Houlton Maine 04730
Farms, Food Fights, and the Secret Life of Local Marketsβ€”What's the Real Gem?
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Farms, Food Fights, and the Secret Life of Local Marketsβ€”What's the Real Gem?
Discover local gems, fresh markets, and vibrant events happening this week in Houlton!
Kevin Rogers

Kevin Rogers

Aug 6, 2026

August 6 2026

Trivia Question❓

Question: When does summer officially end in the Northern Hemisphere? A. August 31 B. September 1 C. The Autumnal Equinox (around September 22–23) D. Labor Day

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Quote Of The Day

""You cannot understand a man's actions unless you understand his beliefs."" 

Local News

Living, working, or visiting the Houlton area comes with a special perk: a thriving local shopping scene.

 

From traveling nurses and temporary contractors to new arrivals and longtime locals, everyone can discover distinctive shops that set Southern Aroostook apart.

 

The region’s wide range of unique shopping options offers so much more than just big-box retailers.


Read More...

US News

Weekend Events

This Week in Houlton, Maine

🌞 Saturday

πŸ₯• Visit the Houlton Community Farmers' Market

 

Fresh vegetables, baked goods, maple products, flowers, local meats, crafts, and more. It's a great way to support local producers while enjoying downtown Houlton.

 

πŸŒ‰ Walk the Gateway Crossing Bridge and Houlton Riverfront Park

Take a scenic walk along the Meduxnekeag River, enjoy the interpretive displays, and relax at one of Houlton's nicest public parks.

 

πŸ›οΈ Explore the Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum

 
 

Discover local history, military artifacts, historic photographs, and exhibits highlighting Houlton's past.

 

β˜• Breakfast or Lunch

Stop into The County Co-Op & Farm Store for fresh baked goods, coffee, sandwiches, and locally sourced products.

 

🍦 Cool Off

Treat yourself to local ice cream and dairy products from Houlton Farms Dairy.

 


🎬 Weekend Entertainment

πŸŽ₯ Catch a Movie

 

Enjoy a film at the historic Temple Theatre, Maine's oldest continuously operating movie theater, now featuring upgraded projection, expanded concessions, and occasional special events.

 


🚣 Get Outside

If you're looking for adventure, check out Riversbend Paddle Co for a relaxing kayak or canoe trip on the Meduxnekeag River.

 


πŸš— Scenic Drive Ideas

Take a drive through:

  • Littleton
  • Monticello
  • Linneus
  • Hodgdon

You'll find:

  • Roadside farm stands
  • Beautiful rolling farmland
  • Wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Summer wildflowers
  • Great photography spots
  •  

πŸ“ Visitor Stop

If friends or family are visiting, stop by the Maine State Visitor Information Center - Houlton to pick up travel information and see the famous Pluto exhibit from the Maine Solar System Model.

 


πŸ›οΈ Downtown Stroll

Spend an afternoon exploring Houltons Market Square Shopping Center and surrounding downtown businesses. Browse local shops, enjoy a meal, and experience the charm of Houlton's historic business district.


🌲 Northern Terminus Weekend Challenge

This weekend, try something you've never done before:

  • Visit a local business you've never been in.
  • Try a new restaurant.
  • Buy something from a local farm stand.
  • Walk a trail you've never explored.
  • Take a picture of your favorite Northern Maine view.
  • Invite a friend to discover something new around Houlton.

Small adventures often make the best memories.

πŸ“… August 14–15

Community Market

Hosted in downtown Houlton with local vendors, produce, baked goods, and artisan products.

Lobster Feast

A family-friendly event featuring lobster, a baked potato bar, kids' activities, and community fellowship.

Craft Fair

Shop handmade gifts, artwork, crafts, and locally made products from area artisans.

 


πŸ₯” August 15–16

 

Houlton Potato Feast Days

A weekend celebrating Houlton's agricultural heritage with food, community activities, and family fun.


🚀 August 21

 

Bridge to Hope Cardboard Boat Race

Held at Crescent Park on Nickerson Lake, this free, family-friendly event features creative homemade cardboard boats racing for fun while raising awareness for cancer support.

 


⚽ August 17–20

 

The Houlton Parks & Recreation Department will host its annual Summer Soccer Clinics for youth in grades K–6.

DOWNTOWN DINING & NIGHTLIFE

Houlton offers a variety of locally owned dining options.

🍽️ Downtown Dining & Nightlife

Houlton, Maine 04730 | Restaurants, pubs, bars, wine, Chinese food, BBQ, cafés, and local favorites.

