Biddeford is steeped in history dating back to the early 1600s as Maine’s first permanent settlement. But the city is probably most noted as a birthplace of industrialization. Cotton and woolen mills were erected along the Saco River, where a 40-foot waterfall was harnessed to power machinery. The city is rich in Franco-American tradition, as Canadians immigrated there for good-paying jobs in the mills. Today, you can still see those mill buildings repurposed into commercial, residential and retail space or take in one of the state’s largest Franco-American summer festivals. Beaches and galleries abound and plenty of family-friendly restaurants cater to hungry vacationers.

95 North – Exit 32: Biddeford

1. Ever After Mustang Rescue – 463 West St., Biddeford, 284-7721, or go online to www.mustangrescue.org. On Saturday, Aug. 4, the Ever After Mustang Rescue is presenting American Heritage Day, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $6-$12. Events will include barrel racing, cowboy mounted shooting and black powder and archery demonstrations. There will also be crafts, games, live music, dancing, and pony rides. Also, on Saturday, Aug. 18, 1-5 p.m., Ever After Mustang Rescue will hold a Mustangs in Motion event, where the theme will be beauty, power and freedom.

2. Marblehead Boat Launch – on the west side of the Saco River, on routes 9 and 208, in Biddeford. This is a state-operated boat launch offering full service facilities to boaters and providing quick access to the Atlantic Ocean. The site has two paved ramps, a float and an outhouse. Upper and lower parking lots provide plenty of space for both vehicles and trailers. This site also provides anglers with some excellent shore access.

3. Music on Main Street concerts – Small park adjacent to Biddeford Savings Bank, located at 245 Main St. in downtown Biddeford, 286-1993. All concerts are held on Thursday at noon. The August schedule is as follows: Aug. 2 – Jim Gallant; Aug. 9 – Lex & Joe; and Aug. 16 – Cactus Highway.

4. Ethnic Restaurants in downtown Biddeford. Downtown Biddeford is home to a variety of excellent ethnic restaurants, offering everything from Vietnamese to Indian to Mexican – Bebe’s Burritos & Cantina, 140 Main St., 283-4222; French Quarter, 140 Main St., 286-8568; Que Huong – Vietnamese food, 49 Main St., 571-8050; Sushi Place, 137 Main St., 282-2136; Jewel of India, 26 Alfred St., 282-5600; Thai Siam Restaurant, 140 Main St., 294-3300; and Happy Dragon Chinese Restaurant, 105 Main St., 282-0440.

5. “A Grand Night for Singing” at City Theater – 205 Main St., Biddeford, 282-0849. “A Grand Night for Singing” is a musical review of the songs of Rodgers and Hammerstein. The show opens on Friday, Aug. 17, at 8 p.m. and is directed by Linda Sturdivant. The show runs through Sept. 1.

6. Artist Steve Bradford on exhibit at In a Bind Gallery – 25 Alfred St., Biddeford, 282-1212. Bradford uses found objects to create sculptures, collages and collections of everyday items – giving them new meaning. The age-old struggle of religion versus science is evident in his work. Each item in a piece of Bradford’s art is carefully chosen and displayed to send a message to the viewer. The exhibit is on display now through Aug. 27.

7. Wood Island Lighthouse boat tours – The lighthouse is located off the coast of Biddeford and tours leave from Vine’s Landing in Biddeford Pool, 286-3229, or go online to www.woodislandlighthouse.org. The guided tour takes about an hour and a half. Tours are offered on Wednesday, 5 and 6 p.m.; on Thursday, 5 and 6 p.m.; and on Saturday, 1 and 2 p.m. The suggested minimum donation is $10 per person. The tours are offered now through Sept. 1.

8. Beaches – Biddeford is home to two sandy beaches – Hills Beach and Fortune’s Rocks. Hills Beach is located off Hill’s Beach Road. Drive through the University of New England campus to get there. Fortune’s Rocks is located off Route 208. Lifeguards are on duty during the season and there are portable toilets at Fortune’s Rocks. Parking permits, available at city hall, are required for both beaches.

9. Clifford Park – Pool Road in Biddeford. The park contains many hiking and walking trails, as well as a waterfall. The Black Trail circles the park for a just over one-mile walk. The park was purchased in 1894 from the Clifford family who wished to help preserve its natural beauty for future generations. Be careful to follow the color-coded trail markers because it’s easy to get turned around in the park.

10. Union Church – Stonecliff Road, Biddeford Pool, 282-4172. The Union Church is an interdenominational Christian church, offering a worshipping community that gives thanks and celebrates the holy presence of God in all things. Sunday worship is at 9:30 a.m. year-round. The church may also soon have a lovely biblical garden growing around the peace pole, complete with a meditation bench.