Water Street in downtown Skowhegan. Jake Freudberg/Morning Sentinel file

If you’re headed up the Kennebec River valley for a foliage drive, consider a stop in Skowhegan on your way up or back. The old mill town with an artsy vibe is just a little south of where the Old Canada Road National Scenic Byway starts, in Solon.

If you’re looking for a deal on some new sneakers – for your fall hikes, perhaps – check out the massive New Balance Factory Store on Route 201 south of downtown. It’s open daily. If you’re looking for sustenance before heading on your drive, stop at the Miller’s Table at Maine Grains, on Court Street. The cafe and bakery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and of course has lots of breads, cookies and other baked goods to go.

If you can take your foliage drive on a weekday, turn your geography lesson into a history lesson with a visit to the Margaret Chase Smith Library. Tour reservations are recommended but not required for people wanting to learn more about Smith, a groundbreaking and influential U.S. senator.

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