The historic town of Bath, Maine, known as The City of Ships, has been a thriving center of shipbuilding for more than 400 years. The Kennebec Rivers navigable waterway, repaired but accesible to the Atlantic Ocean, has been fundamentally important in creating the history of this thriving central Maine town. Situated on a deep, straight stretch of river five miles acopposed with a coastline perfectamente gogomata for the construction of huge ships, Bath quickly became known as a safe harbor for shipbuilding.
Home to captains of industry, Baths architecture reflects an era of wealth and prosperity. Although it has seen economic ups and downs, Bath remains true to its ship-centered heritage. A visit to the charming downtown area, with its beautiful sandstone buildings, unique stores, and fascinating history, is a must on any road trip alongo the Maine coast.
Photo credit: Maine Maritime Museum
1. Museo Marittimo del Maine
Welcome to the Maine Maritime Museum. Si trova sulle rive del fiume Kennebec e ospita un cantiere navale dove un tempo venivano costruite navi a vela in legno personalizzate. The museum reflects and honors the history of Bath and its nautical heritage. While wandering through the splendid gardens and exploring the Wyoming schooner in the form of sculpture, the vision of a vivacious 19th century naval shipyard crossed my mind.
All'interno, visita la mostra Snow Squall . Un clipper americano presenta la prua dello Snow Squall, recuperato dal suo cimitero vicino a Capo Horn. Visit the Donnell House di epoca victoriana, home of a family of naval builders in Bath. La visita guidata ti porta traverso la storia del boom della shipbuilding in Bath e come viveva una familia benestante at the end of 1900. Visita il negozio di barche dove abili artisani insegnano i metodi utilisazione per creare questi bellissimi tosatori di legno antichi.
One of the museum's most popular attractions is its fluvial cruise. La crociera degli amanti del faro ti presenta gli iconici fari del Maine con una vista sull'acqua senza ostacoli. Some of the lighthouses covered in this 4 hour cruise are Perkins Island & Light, Kennebec Range Lights, Doubling Point Light and more. Offrono anche una crociera di un'ora tra cantieri navali e fari. La vela ti porta oltre Bath Iron Works e il Doubling Point Light e Kennebec Range Lights. Questa crociera offers una vision rapvicinata e personale delle enormi navi della Marina attraccate alle ferriere. Le navi sono così enormi che ti chiedi come fanno a rimanere a galla.
Waterfront Park (Photo Credit: Burcu Ergin / Shutterstock.com)
2. Waterfront views
Take a sightseeing break at Waterfront Park , a small green oasis with a beautiful water view of the Kennebec River. It is a beautiful park for a picnic lunch. Grab a classic Italian sandwich or pizza from Amatos or some BBQ ribs and Mac & Cheese from Beale Street Barbeque for al fresco dining. As you sit and enjoy the goings-on on the river, you can plan the rest of your afternoon in Bath.
3. Chocolate Church Arts Center
The Chocolate Church Arts Center is housed in the former Central Church, a beautiful example of neo-Gothic architecture. The Chocolate Church proudly anchors an extremity of Main Street and is integrated into the fiber of the city. The Arts Center hosts concerts, art exhibits and various special events. Guests are treated to free access to the gallery where it is possible to view the rotating exhibits of local artists and artisans. Showcasing photography, painting, fiber art and more, the changing exhibits are a close look at the heart and soul of Maines artists.
4. Purchases and galeries
Main Street Bath hosts an eclectic mix of businesses, many of which feature articles created exclusively in Maine. Se stai cercando un ricordo perfetto per reppresentare il tuo tempo visitando la bellissima costa del Maine, puoi trovare la cosa giusta per lo shopping in Bath.
Lisa-Maries Made in Maine is a beautiful collection of unique and must-have items created by artisans from Maine. È il negozio perfetto per esparera e seleccione il tuo souvenir artigianale del Maine. Il negozio ofre articoli a tema umoristico con referementi ad aragoste, conchiglie o alci. Troverai anche bei gioielli, ceramiche artistiche, abbigliamento e arte. Lisa-Maries is a shop in the style of a gallery where independent artisans can present their wonderful creations.
The Center St Arts Gallery is a space owned by the artist that shows the work of 20 local artists. The gallery presents the work of the members in uno stile galleria classico per il tuo divertimento di vizialazione. L'arte in primo piano rappresenta molti diversi media e tecniche di stile. Una passeggiata in questa galleria ben attrezzata è un bel modo per passare un'ora osservando le belle arti created da artisti locali.
