Augusta, Maine

Augusta, the capital of the State of Maine, is located in the southern portion of the state, along the Kennebec River. The original inhabitants of the area were Algonquian-speaking Indians, and the first European explorers arrived as early as 1607. In its early years, the community was a center for timber, furs, and ice.

The capital is set in an area of forests and waterways (including lakes, ponds, and the Kennebec River), making it great for outdoor enthusiasts. Locally, you'll find the Pine Tree State Arboretum, an "outdoor living museum of trees" that encompasses 224 acres (91 hectares) and includes five miles (eight kilometers) of trails available for four-season use. A short drive out of town you'll find parks like Lake St. George State Park (located 25 miles, or 40 kilometers west) and the Peacock Beach State Park (located 12 miles, or 19 kilometers south). And for more sedate outdoor fun, the capital area is home to six public golf courses and one private golf course (the Augusta Country Club).

When you want to head indoors, take in shows by the Kennebec Performing Arts Company or the Augusta Symphony Orchestra. And when you think it's time for you and the kids to learn something about area history, spend time at the Maine State Museum.

Augusta enjoys four distinct seasons, with average January highs of 28F (-2C) and average July highs of 80F (27C). Uncomfortable head and humidity is rare, as are giant dumps of snow!

And when you're ready for a road trip, Augusta is located 55 miles (89 kilometers) north of Portland and 77 miles (124 kilometers) southwest of Bangor, and is 161 miles (259 kilometers) north of Boston and 224 miles (360 kilometers) south of Quebec City.

See our 10 Jobs in Augusta, Maine