Editor’s note: Bangor, Maine, is one of our favorite small cities in New England. Big-city amenities combine quite nicely with a really pleasant small-town feel. There’s plenty to do here, and many folks love the area so much that they make it their permanent residence. Not too long ago, I was talking with a friend from the Boston area who moved with his wife to Bangor and never looked back. He spoke enthusiastically of the great quality of life, including a true sense of place, real estate affordability, a relaxed pace, more courteous drivers, and a nice mix of restaurants, attractions and community events. With that said, we were so glad when Kurstin Pomerleau, an intern with the Greater Bangor Convention & Visitors Bureau, sent us yesterday a fantastic list of free and expensive things to do in the Bangor region. Thanks so much, Kurstin, for this submission of affordable things to do in Bangor that will, no doubt, be of great value to our readership.
MUSEUMS
Bangor Museum & Center for History
www.bangormuseum.com
-$12 adults, kids freeHudson Museum
This museum will not only take your breath away with its design but also be very educational while touring the different exhibition areas; World Cultures, Maine Indian Gallery, the Minsky Culture Lab, and the Merritt Gallery.
www.umaine.edu/hudsonmuseum/
-Free
Maine Discovery Museum
This museum is the largest children’s museum north of Boston. Many different exhibits that incorporate hands on playing & learning for children are within the museum; Sounds Abound, Mission: Discovery, Booktown, TradeWinds, Nature Trails, Artscape, and Body Journey. www.mainediscoverymuseum.org
-$7.50 General Admission
UMaine Museum of Art
Walking through the halls of the UMaine Museum of Art you will see over 6,500 original works of art, along with the current exhibitions by Jonathan Lux, Joshua Enck, and Vicent Serbin which change every few months. The UMaine Museum of Art is always offering something new to keep minds learning.
www.umma.umaine.edu
-Free
Maynard F. Jordan Planetarium
Enjoy learning about outer space though one of the Family Star Shows, where the features are always changing!
www.galaxymaine.com
-$3 General Admission
MEMORIAL PARKS AND STATUES
Purple Heart Memorial
Not only will you see the Purple Heart Memorial but you can also look at different Military memorials; World War II Monument, and 4 different Vietnam Memorial. After viewing the memorials outside you can enter the Cole Land Transportation Museum and view many different staples on Bangor and the
worlds past.
www.colemuseum.org
-Outside memorial’s free. Viewing the museum is $7 for adults under 19 is free.
Korean War Memorial
This memorial located in Mt. Hope Cemetery has the names of the 233 men who died in Korea. The memorial provides a quick history lesson about the “forgotten war”. www.koreanwar.org
-Free
BANGOR PARKS
Bangor City Forest/ Orono Bog Walk
This isn’t your ordinary bog walk; it is one of the national natural land marks! While walking though you will not only enjoy the bog boardwalk but also a few others; Mt. bike trails, primitive trails, and walking trails. There is plenty to see in the 680 acres, who knows maybe you’ll run into some Maine wild life!
Tripp Drive, Bangor
-Free
Waterfront Park
This park includes picnic area, walking paths, marina, and plenty of open space. Front Street, Bangor.
-Free
CULTURE AND ARTS IN GREATER BANGOR
American Folk Festival
This festival is held every year in August and showcases music and dance from many cultures in America today. The festival is made up of the nation’s finest performing groups, has four stages of music and dance, dozens of vendors offering ethnic food and traditional favorites, craft demonstrations and exhibits and a children’s area.
www.americanfolkfestival.com
-Donation based, suggested donation of $10.
Downtown Outdoor Market & Cool Sound Concert Series
Enjoy the 40 plus vendors who have Maine-made goods, foods, and crafts. Then settle down to enjoy the free concert where a different entertainer performs each week.
www.downtownbangor.com
-Free
Bangor Car Show
Enjoy viewing over 25 different classes of cars, live entertainment and great food!
www.VisitBangorMaine.com
-Free
River City Cinema
Every warm Friday evening catch a free film down in Pickering Square!
www.rivercitycinema.com
-Free
Open Farm Day
Visit any Maine farm and see what farm life is all about. With actives and demonstrations you will be able to experience everything from milking to felting; petting farm animals, picking berries, taking tour a barn or going on a hay ride!
www.getrealmaine.com
-Free
Maine Maple Syrup Day
On the 4th Sunday of every March, you can experience the process of Maine maple syrup being made. Many sugar houses offer tasting, with syrup on pancakes or ice cream!
www.getrealmaine.com
-Free
