BUSTLIN’ BANGOR - Maine’s third most populous city has a lot going on
BY TREVOR GEIGER, JOHN McCARTHY & MOLLY F. McGILL
Major investments aimed at rejuvenating the riverfront and historic downtown area have paved the way for Maine’s third most populous city to blossom into a hip, vibrant scene. Local musicians, cultural arts, and an emerging culinary and craft beer culture has propelled the “Queen City” into a happening spot for singles, and the top-notch school system makes Bangor a great place to raise a family. Bonus! Despite being the economic hub of Northern Maine, Bangor is still shockingly affordable—for now.
“One of the best reasons why people should start looking at Bangor to live is that you can have access to arts, culture, and entertainment in a large city that feels like a small town,” said Tanya Emery, director of community and economic development in Bangor. Only 33,000 people live in Bangor (most notably the mega-famous horror author Stephen King), but the city swells to a bustling 125,000 during the day as employees, students, and professionals pour in from the surrounding area to keep the city’s two major hospitals, several colleges, and the Bangor International Airport humming. So obviously, Bangor is a great place to live. But when choosing a home, it’s important to check out the local ’hoods to find the best part of town for you.
Shop:
OBJECTS OF DESIRE
This family-owned and operated Rock & Art Shop has So. Much. To. Buy. Unique jewelry, funky plants, natural history keepsakes and cosmic crystals barely scratches the surface of this fantastic collection.
WHERE 36 Central St., Bangor
MORE INFO therockandartshop.com
207.947.2205
GUITAR HEAVEN
For over 30 years, Northern Kingdom has been a mecca for musicians in Maine. With one of the best vintage guitar collections in the northeast and over 40 pedal steels, you are guaranteed to leave with guitar envy. Just remember, you’ll need an appointment to see the really nice stuff.
WHERE 349 Harlow St., Bangor
MORE INFO northernkingdommusic.org
207.947.6450
THIS OLD THING?
Two floors and 100 booths of poodling pleasure and a café? Slate an entire day to the Antique Marketplace & Café, an enormous treasure chest where you can get lost in rare books, fine furniture and freshly brewed coffee. See ya there!
WHERE 65 Main St., Bangor
MORE INFO antiquemarketplacecafe.com
207.941.2111
FROM BABIES TO BREWING
Yes you read that right. The Central Street Farmhouse is jam-packed with urban homesteading supplies, home-brewing resources, and even an array of cloth diapering and natural parenting items. Classes and support groups also offered.
WHERE 30 Central St., Bangor
MORE INFO centralstreetfarmhouse.com
207.992.4454
Eat:
TAP OUT
Nocturnem is a relaxed, high-end beer bar where serious hop-heads can geek out over one of their 14 rotating taps or sip their way through a vast bottle menu. Don’t know your lambic from a double IPA? Worry not, there is something good for everyone, even an impressive roster of meads. Delicious with some spicy Korean chicken wings.
WHERE 56 Main St., Bangor
MORE INFO nocturnemdrafthaus.com
207.907.4380
TOP O’ THE EVERYTHING
Paddy Murphy’s is a classic Irish pub that has it going on! Karaoke and open mics reign all week long and the weekends host local live musicians. The delish food, good libations, and friendly staff ups the ante that much more.
WHERE 26 Main St., Bangor
MORE INFO paddymurphyspub.com
207.945.6800
LOCK AND LOAD
At Giacomo’s, you can grab an espresso and gather your thoughts while gazing at their signature Brady Gang painting depicting the 1937 Central Street Bangor gunfight between the wanted criminals and the FBI. Oh, and try the Paninis. They ROCK! WHERE 1 Central St., Bangor
MORE INFO giacomosbangor.com
207.947.370
YES, PLEASE
With an eye popping 52 taps, and an impressive wine list, Blaze pumps out killer gourmet fare from their signature wood-fire oven. We are talking connoisseur heaven here, and the buzz on this place is not for naught.
WHERE 18 Broad St., Bangor
MORE INFO facebook.com/blazebangor
207.922.2660
Stay:
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Smack dab in historic Bangor downtown, the Charles Inn is a lux “art gallery hotel” that is more than just a place to rest your weary bones, it’s a work of art itself!
WHERE 20 Broad St., Bangor
MORE INFO thecharlesinn.com
207.992.282
DOUBLE DOWN
There are 148 rooms and 4 suites in the Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway. And as rooms begin at just $99, the place surely is an A-list hotel for the everyman. Hit your jackpot in the casino before counting your winnings in a cushy room upstairs with some vittles from the Take 2 Snack Bar.
WHERE 500 Main St., Bangor
MORE INFO hollywoodcasinobangor.com
877.779.7771
WHOLESOME HOME
Just across the bridge from Bangor, the Fiddlehead Inn is the place to stay for organic, vegetarian food where you are likely to encounter like-minded friends you’ve never met. This charming Victorian-style home is listed in the Brewer Historical Society Registry of Historic Homes.
WHERE 5 E Summer St., Brewer
MORE INFO fiddleheadinn.com
207.989.1854
Do:
NATURE TIME
Nestled in the Bangor City Forest, the Orono Bog Boardwalk provides a 4,200-foot-long eco-tour that sits atop a natural peat bearing bog, resplendent with seasonal flora and fauna. Look up and admire over 100 wild birds, including osprey, kingfishers and even bald eagles.
WHERE Tripp Dr. (within City Forest), Bangor
MORE INFO oronobogwalk.org
GET CULTURAL
The University of Maine Museum of Art boasts a permanent collection of more than 3,800 original paintings and photographs, many of which are from local artists, like Winslow Homer. There are also Picasso’s and Warhol’s among other notable pieces, and special exhibits.
WHERE 40 Harlow St., Bangor
MORE INFO umma.umaine.edu
207.561.3350
BANGOR ROCKS!
Mama Mia, Cirque de Soleil and James Taylor: just a few big shows coming up at the bustling Cross Insurance Center. Meanwhile, businesses can take advantage of the state-of-the-art, 4,500-square-foot function space.
WHERE 515 Main St., Bangor
MORE INFO crossinsurancecenter.com
207.561.8300
OPENING NIGHT
Currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary Season, the Penobscot Theatre is featuring performances of Our Town and The Rocky Horror Picture Show in the Bangor Opera House. Stunning acoustics, a beautiful room, and top-notch entertainment is to be expected, ’cause that’s how they roll.
WHERE 131 Main St., Bangor
MORE INFO penobscottheatre.org
207.942.3333
