Bangor is the largest city in Northern Maine with a population (including surrounding areas) of 90 000. The city is situated a mere 3 1/2 hours drive from New Brunswick, Canada
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Downtown, on the far left is the Theater.
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Bangor was incorporated in 1791 by pastor Seth Noble who enjoyed the Irish hymn Bangor. The city was developed on the 1525 camp site of Estavan Gomez, a Portugese mariner searching for the northwest passage to the Orient. Early settlers were drawn to the area for the fur trading and the fishing, and in the 19th century by the wealth of shipbuilding, lumber and naval stores. In the 20th century with the shipbuilding in declined, the community concentrated on the pulp and paper business, which is still the dominant industry. Look for the statue of Paul Bunyan, the world famous lumberjack.
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Favourite spots: |
Take a walk through Bangor's Historic Downtown. You'll see quaint shops (coins, collectables and antiques), ethnic restaurants, the Bangor Symphony Orchestra (where you can also purchase musical instruments and parts) and museums. People are friendly and helpful. Buildings are still being renovated by the city but the elegance is present nevertheless. For more information about the local history, visit the Bangor Historical Society (the Bangor Museum and Center for History 6 State St) They've been around for 140 years and have a vast collection of documents and articles from the Penobscot Valley. Another place to get information would be the Bangor Public library, 145 Harlow St, Phone 207 947 8336. They are known as the Area Research and Reference Center for Northern and Eastern Maine, as they hold over 500 000 volumes of books, periodicals, government recordings and documents.
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What's really great: |
As per museums, there's the Children Museum called Maine Discovery Museum on Main st. (see travel tips for more information). There is also a Bangor Police Museum, but one can only view it by making in appointment at 207 947 7384, Mon. thru Fri. 8h00 to 17hrs. It has hundreds of police items, including a one-person jail cell chair. The Museum of Art on the University campus (the University of Maine is situated in the neighboring town of Orono) holds regular exhibits. For a calendar of events, check the web link www.umma.umaine.edu The Cole and Land Transportation Museum is home to many WWII articles, including a small replica of a helicopter and a tank. They are only open during the summer season, starting in May
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Sights: |
The major tourist attraction in Bangor, for many people, is the shopping deals. Bangor is home to most of the outlet stores. Situated off Hwg 95, Exit 186 or 187, 663 Stillwater Ave, Phone 207 947 7333, Itracy@kravco.com. The stores available are Target, Sears, Filenes, Walmart, Eagle outfitters, The Home Depot, Burlington Coat Factory and many more. See a list of all the shops at http://bangor-me.mallsbycity.com/stores.-htm and at http://bangorinfo.com/Shopping/ Another major attraction is that Bangor is home of famous writer Stephen King.
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Accommodations: |
Most hotels are situated either by the Bangor Airport, or the Bangor Mall.
Most major hotels are available, the Ramada, the Best Western, the Holiday Inn, etc.. Check with your favorite hotel, they'll surely have a branch here too or check in my travel tips.
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Hangouts: |
Seadog Brewing Co 26 Front St, 207 947 8004
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Restaurants: |
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The Bangor Savings Bank Clock
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Most of the fast food restaurants are situated by the mall area. But if you're up to more diversity, downtown is the place to go. There are many Ethnic restaurants and fine dining in this area. Before heading to one of the restaurants, do call in advance to check at what time they close, as some close at 15hrs.
Taste of India Restaurant, 68 Main St , phone 207 945 6865
New Moon Cafe, 47 Park St, phone 207 990 2233
Thai Siam, 1 Main st, phone 207 262 9399
Bahaar Pakistani Restaurant 23 Hammond St, 2007 945 5979
Little lad's Basket (vegetarian) 128 Main St, 207 942 5482 (see travel tips)
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Other recommendations: |
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Railway tracks along the Penobscot River on the Waterfront
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Taking a walk along the Penobscot River and along the Kenduskeag Stream is highly recommended. But do so during summer, any other season will be gloomy and not as pleasant. The summer season also offers you a greater array of activities:
The Artisan Market, every Thursday between June 16 to July 21, offers you Free music concerts.
Events at the Bangor Public Library offers Band concerts and plays.
The Sidewalk Art Festival is held every August 6 in Downtown Bangor.
The American Folk Festival August 26 to 28 is a free multi-stage festival.
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Published on Sunday April 10th, 2005
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Tue, Apr 12 2005 - 04:09 AM
by magsalex
Interesting report. The closest i got to a visit was an airport transit! |
Mon, Apr 11 2005 - 01:36 AM
by davidx
I have some difficulty with Bangor being anywhere other than Wales but this is very informative and interesting. |
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