Gardiner, Maine

Gardiner is a city in Kennebec county in the center of Maine, popular for its culture, arts, and architecture. The city's population was 6,198 in the 2000 census.

Residents of Gardiner may work locally, or in cities like Augusta, Bath, and Portland. It has a thriving Main Street community, a recently expanded waterfront area on the Kennebec River with a 500-foot boardwalk and a kayak & canoe launch, and the Kennebec River Rail Trail connected to Augusta.

According to the Gardiner Main Street site, "the Historic District boasts 47 buildings, including the Gardiner Public Library, Johnson Hall Opera House and the A1 Diner. The Library just completed a restoration of its stained glass window and removed a dropped ceiling to highlight the vaulted ceiling.  Plans for Johnson Hall include a 400 seat theater with conference space capabilities.  A1 Diner continues to garner national press in everything from the Food Network to USAir’s inflight magazine for best eating spots in Maine."

History
The town was founded as "Gardinerstown" in the 1750s by Dr. Silvester Gardiner of Boston, who founded several mills using the water power of the Cobbossee Stream as it approached the Kennebec River. Soon numerous wharves, tanneries, and factories sprung up, creating an economic center for the region, later branching out into paper, ice, and leather and shoe industries.

Dining

 * A-1 Diner

Sites of interest

 * Friends of Gardiner Heritage Museum
 * Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center