Lewiston and Auburn as tourist destinations?

Absolutely.

Maine’s WB and Maine’s UPN TV networks have selected the Twin Cities for its OurMaine Destinations program, a daily showcase of destinations across the state.

When the broadcasters began filming the Lewiston-Auburn piece, the community support was so exceptional and there were so many sights to see, that – for the first time – OurMaine Destinations decided to showcase the destination in two half-hour formats instead of the typical one half-hour format.

Station sales manager Bonnie Grant said, in putting together the pieces, “We wanted our viewers to fall in love with this community.”

The pieces, which were the subject of a special airing at the Ramada Inn on Wednesday, begin with the hosts suggesting that viewers should “forget everything you think you know about Lewiston-Auburn.”

And you should.

The piece, which acknowledges the cities’ mill town backgrounds, makes it very clear that these are not just old mill towns anymore.

In a cameo, Tom Platz – who owns several of the former Bates Mill buildings – said he’s been careful to preserve original interiors of the mill buildings during each renovation to maintain the century-old feel of the structures. He is certain the “mills will be the rebirth of Lewiston.”

The production allows a number of local business and civic leaders to talk about what makes Lewiston and Auburn great.

“The arts scene in Lewiston-Auburn is exploding,” Christopher Schario, artistic director of the Public Theatre, said. “This is a community that believes in itself, believes in its future.”

Chip Morrison, executive director of the Androscoggin County Chamber of Commerce, defines Lewiston and Auburn as a day trip. In his cameo, he lists 10 new restaurants opening in the past six months, outdoor recreational opportunities, a variety of summer festivals, the importance of Sts. Peter and Paul Basilica, the abundance of performance arts and exhibits, and the Maineiacs hockey team. However, he said, while capital improvements and entertainment options are building, “What’s really changed is the spirit of the community.”

Lewiston and Auburn, long held back by a deep sense of no-can-do, are all “can-do” now and it shows.

Paul Landry, who recently opened Fish Bones American Grill in one of the Bates Mill buildings, said it best: “It’s a fun time to be part of the Twin Cities right now.”

It certainly is.