McLaughlin Garden | (207) 743-8820
The garden features collections of hosta, daylilies, astilbes, phlox, sedum, Maine wildflowers, ferns, and over 200 lilacs — all beneath a canopy of mature deciduous and coniferous trees.
- THE GEMS OF Route 26
- DINING IN LA
- ART + HISTORY
- OUTDOOR RECREATION
- PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE
- GREAT FALLS
- COMEDY
THE GEMS OF Route 26
Just ten minutes west of Auburn, picturesque Route 26 winds its way through gorgeous countryside boasting culturally, historically, and ecologically significant attractions ideal for day trips, families, and solo reflection. Stop at Cyndi’s Dockside halfway through for amazing scallops and a peaceful lake view.
DINING IN LA
The food and dining scene in LA reflects the long history and diverse cultures of the area. Start your day with a wood-fired sourdough bagel from Forage Market, named “America’s Best Bagel” by Saveur Magazine. Just a block away you can visit Heritage Restaurant, an African restaurant that serves ...
Courtesy of LA Arts
THINGS TO DO:
Spotlight On PUBLIC ART
Lewiston and Auburn are embracing public art to promote cultural, aesthetic, and economic vitality. From crosswalks with pavement murals for pedestrian safety and neighborhood identity, to commissioning significant works by Maine
sculptors at major gateways, local public art expresses pride and quality of life for both residents and visitors...
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OUTDOOR RECREATION
The Outdoors the region offers trails that weave through the city, with views of skylines and access to dining, as well as short jaunts to trail heads for paddlers, serious hikers, and explorers.
Courtesy of Jonathan Hsu
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PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE
Professional theatre, music, and dance organizations have made a home in the community, Bates College continues to integrate its offerings into the fabric of the cities, delightful public art is popping up on every corner, and new restaurants and shops pepper the streets of the downtown...
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THE GREAT FALLS
The Great Falls is at the heart of Lewiston and Auburn on the mighty Androscoggin River, and is a sight to see during the Spring runoff. Other river activities include white water kayaking at Dressers Rips, Crew Regattas, and great riverside fishing along the water’s edge.
THINGS TO DO:
Spotlight On COMEDY
LAUGH IN LA
Ten years ago, the Lewiston Auburn comedy scene was non-existent. Today, the Twin Cities are not only the comedy hub of Maine, they’re also a breeding ground for the local scene. Home to a plethora of weekly and monthly shows in venues ranging from craft breweries to historic churches, you can stop in and find a variety of local comedians sharing the stage with regional favorites from Boston and beyond.
PLAN Your Trip
If you’re flying to the region, consider a chartered flight to the Auburn Lewiston Airport, or head to Portland Jetport (PWM) and rent a car for your 30-minute drive. Major routes into Maine include I-95 from Boston (2.5 hours) and Route 1 along the coast...
THINGS TO DO:
Spotlight On WEDDINGS
Whether you and your sweetheart are looking to exchange vows in the heart of an urban downtown, amidst the rustic vibes of vintage barn décor in rolling fields, overlooking the Great Falls in the heart of the city, or in the historic craftsmanship of a church, our region has you covered.
Spotlight On ADULT-USE CANNABIS
Maine's adult use cannabis program launched in 2020, and the industry has been growing rapidly ever since. Since recreational cannabis stores do not require medical cannabis certification for purchases, adult use cannabis has become a particularly attractive option for tourists and residents alike.
THINGS TO DO:
Spotlight On DISC GOLF
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- Pine Acres Disc Golf Course
- Roy’s Disc Golf
- Campbell Highlands & more...
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- Find More Places to Play
Courtesy of Poland Spring Golf Course
THINGS TO DO:
Spotlight On GOLF COURSES
Poland Spring Country Club
Part of the scenic Poland Spring Resort, this course offers a driving range, velvet bent grass greens, lessons, and tees for all abilities.
Courtesy of Jonathan Hsu
Spotlight On
PERFORMING ARTS & CULTURE
Professional theatre, music, and dance organizations have made a home in the community, Bates College continues to integrate its offerings into the fabric of the cities, delightful public art is popping up on every corner, and new restaurants and shops pepper the streets of the downtown...