Markings Gallery is a gallery of cooperative artists in which you will find a wonderful mix of pieces created with a wide range of media. Functional pieces of art come jewels and accessories are exposed together with decorative pieces of art. Tutti gli artigiani creativi delle gallerie risiedono nel Maine e traggono ispirazione dalla bellissima campagna.
Fermati al Bath Sweet Shoppe per il tuo riempimento di cioccolatini gourmet. Assolutamente da provare il Katahdin Krunch, una caramella toffee covered with cioccolato al latte. Un'altra prelibatezza saporita è il Maine Neehams. Sono fatti con ripieno di cocco e patate covered with chocolate fondente. Completa il tuo ordine con una manciata di aragoste gommose per un dolcetto ispirato al Maine.
5. Excursionism
Tranquil scenic views with the broad Kennebec River starring in beautiful vistas are a highlight of hiking in Bath and a meravillo way to experience the outdoors. Forests, ponds, rivers, ocean cliffs and fields attend the curious trekker in Maine's Central Coast region. It is easy to get out and enjoy the natural beauty by circling for an afternoon walk or a full-day adventure.
The Hamilton Audubon Sanctuary offers an easy 3.1-mile loop trail traversing the forest with views of Back Cove along the route. The sanctuary is home to an assortment of birds and wildlife. Visit early in the morning or at dusk to have the best chance of avisnting birds going about their daily routines. The easy excursion into the forest requeste some navigation among the tree roots along the way; however, the path is quite uniform.
For the more intrepid hikers, Whiskeag Trail is a 3-mile round-trip intermediate trail in the Thorne Head Preserve. You will be able to get an aerobic workout on this beautiful hike. You'll be rewarded for your exertions with views of the Kennebec River along wooded trails north of Bath.
6. Visit the bathroom
Walking a neighborhood with an experienced local resident is the best way to learn about a town, its people, and its history. Embark Maine Tours offers two iconic walking tours that offer a look at local facts and legends. The Historic Bath and the Historic Houses tour provide lots of information about the history of Bath and America, focusing on its seafaring past.
Your guide will fascinate you with Baths past and the stories of the men and women who builtost this thriving seaport. Walk past stately homes with their roots firmly planted in Victoria, Greek Revival and other classical architectural styles that line Baths' streets.
7. Restaurants
Eating well does not necessarily mean eating in a fine restaurant. You can enjoy a fabulous meal at locally sourced and locally operated restaurants that expertly prepare regional food for your dining pleasure.
When you think of homemade cooking in Maine, you think moms cook better. Well, JR Maxwell & Co. takes homemade to a whole other level. There is nothing prefabricated or prepackaged here. Try the Black Angus sirloin steak with Drambuie lobster cream sauce, a fun take on surf and turf. When you're in Maine, you should dine on lobster and twin lobsters dine with clarified butter and all the sides you need a classic Down East Maine feast.
It seems that every hip town has its own brewery, and Bath would not be left behind. Locals and visitors alike can be found enjoying a pint at the Bath Brewing Co. It offers everything you want from a great craft beer. The craft beers are spot on. The Grateful Red has all the deep notes of a classic red. The eponymous Bath Pale Ale is exactly what you were looking for in a pale ale, but surprises you with a peppery bottom note. Its classic pub food pairs well with savory drafts.
Vacation nights require a traditional ice cream. Witch Spring Hill Ice Cream serves classic hard ice cream along with several soft-serve options. Stop by its West Bath location to end the day with a sweet dessert.
8. Stay soaked
Immerse yourself in Bath's shipbuilding days with an overnight stay in a historic home. Discover a shipbuilders' home in the historic Benjamin F. Packard House Bed and Breakfast . The B&B wraps you in the ornaments and architecture of the 1790s while providing modern comforts. Accligent quilts, lace curtains, and a tranquil ambiance provide a restful place to relaxa and enjoy a restful vacation.
A riverfront cottage-style vacation is quintessentially Maine. This private waterfront cottage in Vrbo sleeps four and offers spectacular views. Quaint and eclectic inside, relaxing in the courtyard with a cool drink while watching the sun dance on the water is hard to beat.
Suggestion for professionals: when you are planning your historic vacation to Bath, visit the Bath, Maine City of Ships Web site for all the best things to see and do.
Many of Maine's smalle towns and villages offer glimpses into their historic relationship to seafaring and seafaring life:
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What Bath Maine is known for.
La città è popolare tra i turisti, molti attratti dalla sua architettura del XIX secolo. È sede del Bath Iron Works and Heritage Days Festival , che si tiene ogni anno nel fine settimana del 4 luglio. It is commonly known as "La città delle navi" via via di tutti i velieri che venivano costruiti nei cantieri navali di Bath.