Bernard McLaughlin in 1936. He welcomed anyone who wanted to visit whenever his doors were open. The garden and homestead have now been open for about 70 years. The garden is about two acres and is now owned by a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the historic home, barn and garden for the public. You can visit between May to October for no charge. Visit them at: 97 Main Street in South Paris.
It's hard to believe that busy Kennebunk is just outside the grounds of this lovely, peaceful spot. The spot is open to the public to relax and stroll the English park which is includes pristine, upkept gardens. Visit them at: 28 Beach Avenue in Kennebunk.
Eventually, the weather will get a bit chillier and when that happens it will really feel like fall here. To really get into the spirit of Autumn, enjoy these 13 fall festivals in Maine.
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