Van Buren, Maine
Named after President Martin Van Buren, this French-Acadian community was settled in 1785 when the original Acadians were exiled from Nova Scotia. Nestled along the shores of the St. John River, the town of about 3,500 people serves as a main port of entry to New Brunswick, Canada.
The "living history" of the local people can be experienced at the community's Acadian Village, located just north of downtown on US Route 1. The historical site features numerous period buildings that have been reconstructed into a village, complete with chapel, schoolhouse, general store and several homes. An art museum can also be found on the grounds of the Village.
A regional multi-use recreation trail offers fun for bikers, hikers, equestrians and ATV's, and, in the winter months, snowmobiling is king.
Local celebrations include the International Grande Riviere Festival held in the summer along with St. Leonard, New Brunswick, which is directly across the border. The Annual Summer Fest, held the first weekend in August, is not to be missed.
The "living history" of the local people can be experienced at the community's Acadian Village, located just north of downtown on US Route 1. The historical site features numerous period buildings that have been reconstructed into a village, complete with chapel, schoolhouse, general store and several homes. An art museum can also be found on the grounds of the Village.
A regional multi-use recreation trail offers fun for bikers, hikers, equestrians and ATV's, and, in the winter months, snowmobiling is king.
Local celebrations include the International Grande Riviere Festival held in the summer along with St. Leonard, New Brunswick, which is directly across the border. The Annual Summer Fest, held the first weekend in August, is not to be missed.