The town of Bridgton in the beautiful state of Maine is especially well known for the ski slopes in the area, however, there’s much more to this New England town than skiing. Situated among some of the most scenic lakes in Maine, there are many outdoor activities visitors and locals alike can enjoy throughout the year, including the Holt Pond Preserve and Pondicherry Park. There are also a number of places to explore for anyone who loves art.
Pondicherry Park
The Pondicherry Park in Bridgton, Maine encompases more than sixty acres of streams and woodlands and can be easily reached from Main Street. Within the boundaries of the park is a trail network consisting of around two to three miles of trails, as well as a loop trail designed with children in mind that travels around the Maine Lake Science Center, connected by a long boardwalk to the other paths. The center offers a variety of obstacle courses for kids throughout the woods. Pondicherry Park also features a spring once thought to contain medicinal powers and a gorgeous covered bridge.
Pondicherry Park, Depot Street, Bridgton, ME 04009
Gallery 302
Gallery 302 is located along Main Street in the quaint town of Bridgton. Along with showcasing a unique mix of contemporary works of art, the art gallery also operated as a co-op for artists and provides an array of educational and instructional classes throughout the spring and the summer seasons.
Displayed within the gallery are a variety of one-of-a-kind items, including pottery, jewelry, and paintings. Travelers can find a unique souvenir from their trip to Maine. Gallery 302 is open Monday to Friday from 11:00am until 3:00pm and from 10:00am until 5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Gallery 302, 112 Main St, Bridgton, ME 04009, Phone: 207-647-2787
Rufus Porter Museum
The Rufus Porter Museum of Art and Ingenuity is a museum that celebrates the legacy, times, and life of Rufus Porter, an impressive New Englander of the nineteenth century, through the promotion and preservation of invention and creativity. >Established in 2005 and open on a seasonal basis, the unique museum shares the story of Rufus Porter, who was a well known figure of the area’s folk art community for miniature portraits and landscape murals. Not only was he a painter, Porter was also the founding editor and publisher of the Scientific American magazine, along with being a teacher, writer, and inventor.
Rufus Porter Museum, 121 Main St, Bridgton, ME 04009, Phone: 207-647-2828
Holt Pond Preserve
Established in 1870, the Holt Pond Preserve started out as a thirty-acre preserve next to Holt Pond, featuring many streams and expansive woodlands in Bridgton, Maine. Over the many years, the beautifully scenic preserve has expanded through many people’s dedicated efforts to now span across more than four hundred acres. Starting at the Grist Mill Road parking area, visitors can travel along the path through the preserve’s mixed forest of pine, hemlock, beech, and birch, crossing into the red maple swamp. During the spring, the Holt Pond Preserve is a great place for bird watching. There’s also the Overlook Boardwalk.
Holt Pond Preserve, Grist Mill Road, Bridgton, ME 04009
Beth's Kitchen Cafe
Beth's Kitchen Cafe is known for its all-day breakfast, as well as homemade soups, gourmet sandwiches, home-style entrees, desserts made from scratch, and hand-thrown pizzas. This locally owned and operated Bridgton restaurant, located on Main Street, is typically open seven days a week from seven in the morning to three in the afternoon. Beth’s Kitchen Cafe serves wood-fired, locally roasted organic coffee in a variety of beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, and several specialty drinks, as well as smoothies, wine, beer, and mixed drinks. In addition to the regular year-round staples, the cafe also offers seasonal favorites.
Beth's Kitchen Cafe, 108 Main St, Bridgton, ME 04009, Phone: 207-647-5211
Morning Glory Diner
The Morning Glory Diner is a family-owned and operated local eatery in the town of Bridgton, Maine. Specializing in home-style meals, the restaurant features a family-friendly atmosphere. The Morning Glory Diner was originally opened to the local community in July of 1983 by Gloria and Emile Perreault. Daily specials are offered, in addition to the regular menu, such as red hot dogs and home-baked beans on Saturday or special Sunday dinners.
Morning Glory Diner, 78 Portland Rd, Bridgton, ME 04009, Phone: 207-647-9606
