Ever go on an old fashioned road trip with no destination in mind? Just jump in the car and explore small towns?
If not, you should. It’s great.
My no-destination road trip took me out Route 126 toward Wales and Litchfield.
Wales is a small town east of Lewiston with a population of a little over 1,600 people and 16.83 square miles of land. Within that acreage are Wales, East Wales and Wales Center.
Litchfield is a few miles east of Wales. Roughly twice the size of Wales, it has a population of over 3,600 and 39.66 square miles of land.
Wales is in Androscoggin County; Litchfield sits in Kennebec County.
I found nice surprises in both towns, not only places to go and see, but the people were very friendly and very helpful.
There is a place where you can pick your own blueberries and raspberries, and pick your own flowers to create an original bouquet.
There is an antique shop which is said to be haunted, and its personal story is included in Cathy Cook’s book titled “Hauntings from Wayne and Beyond.”
And there is a farm stand where you can buy lots of great produce, and popcorn on the cob.
I encountered lots of nice surprises and met a lot of great people while taking a scenic ride. So, with no real destination in mind, why not get in the car and either visit these great stops or take your own no-destination road trip before winter sets in.
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Roaring Brook Nurseries and Farm & Garden Market
639 Gardiner Road
Wales
375-4884
www.roaringbrooknurseries.com
Jim and Kristen Glazier will welcome your visit at this family-owned farm. The U-pick season for raspberries and blueberries has just started and will run through September and October so you have plenty of time. They also have U-pick flowers and this fall, for the first time, will have U-pick pumpkins. There will be a horse drawn wagon that will take you out to the pumpkin patch and you can choose the pumpkin just right for you. They have great produce in their farm stand along with other items, including Rossignol Farm Soaps and plenty of home-canned goods, including pickled eggs, pickled beets and pickles, just to mention a few. They also sell fresh eggs from their their own chickens.
Applewald Farms
559 Huntington Hill Road
Litchfield
268-9276
Tom Fair Jr. is the owner and a second-generation farmer. The farm offers lots of fresh produce and the day we were there they had just picked their first batch of sweet corn. In the fall they have U-pick apples; pick-your-own starts the second week of September and runs through October. There is homemade cider, doughnuts and fudge in the farm store, and I can say with confidence that these doughnuts are the best I’ve ever had. You can also buy popcorn on the cob and cook it at home for an unusual treat. They also sell a lot of craft items, so there is something for everyone here.
Dragonfly Country Designs
1843 Hallowell Road
Litchfied
268-9074
Mary Jane Dillingham is the owner of this amazing store that is filled with just about anything you can think of, and some things you would never imagine — such as ghosts. This store is reputed to be haunted and is listed in the book “Hauntings from Wayne and Beyond,” by Cathy Cook. You can buy the book in Dillingham’s store. And, she offers everything from Bar Harbor brewed soft drinks such as Old Soaker blueberry soda and root beer, to vintage clothing, along with knitted sweaters and hats that Dillingham makes herself. Antiques and novelties — you’ll find it here.
Petal Pushers Garden Place
229 Maxwell Road
Litchfield
375-6206
www.petalpushersgardenplace.com
Lynn LeClair, the owner of Petal Pushers, has created a great garden place to visit, learn and create. A quick visit to her website will show just how amazing and unique this garden place is. As the slogan says, “ If you like different, you’ll LOVE us!” So go check them out for yourself. Definitely worth the trip.
Smithfield Plantation Recreational Trail
Libby Road
Litchfield
http://www.litchfieldmaine.org/otherSites/smithfield/
This is a year round recreational area for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The main trail is 1.15 miles and passes by a vernal pool and amphitheater. From Lewiston follow routes 126 and 9 (Lewiston Road) east to the blinking light at Batchelders Corner, take a left onto Hallowell-Litchfield Road at the Country Store. Then, follow Hallowell-Litchfield Road to Libby Road, take a right onto Libby Road at the fire station and follow Libby Road. Watch for a sign and parking area for Smithfield Plantation on the left. This is a great hike for anyone.
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- Can you identify where this giant rooster is? You won’t win any prizes but you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing where in Maine it is.
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- The raspberry and blueberry plants at Roaring Brook Nurseries and Farm & Garden Market are ready for picking and will be available until September.
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- Some of the homemade goods at Roaring Brook Nurseries and Farm & Garden Center in Wales.
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- Lynn LeClair the owner of Petal Pushers has created a great garden place to visit, learn, and grow. Visit their website to see just how amazing and unique this garden place is. As the slogan on their website says “ If you like different, you’ll LOVE us!” So go check them out for yourself. Definitely worth the trip.
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- Some of the great finds you’ll see at Dragonfly Country Design in Litchfield.
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- Just one of the many vintage dresses and other clothes you’ll find at Dragonfly Country Design in Litchfield.
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- You can find popcorn on the cob at Applewald Farms in Litchfield.
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- Some of the handcrafted items you’ll find at Applewald Farms.
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- Lynn LeClair the owner of Petal Pushers has created a great garden place to visit, learn, and grow. Visit their website to see just how amazing and unique this garden place is. As the slogan on their website says “ If you like different, you’ll LOVE us!” So go check them out for yourself. Definitely worth the trip.
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- Part of the mile loop trail in Smithfield Plantation Recreational Trail in Litchfield.
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