If there was ever a question about the popularity of the arts in Lewiston-Auburn, it’s been answered by Sun Journal readers.

Arts got the most votes of any category in our survey, besting even sports and food together.

“The kind of arts in this area, it’s phenomenal. You can get to do everything you want. There are so many avenues for inspiration,” said Filomena Day.

From The Public Theatre’s grand shows to the Tinpanic Steel Band’s Caribbean beat, readers lauded the arts for creating enrichment opportunities for children, for creating community entertainment and for simply creating. The arts, they said, have given the Twin Cities a new identity.

“Lewiston and Auburn have done a great job bringing community theater (CLT) and professional theater (TPT) to our hearts and neighborhoods, and it is one of the best reasons to live in the L-A community,” wrote Heidi L. Audet

While theaters and musical groups, bell ringers and an art club shared readers’ favor, it was The Public Theatre that proved most popular. It earned 41 votes, the most of any gem in any category.

“The Public Theatre rocks,” wrote one reader. “Look at their season and the kind of great theater they are bringing to the L-A area. They are great. A super gem.”

The tally:

The Public Theatre: 41

Community Little Theatre: 16

L-A Arts: 8

Auburn Community Band and director Milt Simon: 5

Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra: 3

Maine Music Society: 3

Arts community in general: 2

Androscoggin Chorale: 1

Atrium Gallery at L-A College: 1

Auburn Art Club: 1

Bates College theater: 1

Great Falls Performing Arts Center: 1

Park Avenue Methodist bell ringers: 1

Tinpanic Steel Band: 1

Community

Community has always meant a lot to Lewiston-Auburn residents, and that love showed up in readers’ votes.

“LPL: Is there a better library anywhere?” wrote David Sysko. “I appreciate it as a personal and community resource. Our family loved it as a ‘little library’ when we moved here. Fifteen years later it has grown in size, technical competence and cultural relevance, while retaining charm and personal service.”

Other readers seemed to agree. Lewiston Public Library got nine votes, the top gem in the category.

Among other community favorites: Auburn Public Library, the YMCA and YWCA and public safety departments.

Jan Farrington voted for the Great Falls Balloon Festival. For her, the community celebration has become a family celebration. Sixty-five family members from Rhode Island to Boothbay Harbor come to her L-A home every year to play horseshoes, swim in the pool and watch balloons float over the house.

“It’s just been a very dear reunion for us. It just brings us all together,” she said.

The tally:

Lewiston Public Library: 9

Auburn Public Library: 2

Great Falls Balloon Festival: 2

Festival FrancoFun: 2

Lewiston-Auburn Community Forest Board: 2

Sun Journal: 2

YMCA: 2

911 service: 1

Chamber of Commerce: 1

Greater Androscoggin Humane Society: 1

Faithworks: 1

Fire and police: 1

Lewiston Adult Ed: 1

Lewiston Public Works Department: 1

Summer concerts in the park: 1

Trinity Jubilee Center: 1

United Way: 1

Watching fireworks from Veterans Park: 1

Wisdom’s Center: 1

YWCA: 1

Food

Restaurants and food dominated readers’ gems, making this category easily the most popular in our survey. From charming pubs to rustic fruit stands, readers love to eat in the Twin Cities.

Topping the list: Fishbones, Cafe Bon-Bon, George’s Pizza, Mac’s Grill and Luiggi’s Pizzeria.

“It (Luiggi’s) has been serving the best plate of spaghetti and meatballs, meatball-and-cheese sub, and of course the Fergie since the fifties.Whenever you go, you always run into people you know, and I doubt there is anyone who lives in the area that has never eaten there at least once,” wrote Chris Orestis.

While a few chains were popular (Starbucks, Tim Hortons, LongHorn Steakhouse) most readers favored uniquely local restaurants with uniquely local offerings.

Gingerbread men at Grant’s Bakery.

Strawberry crepes with whipped cream at Roy’s Allsteak Hamburgers.

Toasted herb bread sandwiches at The Italian Bakery. Cannoli at The Italian Bakery. And pretty much everything else at The Italian Bakery.

“As Rachael Ray would say…Yummo,” wrote Kathi Doyle.

