Greater Bangor Area Businesses

Recently I decided to make this blog not only about hiking and outdoor adventure in Maine, but also to throw a bit in here about local businesses that really are worth the trip to check them out.  I'll start a post for each area I visit that details all of the places I feel that anyone coming to the area needs to check out.  We'll start with the Greater Bangor Area.  This blog will be updated as I visit more post-worthy places.

Nocturnem Draft Haus
First on the list is Nocturnem Draft Haus. This local bar and beer garden is really a gem, as they offer a great selection of craft beers on tap as well as an extensive bottled selection.  They carry 14 different beers on tap at any given time, and they rotate them frequently so there is always something new to offer.  Their website is updated frequently and always carries a Current Draft List for those that would like to check ahead of time.  Nocturnem also offers a simple menu of sandwiches, wraps, and burgers that is locally sourced if available.

Most people in this area would think a bar like this is for "beer snobs" but that is not the case.  The staff at Nocturnem are all very friendly and seem to truly love what they do.  If you're unsure what to order, any one of the bar tenders can give you a suggestion based on what types of beers you have already tried and liked.  I can honestly say that I have never asked for a beer recommendation and been given one that I didn't like.

The bar is also known for having many events going on showcasing local bands, housing promo nights regularly, and also having a Monday Night Flite Night where you can purchase a sampler flite of beer if you're feeling adventurous and want to try more than one of the drafts offered.  Their website offers a current calendar of events and other happenings at the bar.

4 Points BBQ and Blues House
This place has got to be the best place to go on a sunny day (or any other day for that matter!).  Located in Winterport, ME, this place is a little bit out of the way if you are visiting Bangor, but their authentic BBQ and great atmosphere are well worth the drive.  The restaurant itself has limited seating with only 4-5 picnic tables, but this year they have built an outdoor seating area with a stage to offer more seating and showcase Blues bands throughout the summer.  See their website for a calendar of events that are scheduled most weekends through to the end of September.

4 Points has their own set of BBQ sauces and sells bottles of them right there at the restaurant for you to take home.  I recommend a mixture of Memphis and Maine XXX for a spicy/sweet sauce.  When ordering your sides, be sure to try their BBQ Baked Beans, as well.  And as if great BBQ wasn't enough - they also feature some locally brewed beers from Penobscot Bay Brewery (located in Winterport, ME).

Bangor City Forest

A lot of us don't have much free time to devote to enjoying the great outdoors when you factor in work and personal commitments - but there are a few gems out there that don't require you to spend an entire afternoon getting off the beaten path.  Bangor City Forest is one of those.  If you live in the Bangor area or are just visiting and want to get into the woods but do not have a lot of time, this is a great place to go.

The city forest has 680 acres of wildlife habitat and working forest.  All together, there are 9 miles of trails throughout the forest - these are accessible year-round.  Many people use these trails for running during the warmer months, and during winter you can find people skiing and snowshoeing.  The area is dog-friendly, but they require your dogs be leashed at all times (as always, please clean up after your pets).  The park is open from sunrise to sunset.

More information on Bangor City Forest including hours and trail maps can be found here.