The World-Class Art and Breathtaking Nature of the Mid-Maine Fine Arts Trail

"Its pristine forests, mountains, waters, and fields have inspired many a soaring opus-and one of the state's true glories is that both its nature and the masterpieces connected to it can be appreciated simultaneously. That said, while the hoards that annually flock to the shores of midcoast Maine can make its beach towns nearly impossible to book a decent room in (and too crowded for comfort, anyway) during the depths of summer, there are entire worlds to be discovered along what could be called the Mid-Maine Fine Arts Trail-which is especially accessible and mercifully tourist-free in spring and fall."

"It starts in Lovell where, against the backdrop of serene and stunning Lake Kezar, Quisesana Resort casts international talent in classical musical concerts and truly Broadway-worthy dramatic, opera, and musical productions. From there it stretches out to Waterville-the revitalized mill town that Colby College, itself home to one of the country's best academic art museums, has boldly created what it terms an "arts ecosystem" downtown."

"Less than an hour's drive away, The Bowdoin College Museum of Art's collection of ancient antiquities and paintings is but one of historic and bucolic Brunswick's myriad charms. And one last push to the coast (albeit not the beach itself) takes you to Rockland and Cushing, a nexus of renowned institutions like The Farnsworth Art Museum and to nature sites like Olson Field Preserve-the setting for Andrew Wyeth's iconic painting, Christina's World -which was just recently donated for conservation by the Wyeth Foundation, with free year-round recreation and arts performances open to the public."

"A symbiosis of art and nature, if ever there was one."

Maine’s landscapes and artworks can be experienced together, with forests, mountains, waters, and fields inspiring major creative works. Midcoast beach crowds can make summer travel difficult, but spring and fall offer easier access along a Mid-Maine Fine Arts Trail. The route begins in Lovell at Lake Kezar, where Quisesana Resort hosts classical concerts and dramatic, opera, and musical productions. It continues to Waterville, a revitalized mill town shaped by Colby College’s downtown arts ecosystem. Nearby Brunswick offers the Bowdoin College Museum of Art and other historic attractions. The journey ends on the coast in Rockland and Cushing, featuring the Farnsworth Art Museum and Olson Field Preserve, tied to Christina’s World and supported by public recreation and performances.

Read at Conde Nast Traveler