The tally:

L-A’s restaurants/coffee shops (all): 5

Fishbones: 4

Cafe Bon-Bon: 3

George’s Pizza: 3

Luiggi’s Pizzeria: 3

Mac’s Grill: 3

Espo’s Trattoria: 2

Gritty McDuff’s: 2

Simones’ Hot Dog Stand: 2

Bakeries (all): 1

Chinese food restaurants (all): 1

Blackie’s Farm Fresh Produce: 1

Chopsticks: 1

DaVinci’s Eatery: 1

Edward’s Restaurant: 1

Farmers’ markets: 1

Gipper’s Sports Grill: 1

LongHorn Steakhouse: 1

Mary’s Candies: 1

Riverview Market and Cafe: 1

Roy’s Allsteak Hamburgers (and cruise night): 1

Sam’s Italian Sandwich Shoppes: 1

Starbucks: 1

The Italian Bakery: 1

Tim Hortons: 1

Thai Dish: 1

Wallingford’s Fruit House: 1

Italians at Sam’s Italian Sandwich Shoppe: 1

Gingerbread men at Grant’s Bakery: 1

Strawberry crepes with whipped cream at Roy’s Allsteak Hamburgers: 1

Toasted herb bread sandwiches and cannoli at The Italian Bakery: 1

History

Lewiston and Auburn are filled with history: The mills. The buildings. The Franco-American heritage.

Generations have grown up in the cities, going to school, going to work, raising families of their own. To many readers, that history is one of L-A’s best gems.

“I have grown up and lived in Auburn for over 50 years. What I love about the Twin Cities is the memories of things past which are now part of our heritage and the familiarity of those things that have stayed the same,” wrote Marti Chabot. “I like having my children graduate from the same high school from which I graduated; knowing the homes in which my husband and I grew up; knowing the streets, the community buildings, the local landmarks. I love the memories of the city.”

Of all the specific gems in this category, the Franco-American Heritage Center topped the list, followed closely by what we call “Memories of L-A, its history and preservation.”

“I am 90 but I have very nice memories of Lisbon Street – five and 10 cent stores, banana splits (.25), lunches and many other things,” wrote Ruth Tucker. “Pecks, the train station, the Strand Theater. It’s all different now. Me too.”

(“Memories of L-A, its history and preservation” includes all of our readers’ personal recollections. Those recollections are on our Web site, at www.sunjournal.com.)

The tally:

Franco-American Heritage Center: 10

Memories of L-A, its history and preservation: 8

Franco-American Collection at Lewiston-Auburn College: 2

The re-energizing of the mills: 2

Marois Restaurant (formerly on Lisbon Street): 1

Museum L-A (in the Bates Mill): 1

The old St. Dominic Regional High School building (formerly between Bates and Blake streets): 1

Institutions

For generations, the Twin Cities have been home to some of the best institutions in the state. So when readers considered L-A gems, many immediately thought of schools, churches and hospitals.

Bates College topped the category.

“I would have to say that the #1 gem in Lewiston-Auburn is BATES COLLEGE!” wrote Sara Howard. “It is on a beautiful campus, is an excellent school which attracts a diversity of students and faculty from across the country, and brings a wealth of insight and culture to the community. It is an incomparable resource in the L-A region.”

Other local colleges, including University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College and Central Maine Community College, also proved popular. So did St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center and Central Maine Medical Center, L-A’s two hospitals.

“It (CMMC) rivals any big-city hospital. I’m really impressed with it,” said Sheryl Hoehner, whose husband recently began working there.

But while readers liked local schools and hospitals, area churches won their hearts.

Peter Watko’s L-A gem was St. Philip Catholic Church.

“This wonderful parish community warmly welcomed us, and the parish quickly became the spiritual home for our family,” he wrote. “We have been privileged to experience vibrant parishes in other communities, but there is something unique and special about the St. Philip’s community.”

The tally:

Bates College: 7

Local colleges (all): 3

St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center: 3

University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College: 3

Churches (all): 2

Central Maine Medical Center: 2

Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute: 2

St. Philip Catholic Church: 2

Arbor House at Central Maine Medical Center: 1

Court Street Baptist Church: 1

First Assembly of God Church: 1

Holy Cross parish: 1

Holy Family Church: 1

Lewiston City Hall: 1

Maison Marcotte Independent Living, St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center: 1

St. Dom’s Regional High School: 1

Landmarks

For local landmarks, nothing inspires awe like the Basilica.

“All lit up every night. Love that,” wrote Carol Proteau.

The grand church, with its gothic spires and old stone facade, topped the list of landmark gems. Veterans Memorial Park came in a distant second.

