Fun for the Entire Family in Buxton, ME
If you feel like the past year has flown by and you didn’t get to do nearly as much as you had hoped, now is the time to start planning for 2020. Fortunately, there are plenty of great events, activities, and attractions right in and around Buxton, Maine, that will help you get out of the house and make the most of the new year. Here are some suggestions to help you start planning your 2020 calendar.
1. 19th Century Curran Villages
Located just 30 minutes west of Buxton, the Curran Homestead is a working farm and museum where visitors can learn about farming practices and the history of rural Maine. You can spend the day touring the farm, watching blacksmithing demonstrations, and getting a feel for the challenges that have helped shape and define New Englanders. There are also special events held throughout the year, so be sure to check the Homestead’s calendar and schedule your visit accordingly.
2. Aquaboggan Water Park
The summer wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Aquaboggan Water Park, which promises plenty of family fun. This attraction is Maine’s first water park and features high-speed water slides, a wave pool, bumper boats, mini-golf, and much more. You can relax and soak in the sun or enjoy some of the rides and activities. Either way, it is a great place to spend the day.
3. Bates College Museum of Art
When the weather turns cold or rainy, the Bates College Museum of Art is the perfect place to spend the afternoon indoors. The museum has an extensive permanent collection that features modern and contemporary pieces, Chinese art, and work from Maine artists who have gained national and international recognition. There are also special exhibitions, including Vanessa German: Miracles and Glory Abound and Ralph Eugene Meatyard: Stages for Being, that will both be on display through March 2020.
4. City Theater
The City Theater is located in Biddeford, Maine, and is just a short drive south of the Buxton area. The theater has a long history that dates all the way back to 1860. Over the years, the theater has experienced a devastating fire, reconstruction, and a sharp decline in theatergoers that eventually led to the decision to turn the building into a cinema. Unfortunately, that was a short-lived transformation, and by 1975, the theater was in disrepair. The community rallied, reopened the theater, and it is now, once again, a vital part of the local culture. Shows on tap for 2020 include “Little Women: The Musical,” “On Golden Pond,” and “La Cage Aux Folles.”
5. Saco Bay Trails
One of the best parts of living in Maine is the beautiful scenery and natural settings. The Saco Bay Trails provide the perfect place to explore and enjoy the outdoors. There are a variety of trail lengths and difficulties for people of all fitness levels. You can hike throughout the year and enjoy the weather every season.
6. Maine Food for Thought Tours
Maine is known for excellent cuisine that can be tied back to a rich history of local farming and fishing. The Buxton area and surrounding cities are filled with restaurants, which can make it hard to choose and sample all the great food. The Main Food for Thought Tour will take you to six local restaurants where you can sample seasonal dishes and talk to the chefs. It’s the perfect way to learn more about the area’s culinary scene and check some top restaurants off your list.
7. Jillyanna’s Woodfired Cooking School
If one of your resolutions for 2020 is to learn a new skill, consider taking a class at Jillyanna’s Woodfired Cooking School, where you can master the art of woodfired pizzas, homemade pasta, and Mediterranean cooking. There are plenty of classes to choose from, and most of them are beginner-friendly. It is a great way to meet other people with a shared interest in cooking and learn more new recipes that you can wow your friends with at your next dinner party.
8. Lighthouse Tour
Not only is the coast along Maine beautiful, it is also full of history. The best way to see all the sights and learn about the history of the area is with a guided tour. Leave all the details up to the guide and relax as you are shuttled among different area landmarks. There will be plenty of time to explore and take photos, and you will get the inside scoop on all the local historical highlights. Even if you have lived in and around Buxton all your life, you are sure to learn even more about the area.
9. Damariscotta Pumpkinfest & Regatta
If you missed out on the many fall festivals in the Buxton area this fall, you will want to mark your calendar for 2020. People from all over the country travel to Maine to enjoy the beautiful fall foliage, and there are plenty of events to celebrate this time of year; however, the three-day pumpkin festival may be one of the most unique. It includes a pumpkin parade, a giant pumpkin drop, a pumpkin slingshot, and the Pumpkinboat Regatta, where competitors race in boats that are actually made out of pumpkins. There is nothing else quite like this festival, and you are guaranteed to have a good time.
10. Maine Beer Box International Beer Festival
While the rest of the events on our list of top activities in the Buxton area are family-friendly, this is an adults-only event held at the beautiful Sugarloaf Mountain. You can spend the afternoon sampling beers from around the country and Canada while enjoying the beautiful scenery. It is a great way to find new favorite brews and spend some time with friends.
Don’t let another year go by without experiencing the best that the Buxton area and surrounding areas have to offer. A little planning now can ensure that you are able to take advantage of local attractions and attend must-see events. There is plenty to do throughout the year, and these 10 recommendations provide the perfect place to start.
While you are out and about enjoying the best of Buxton and surrounding areas, don’t forget to add Tory Hill to your “must-visit” list. We are always happy to see our patients and meet new ones. The team at Tory Hill will work hard to make your visit as easy and pleasant as possible, so you can return to your favorite activities with the confidence that your oral health is in order. Contact us today to schedule an appointment before your calendar fills up.