 

 

πŸ• Pizza & Casual Dining

 

Market Pizza

πŸ“ 23 Market Square, Houlton

  • Pizza
  • Wings
  • Subs
  • Salads
  • Dine-in & Takeout

Visit Website

 

 

🍽️ Restaurants

 

Ivey's Bistro

πŸ“ 241 North Street, Houlton

  • American cuisine
  • Lunch & Dinner
  • Full-service restaurant
  • Outdoor seating seasonally

Visit Website

 

πŸ₯‘ Chinese & Asian Cuisine

 

Taste of China

πŸ“  Houlton

  • Chinese cuisine
  • Lunch specials
  • Combination plates
  • Takeout available
  • Family-friendly dining

 

 

Tangs

πŸ“ Houlton

  • Chinese cuisine
  • Sushi selections
  • Asian specialties
  • Dine-in and takeout

 

 

πŸ”₯ BBQ & Smokehouse Favorites

 

ShireWood Smoke House

πŸ“ Houlton Area

  • Slow-smoked BBQ
  • Pulled pork
  • Brisket
  • Ribs
  • Catering available

Facebook Page

 

🍺 Pubs & Sports Bars

 

Bastions Tavern

πŸ“ 43 Market Square, Houlton

  • Sports bar
  • Draft beer
  • Burgers
  • Wings
  • Downtown nightlife

Facebook Page

 

 

Downunder Sports Pub

πŸ“ 282 North Street, Houlton

  • Sports bar
  • Wings
  • Burgers
  • Draft beer
  • Entertainment on select weekends

Facebook Page

 

🍷 Wine & Cocktails

 

Wine Until Nine & Martini Bar

 

πŸ“ 84 Main Street, Houlton

  • Wine flights
  • Specialty martinis
  • Small plates
  • Date night atmosphere

Facebook Page

 

β˜• Coffee & Cafés

 

The Book n Brew

πŸ“ Court Street, Houlton

  • Coffee
  • Espresso drinks
  • Sandwiches
  • Free WiFi

Facebook Page

 

The Cup Cafe

πŸ“ 61 Military Street, Houlton

  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Homemade baked goods
  • Community-focused nonprofit café

Facebook

 

🍦 Sweet Treats

 

Houlton Farms Dairy Bar

πŸ“ 131 Military Street, Houlton

  • Ice cream
  • Seafood baskets
  • Burgers
  • Seasonal favorite

Visit Website

 

🍺 After 4 PM in Houlton

 

If you're arriving in Houlton late in the day, here's a simple itinerary:

 

Happy Hour & Drinks

 

  • Bastions Tavern
  • Wine Until Nine
  • Ivey's Bistro
  • Downunder Sports Pub

 

Dinner

 

  • Ivey's Bistro
  • Market Pizza
  • Downunder Sports Pub

 

Evening Activities

 

  • Temple Theater
  • Downtown stroll through Market Square
  • Seasonal concerts & community events
  • Campfire at local campgrounds
  • Scenic drive through Southern Aroostook
  • Shady Ridge Disc Golf

 

🍽️ Complete Dining Categories

 

πŸ• Pizza

Market Pizza

TNT

Dominos

Pizza Hut

Circle K / Food trend

Beals -Littleton 

 

Food Trucks / Location

Mother Hen - Drews Lake 

The Pine Grill- By temple Theater

The Bus -By Cary Library

 

 

πŸ” American Dining

Ivey's Bistro
County Co - Op

 

🍺 Pubs & Bars

Bastions Tavern
Downunder Sports Pub

Iveys Bistro

 

🍷 Wine & Cocktails

Wine Until Nine & Martini Bar

 

πŸ₯‘ Chinese & Asian

Taste of China
Tangs

 

πŸ”₯ BBQ

Shirewood Smokehouse BBQ

 

β˜• Coffee & Cafés

Book and Brew Cafe
The Cup Cafe

 

🍦 Ice Cream & Sweet Treats

Houlton Farms Dairy Bar

 

Summer mornings in Aroostook County offer a unique charm that captures all your senses.

 

The air is filled with the warm scent of fresh baked goods, while locally grown vegetables and sweet maple syrup from neighborhood sugarhouses line vibrant farmers market tables.

 

Handcrafted items made by talented local artisans add even more personality to the scene.

 

Every visit brings a chance to meet the growers, bakers, and crafters who shape the community’s character.

 

Whether you’re a lifelong resident or simply exploring Northern Maine for a weekend, stopping by a farmers market is one of the most authentic ways to experience everything the region has to offer.


Read More...

Current Topics In CMV

Tip of The Day

Summer Tip of the Day:
Keep a refillable water bottle in your vehicle and take a drink before you feel thirsty—heat can dehydrate you faster than you realize.

Garden and Forest Plants

Secret Little Hack

🍳 Cooking Hack of the Day

Freeze leftover tomato paste in ice cube trays.

Ever open a can of tomato paste and only need a tablespoon?

Instead of letting the rest go to waste:

  1. Spoon the leftover tomato paste into an ice cube tray.
  2. Freeze until solid.
  3. Pop the cubes into a freezer bag.
  4.  

Each cube is roughly 1–2 tablespoons, making it easy to add to soups, chili, spaghetti sauce, stews, or casseroles whenever you need it.

πŸ’‘ Bonus Tip: Write the date on the freezer bag. Tomato paste keeps well in the freezer for several months, so you'll always have some ready without opening a new can.

 

Money Saver: This simple trick can save several cans of tomato paste from ending up in the trash each year while making weeknight cooking faster. πŸ…

 
 
 
πŸ’‘ Answer to Trivia Question:
βœ… Answer: C. The Autumnal Equinox (around September 22–23).
Things Todo In Houlton

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Things To do In Houlton is the friendly, go-to guide for life in this northern Maine community. It's a warm hub for sharing local news, can't-miss events, hidden gems waiting to be discovered, and heartfelt neighborly shoutouts. This newsletter helps keep the entire Shiretown connected.

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