Fall is the perfect time to hunt for antiques and Hallowell has made a name for itself with collectors. There are antique shops galore, from clock restoration to currency to Chinese pottery. Check out Merrill’s Book Shop at 134 Water St. for rare and unusual finds, Maine books and plenty of history. Or, stop in at Water Street Mercantile, located in one of the town’s most historic buildings and selling antiques, furniture, oriental rugs, mirrors and more.
If it’s arts and entertainment you’re looking for check the schedule for the Gaslight Theater at 1 Winthrop St. The company will be performing “Over the River and Through the Woods” from Nov. 1-3 and Nov. 8-10. Spots to listen to local music include Higher Grounds Coffeehouse and Tavern, The Wharf Tavern and The Liberal Cup.
For visual arts, go to Harlow Gallery, home to the Kennebec Valley Art Association. The gallery displays both two and three dimensional work and hosts a new exhibit for each “First Friday” from 5-8 p.m. The Kennebec River Artisans is a co-op at 144 Water St. where artists create with pottery, jewelry, fine weavings, blown glass, wood, wrought iron and stone (www.kennebecriverartisans.com).
And if you want to do more specialty shopping check out Brahms Mount Textiles at 19 Central St. where original designs are woven using natural fibers including cotton and linen. There’s a factory store right at the mill.
When it comes to food and drink you won’t be disappointed in Hallowell, despite the absence of the full Slate’s restaurant. Hattie’s Chowder House at 103 Water St. offers fine dining or take out from scampi to burgers — and of course its famous lobster stew. Higher Ground serves pizza on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday-Sunday along with live acoustic music. There’s a piano bar on Monday’s and open mic on Tuesdays. The Liberal Cup is an old world-style English pub with homemade food and freshly-brewed craft beers.
Spend the night at a B&B like Maple Hill Farm (Outlet Rd.) which was named one of the “30 Great U.S. Inns” by “Travel and Leisure” magazine in 2002 (www.MapleBB.com) or the Benjamin Wales House (www.benjaminwales.com). Sound like great places to relax after all that shopping.