BIDDEFORD — A growing town, Biddeford sprouts from its historic roots to become a place for all sort of exploration. With its old mills, waterside views and blossoming scene for food, culture and local businesses, Biddeford has much to offer.

There are many options for outdoor activities and events such as strolls along the Biddeford River Walk, a boat tour to the Wood Island Lighthouse or a visit to Timber Point to view local wildlife.  There’s even a chance starting August to slide into winter activities with figure skating available at Biddeford Arena & Expo Center.

For those looking to get a feel of the local culture, go out for an afternoon of shopping around the mills.  Then, be treated to one of the many cuisine locales before heading to The City Theatre to see one of their current productions.

The town of Biddeford’s growth has made itself into a place for anyone to enjoy no matter what their interests are.  There’s many different places to discover there and it may continue growing to have more to offer in the future.

HISTORIC SITES: Biddeford Mill District, First Parish Meetinghouse

The Biddeford Mill District has become a noteworthy attraction to both residents and tourists. With a number of shops and restaurants recently established, this restored 35-acre complex can entertain visitors of all ages. Visitors are encouraged to schedule tours of the sprawling facilities at the Biddeford Mills Museum. Take a walk through the Pepperell Mill and learn about the region’s rich past as a textile manufacturing hub. And when it’s over, take a walk along and over the Saco River on the Biddeford RiverWalk. (biddefordmillsmuseum.org)

Built in 1759, the First Parish Meetinghouse, 3 Meeting House Road, is the oldest standing building in Biddeford. Originally used as Biddeford’s and Saco’s first City Hall and church building, the meetinghouse was one of the primary causes for the two communities to split as Saco residents found it difficult to travel to the structure. Now on the National Register of Historic Places, the space is open for tours by appointment. (284-4181)

ON THE WATER:

Wood Island Lighthouse in the Biddeford Pool area has been a popular tourist destination for years. A 90-minute round-trip boat tour takes patrons to the island, where they can walk the half- mile boardwalk, explore the 42-foot-tall lighthouse and enjoy a view of sunny Saco Bay. Tours run on Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturdays in July and August, but reservations are required before making the trek. Tours are free, but small donations are welcome. (200-4552; woodislandlighthouse.org)

If you want to take a tour of the bay in your own boat, kayak or canoe, Marblehead Boat Launch is the place to go. Located on Route 9 along the Saco River, this state-operated site is a convenient spot for those wanting to access the Atlantic Ocean. (571-0700; biddefordmaine.org)

BEACHES:

Located just six miles from downtown, off the mouth of the Saco River, sits Biddeford Pool, a large tidal pool that plays hosts to a number activities for commercial fishers and vacationers alike. A popular summer destination for tourists, the pool is surrounded by tall grass and salt marshes home to a variety of wildlife. It’s also the site of the city’s — and the state’s — first recorded permanent settlement, Winter Harbor. (http://bit.ly/1PWYPhw)

Just down the way from Biddeford Pool lies Fortune’s Rocks Beach, a full two miles of beautiful, sandy beach on the Atlantic Ocean. If you’re looking to swim, surf, kayak or jog, Fortune’s Rocks provides a setting like none other, a true Biddeford gem. A lifeguard is on duty May to September. The beach is located on Mile Stretch Road, and parking is by permit only, but permits can easily be purchased at City hall, 205 Main St. (284-9307; bit.ly/1S3kSU0).

RECREATION:

Watch wildlife while walking the beautiful Biddeford coastline at Timber Point, a 98-acre preserve that was until recently owned by the same family for 80 years. The property became part of the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in 2011, and is home to number of migrating birds.

Closer to downtown Biddeford is Rotary Park, 550 Main St., where folks can enjoy walking trails, playgrounds, a dog park, skate park and boat launch. Open from dawn to dusk, this 72-acre park also sports a picnic grove, swimmers’ beach with seasonal lifeguards, sand volleyball court and a teen center. (bit.ly/1R6uAnr)

Clifford Park, located off Pool Street, sports several trails and provides 140 acres to relax, hike, jog, bike and more.

SHOPPING:

Downtown Biddeford is renowned for its eclectic selection of stores. Check out Suger, 25 Alfred St., for comfy-chic clothing made right downtown; La Corseterie, 193 Main St., which has sold women’s lingerie since 1950; Lacava, 12 Water St., and Trillium, 238 Main St., both of which have fun, unique items. (bit.ly/23LqHcA)

The Shops at Biddeford Crossing, located on Route 111 just off the Maine Turnpike, can satisfy all your shopping needs in one convenient location. In the complex you’ll find T.J. Maxx, Famous Footwear, Michaels arts and crafts, Nonesuch Books & Cards, Market Basket and Target, among others.

Five Points Shopping Center, just down Route 111, features a number of stores to suit your everyday shopping needs. You’ll find Goodwill, Big Lots and a Sears Hometown Store, among others. If you’re feeling sporty, get some athletic wear at Olympia Sports and head next door to Planet Fitness to put it to work. (5pointsshoppingcenter.com)

DINING: Downtown Biddeford has blossomed with culinary allure in recent years. If you’re hungry, grab a burger at The Hamburger Stand, 138 Elm St., or go down to Cowbell Burger Bar, 140 Main St., then head across the street for a variety of New York City-themed drinks and deserts at Martini’s On Main, 137 Main St. Head to Elda, 140 Main St., to experience small-plate creations from award-winning chef Bowman Brown. Palace Diner, 15 Franklin St., serves up a fresh twist on traditional diner fare. Its classic car-style diner has made it a destination for locals and tourists. At Elements: Books Coffee Beer, 265 Main St., you can enjoy a cup of locally roasted coffee or a cold pint of local craft beer while eating a hot cup of soup, baked goods or charcuterie in a relaxing setting.

— Complied by Staff Writer Angela Paolucci.