More and more to like about Lewiston | Victoria Hugo-Vidal
Lewiston Families Take Advantage of Rare Day‑Off to Explore City’s Revitalization, Local Eats and New Public Art
Lewiston, Maine – For the first time in seven and a half months, a Lewiston couple found themselves with a free day while their 7‑month‑old child was at daycare. The rare opportunity arrived on a picture‑perfect spring afternoon—warm, sunny and breezy—giving the pair a chance to see their city through a fresh lens.
The day began with breakfast at Forage Market, a downtown spot that consistently appears on lists of Maine’s best bagels. Patrons praised the shop’s freshly baked loaves and the relaxed atmosphere. After fueling up, the couple strolled a few blocks to Blue Jay Coffee, a classic coffee house known for its affordable prices and comfortable seating. The shop also features a small corner where local artisans display handmade candles, jewelry and other crafts, adding a community touch to the café experience.
From the coffee shop, the pair headed into the heart of downtown Lewiston. They passed Orchid Thai, the restaurant where they shared their first date, now a familiar landmark amid a changing streetscape. Over the past decade, the city has seen a wave of new businesses and renovations, a transformation evident in the bustling sidewalks and recent construction projects.
A highlight of the downtown walk was the “Welcome Immigrants” mural taking shape at the corner of Lisbon and Ash Streets. Local artists Ryan and Rachel Gloria Adams are creating the large‑scale work, which is already drawing attention from passers‑by. When the couple approached the scaffolding, one of them exclaimed, “Oh my God, I read about you guys in the paper! You’re doing an amazing job!” The artists smiled and thanked the onlookers, underscoring the community’s pride in the mural’s message of inclusion.
After taking in the artwork, the couple drove a short distance to Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary, a 150‑acre nature preserve nestled within Maine’s second‑largest city. The sanctuary’s network of well‑marked trails winds alongside streams and vernal pools, opening into open fields that attract a variety of bird species. Although dogs are not permitted, the serene environment more than compensated for the absence of a canine companion. The pair logged roughly four miles of walking, enjoying the quiet sounds of nature that stand in sharp contrast to the nearby urban bustle.
The afternoon continued with a brief return home to let their dogs out and attend to a quick errand before crossing the Androscoggin River into Auburn. There, they stopped at Mac’s Seafood, a waterfront eatery famed for its crispy fried fish sandwiches and golden onion rings. The meal was hearty yet not overindulgent, leaving the couple satisfied without discomfort.
As the sun began to set, they made their way to Tabers, a unique venue that combines a restaurant, driving range and mini‑golf course. The couple opted for ice‑cream cones and sat overlooking Lake Auburn, watching a flock of geese settle on the driving range. “I do not think geese are the most intellectual of birds,” one of them remarked with a chuckle, noting the comical sight of the birds waddling across the turf.
The day concluded with a pragmatic task: registering a vehicle at Lewiston City Hall. The historic building, with its marble façade, brick exterior, high tin ceilings and arched doorways, is a striking example of early‑20th‑century civic architecture. A vintage hearse displayed in a stairwell adds a touch of local history to the otherwise functional space. For the family, the errand turned into an unexpected mini‑tour of the building’s architectural details.
In reflecting on the day, the couple expressed optimism about their city’s evolving identity. “We like it here,” one of them said, noting the balance of urban amenities and natural beauty that Lewiston and its neighboring Auburn now offer. City officials say the recent public‑art projects, business investments and preservation of green spaces are part of a broader effort to reshape perceptions of the community.
The rare day off highlighted how a growing number of local families are rediscovering Lewiston’s assets—from its vibrant food scene and coffee culture to its expanding public‑art initiatives and tranquil natural areas. With more such opportunities likely to arise as the city continues to develop, residents say they look forward to exploring further.
