HotelTonight – Book Your Hotel in Bangor, Maine Today
Surrounded by rugged wilderness, the city of Bangor, Maine is a pretty little haven for nature lovers. What was once a booming timber town is now a lovely city whose rich history and beautiful setting make it a one-of-a-kind destination. I was only in Bangor for a few hours before I understood the appeal of living here. Locals know how lucky they are to call Bangor home, and now I know why. The city's peaceful vibe and small-town charm make you've stepped back in time to the "good old days." The locals are welcoming, and the neighborhoods are picturesque. I almost got the sense as if I had stepped into a movie or a book – which might be partly due to the fact that Bangor is the home of famed author Stephen King. Regardless, there's a magnetic pull in this city that I couldn't resist. I was so glad I was able to explore Bangor during my recent trip to Maine, and I wouldn't have been able to make it all happen if it weren't for HotelTonight, which made it so simple for me to book a great last-minute hotel in Bangor.
Downtown
I wanted to stay in the heart of the action while in Bangor, so I found a great hotel downtown. Bangor isn't like most large cities, however – its downtown wasn't too busy or crowded. Rather, downtown Bangor has quite a relaxed, welcoming feel, and I loved strolling past the historic buildings and venturing into local shops and eateries. Since I was lucky enough to stay downtown, I was able to walk to some of the most popular restaurants, bars and shops in town. So even though I didn't have long to explore Bangor, I did feel like I was able to really understand the vibe of this historic town in Maine.
The University
While the town of Bangor is home to its own treasured university, Husson University, the nearby town of Orono is home to the University of Maine. Since I wanted to explore the campus and the surrounding neighborhoods of the state's largest college, I hopped in my rental car and drove just 15 minutes from Bangor to Orono. I spent an afternoon wandering the campus and enjoying some of its best attractions, such as the Collins Center for the Arts and the Hudson Museum. One of my favorite things to do when traveling to a new town is to visit its university, if it has one, as this gives me a great feel for the city's culture and energy.
The Farmers Market
Since I found myself in Maine in early fall, I was able to visit Bangor's open-air Farmers Market. I wandered through the stalls of fresh fruits, vegetables, baked goods, cheeses and locally raised meats, and I couldn't resist doing a bit of shopping. After all, it was a beautiful day, so it was the perfect afternoon for a little picnic – complete with food from local farmers and growers. While the weekly open-air market is only held from May through November, the market does move indoors to the Sea Dog Brewing Company during the winter months. So no matter what time of year you visit Bangor, you will have the opportunity to taste and shop for some delicious local products.
Whitney Park Historic District
After spending time in the urban heart of Bangor, I wanted to venture into one of the city's more residential neighborhoods, so I decided to visit the Whitney Park Historic District. This idyllic residential neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it boasts homes dating from the 1850s. I wandered through the storied streets of Whitney Park, past homes in the styles of Green Revival Cape, Colonial Revival, Italianate, and many more. If you want to see some of the most stunning old homes in Bangor (and want to catch a glimpse of the famous Stephen King house), you definitely shouldn't skip a trip to Whitney Park Historic District while you're in town.
Bangor City Forest
Maine is known for its rugged forests and abundance of beautiful nature, so I didn't want to travel all the way to Maine without exploring a bit of the great outdoors. I made the quick trip out of the city to Bangor City Forest, a 650-acre public park that locals visit when they need a hefty dose of nature or physical activity. Bangor City Forest provides ten miles of hiking, biking and cross-country skiing trails, so it's one of the best spots in Bangor to enjoy the outdoors.
HotelTonight – Great Bangor Hotels
Bangor, Maine is full of pleasant little surprises. I started falling in love with the city almost immediately, and I was so glad I had the chance to explore the pretty, historic streets and breathtaking nature trails on my recent trip to Maine. If I find myself in Bangor again, I'll be sure to revisit some of my favorite spots in town. And, of course, I know I'll be able to book a great last-minute hotel in Bangor through HotelTonight.
