Harpswell: A Quick Drive From Brunswick, Maine

There are two ways to get to Harpswell from Brunswick, Maine: by car or by taxi. The distance between the two is 8 miles, and the road distance is 9.3 miles. The drive takes approximately 19 minutes and costs $1-$3. The taxi takes the same amount of time but costs $30-$40.

Getting there by car or taxi

If you're travelling by car or taxi from Brunswick to Harpswell, there are a couple of route options. The fastest route is 9.3 miles and takes around 19 minutes in good traffic. You can follow the ME 24 route, which is around 14 miles and will take around 25 minutes.

If you're driving or taking a taxi, head north out of Brunswick and continue onto Maine Street, which turns into Pleasant Street. Follow this road until you reach Bath Road, then turn right. Continue on this road, passing Bowdoin College on your left. Turn left onto Harpswell Neck Road, which will take you directly into Harpswell. This road passes through a residential area, so take care and watch your speed.

Alternatively, you can take a more scenic route that follows the coast. Turn right onto Bath Road, then left onto Meadow Road. Follow this road, which turns into Bayview Road, then turn right onto Washington Street. Turn left onto Water Street, then right onto Route 201 North, which will take you into Harpswell. This route is a little slower, but you'll pass through the charming town of West Harpswell and enjoy coastal views.

There are taxi services available in Brunswick, and the cost of the journey is likely to be around $30-40.

The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge

The bridge was originally built in 1892 by the Roebling Co., the legendary designers and constructors of wire rope suspension bridges. It was constructed to allow employees of the Cabot Manufacturing Company of Brunswick to cross the river more easily and safely. The bridge is one of the few remaining active pedestrian suspension bridges and has played a vital role in the economic and cultural development of the towns of Brunswick and Topsham.

In 2006, a committee of residents from both towns secured funding to reconstruct the bridge, and it reopened to pedestrian traffic in December 2006. Public parks on both sides of the bridge were constructed and opened in 2007, with a dedication ceremony that included two of John A. Roebling's great-great-great granddaughters as speakers. The Androscoggin Swinging Bridge is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated as a Maine Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Things to do in Harpswell

The charming coastal town of Harpswell, Maine, is a haven for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and outdoor adventurers. With its stunning scenery, historic sites, and vibrant cultural offerings, there is something for everyone in this picturesque community. Here are some of the best things to do during your visit:

• Explore the Great Outdoors: Harpswell's natural beauty is a highlight for visitors. Take a stroll along the Giant's Stairs Trail, which offers dramatic views of the rocky coast and the Atlantic Ocean. For a more leisurely walk, try the Long Reach Preserve, a 95-acre preserve with a 1.5-mile loop trail that takes you down to the shore.
• Kayak and Boat Tours: Get out on the water with a kayak tour from Casco Bay Kayak or H2Outfitters, or sign up for a boat tour with Bailey Island Cruises to explore the rugged coastline and nearby islands.
• Visit Eagle Island State Park: Once the summer home of Arctic explorer Admiral Robert E. Peary, Eagle Island is now a state park. Take a tour of the house and museum, and explore the island's natural trails and beaches.
• Harpswell Historical Society: Start your journey into Harpswell's past at the Harpswell Historical Society, where you can learn about the town's history and culture. Visit the small museum, Centennial Hall, and the communal burial area with its century-old horse-drawn hearse.
• Old Town Meeting House: Step back in time at the Old Town Meeting House, dating from the mid-18th century. This Colonial-era building was used for town meetings and religious services and is the oldest of its kind in the state.
• Cribstone Bridge: Marvel at the engineering marvel that is the Cribstone Bridge, connecting Orr's Island and Bailey's Island. The bridge's massive granite foundation anchors it to the harbour floor, withstanding strong tides and waves.
• Halfway Rock Lighthouse: For lighthouse enthusiasts, the Halfway Rock Lighthouse, built in the 1870s, is a must-see. Located between Capes Elizabeth and Small, it sits on a small rocky island and can be viewed on guided boat tours.
• Harpswell Community Garden: This community garden is a unique initiative, providing seasonal fruits and vegetables and a gathering place for gardeners.
• Black Sheep Wine and Beer Shop: Indulge in some adult refreshments at this local favourite, offering a selection of fine wines, craft beer, and cheese from around the world.
• Ash Cove Pottery: Visit Ash Cove Pottery, a local ceramics studio, and browse their handmade mugs, bowls, and other pottery creations.
• Cliff Trail: Take on the popular Cliff Trail, which includes a steep hike rewarded by breathtaking sea views.
• Dining: Harpswell also offers a variety of dining options, including Cook's Lobster & Ale House, The Dolphin Marina and Restaurant, and School House 1913, each serving delicious local cuisine.

