Exploring the Southwestern Foothills Region
Discover scenic drives and small-town charm sandwiched between Portland and the White Mountains.
By Saisie Moore
Photos by Elise Klysa unless otherwise noted
Carve out a stretch of the summer to explore Maine’s picturesque western flank, where coastal plain gives way to rolling foothills at the southeastern edge of the White Mountains. With Portland or the mountain peaks just an hour in either direction, this quiet and verdant region offers access to it all—but it’s far more than just a go-between spot. Step off the beaten path and allow adventure to unfold in the green and pleasant southwestern foothills.
Cornish
The Cornish Inn and Lindsay’s Kitchen. PHOTO: ELISE KLYSA
Set amid green pastures at the confluence of the Saco and Ossipee Rivers, Cornish outshines its rural setting thanks to a robust antiques scene and its undeniable historic charm. Pull up beside Thompson’s Park in the heart of the village with an empty stomach and an empty trunk to experience the spoils of its local cuisine and vintage goods, all within walking distance. Built in 1827, 40 years after the village was settled, the Cornish Inn is a comfortable 16-room refuge at the center of Main Street. Housed on the first floor, Lindsay’s Kitchen adds a spark of new life to the historic building, serving a lively menu featuring quality local ingredients from morning to night. Kick back on the wide wraparound porch and watch the gentle pace of life over maple-drenched “hot cakes” and a “Cornish Benny” (grilled croissant layered with sliced tomato, spinach, and scallions).
Ready to hit the Cornish antique trail? An expansive clapboard storefront across from the Cornish Library and Historical Society, Libby’s Antiques encloses hundreds of vintage finds—from ornate grandfather clocks to collectibles. Owners Kathy and David Libby are industry veterans who also run a tight trade in estate sales. Eye-catching curiosities, mid-century signage, and traditional farm tools draw guests toward the interior of Smith Co., an emporium of cultural ephemera that owner Stephen Smith has collected and curated over the decades. Once a feed store and later a Ford dealership during the Model T era, the building is as unique and historic as the items inside. Across the street, Cornish Trading Co. hosts more than 40 vendors across a spacious three-story space that once housed the village Post Office. Save some space on your credit card for Evie’s Downtown, a destination for home furnishings spanning eras and styles. Refreshment sits right next door at Krista’s, a longstanding eatery beloved by its community. Ask almost anyone about Cornish and they’re bound to mention this local institution. From Wednesday to Sunday, diners gather for lunch and dinner under a canopy of colorful paper pendant lights inside the cozy farmhouse building. During the summer, an outside patio tent allows al fresco dining (and even welcomes canine companions).Krista’s menu features an eclectic blend of comfort food favorites and playful specials in generous portion sizes.
Libby’s Antiques in Cornish
Krista’s Restaurant in Cornish
Proving there’s more to Cornish than antique stores, a single stretch of Main Street boasts something for the whole family. Amolette Herbal Apothecary offers up a witch’s brew of teas, tinctures, and herbal remedies from a whimsical and welcoming space. An in-house clinical herbalist guides customers on their individual wellness journey, offering personalized advice for specific ailments or recommendations on delicious tea blends. Meanwhile, the charming windowdisplays of At Once All Agog pull parents and kids into its orbit. Filled with cute characters and prestige collectibles from brands like eeBoo, Haba and Maileg, it’s a treasure chest of classic, quality toys. Finally, local craftsmanship and talent find a place to shine at Full Circle Artisan’s Gallery, a destination for artworks and souvenirs made by local makers, painters, artists and jewelers.
Amolette Herbal Apothecary in Cornish
At Once All Agog in Cornish
The quiet surroundings of the southwestern foothills belie a rich musical heritage of bluegrass, roots and folk talent. In a sprawling campsite under towering pines, Ossipee Valley Music Festival casts its spell for a long weekend every July (July 24–27 this year). Since 1999, music lovers and community members of all ages have flocked to the sunbaked summer fairgrounds to bask in Americana and world music from ascendant stars like Chris Stapleton and Billy Strings.
“Ossipee has a strong history of headliners going on to win their first Grammy after performing at the festival,” says Molly Griffin McKenna, director of the North Atlantic Arts Alliance that hosts the event.
Campgrounds at Crooked River Woodlands. PHOTO: JAY STRAUSSER
The expanded campgrounds of the Crooked River Woodlands have opened up additional camping options, along with the Twisted Pine stage—a new venue for intimate, riverside performances. The festival has grown over the years yet still retains its unique, nostalgic charm.
This year, the musical spirit spills over into August, as Crooked River Gathering cultivates new traditions Aug. 28-31. Launched by North Atlantic Arts Alliance, the vision unites two heritage events—Thomas Point Beach Bluegrass Fest (which closed in 2024 following a near 50-year run) and Hiram’s historic Apple Acres festival—to create “a community-oriented celebration of bluegrass and old-time music, and the cultural resilience of Maine farmers, homesteaders, and craftspeople,” says Griffin McKenna. Attendees can expect to enjoy live music, a farmer’s market, local food and beer, and a host of skill-share demonstrations and workshops, including herbal tea making, sourdough fermentation, a mushroom ID walk, a floral wreath circle, an embroidery and knitting meetup, a repair and reuse meetup and much more.
Brownfield
Stone Mountain Arts Center. COURTESY PHOTO
Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield, a monument to live music, courts a devoted following from near and far. Singer-songwriter Carol Noonan has leveraged her industry connections to attract the likes of Brandi Carlile and Mavis Staples to these remote foothills, establishing a rock-solid reputation as a prestigious performance venue. The setting surely helps. A 200-year-old timber frame barn with a cathedral ceiling and intricate window details makes each performance even more memorable. During the pandemic, Carol and her partner Jeff transformed the former lobby into the Queen Post Cafe, a warren of intimate nooks and corners for private dining separate from the Maine Concert Hall. The result was so popular that it outlasted 2020. Book a table for special occasion dinners and dinner service on show nights to indulge in generous portions amid quirky antiques.
Nearby Frost Mountain Yurts cracks the code on close-to-nature comfort, hosting six spacious and well-appointed yurts scattered among 57 acres of wooded hills. Owner Scott Moulton describes the setup as “glorified camping,” allowing visitors a night under canvas with access to individual burner stoves, bunk beds and porta-potties. For a memorable stay, trek a half mile along Moulton’s private trail network toward Mountain View Yurt, rewarded by wide open vistas of Pleasant Mountain.
Prefer to pitch a tent yourself? Nestled in an elbow of the Saco River, River Run Canoe & Campground is home to three private swimming beaches (shoot for the Big Bend or Sandy Beach campsites for an unparalleled position). River Run knows the beauty of this valley region is best experienced from the river. They offer campers access to a fleet of canoe rentals, including paddles, life jackets and a shuttle service to facilitate an array of paddling adventures, from short day paddles to 30-mile overnight expeditions.
Limerick and Newfield
In Limerick and Newfield, the Sunshine Trail celebrates local small businesses with an annual open house event. On July 19, take a winding tour along the trail to arrive at an eclectic mix of local makers and artisans, including homewares and gift shops like Twisted Willow Treasures in West Newfield, as well as small-batch French chocolates and caramels from Wright Chocolate House in Limerick. Kids will delight in meeting the woolly herd of residents at Elf-Paca Meadows.
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