Farmington Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and unique souvenirs to buy in Farmington, Maine with our comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Farmington

Nestled in the foothills of the western Maine mountains, Farmington charms visitors with its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. As if frozen in time, this small town of just over 7,000 inhabitants is home to several historic sites, a vibrant downtown, and an active arts community. With a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities, Farmington is a perfect getaway for nature enthusiasts of all ages and interests.

List of Places to Visit in Farmington

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Farmington Historical Society Museum - Explore Farmington’s history from its earliest days to the present. The museum showcases a range of artifacts, photographs, and documents that depict Farmington’s evolution from a small farming community to a vibrant college town.
  2. The Nordica Homestead Museum- A tribute to Lillian Nordica, Farmington’s most famous resident and world-renowned opera singer, the museum features exhibits highlighting her life and career, with lots of memorabilia and photos.
  3. Titcomb Mountain- A small family ski resort where locals and visitors alike come together to enjoy the snow.

Natural Attractions of Farmington: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Wilton Blueberry Farm- A great spot to go blueberry picking and also buy homemade jams and jellies.
  2. Tumbledown Mountain- A picturesque mountain with a 3.5-mile hike to the summit offering breathtaking views of the rolling hills.
  3. Sandy River- A hotspot for fly fishing enthusiasts, the river is filled with trout and salmon.
  4. Clearwater Lake - A serene body of water that is great for fishing, swimming and boating.
  5. Farmington Falls- A photogenic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, perfect for a small picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Farmington

  1. Wilton Loop- A 25- mile loop trail that follows the Wilton Scenic Byway and passes through several charming villages.
  2. Mt. Blue State Park- 10,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness, the park has trails for all levels of abilities from novice to expert. And if you prefer to bike, bike rentals are available at the park.
  3. Saddleback Mountain - A beautiful hike taking you through forests, beside waterfalls and streams, and finally rewarding you with stunning mountain views.

Best Things to Do in Farmington: Activities and Tours

  1. Maine International Film Festival - Held annually in July, this festival screens independent and international films and is known to draw a strong crowd of movie lovers.
  2. Fly Fishing Excursions - various companies offer guided fishing tours for anglers.
  3. Visit a Local Farm - Several farmers in the area allow visitors to see their farms and even taste their products. Pick your own blueberries, indulge in fresh dairy products or cider.
  4. Skateboarding at Narrow Gauge Pathway - A popular park for skateboarders and outdoor enthusiasts to hang out.

Week-Long Itinerary for Farmington

Day Activity
1 Arrival and Check-In at a Bed and Breakfast
2 Hiking through Tumbledown Mountain
3 Visit the Farmington Historical Society Museum
4 Leisurely lunch at a local farm and then explore the art scene
5 Dayhike at Saddleback Mountain
6 Fly Fishing tour
7 Check-Out

Food and Drink Scene of Farmington

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Lobster Rolls - Freshly picked from the ocean, Farmington’s lobster rolls are an East-Coast classic.
  2. Maple Syrup - The town is covered with sugary maple trees, and every restaurant in the area will be sure to have this sweet syrup on their menu.
  3. Blueberry Pie - Maine is the blueberry capital of the world, and it is mandatory that one indulges in a slice while in Farmington.
  4. Apples - A fruit that is abundant here in all its various forms, from cider to pies.

Local Beverages

  1. Liberal Cup - Their craft beer choices will leave you wanting more, try their most popular beer, “Roobarb”.
  2. Sandy River Wines - A winery that produces classic varieties like Chardonnay and Cabernet, while also focusing on indigenous types like Marquette.

Where to Stay in Farmington: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Farmington Guest House - Well-decorated rooms with the comfort of your home with all the modern amenities to make your stay cozy and comfortable.
  2. Mount Blue Motel - Clean, spacious rooms at budget-friendly rates, with easy access to downtown.
  3. The Pearl & Gnome - A charming bed and breakfast that serves homemade breakfast every morning.

What to Buy in Farmington: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Craftsman’s Cooperative - An artist’s haven where you can find pottery, jewelry, textiles, and woodwork hand-made by local artisans.
  2. Farmington Farmers Market - Held every Saturday from June-October, the market is full of local produce, homemade goodies, and artisanal food products.
  3. Farmington Antiques Center - You can also look for unique antique items, like old books, postcards, and furniture as a souvenir to bring back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Farmington

Farmington is a small town where friendliness and politeness are expected. Leave your city attitude at home as people here are much more laid-back and will be looking to strike up a conversation with you. The winter activities will be from skiing to ice-fishing. Summertime brings out the freshest harvests and the best fruits and vegetables.

Best Time to Visit Farmington

The best time to visit Farmington is from July to early October when the weather is pleasant, and the town is at its liveliest. Visitors can hike the trails, pick blueberries, or explore the downtown area. Visitors planning to visit during winter will be rewarded with snow-covered landscape and activities such as skiing, ice skating and other winter sports.

Do’s and Don’ts of Farmington

Do:

  1. Visits the Farmington Historical Society Museum
  2. Support local farmers by buying their products
  3. Respect the wildlife and wilderness when hiking.
  4. Dress in layers as the temperature tends to fluctuate throughout the day.

Don’t:

  1. Overly formal attire isn’t required in this laid-back town.
  2. Engage in littering, this is a town well suited to keep it clean.
  3. Ignore the seasons, note the perfect season before you arrive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Farmington

Farmington is a safe town; local law enforcement exists to keep everyone safe in the area. In case of health emergencies, there is a local hospital that can handle standard medical issues.

Health in Farmington

Fortunately, Farmington maintains overall good health and as it is a small town, you will not face anything you haven’t seen before. The air is clean, the country side is a place to get healthy, and medicine if needed can easily be located.

Getting to Farmington: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Farmington

  1. Augusta State Airport, located 50 miles from Farmington, the airport provides services for private and business jet landings or takeoffs.
  2. Portland International Jetport, around 100 miles from Farmington

Bus Stations Near Farmington

  1. Concord Coach Lines- Provides a bus service from major cities of Boston, Portland, and Montreal daily.

Other Options

  1. Personal Vehicle - It’s simple to get to Farmington by using your personal vehicle or rental car as the town has a highway link with Maine’s larger cities, like Augusta and Portland.

How to Get Around in Farmington

Farmington is a small town, and it’s walking-friendly. For optimal mobility, you can rent a vehicle or use the services of one of the local car services.

Where to Go Next from Farmington: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Rangeley Lake - 50 miles from Farmington and has a unique combination of wilderness and village living that draws visitors from around the world.
  2. Baxter State Park - located just 80 miles from Farmington and home to Mt. Katahdin, Maine’s highest mountain.

Conclusion

Farmington is no doubt a great addition for tourists looking for winter sports, breathtaking views, and an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It offers a quaint and serene environment that is simply unforgettable. With this guide as your companion, you’ll get to experience all that this town has to offer and come away with memories that will last a lifetime. Book your trip today, and enjoy the beauty of Farmington, Maine.

A 19th-century building in downtown Farmington A 19th-century building in downtown Farmington The Psychology Building of the University of Maine at Farmington The Psychology Building of the University of Maine at Farmington Chester Greenwood House, one of quite a few houses in Farmington that are on the National Register of Historic Places Chester Greenwood House, one of quite a few houses in Farmington that are on the National Register of Historic Places