Monica McInnis was one of three readers who voted for the black stone memorial. Her husband’s name was engraved on the first monument in 2003, and their grandchildren still drop by to see it.

“To me that’s the most beautiful thing they’ve done for the city,” she said.

To others, the Colisee is a gem. So is the gazebo in Kennedy Park and the Kora Temple building on the corner of Sabattus and Main streets in Lewiston.

To James Williams, it’s the Bates Street parking garage.

“I have traveled much of this country, and I wish to state that there is NOT a prettier or more elegant garage anywhere!” he wrote. “I always marvel at it every time I go by it.”

The tally:

Basilica: 9

Veterans Memorial Park: 3

The Colisee: 2

Bates Street parking garage: 1

Canals: 1

Frye Street: 1

Gazebo in Kennedy Park: 1

Kora Temple: 1

Landry Memorial (at Thorncrag): 1

Oak Street bus station: 1

Riverside Cemetery: 1

View of church steeples: 1

Nature

Lewiston and Auburn have a lot of natural gems, and readers found them. From Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary to the Riverwalk, their votes fairly screamed “We love local nature!”

“When I show people from out of state around the Lewiston/Auburn area, they’re always impressed with the beauty of the area,” wrote Camilla Coombs. “This would include the drive around Lake Auburn, the Androscoggin River falls (especially when the water is flowing over them), and the ski area at Lost Valley (especially the fact that it’s so close to town).”

Thorncrag topped the readers’ list of favorites.

“NYC has its Central Park. We have Thorncrag Nature Sanctuary, a 300+ acre jewel poised for polishing with plans for a nature center, handicapped accessible restroom and trails, parking areas, and more,” wrote Sharon Poulin. “But even now, this diamond in the rough offers miles and miles of trails dotted with ponds, creeks, meadows, and flora and fauna of all kinds. It’s family friendly (sneakers or snowshoes welcome), pet (on a leash) friendly, and especially environmentally (all that oxygen) friendly.”

The Androscoggin river and its falls came in a close second, with Lake Auburn, Mount David (on the Bates College campus), Lake Andrews (also at Bates College) and Mount Apatite in Auburn hovering near the top. Views, from Goff Hill, from Mount David and from the Maine Turnpike, rounded out the list.

Nancy Audet voted for a more personal view – from her Main Street office window.

“When I’m here early in the morning, I see spectacular sunrises over Lewiston,” she wrote. “During the balloon festival I can watch balloons float right past my windows. And when the falls are raging after a heavy rain, I have a picture-perfect view.”

The tally:

Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary: 17

Androscoggin River/ falls: 16

Lake Auburn: 6

Mount David (Bates College): 4

Lake Andrews (Bates College): 3

Mount Apatite: 3

Farmer Whitings: 2

Garcelon Bog: 2

No Name Pond: 2

Pettengill Park: 2

Tree-lined streets: 2

View from Railroad Park Bridge: 2

Auburn Land Lab: 1

Kennedy Park: 1

Lake Auburn in fall: 1

Lincoln Street in spring: 1

Riverwalk: 1

Spring Road walking trail: 1

View from Goff Hill: 1

View from the Maine Turnpike: 1

View from Mount David: 1

View from office at 79 Main St.: 1

People

For many readers, Lewiston-Auburn’s gems aren’t buildings. They aren’t restaurants or stores or schools.

The best thing about L-A is its people.

“Gems galore!” wrote Sarah Andersen. “You’ve already identified the Androscoggin River and Lake Auburn, two of the finest things to see, and all I would add are the people of L-A. By and large, we are an honest, busy, affectionate and welcoming group. Look how well we have welcomed the Somali people and how they enrich our whole life.”

Like Andersen, some readers chose “all L-A people” as their hidden gem. A few voted for Jim Bennett, Lewiston’s city administrator. Others went with well-known favorites: Auburn schools Superintendent Barbara Eretzian, Sun Journal reporter Mark Laflamme and State Sen. Peggy Rotundo.

Irene Pomerleau strayed from those public faces. She voted for Lou Jordan, a volunteer at the Franco-American Heritage Center.

“I’ve never seen anybody so energetic,” said Pomerleau, who volunteers at the center with Jordan. “I love her.”

