Fryeburg was the first town settled in the White Mountain region of either Maine or New Hampshire, being settled in 1763 and finally incorporated January 11, 1777. It calls itself the oldest town in Oxford County. It is located in western Maine on the border of New Hampshire, just a few miles from North Conway, New Hampshire.
With a population of just over 3,000, Fryeburg is home to the private preparatory school, Fryeburg Academy, founded in 1792, and the state’s largest agricultural fair, the Fryeburg Fair, which every October attracts 300,000 visitors.
The Town of Fryeburg consists of the village or business district, plus North Fryeburg, Center Fryeburg, West Fryeburg and East Fryeburg. It has much to offer its visitors including canoeing on the Saco River and Lovewell’s Pond, swimming, camping, hiking Jockey Cap and other trails, and searching out historic monuments and buildings. It boasts several beautiful town parks, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, churches, and many businesses.
Located along Route 302, Fryeburg is the second busiest entry point into the State of Maine, ranking below Kittery on I-95. The rich farmland along the valley of the Saco River produces many crops, most notably potatoes. Outside of Aroostook County, Fryeburg produces more potatoes than any other community in Maine. It also is home to the Eastern Slopes Regional Airport, just off Rte. 113 south of town.
The town also maintains eleven Public Parks – Graustein Park on Fairview Drive, Bradley Park on Main Street, Admiral Peary Park on Main Street, Meridian Stone on Main Street, Weston’s Beach on River Road, Canal Bridge on Route 5, Joseph Frye Homestead on Route 5, Stark’s Hill Rest Area on Main Street, Brownfield Bog Access Facility on Routes 5 and 302, Skillings-Newman Memorial Park on Old Mill Road, Eastman Grove on Portland Street, and the Town Forest and Nature Area on Route 5. These parks offer a wide variety of recreational and educational opportunities to residents and visitors alike.
Visit the town of Fryeburg’s website at www.fryeburgmaine.org.
