Hallowell, Maine

The New Orleans of the North

Overview

Nicknamed "The Little Easy" or "New Orleans of the North," Hallowell is famous for its culture and nightlife. Despite its tiny size, Water Street is packed with high-quality restaurants, bars with live music, and antique shops, all housed in historic brick buildings overlooking the Kennebec River.

Key Facts

Population 2,570

Region Kennebec Valley

County Kennebec

Founded 1771

Nearest City Augusta (adjacent)

Town Office Visit official website

What Hallowell Is Known For

Hallowell Local Highlights

Antique Shopping

Hallowell is a destination for serious collectors, with several high-end antique shops on Water Street.

Nightlife & Music

For a small town, the nightlife is outsized, with venues like Slates and The Liberal Cup hosting music nightly.

Vaughan Woods

A historic nature preserve with stone bridges and waterfalls, locally known as "Hobbit Land."

Granite History

Hallowell granite was once prized nationwide and used to build the State House.

Things to Do

Hike in Vaughan Woods

Wander the magical trails, stone arch bridges, and streams of this beloved local preserve.

Shop for Antiques

Browse the curated collections of Americana, furniture, and art on Water Street.

Have a pint at The Liberal Cup

Visit this English-style brewpub for authentic ales and a cozy atmosphere.

Walk the Rail Trail

Bike or walk along the river on the paved path connecting Hallowell to Augusta and Gardiner.

Eat at Slates

Enjoy a meal at this bakery and restaurant that has been a community anchor for decades.

Living in Hallowell

Hallowell is a haven for artists, musicians, and politicians who work in the nearby capital. It has a tight-knit, bohemian community feel.

Weather & Seasons

summer

Warm, 70-85°F

winter

Cold and snowy, 15-30°F

spring

Cool, 45-60°F

fall

Vibrant foliage, 50-65°F

Local Wildlife & Nature

Bald Eagles (riverfront) Sturgeon (jumping in river) Foxes

How to Get There

Hallowell is located on Route 201, just south of Augusta. It is a 5-minute drive from the State House.

Satellite preview shows the approximate town outline to help you get oriented before you arrive.

Satellite preview

Hallowell outline

Trip Ideas Featuring Hallowell

4 Days

The Kennebec Valley Explorer: River to Wilderness

Follow the mighty Kennebec River from the historic capital to the wild whitewater of the North Woods on Maine's legendary Old Canada Road.

5 Stops View Plan

Related Guides

The Complete Guide to Antiquing in Maine

Hunt for treasure along Route 1 and beyond. From high-end dealers to dusty barns full of maritime history, discover Maine's thriving antique scene.

Bradbury Mountain State Park

A family-friendly hike to a granite summit with coastal views, just 20 minutes from Freeport. Perfect for beginners and a favorite for Portland-area day trips.

Craft Beer in Maine

From Portland's brewery district to rural farmhouse ales, Maine has become a craft beer destination. Your guide to Maine's best breweries.

Rainy Day Activities in Maine

When fog rolls in or rain falls, Maine offers museums, breweries, indoor markets, and cozy spots to wait out the weather. Your guide to indoor adventures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hallowell known for?

Hallowell is known as 'The New Orleans of the North' or 'The Little Easy' for its vibrant nightlife and culture. Despite being Maine's smallest city, Water Street is packed with high-quality restaurants, bars with live music, and antique shops in historic brick buildings.

How far is Hallowell from Augusta?

Hallowell is adjacent to Augusta, just a 5-minute drive from the State House via Route 201. The city sits on the Kennebec River between Augusta and Gardiner.

What can I do in Hallowell?

Visitors can hike Vaughan Woods (locally known as 'Hobbit Land') with its magical stone bridges and waterfalls, shop for antiques on Water Street, enjoy live music at The Liberal Cup brewpub, and walk or bike the Kennebec River Rail Trail.