Places to eat in Harpswell

Harpswell, Maine, is a great place to visit for a weekend getaway, with its small-town charm and stunning coastal vistas. Here are some great places to eat in Harpswell:

Erica's Seafood

This restaurant is located on Basin Point, overlooking the ocean and marina. It offers a variety of seafood options, including lobster rolls, seafood chowder, fried oysters, scallops, haddock, and more. You can bring your own drinks, and there is also a soda machine on site. It is a casual dining spot with outdoor seating at picnic tables. The portions are large, and the staff is friendly. It is a cash-only establishment, and there is an ATM available.

Nance's Seafood Shanty

This seafood restaurant is located between a farm and a saltwater marsh, offering a beautiful setting for your meal. They serve a variety of seafood dishes, including lobster rolls, fried clams, crab rolls, and sweet potato fries. It is a fast-casual spot with outdoor seating and reasonably priced food.

Cook's Lobster and Ale House

This restaurant is located on a jetty, offering classic Maine fare and ocean views. You can enjoy dishes like lobster and ale while taking in the sights of Bailey Island and the Cribstone Bridge.

The School House 1913

Unfortunately, this restaurant is no longer in business.

Harpswell also has some great dining options in nearby Brunswick, such as Vessel and Vine, Little Tokyo, and Bolos Kitchen, which offer a variety of cuisines, including eclectic small plates, Japanese classics, and Tex-Mex.

Harpswell's history

To get from Brunswick to Harpswell, Maine, you can either drive or take a taxi. The drive is around 19 minutes for the 9.3-mile journey, and a taxi will cost $30-40 and also take around 19 minutes.

Now, for a bit of history about Harpswell:

Harpswell, Maine, is a town within Casco Bay in the Gulf of Maine, and it has a rich history. The town is composed of land called Harpswell Neck, three large islands (Sebascodegan Island, Orr's Island, and Bailey Island), and over 200 smaller islands. The Native Americans who originally inhabited the area were part of the Abenaki tribe. The Abenaki name for Harpswell Neck, then called West Harpswell, was Merriconeag, or "quick carrying place", due to the narrow peninsula's easy portage. The Abenaki name for Great Island was Erascohegan or Sebascodiggin, which became Sebascodegan Island by the late 1800s.

In 1659, Major Nicholas Shapleigh of Kittery, Maine, purchased Merriconeag and Sebascodegan Island from the Abenaki. However, attempts to settle the area were abandoned due to Indian defence until after Dummer's War. A truce was reached with the Treaty of 1725, and by 1731, many settlers had returned to the area. Harpswell was formerly a part of North Yarmouth, and in 1758, it was incorporated as a town by the Massachusetts General Court, taking its name from Harpswell in Lincolnshire, England.

The industries in Harpswell included farming and shipbuilding, but fishing, particularly lobstering, brought considerable profit and still contributes to the local economy today. The town is also home to several notable landmarks, including the Bailey Island Bridge, a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, and the Eagle Island State Historic Site, the summer home of Admiral Robert Peary.

The Harpswell Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Harpswell and its people. They maintain a museum and gallery, as well as hosting various events throughout the year, such as tours and readings of the Declaration of Independence.

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