Ten years ago, the notion of Biddeford as a tourist destination would have elicited a scoff at the very least, perhaps even a guffaw. Since its mills went up in the mid-nineteenth century, the city on the Saco has always been thought of as an industrial center. But something interesting is going on here. Low rents and cool old buildings have attracted a vibrant art community, and the city's renovated theater has given the downtown a focal point. Saco's nearby Factory Island is also abuzz. With Biddeford's unparalleled Pool, there's plenty to see and do along the shore.
TO DO If any Maine city has a tale to tell it's Biddeford, and the Museum in the Streets, a project run locally by the Biddeford Historical Society, does an admirable job of it with thirty informational placards offering a self-guided tour. (For example, in 1900, when the Laconia and Pepperell mills merged, they were the second-largest corporation in the United States.) Biddeford boasts more pretty architecture than you might think, too, such as the
City Theater (205 Main St., 207-282-0849,
www.citytheater.org ), a sweet old opera house that hosts a range of performances. To get outside, stroll along Hills Beach or hit the Biddeford Pool. Paddling this natural bay is a unique kayaking experience, or if you've brought a boat, you can pop it in yourself at the Marblehead Boat Launch, not far from the University of New England. If not, catch a tour with
Gone with the Wind (524 Pool Rd., 207-283-8446,
www.gwtwon line.com). If you are feeling really adventurous,
Priorities Charters (258 Granite St. Ext., 207-283-8082,
www.prioritiescharters.com ) provides a host of deep-sea fishing trips.
SHOPPING The it place for shopping is the
North Dam Mill (2 Main St., 207-282-5577,
www.north dammill.com), an old textile mill that has been renovated into shops, galleries, studios, and office space. Stepping inside is like Alice venturing into Wonderland; it's surreal and yet pretty spectacular. You'll see leather used in ways you never imagined at
Kilconn Creations (2 Main St., Suite 17-223, 207-283-3600,
www.kilconncreations.com ); you can get a peek at the latest items to be auctioned off at
Saco River Auction Co. (2 Main St., Suite 210, 207-838-6896,
www.sacoriverauction.com ); or find fine furniture and cabinetry at
River's Edge Wood Products (2 Main St., Bldg. 18, 207-282-5179,
www.riversedgewoodproducts.com ). Right downtown is
Wiggle Weigle's Books (25 Alfred St., 207-282-1212), a bookstore worth wandering. And no shopping trip is complete without a visit to
Marden's Surplus & Salvage (435 Elm St., 207-571-3023,
www.mardens.com ).
EATS Biddeford has its share of delectable ethnic foods. Your best bets are
Bebe's Burritos & Cantina (140 Main St., 207-283-4222,
www.bebesburritos.com ), a hip cantina, for Mexican;
Jewel of India (26 Alfred St., 207-282-5600,
www.thejewelofindia.com ), a true gem of an Indian joint; and
Que Huong Vietnamese Food for egg rolls and lo mien (49 Main St., 207-571-8050).
The Union House (2 Main St., Suite 230, 207-571-8065,
www.unionhousecoffee.com ) in the North Dam Mill is great for hot panini and an espresso.
