The World-Class Art and Breathtaking Nature of the Mid-Maine Fine Arts Trail

The confluence of nature and art—make that the arts—has long had a profound hold on Maine. Its pristine forests, mountains, waters, and fields have inspired many a soaring opus—and one of the state’s true glories is that both its nature and the masterpieces connected to it can be appreciated simultaneously. That said, while the hoards that annually flock to the shores of midcoast Maine can make its beach towns nearly impossible to book a decent room in (and too crowded for comfort, anyway) during the depths of summer, there are entire worlds to be discovered along what could be called the Mid-Maine Fine Arts Trail—which is especially accessible and mercifully tourist-free in spring and fall. Colby College's downtown area is home to the Colby College Museum of Art, which holds O'Keeffes, Homers, and Katzes. It starts in Lovell where, against the backdrop of serene and stunning Lake Kezar, Quisisana Resort casts international talent in classical musical concerts and truly Broadway-worthy dramatic, opera, and musical productions. From there it stretches out to Waterville—the revitalized mill town that Colby College, itself home to one of the country’s best academic art m