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Saco, Maine

The area of the state of Maine is very large, as large as the other five New England states combined. A state rich in natural resources, Maine draws visitors to its sandy and rocky coast, its lakes, rivers and streams and its mountains, particularly Mt. Katahdin, the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail, and Maine's two major ski areas, Sugarloaf and Sunday River.

The primary route into Maine is US Route One, and during the late spring, summer and fall that road can get so crowded that traffic comes to a standstill. Route One, after all, is a two lane road throughout most of Maine.

Taking Amtrak to Maine will not only let you avoid the overwhelming nature of the traffic, but will provide you with a comfortable and enjoyable travel solution. Unfortunately, the Amtrak Downeaster currently only travels as far as Portland, Maine, along the southern coast. However, planned extensions would take passenger rail into central and midcoast Maine, to Lewiston/Auburn and Rockland.

The Amtrak Downeaster currently runs 4 roundtrip trains per day between Boston's North Station to Amtrak terminal on Sewall Street in Portland. On this route you will see southern Maine's wide sandy beaches, very unlike the rocky coast that many travelers anticipate. Saco is one of those southern Maine towns.

The Downeaster's second stop in Maine, Saco was first noted by Capt. John Smith in 1614 and was settled in 1631. The town has many lovely old buildings and homes and, in contrast to Portland, is a very low key town to visit. Saco's Dyer Library, 371 Main Street, Saco, (207) 283-0958 has an historical room with manuscripts, city records and 18^th and 19^th century newspapers. There is also a children's room with books, audio cassettes and regularly scheduled children's activities.

Also try to see the Saco Museum, Main Street, Saco, (207) 283-0958. This museum was opened in 1866, and holds a collection of artifacts from 1780 to 1820, and decorative arts from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. The museum also offers lectures and concerts. Open Monday - Friday, noon - 4 p.m., Thursday until 8 p.m.

The Way-Way Store, 93 Buxton Road, Route 112, Saco, is an original country store, a National Historical Landmark and, like any general store, offers a wide array of penny candy including Mary Janes and Baby Bottle Pops.

If you are interested in winter outdoor recreation in the Saco area, you can snowmobile all the way from Saco to Canada. Contact the Saco Pathfinders Snowmobile Club, P.O. Box 27, Saco, ME 04072. For maps of the many hiking trails throughout the Saco area, get a copy of the Bay Trails Guide, available for purchase at the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce, Nonesuch Books at 4 Scammon St, Saco, (207) 282-2638, and at SacoBayTrails or by writing to Saco Bay Trails, PO Box 7505, Ocean Park, Maine 04063.

If you and/or your family like water slides and amusement parks, check out Funtown/Splashtown USA on Route One, Saco, (207) 284-5139. This amusement park is the home of Excalibur, Maine's only wooden roller coaster, which is ranked as one of the top ten roller coasters in the world, as well as numerous water slides, flume rides and traditional amusement park rides. Open weekends in May and September, daily starting in June.

Saco has some very interesting shops, including Stone Soup Artisans, 228 Main Street, (207) 283-4715, featuring locally hand-crafted gifts, home accessories, apparel and gourmet foods.

A Pane of Glass, 18 Pepperell Square, Saco, (207) 283-4143, is a wonderful stained glass studio, open Tuesday through Saturday, with a beautiful assortment of small and large stained glass items.

You will not have a problem finding a good meal in Saco. Traditions Italian Restaurant, 162 Main Street, Saco, (207) 282-6661, offers an excellent and varied menu of northern and southern Italian dishes, including pasta, chicken and veal dishes and a full bar and wine list. Open for lunch and dinner, reservations suggested. Vic & Whits Victualers, 206 Main Street, (207) 284-6710, has great take-out or you can eat here on the patio. This store stocks fine wine, beers, ales and microbrews, along with sandwiches and soups.

If you are looking for lodgings in town, try the Hobson House, 398 Main Street, Saco, (207) 284-4113. Unfortunately, most of the other accommodations are along Route One, a distance from town and not all that nice. However, the Nautilus By the Sea bed and breakfast (One Colby Avenue, PO Box 7276, Ocean Park, (207) 934-2021, (800) 981-7018, info@nautilusbythesea.com) is right on the water and a short taxi ride from downtown Saco. Additional accommodations can be found at www.biddefordsacochamber.org.

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