The tally:

All L-A people: 3

Jim Bennett, Lewiston city administrator: 3

Doctors and nurses at L-A hospitals (all): 1

Military service people (all): 1

Barbara Eretzian, Auburn school superintendent: 1

James Houlares, early childhood education expert: 1

Peg Jones, CMMC employee: 1

Lou Jordan, Franco-American Heritage Center volunteer: 1

Mark Laflamme, Sun Journal crime reporter: 1

Chip Morrison, Chamber of Commerce president: 1

Peggy Rotundo, Democratic state senator: 1

Polly, Paul, and Jason at the Lisbon Street Post Office: 1

Irene Zarina White, author: 1

Rick Whiting, Auburn Housing Authority director: 1

Quirky

They’re quaint, cool, just a little bit odd – and so uniquely L-A they made the Sun Journal’s list of “quirky” gems.

For one reader, L-A’s cheap gas is a hidden gem. For another, it’s the huge American flag on top of Five County Credit Union in downtown Lewiston. For another, it’s Lewiston-Auburn’s roads.

“You can feel like you’re four-wheeling on any street without having to go very far,” wrote one resident.

For another reader, the smell of baking bread “that blankets the entire city” from Lepage Bakery is a gem. For someone else, one of the best things is Lewiston’s lamp posts.

“I think the light poles that Lewiston has that contain 4 lamp lights on each one are just beautiful,” wrote James Williams.

For another man, retired from military service, the very best thing is Lewiston’s welcome sign.

“It means welcome home,” he said. “Basically all it is is home.”

The tally:

Cheap gas: 1

Ease of moving around: 1

Flag on top of Five County Credit Union: 1

Lewiston light poles: 1

Lewiston’s welcome sign: 1

Roads: 1

Smell of baking bread: 1

Retail

Everyone seemed to have a favorite restaurant. And almost everyone seemed to have a favorite store.

For a few readers, it was Republic Jewelry.

“The owners, expert jewelers and knowledgeable sales representatives make shopping here an enjoyable experience; their genuine friendliness keeps me returning,” wrote Rachel Fisher.

For a couple of people, it was the Lewiston Pawn Shop.

“They help, no pressure, treat you like an old friend,” wrote Brian Pelletier.

As with restaurants, a few people voted for chain stores. CVS got a nod, as did J.C. Penney and Big Lots. One reader voted for her local Hannaford supermarket because it’s “a place where they know you by your first name.”

Other readers favored locally owned stores. They voted for Al’s Sports, Orphan Annie’s, Roak the Florist.

Chris Orestis’ favorite was Berube’s Auto Care on East Avenue.

“When you go there, you feel like you have stepped back in time to how things used to be,” Orestis wrote. “He cares about his customers and his employees, and you know it from the minute you walk in the door until you leave.”

The tally:

Republic Jewelry: 3

Lewiston Pawn Shop: 2

Marden’s: 2

Mr. Paperback: 2

Al’s Sports: 1

Berube’s Auto Center, East Avenue: 1

Big Lots: 1

Caswell’s: 1

CVS: 1

Day’s Jewelers: 1

Hannaford: 1

J.C. Penney: 1

J. Dostie Jewelers: 1

Orphan Annie’s: 1

Roak the Florist: 1

Silver Feather: 1

Victor News: 1

Sports and recreation

Love sports? Then there’s plenty to love in L-A, readers said.

Lost Valley ski area in Auburn topped the list, earning five votes as a winter hot-spot for families and skiers. Apple picking at local orchards came in a close second, with the Taylor Pond Yacht Club close behind.

“For sailing, tennis, swimming, picnics and letting kids feel independent – safely!” wrote one reader.

Others voted for the Maineiacs, for the Rollerdrome, for all school-age sports.

“The little kids playing hockey. The ones playing lacrosse and football,” said Greg O’Connell.

Foxridge Golf Club made the list of gems. So did youth soccer and summer track through L-A rec.

But for Andrew Brodsky, L-A is all about Taber’s Lakeside Stand.

“I think it’s safe to say that the vast majority of kids in Auburn have learned to golf at Taber’s. Great food, great atmosphere, great place,” he wrote. “Enough said.”

The tally:

Lost Valley: 5

Apple picking at local orchards: 4

Taylor Pond Yacht Club: 3

Maineiacs: 2

L-A youth soccer: 2

Taber’s Lakeside Stand: 2

School-age sports (all): 1

Fox Ridge Golf Club: 1

L-A sports rivalry: 1

Martindale Country Club: 1

Rollerdrome: 1

Summer rec track program: 1