''Strolling Through Bridgton''
BRIDGTON, Maine - As visitors to Bridgton, you and your family belong to a memorable place and a long-standing legacy of all those seeking tranquility, hospitality, outdoor activity, cultural enrichment, adventure, creative space, inspiration, connectivity to the natural realm, community events, and “quality of place” since the building of the rustic “Hotel” at the “Green Pinnacle” upon Pleasant Mountain by Caleb Warren in 1845.
The seasonal social enrichment of the many generations of visitors, tourists, seasonal residents, youth campers, artistic and creative individuals, outdoor enthusiasts has uniquely shaped and wonderfully influenced the community of Bridgton.
First, you should discover Main Street Bridgton. When making your destination Downtown Bridgton by car, we encourage you to “park once” and then walk, stroll, and linger along Main Street. One could easily walk from Pondicherry Square to the top of Main Hill within 15 minutes. The only way to truly discover and really “see” the complete uniqueness of Downtown Bridgton is from the sidewalk perspective and experience. In the upcoming years you will be pleased to see high-quality public space and historic preservation improvements introduced to enhance the walking experience in Downtown Bridgton.
As you walk Downtown Bridgton you will begin to notice and appreciate the interesting collection of historic architectural types and details that make Main Street Bridgton a one-of-a-kind place. You will be treated to Greek Revival, Carpenters Gothic (or Stick), Italianate, Craftsman, Gothic Revival, Classical Revival, and Moderne architectural style buildings. Also, one of the distinctive buildings to visit is the old Fire Station & Tower on Gibbs Avenue, now the home of the Bridgton Historical Society & Museum.
Make a point of visiting Shorey Park and the source of Stevens Brook at the Highland Lake southern shoreline. Engage in a little 19th century industrial archeology by taking a good look at the remnants of the granite block dam at the “outlet” of Highland Lake. Also, the picturesque bridge at ShoreyPark is the remnant dam of the so called “second power site”. Each of these historic dams were built to power a concentration of textile, saw, and door & sash mills that once stood at this site upon Stevens Brook. The entire 2.2 mile run of Stevens Brook connecting Highland Lake with Long Lake once boasted eleven power sites and manufacturing industries.
These grand manufacturing buildings erected to produce woolen textiles, tanneries, doors & sashes, furniture, shovel handles, stockings, lumber, and also including foundries, machine shops, textile finishing and wool carding mills have all been lost to fire or demolition, with the exception of the 1868 Cabinet & Furniture Mill of Lewis Smith at the corner of Mill Street and Smith Street; and you must go by for a good look. You will notice the extraordinary water turbine placed along the front yard of the former mill. Today the historic mill building is one of the “bonfires” of the Bridgton’s creative class economy as envisioned by artist Stephen Oliver and Affinity Arts www.affinityarts.info. As Stephen Oliver states, “My life and work focuses on how art and design can make a difference in the world. I am establishing Affinity Arts as a creative retreat and incubator in an old mill building in Bridgton”.
The South and North High Street District is a must see for those that appreciate a “great street” of traditional New England lined with grand residential homes of the 19th and early 20th century families of local prominence. Fine models of Queen Ann, Greek Revival, Gothic Revival, French Second Empire, and Italianate will make your walk a memorable one. Also, take a moment to walk up for a close look at the majestic 1913 Civil War Monument. Unlike the vast majority of American Civil War Monuments, the soldier atop the Bridgton monument holds an American flag, not a rifle.
After discovering the “built environment” of historic Downtown Bridgton, the natural environment of Bridgton awaits your discovery, rediscovery and enjoyment. Eleven Lakes and “Ponds”, our outstanding ski area Shawnee Peak www.shawneepeak.com, the Holt Pond Preserve www.mainelakes.org, Bald Pate Mountain Preserve www.loonecholandtrust.org, excellent Bed & Breakfast Inns & Resort Lodgings www.maineinns.com, and so very much more. We encourage you to contact the Bridgton-Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce www.mainelakeschamber.com to gain a more complete appreciation of regional community events, attractions, venues, lodgings, and all that the Greater Bridgton Region offers to you, our valued visitors.
For an excellent overview of Maine Ecotourism, Adventure Tourism, Agritourism, and more go to;
Additional Selected Links:
The International Ecotourism Society www.ecotourism.org
Maine Innkeepers Association www.maineinns.com
Great Adventure Challenge Triathlon www.maineadventureracing.com
The Gallery 302 www.gallery302.org
Bridgton Historical Society www.bridgtonhistory.org
Winterford Galleries www.winterfordnaturephotography.com
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