Hallowell is a small town adjacent to Augusta along the Kennebec River, built along a steep hillside. The Hallowell Historic District main street is lined with antique shops, bookstores, coffee shops, and restaurants — it has more character per block than most towns ten times its size.
The town is known for its concentration of musicians, artists, and artisans who perform in the pubs and sell their work in the shops. Many homes date to the 1700s, and the Victorian houses climbing the hill above the river are worth a slow walk. The Kennebec River levee below Water Street offers good views and a pleasant evening stroll. The Liberal Cup, the local brewpub, is the best place to meet people and settle in.