- HEALTH + Wellness
- HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
- THE LOCAL FOOD SCENE
- TOP INDUSTRIES
- RISING PROFESSIONALS
- EDUCATION
- STARTING A BUSINESS
- RETIREMENT
HEALTH + Wellness
The communities of Lewiston and Auburn host several events each year that embed the values of health and wellness into the culture of the region. These competitive events are family-friendly, welcome all skill levels, and leverage the outdoor assets of the area. People across the region rally their teams, train, register, and race for fun, cash, and a purpose.
Spotlight On LOCAL FOOD SCENE
What makes a vibrant regional local food culture? A central location within the state that houses and connects farms and food producers to thriving markets. A longstanding agricultural history with farming heritage, passion...
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TOP INDUSTRIES
The region’s top industries employ roughly 25% of the overall workforce, from creative and advertising positions, executives to skilled labor, and all stages of career growth in between...
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RISING PROFESSIONALS
The region boasts the youngest population in Maine, and has a vibrant culture of supporting rising professionals. Area employers invest in their employees with onsite institutes, earn-while-you-learn education opportunities and certifications.
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EDUCATION
Our educational offerings extend from Head Start and private preschool facilities to first-rate public and private K-12 schools to post-secondary institutions that educate nearly 6,000 students each year...
Make Your Mark
Starting a Business In The Region
The region is home to a strong ecosystem of support for entrepreneurs and business startups. The cities of Auburn and Lewiston each have robust economic development teams with friendly people who...
Retirement
With the amenities of a big city and only minutes from a country setting, the Lewiston Auburn region has much to offer those ready to settle into retirement. Along with affordable real estate markets and senior living communities, the area features dining and shopping options, beautiful places of worship, and first-class medical care...
SEASONAL ACTIVITIES & Festivals
Summer Activities:
- Paddling the Androscoggin River
- Mini Golf Driving Range visits at Poland Spring, Tabors + Roy’s
- Disc Golf at one of 6 area courses
- Swimming at Range Pond State Park, Poland
THINGS TO DO:
ARTWALK
Art Walk LA celebrates the Lewiston Auburn arts scene and community, bringing art, crafts, and live entertainment to more than 20 venues and outdoor spaces in downtown LA on each final Friday in May through September. The event draws
- THE LA REGION
- AUBURN
- LEWISTON
- POLAND + M.FALLS + MINOT
- LISBON + DURHAM
- TURNER + LEEDS + GREENE
- WALES + SABATTUS
- LIVERMORE + LIVERMORE FALLS
THE LA REGION
The Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan region stretches across Androscoggin County’s 16 communities. Through the center of the county, and joining the cities of Lewiston and Auburn, runs the Androscoggin River. As the second largest metropolitan area in Maine, more than...
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AUBURN
Situated on the west side of the Androscoggin River, more than 40% of Auburn’s land is agricultural. Auburn offers the best of both worlds, with a walkable downtown district close to hotels, breweries, and restaurants...
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LEWISTON
Lewiston is Maine’s second largest city, running east of the Androscoggin River. Home to historic mills that tell its legacy of hard work and immigration through the generations, the downtown district is...
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POLAND + MECHANIC FALLS + MINOT
In Western Androscoggin County, 10 miles from LA, you will find the trio of towns Poland, Mechanic Falls, and Minot. These small towns share a regional school district amid rolling hills and rural farm lands
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LISBON + DURHAM
Each summer, Lisbon hosts concerts in the park, where a small bridge over the falls will connect you to Durham. This quiet, rural town of open fields and green forests remains a place where time slows down and life is less hurried.
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TURNER + LEEDS + GREENE
Turner is a growing, family-oriented community just north of the metro region with a distinct sense of place. Bordered by Greene and Leeds, small rural communities to the east, the three towns comprise School District 52. The region has great recreation fields for youth sports and a public library...
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WALES + SABATTUS
Wales and Sabattus are two towns north of the LA region, both acting as quiet, residential communities for employees in LA and Augusta. If quiet backroads and short commutes are the lifestyle you seek, these are the towns for you.